Whether for a longer vacation, a weekend getaway, or an educational day trip, Mystic, Connecticut is a great family tourist spot and there is so much to do with kids!
Located on the coast of CT, Mystic has a long and rich history with ship building and the ocean which is what attracted our family. As homeschoolers, we learn most subjects as they pertain to a certain topic or unit. This year we are doing a massive Ocean Study, making a quick drive from Boston to Mystic a worthwhile destination.
If you only have a weekend to visit Mystic, CT, here’s what to do:
While there are many places to eat, amazing places to visit, and plenty to see in general, I will take you through our 23-hour tour of historic Mystic, CT.
Why 23 hours? Because currently CT law regarding travel restrictions and the pandemic states that anything longer would need testing. We did get negative tests the day we got back to Boston. Please be sure that no matter where you are traveling from or to that you are following local guidelines and legislation.
Where to stay for a weekend trip to Mystic
First and foremost, if you’re making your way to the area for a weekend getaway, definitely grab a room at the Hilton! We were invited to stay one night free and we are so glad as it was the perfect hotel with children!
Cleaning stickers on hotel room door 
Cleaning certification and wet wipes inside the Hilton Hotel room 
Inside of our hotel room in Mystic, CT
They had done an amazing job making sure that they were not only thoroughly cleaning because of the virus, but they also had implemented things like perforated stickers on the doors, commonly “gross” things in the room as certified clean, wipes at the front desk, and a few guidelines about room service. The entire time we felt very safe and comfortable.
The Mystic Hilton also has a lovely indoor pool that we spent time enjoying! What is even better is they host movies in the pool area with a projection screen which is a great treat for the kids!
Places to eat with kids in Mystic, CT
Grass and Bone
This was our very first stop! We arrived around lunch time and filled up the booth in the corner. We had some amazing cornbread, mash potatoes, and more. There were lots of great unique and locally sourced meals as well as take-home goods and groceries.
The Irons
Because we stayed at the Hilton, we purchased our dinner that night at the Irons. I enjoyed some time kid-free by the fire while the order was delivered to our room! We all agreed the food {and beer for my husband} was fantastic and worth every penny we spent.
Young Buns Doughnuts
We pre-ordered an insane amount of donuts here for our family of 6. They have some really lovely seasonal varieties which made the experience even more special. {Everyone agree the caramel apple was the best.}
Old Mystick Village
While we did not visit this time, there are a ton of great restaurants here and it is within walking distance of the Mystic Aquarium and the Mystic Hilton.
Educational Field Trips in Mystic
Mystic Aquarium
Read a full overview and review of the Mystic, CT Aquarium here.
A few highlights to consider when visiting the Aquarium:
- The Beluga Whales are by far the most amazing thing there but we spent a good 45 minutes to an hour spending time with them. They would come to the glass and literally interact with us!
- There are several touch tanks and hands-on water exhibits available. We mostly enjoyed the sting rays!
- There are arrows on the ground to follow inside and lots of places to wash hands as needed.
Mystic Seaport Museum
See our full review of the Mystic Seaport Museum here.
While we were all really excited to visit the Mystic Seaport Museum, we didn’t really have a good concept of what we would be walking into other than ships and “ocean stuff”.
It far exceeded our expectations and we went way over our 2 hour time allotment in our schedule. And that was with 4 kids ages 8 and under.
A few highlights from the museum:
- There is a playground on site.
- 19 acres and forty or more buildings to explore.
- The kids’ play area is open with modifications. {We checked out a game for instance and then returned it to be cleaned}.
- There are boats and ships you can board and explore!
- The newly redone figurehead exhibit is really beautiful and with the right education before visiting, is a really neat way for kids to feel connected with ships.
