Connecticut is filled with wonderful day trip adventures for families. And I do mean filled! There are so many small towns to visit and explore. So jump off the beaten path and visit the small town of East Hampton, CT. East Hampton, CT is the perfect family day trip. There are playgrounds, a large lake, few spots to eat and trails to explore. This guide will include the very best of East Hampton, so you can design your own family day trip and adventures. So keep scrolling for a CT family day trip to East Hampton, CT.
At Pragmatic Travelers, we only recommend what we have actually eaten and experienced. So you know these recommendations are based on experience not a round up of internet research.
Best Places to Eat on a Day Trip to East Hampton, CT
Po’s Rice and Spice
Po’s Rice and Spice is a solid choice for Chinese food in East Hampton. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor patio with outdoor fireplace. The food is fantastic and delicious. It is in the small historic area so perfect for a snack after shopping. This would be a great way to end your day in East Hampton, CT. OR a perfect lunch spot while exploring East Hampton, CT.
Sweet Jean’s Cafe
Sweet Jean’s Cafe: This is one of my favorite spots in East Hampton for food. There is a solid and classic breakfast spot with a great variety from the healthy Green Goddess Scramble to Country Fried Steak. But my favorite isn’t the breakfast options. It is the grinders and tater tots. The grinders are fantastic. I love the meatball sub and chicken cutlet. And those tater tots! Man, they are delicious. This is a perfect spot for breakfast and/or lunch with the family in East Hampton, CT.
D’eliana Public Market & Deli
D’eliana is new to East Hampton and it is a welcomed edition. It is a delicious Italian deli and market with wonderful sandwiches. On Saturdays, they do porchetta sandwiches with caramelized onions. It is stupid good. They also have cannolis that they will freshly fill when you order. Not to mention, the service is friendly and helpful. It is a solid choice for a picnic lunch with the family!
Looking for more towns to visit? Check out our favorite restaurants in Chester, CT and our favorite things to do there. Chester is only 30 minutes from East Hampton, CT.
Lakeside Bar & Grill
Lakeside has beautiful views from their patio of Lake Pocotopaug with fantastic burgers. What more can you ask??
Black Walnut Bakery
Black Walnut Bakery: This is a small town bakery with food made in a traditional/rustic fashion. The bakery itself is beautiful. So cute and cozy. The bread is absolutely delicious, creative and changes daily. HOWEVER, the hours are super early and the bread sells out fast. They are only open from 6am-9am on the weekends. So if you don’t get there early, you won’t be getting bread.
Best Coffee in East Hampton, CT
ECO Coffeehouse: Skip Dunkin Donuts and head to ECO Coffee House on Main Street in East Hampton. ECO is serving up some seriously good drinks. Everything is made with the highest quality ingredients, including their delicious homemade syrups. They even serve craft beer and cocktails. I adore their coffee and recommend it to anyone who is visiting East Hampton. They do, occasionally, have fun drinks for young ones like lemonade with edible glitter in it. However, this is mostly for adults to give you energy while on your family day trip. This is a perfect stop while exploring East Hampton, CT
Best Things to Do on a Family Day Trip to East Hampton, CT
Airline Trail
The Airline Trail was once a railroad line from Boston to New York. This path dates back to the 1870s. It spans from Thompson, CT all the way to East Hampton, CT. You can enjoy being in nature on this beautiful/easy path by walking, biking, jogging, hiking, etc. with the whole family (fur friends as well). East Hampton’s portion of the Airline Trail is next to the Cranberry Bog and you can go across the street towards town or enjoy the path under the Airline sign. Your family will love exploring and being in nature.
Comstock Bridge
Comstock Bridge is one of 3 covered bridges in CT. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was originally built in 1785 and fully renovated in 1873. There is a large parking lot right next to the bridge. The bridge is beautiful and the kids will love walking across it. PLUS, once you cross there is a small beach that goes down to Salmon River where kids can throw in rocks or dip their toes into the water. There is also a very easy path that starts near the bridge. This path will follow the river and it is very easy for all ages. Warning: Once the path starts on an incline then it will be too difficult for younger children. This is an ideal short and easy walk for families.
Explore the Waters of Lake Pocotopaug
I recently enjoying paddleboarding on Lake Pocotopaug through the Happiest Paddler. The Happiest Paddler has kayaks, paddle boards, canoes and pontoon boats to rent and enjoy the day out on the lake. The rentals were reasonable and the service quick and friendly. It is incredibly kid friendly. We brought our 2 year old niece out on a kayak. They had plenty of life jackets for all ages. It was a wonderful way to spend a morning with the family.
Spend some time at Sears Park
Sears Park is a small park on Lake Pocotopaug. It is free for East Hampton residents, others will have to pay a small fee. There are basketball courts, a boat launch, small beach for swimming, small playground overlooking the lake, tennis courts and more. It is a nice place for the whole family to cool off after a morning of kayaking. Plus, the playground is a perfect spot for kids to play and parents to enjoy the view of the lake.
Hurd State Park
Hurd State park is located on the Connecticut River. This is a great spot for hiking and even mountain biking. There are multiple trails to explore with some elevation and walking along the river. A great option for the outdoor loving family.
Go Shopping
The small historic center of East Hampton has several boutiques, consignments shops, coffeeshop, restaurants and cool artisan stores. It is cute and enjoyable to explore. Here are my favorite stops on Main Street:
- Po’s Rice and Spice
- ECO Coffeehouse
- Little Fish Gallery and Gift
- Red Door Boutique
- Black Walnut Bakery
Visit a Playground
There are a few playgrounds in East Hampton, CT to bring the kiddos to run around and play.
- Sears Park has a small playground in front of the lake. See above.
- Seamster Park: A relatively new playground with for a variety of ages.
Grab a Beer in East Hampton, CT
While East Hampton is small, the town is blessed with two great breweries. The more popular Fat Orange Cat is located in town. While it isn’t open to the public, you can sample many of their beers at Dexter’s Tunes, Tales & Ales. They serve great microbrews and sell records/books. There is a great beer garden in the back and often features live music. It is located in the historic downtown area so a perfect spot to walk to the shops or Po’s Rice and Spice.
Another great beer location is Rule of 3 Brewing. Rule of 3 has a large parking lot and a large tap room. Plenty of space to have a drink and play a game or two. The beers are tasty and cold. A great spot!
Pumpkintown, U.S.A at Paul & Sandy’s Too
Pumpkintown, you guessed it, only happens in the Fall. Paul & Sandy’s Too (Garden Center) comes alive with hundreds of Pumpkinhead people in multiple settings like banks and post offices. There is even a short drive through the woods to see more Pumpkinhead people. This is a popular family attraction and very busy on the weekends. If you can, go early in the morning or during the week to avoid the crowds. They, also, serve snacks like apple cider donuts and popcorn. An ideal attraction for the whole family.
The Christmas Ride at Pumpkintown U.S.A
The Christmas Ride is a relatively new addition to Pumpkintown U.S.A. Starting in November, go on a short drive with your Pumpkinhead friends while they celebrate the holidays. You can purchase snack packages with cookies and hot cocoa for the ride. They even have Holiday Trail Games like a scavenger hunt. The Christmas Ride is the perfect family holiday activity!
Possible Day Trip Itineraries to East Hampton, CT
- Breakfast at Sweet Jean’s – Kayaking on Lake Pocotopaug, swimming at Sears Park – Lunch at Po’s Rice and Spice – Go shopping on Main Street followed by a beer at Dexter’s – Dinner at Lakeside Grill
- Breakfast at Sweet Jean’s – Coffee at ECO – Explore Comstock Bridge – Lunch at D’eliana’s – Some playground time at Seamster Park or Sears – Dinner at Po’s Rice and Spice
- Coffee at ECO – PumpkinTown for the morning – Lunch at Sweet Jean’s – Hurd State Park – Dinner at Lakeside Grill
Your Thoughts…
It’s time for a CT Family Day Trip to East Hampton, CT! What are you excited to experience in East Hampton, CT? What are you going to do on your family day trip to East Hampton, CT? Share your thoughts below.
