Why Winter's Better In North Branford: Beat The Blues With These Local Picks

Winter may be here, but the fun doesn’t slow down in North Branford. From family outings to seasonal events and easy day trips, there’s plenty around town to keep your calendar full. Just remember to double-check hours, weather updates and ticket details before heading out. And if you want even more local winter ideas, keep scrolling — you’ll find a way to get personalized suggestions based on what you love to do.

Connecticut Sportsplex Family Fun Center - Arcade, Laser Tag & Indoor Entertainment

Address: 216 Foxon Rd, North Branford, CT 06471
Phone: (203) 484-4383
Details: Visitors can enjoy a full arcade with more than 35 games and a large, multi-level laser tag arena featuring updated technology. This is a high-energy winter activity the whole family can enjoy (indoors!). See website for hours and pricing info.

Fired Up! Branford - Paint-Your-Own Pottery

Address: 1060 Main St, Branford, CT 06405
Phone: (203) 481-1015
Details: Escape the cold and get “Fired Up!” with a paint-your-own-pottery session in Branford. Due to limited studio space, reservations are recommended; however, walk-ins are welcome if a table is free. Check the website for daily hours.

Kent Falls Brewing Co. - Craft Beers & Food Trucks

Address: 418 Forest Rd, Northford, CT 06472
Phone: (860) 398-9645
Details: The Northford brewery and taproom location features a relaxed indoor and outdoor seating on a working family farm. Guests can enjoy house-brewed beers alongside local cider and wine, and rotating food trucks to keep you full. The brewery is open Friday through Sunday.

Lake Saltonstall - Winter Hiking & Cross-Country Skiing

Address: Branford & East Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 401-2654
Details: Enjoy nature at Lake Saltonstall, a quiet, forested lake set against the slopes of Saltonstall Mountain. Visitors with a permit can enjoy hiking trails, cross-country skiing and more. To purchase a permit online, click here.

Northford Ice Pavilion - Ice Skating

Address: 24 Firelite Pl, Northford, CT 06472
Phone: (203) 484-4054
Details: Enjoy public skating sessions open to all ages, with open ice for casual skating (no figure skating moves permitted). Skate rentals and walkers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Public skate hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12-1:30 p.m., but check online for the most up-to-date information.

Rose Vineyards And Winery - Live Music & Events

Address: 2 Valley Rd, North Branford, CT 06471
Phone: (475) 221-8636
Details: Wine lovers don’t have to travel far in North Brandford for a great glass of wine. The town’s own Rose Vineyards and Winery offers everything from a cold glass of sweet Riesling to a dry Merlot reserve. Check out the event calendar to see upcoming live music performances, book club meetings and other events to enjoy while you sip on delicious wine.

North Farms Park - Winter Hiking

Address: 149 Branford Rd, North Branford, CT 06471
Phone: (203) 484-6017
Details: Brave the winter weather and enjoy the hiking trails at North Farms Park. If it’s the weekend or the kids are on winter break, you can take them along on the storkbook trail or play time at the park’s playground.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum - Trolley Rides & Historic Exhibits

Address: 17 River St, East Haven, CT 06512
Phone: (203) 467-6927
Details: Visit the Shore Line Trolley Museum, less than 15 minutes away in East Haven. The museum is home to the oldest continuously operating suburban trolley line in the United States. Guests can explore historic transit collections and take a ride on restored vintage trolleys. Check out their program calendar for hours and operating trips.

Want ideas that fit your family and your budget? Enter your ZIP code and preferences — kid-friendly, outdoor, educational and more — for winter getaway recommendations made for you.

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