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

Winter may be here, but the fun doesn’t slow down in The Haddams. 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.

Champions Skating Center

Address: 6 Progress Dr, Cromwell, CT 06416
Phone: (860) 632-0323
Details: Champions Skating Center features two ice rinks—including an Olympic-sized rink—along with fitness amenities. Public skating sessions are offered at select times and vary week to week, so checking ahead is essential. View the full calendar, themed skate sessions and pricing details on the center’s public skating page.

Gillette Castle State Park

Address: 67 River Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423
Phone: (860) 526-2336
Details: Perched high above the Connecticut River, Gillette Castle offers a unique blend of history, architecture and scenic outdoor space. Visitors can tour the stone mansion built by actor William Gillette, explore wooded walking trails and take in sweeping river views. Guided tours can be reserved in advance through the state’s online booking system.

Devil's Hopyard State Park

Address: 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423
Phone: (860) 424-3200
Details: This 1,000-acre state park is best known for Chapman Falls, a dramatic stepped waterfall that drops more than 60 feet. Winter visitors can enjoy quiet hiking trails, birdwatching and scenic river views along the Eightmile River, a designated National Scenic and Wild River.

The Color House

Address: 738 Middletown Rd, Colchester, CT 06415
Phone: N/A
Details: Known locally as “The CoHo,” this welcoming art studio offers walk-in paint-your-own pottery, artisan goods and creative classes for all ages. Workshops range from ceramics and canvas painting to open studio memberships. See upcoming classes and reserve sessions on The Color House’s events page.

Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort

Address: 99 Powder Hill Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455
Phone: (866) 860-0208
Details: Powder Ridge offers winter fun beyond traditional skiing, including snow tubing, a dedicated snow play area for kids and seasonal events. Children can sled, build snowmen or try beginner snow sports during supervised sessions. View upcoming events and reserve passes through the resort’s event calendar.

Essex Indoor Golf Center

Address: 23 Saybrook Rd, Essex, CT 06426
Phone: (959) 265-8979
Details: This modern indoor golf facility features six PGA Tour–approved simulators with access to more than 70 courses worldwide. Essex Indoor Golf Center is open daily (hours vary by day) and caters to seasoned golfers and first-timers alike in a relaxed, weather-proof setting. Learn more on the center’s website.

Connecticut River Museum

Address: 67 Main St, Essex, CT 06426
Phone: (860) 767-8269
Details: Located at Steamboat Dock, the Connecticut River Museum explores the natural and cultural history of the river through interactive exhibits and seasonal programming. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special events scheduled throughout the winter. See the website for more information.

Connecticut Science Center

Address: 250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 724-3623
Details: This nine-story science museum invites visitors to explore hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations and immersive STEM experiences designed for all ages. From physics and engineering to space and biology, exhibits encourage curiosity and experimentation. Purchase admission and view current offerings on the Science Center’s ticket page.

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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