I-95 - Pitstops for Kids

Where to eat with kids in Philly

August 18, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Philadelphia is a lively, exciting city with a vibrant night life and food scene. Sometimes, a foodie city doesn’t translate to good eating with kids, but Philly is the exception. The fun, flavorful, and sometimes funky eateries adults rave about in the city are often kid-friendly, too. Here’s where we like to eat with kids in Philly.

City Tavern:

This historical tavern serves food from the colonial period, using, in some cases Benjamin Franklin’s own recipes. During the late 18th century, City Tavern was at the heart of the American revolution, playing host to many political talks and news. Now, the wait staff sports Colonial garb, and the food’s still excellent. The bill will be high for this tourist favorite, but it’s well-worth budgeting for a meal here. Our favorites: the pot pie, corn chowder, and raspberry shrub (infused soda water drink).
Location: City Tavern is located at 138 S. 2nd St., within walking distance of all Old City hotels..

Mrs. K’s Koffee Cup:

We loved Mrs. K’s Koffee Cup for its no-frills air, rock-bottom prices, and fun diner atmosphere. We felt very ‘in the know’ sitting next to business men and women grabbing a bagel before work. All seating here is at the counter, and we didn’t pay more than $6 per meal at breakfast. Mrs. K’s was a short walk from our hotel, so it quickly became our go-to breakfast spot. We liked the simple egg and hash brown breakfasts, omelets, and French toast. The wait staff is friendly and fast, and the ambiance is high-energy.
Location: Mrs. K’s is located at 325 Chestnut, right down from the Omni Hotel and Hotel Monaco.

Jones:

Jones Restaurant is a well-known establishment at the heart of the historic center. While this restaurant specializes in omelets and brunch dishes, it’s not just for the morning hours. We ordered omelets for dinner, and enjoyed the chance for eggs and tater tots (which come with every egg dish) very much. Jones also serves pot pies, burgers, and sandwiches, as well as specialty dishes. The menu prices are a bit hefty, but this restaurant is a solid hit. Note: we ordered take out at Jones, and it took an unusually long time. After waiting 45 minutes, the restaurant manager gave us our meal free of charge. I am still happy to give Jones a good review for two reasons: the manager was quick to do what she could to correct the mistake, and I asked around: this restaurant gets consistently good reviews. I think we just hit it at the wrong time.
Location: Jones is located at 700 Chestnut Street.

The Franklin Fountain:

Ready for an old-fashioned ice cream experience? Franklin Fountain features ‘soda jerks’ instead of cashiers and counter service ice cream scoopers, and a full menu that includes egg creams, phosphates, and a dizzying array of ice cream flavors, sundaes, shakes, and malts. Be prepared for a line out the door on weekend evenings, and bring cash: Franklin’s doesn’t take cards or checks. We loved the Franklin Lemonade (a mixture of sherbet, fruit, and soda water) and the honeycomb ice cream.
Location: Franklin Fountain is located near Penn’s Landing at 116 Market Street.

Shane Confectionary:

Located a few doors down from The Franklin Fountain, Shane Confectionary is even more sweetly old-fashioned (pun intended). Selling old-school candies such as licorice, gum drops, and even—gasp—bubble gum cigarettes, Shane’s also offers fudge, chocolates, and salt-water taffy. Entering the store, the eye is dazed by all the glassware, bottles, and pretty paper packaging; plan on plenty of time to decide what you want. We love that they weigh and sell Shane’s candy in little paper cones just like in the old days.
Location: Shane’s is at 110 Market Street.

Reading Market:

Located approximately 8 blocks from the historic part of town off 11th, the Reading Market is absolutely worth the detour. Go for breakfast to grab local, homemade donuts, pastries, egg dishes, or pancakes for under $10, or pick out a fruit salad and freshly squeezed juice. Half the fun is walking through the stalls of this massive indoor farmer’s market, which also features herbs, meats, handmade goods, and other wares. The market is open until 4 pm daily, so it’s best for breakfast or lunch. The walk to this part of town is pretty, and it’s an easy jaunt back to historic sites along Market Street.

Want itinerary advice for a two-day Philly trip? Start with our post on historical sites for kids in Philly!

What about the cheese steaks? We ate famous Philly cheese steaks at several downtown and Old Town food trucks, and didn’t fall in love with any of them. Feel free to enlighten us as to the best cheese steak in the city in the comments.

Philly with kids: how to plan for a two-day historical itinerary

August 15, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Philadelphia has so much history in their many museums, exhibits, and attractions, families could easily be here 3-4 days. We only had two, so we had to make some tough decisions. We did manage to tour all the following Old City attractions in Philadelphia over the course of a day and a half, plus visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art and enjoyed some good eats

Independence Hall:

There’s no cost to tour Independence Hall, the site of the meeting of the first congregational congress and signing of the Declaration of Independence. You do, however, need to reserved timed tickets for entry. This can be done day-of at the Visitor’s Center one block away, but on busy summer days, we highly recommend doing this ahead of time online (there’s a small service fee of $1.50 per ticket). Arrive at the hall 30 minutes before your tour time to go through security (you can bring bags in) and then queue up in the back courtyard. The tour is only 30 minutes long, but is fantastic: our National Park guide kept all the kids’ attention and conveyed her obvious passion for history with all the adults. The whole process will take an hour. Tip: Remember, many sites, such as Independence Hall, are run by the National Parks service. Kids can earn Junior Ranger badges here. Get a booklet at the Visitor’s Center.

Visitor’s Center and Liberty Bell:

I’m lumping these two attractions together because of their proximity to each other. Start at the Liberty Bell first thing in the morning, as the line does get crazy long, crazy fast. Tip: if you just can’t wait in the line, there is a glass window at the very front where people can glance in at the bell (and you’re not cutting in front of anyone). What you miss: the exhibits explaining the significance of the bell that unfold as the line continues). Head to the Visitor’s Center next and see one of two 20-30 minute movies continuously running in the theater. This is the time to grab those Junior Ranger booklets. There is no cost for either attraction.

Betsy Ross House:

We really enjoyed touring Betsy Ross’ house. Before the self-guided tour through her little home, I had no idea what her life had been like, other than the fact that she sewed the first flag. The tour gives you a great overview of what life was like for average citizens in the late 18th century, but also gives more details of Betsy’s life. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for kids, and there’s an audio tour option. Definitely worth the cost of admission.

Christ Church and church graveyard:

Christ Church is stunning, and there’s a particular wow factor to sitting in George Washington’s pew. This is a living, working church (with a congregation today) so entry is free, and docents are on-hand to point out where Betsy Ross sat, Washington sat, and more. The church graveyard is located a few blocks away, and costs $2 to get in. Inside, most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried here, including Ben Franklin. It’s possible to see Franklin’s grave from outside the gates through an opening in the fence, if you don’t want to go all the way in. We really enjoyed touring through the old gravestones.

Elfreth’s Alley:

Near Christ Church is Elfeth’s Alley, the oldest neighborhood in the US that has been continuously occupied by residents. Walking down the narrow alley is free, but remember that people live here…it’s not ok to look in windows, etc. A small museum is open part-time. Be sure to walk all the way down and turn left though another small alley to the end: there’s an interesting board that tells about the residents from the 18th century.

National Constitution Center:

The National Constitution Center is a larger museum on Arch Street and houses the Museum of We the People, plus America’s Town Hall and many civic exhibits. Kids can vote in a voter’s booth, see a replica of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, take the oath of office as President of the US, and learn about the Constitution. There’s a lot of reading in here, so we recommend skipping it if your kids are all under age five. Definitely start with the multi-media theater production; it’s fantastic.

Franklin Court:

This small court behind the row of Market Street buildings Franklin once owned features the Franklin Museum and the site of Franklin’s house. The house has long since been torn down, so a metal frame has been erected in its place, marking where it once stood. Exhibits talk about the house and show original bricks and the original basement. We didn’t get a chance to see the main museum; tickets had been sold out for the day. Hit this spot by at least lunchtime and you should be ok. The courtyard is quiet and cool, which is another plus.

Franklin Square:

Not to be confused with Franklin Court, Franklin Square is located at the end of the Old City district and features a working carousel, playground, and miniature golf course. The golf course’s features are all replicas of Philly historical landmarks. Play a game for about $25 for a family of four. This area is nice for a break from historical touring, but would be the first thing we omitted from the itinerary if time were an issue.

Philly Duck Tours:

A fun way to get an overview of any city is through a Duck Tour with Ride the Ducks! We take advantage of these in any city in which it’s offered: the amphibious ‘duck’ vehicle is operated by a funny, entertaining tour guide and takes guests over the land and water of Philly. The tour is 90 minutes, and by the end, adults are oriented to the city and kids have a grasp on what they’ll be seeing later that day. We book our Duck Tour for morning of our first day.

Where to find all the above attractions: Maps are available at the Visitor’s Center. Definitely pick one up. All the above attractions are within walking distance of each other.

What you need to know about touring Philly with kids

Philly trip with kids: Philadelphia Museum of Art

August 13, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Philadelphia surprised us with one of the best art museums in the country. The Philadelphia Museum of Art building itself is impressive: located in Fairmont Park (not downtown), the historic building towers over the adjacent Spring Garden neighborhood. While planning a Philly trip with kids, families will want to start out by running up the imposing museum steps a la Rocky (the movie was filmed here). I hear many visitors come only for this, which is ridiculous: the museum houses over 2,000 years of art ranging from sculpture and photography to painting and tapestry.

We started on the 1st floor to hit the biggies before the kids faded: here, you’ll find van Gogh’s Sunflowers and several works by Picasso in the European Art galleries. In the American Art gallery, Winslow Homer is the biggest draw (no pun intended!) but we ended up spending a great deal of time here looking at the various contemporary art pieces and 20th century art. We found this section of the museum to be particularly kid-friendly.

Save the upstairs for after you’ve seen what you want to see as a parent, because once kids get into the Arms and Armor wing, you may never leave. Honestly, I was fascinated, too. This impressive gallery features full knight armor, knights on horseback, armor from just about every period, and weaponry of all kinds. Our kids played a game of picking out what they’d want for battle during various periods of European and Asian history (a made-up game of their own), which took the better part of an hour. When you finally pull the kids away, the Asian Art wing waits, and an impressive section of early European Art featuring full rooms from various periods (we liked the English drawing room).

Date last visited:

June 2014

Distance from the interstate:

A few seconds from I-95.

Admission:

Tickets are $20 for adults, $14 for youth (13-17) and free for kids 12 and under.

Dining:

There is a museum cafe, located at the bottom level, as well as Granite Hill, a critically-acclaimed restaurant. Outside the museum, Fairmont Park offers space for picnics, and food trucks are often in the vicinity (though at the time of our visit, we only saw ice cream trucks).

Hours of operation:

Open Tuesday through Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Late hours Wednesday and Friday nights (until 8:45 pm, with ‘pay what you wish’ starting after 5 pm).

Directions:

The museum is located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

As I disclose whenever applicable, our visit to the museum was complimentary, for the purpose of review. Without complimentary entry, we wouldn’t be able to bring as many reviews to Pit Stops for Kids.

Philadelphia with the kids: where to go and what to see

June 4, 2014 By Sharlene Earnshaw

If a fun-packed trip with the kids is planned, Philadelphia with the kids should make the shortlist of top places to visit. Situated in the mid-Atlantic region in the south eastern part of Pennsylvania, Philly is a big city with big-hitting attractions to match. Being the fifth most populous city in the United States, Philadelphia gives places such as New York and Chicago a run for their money in the bustling metropolis department. If the kids want a high-octane, energy-packed city break, it’s hard to get it wrong in Philadelphia.

Disguised learning

Okay, so this is a vacation, right? School’s out and the kids are just up for having a great time, but parents love it when they can combine a bit of learning with the fun and Philadelphia has many opportunities for such skullduggery. First place to visit on the list should be the Please Touch Museum in the historic setting of Fairmount Park’s Memorial Hall. There’s a clue in the name that this is no ordinary museum, children are actually encouraged to learn through play in this enormous homage to childhood. There are themed sections from Alice in Wonderland, a fairytale garden and a supermarket experience; children can sit behind the wheel of a bus or make believe they’re sailing a boat. With a focus on interaction there are many things to spark the imagination and the Please Touch Museum is especially popular with younger children. The highlight of the visit is likely to be a ride on the stunning, lovingly restored carousel with painted, prancing horses. This museum is a joy to visit any time but makes a wonderful option when rain interferes with outdoor plans.

Next stop is the Franklin Institute. Since 1934 Philly families have been coming here to enjoy the science related exhibits. Kids love learning about how things work and when it comes to bodily functions, they really relate. A new exhibition investigating the working of the brain is sure to please them, as is the walk-through giant heart. There are also movies to enjoy in the IMAX theater and exhibits designed to help us learn how electricity works, in a fun and interesting way. Covering all things from sport to space, the Franklin Institute will excite children and adults alike.

Last stop on the disguised learning tour of Philly should be the Independence Seaport Museum on Penn’s Landing. Ever wondered what it was like in a World War II submarine or how about riding the waves in a 1890s Navy cruiser? These exhibits give an insight into the maritime heritage of Philadelphia, making the museum is a great port of call for young and old.

It’s show-time

There are few better family bonding experiences than sharing a great show together. Whatever the tastes of your brood, there will be something to tempt them at the Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia’s leading events and entertainment venue. Buy Wells Fargo Center Tickets for a range of family friendly spectaculars including Philadelphia Flyers games, Disney on Ice shows, Harlem Globe Trotters exhibition games, wrestling, Sesame Street and many musical acts. With a thrilling program packed with quality and variety, it won’t be difficult pleasing everyone.

Let’s get active

For burning off excess energy, Philadelphia is blessed with some wonderful open spaces. Try the colonial surroundings at Franklin Square for its mini golf, carousel and picnic area; there is plenty of room for children to run about. Alternatively, The Smith House and Playground offers six acres of wooded parkland with a 44 foot wooden slide, ‘play mansion’ and an enormous play-pod with jungle gyms and see-saws galore. If they’re not totally exhausted after all that, take them to the slightly more sedate Camden Children’s Garden, an interactive four acre space where youngsters are encouraged to get in touch with their inner horticulturalist. For children showing a budding interest in all matters gardening, this place will seem like heaven.

Critter capers

Most families have at least one budding zoologists or veterinarians keen for a bit of animal fun, so why not take them to the wonderful Philadelphia Zoo? Marvel at the Primate Center, the Avian Center and The Big Cat Falls; this zoo has been here for 150 years, so they really know what they’re doing. If water-based creatures are preferred take a trip to Camden Adventure Aquarium where the new hippo exhibition is wowing visitors. Along with the penguins, sharks and crocodiles, there are some fascinating creatures to see up close in a wonderful setting.

Finding great things to do with the kids in Philadelphia is not a problem, the hardest thing will be persuading them to leave this brilliant family destination once the vacation is over…

Photo credit: Flickr/Vic15

Five kid-friendly attractions in Ogunquit Maine

November 26, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Sometimes, looking for the perfect vacation destination can get a bit hectic, especially if you have a family and are searching for a kid-friendly spot. With rising prices in theme parks like Disneyland, Six Flags and Universal Studios, parents across the U.S. are now looking for cheaper vacation alternatives that don’t sacrifice fun over price.

Highlighted in an article by Trip Advisor, many families in the East Coast are considering going north to Maine instead of driving down south to Florida’s amusement central. In the past few years, many coastal towns in Maine have undergone radical visitor-pleasing changes in efforts to boost tourism.

One town that’s garnering mass interest is Ogunquit, Maine, a small, resort town located on the southern tip of the state. Ogunquit has been generating substantial interest because of its family-centered attractions, top tier resort commodities, pristine lobster-rich coastline and golden beaches. If you’re looking to take a family vacation in the next few weeks, here are five kid friendly-attractions that’ll make you want to consider making it your next family destination.

Marginal Way

If you’ve ever seen the scenic beach panoramas that grace the silver screen, you may find that they have nothing on historical Marginal Way, a famous beach strip just off the coast of Ogunquit. Marginal Way has been described as beautifully pristine and fun for the whole family. Marginal Way is definitely a hidden beauty of Maine, secluded and free from hordes of tourists. Marginal Way is the perfect destination for families that want to have a calm, family beach day.

Perkins Cove

Perkins cove is a small community at the edge of Ogunquit that brings beauty and quaintness to the town. Perkins Cove is known as a fishing district, famous for its lobsters and assortment of fruits. This small commercial district is perfect for a family outing or dinner. There’s simply no better seafood in all of Southern Maine than at Perkins Cove.

Mount Agamenticus

If you’re the kind of parent that lives an active lifestyle, a trip to Mount Agamenticus may be just what you’re looking for. This forested monolith is located near Ogunquit–not hard to spot from the town square. Mount Agamenticus provides visitors with miles of hiking trails, ranging from beginner to advanced. Mount Agamenticus is perfect for an outdoor excursion with your kids.

Ogunquit Playhouse

If you think Ogunquit is all about attractive natural settings, think again. If you want to get a good dose of culture, you may want to make your way to downtown Ogunquit to attend a local theater production at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Shows range from locally written productions to national shows, like Legally Blonde or Les Miserables. If you enjoy attending theater productions, why not watch a show at the famous Ogunquit Playhouse?

Ogunquit Museum of Modern Art

If you don’t get your fill of local culture, you may want to head to the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. Though small compared to the Met, this museum houses an extensive collection of American art that dates back to the American colonial era. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art also features pieces of local art, giving visitors a feel of the local artistic scene. The setting of the museum is panoramic, located beachside on historic Shore Road.

The accommodations in Ogunquit are very family friendly just like the other attractions it has to offer. This pleasant seaside town is an excellent choice if you want to break free from the idea of a trip down to tourist-packed amusement park central but still have a family vacation worth remembering. You won’t regret it!

Travel Gear We Use: Stonz Wear Bootz

Stonz is a children’s outerwear and boot company homegrown in Vancouver, BC. Pit Stops’ kids is partnering with Stonz this fall to help families get outfitted for winter travel. Yes, our kids wear Stonz on our own adventures! Why Stonz winter bootz? These rugged, waterproof boots are incredibly lightweight. Kids won’t mind wearing them in slushy, wet, and snowy conditions while traveling, and they won’t weigh suitcases down, either. We love: the traction of the boots, plus the easy velcro and buckle closure, so we can get a tight fit even while getting boots easily on and off. Buy Stonz Winter Bootz
at Amazon, or find more Travel Gear We Use.

Distance from the interstate:

10 minutes.

Directions:

Find Ogunquit from I-95 in Maine. Take Berwick Road or Captain Thomas Road from the interstate.

The above post is written in partnership with Stonzwear.com. Photo credit: Flickr.com/Yatmandu

Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho

May 26, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Situated next to the all-seasons tourist town of Sandpoint in the scenic Idaho panhandle, Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced pon-der-ay) is an outdoors-lover’s heaven. By winter, it serves as base camp to popular ski resort Schweitzer, and in summer it’s the ideal family playground for water sports, swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, and just about any other outdoorsy activity you can think of! We love this large, beautiful lake’s sandy, welcoming shores, Sandpoint’s friendly, casual atmosphere, and the surrounding wilderness’ promise of adventure.

Distance from the interstate: Right on I-95, approximately two hours from Spokane, WA.

Date last visited: June 2010.

Where to stay: This depends upon what you want from your vacation. Schweitzer Mountain Resort has a beautiful location high in the mountains overlooking the lake (and we usually, we recommend staying at major ski resorts in the summer months to take advantage of five-star amenities at a reduced rate), but be advised that lakeside activities such as swimming and boating are a thirty minute commute away. If the lake is what you’re after, try the Best Western Edgewater Resort, which is indeed right on the edge of the lake, near the city beach park and downtown shops and restaurants. If you plan to stay a week or more, save money and spread out in a beautiful mountain or lake house rental!

What to do: Mountainside, there’s much for families to do at Schweitzer. Mountain bike along their cut trails (rent bikes in the pro shop), rock climb on their ‘power tower’, or take a turn on the bungee trampoline. We recommend at least one day spent up at this resort (located 30 minutes from town).

Lakeside, start in City Beach Park (located along Bridge Street), where the sand is soft and white, swimming areas are safely designated, and the snack shack is always open. For more adventure, stop by the Sandpoint Marina (195 N. Triangle Dr.) to rent kayaks, canoes, and Sea Doos or take a hike in the Selkirk Mountains (trail maps available at the visitor’s welcome center in town).

Where to eat: Downtown Sandpoint is chock full of family-friendly cafes, sandwich shops, and coffee bars. One of our favorites is the Blue Moon Cafe (124 S 2nd Ave), but really, you can’t go wrong no matter where you end up! For something special, try a relaxing dinner right on the lake at Trinity at City Beach, where you can watch the summer sun set while sipping Mojitos.

If you’re just passing through: If you’re driving I-95 and need a place to get out and stretch, hold out for Sandpoint! Parking is ample at City Beach Park on Bridge Street; start there and let the kids swim and play in the sand. Grab sandwiches to go, or eat at Panhandler Pies (120 S. 1st) as you leave town. If you have a dog in tow, Lake Pend Oreille has a great dog beach located near City Beach along Long Bridge.

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Submarine Force Museum

August 17, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

1 Crystal Lake Road
Groton, CT

Submarine Force Museum (photo courtesy of Mystic Country)

This stop was submitted by Karin Burgess of Mystic Country. Thank you, Karin, for your support of Pit Stops for Kids!

Planning a family vacation that takes you through Connecticut or just driving down I-95? You’ll want to stop in the submarine capitol of the world and tour the FREE Submarine Force Museum to give your kids an up-close and personal view of our rich naval history. Located on the Thames River, the museum sits next to the actual US Naval Submarine Base and across the river from the Coast Guard Academy, and features a real and formerly operational nuclear submarine. Says Karin of Mystic Country: “Every kid I know who has gone thinks this is a cool site to see!”

Submarines are also built built here along this river, and if you’re lucky you might see a sub coming in or going on a tour of duty (sightings are rare but exciting as there are no schedules for these for security reasons). Read more about this museum: http://seemysticcountryct.com/family-fun/our-rich-nautical-history-comes-alive-at-the-submarine-force-museum.html

Distance off the interstate: Right off I-95 north or south in Groton, Connecticut.

Admission: Free!

Tip: Not open on Tuesdays.

Hours: 9 am-5 pm (summer hours) Call 800.343.0079 for up-to-date hours for other seasons.

Food Services: There are limited vending services on-site. In the summer of 2009, the museum opened their “90 North Cafe at the north end of the parking lot. It’s open for food seasonally, but you can bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy their picnic area on the Thames River.

Website: http://www.ussnautilus.org

Directions: Off I-95 exit 86 N or S in Groton, CT.
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The Dinosaur Place

August 12, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Shaking hands with a predator (photo courtesy of The Dinosaur Place)

1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike
Oakdale, CT

This stop was submitted by Karin Burgess of Mystic Country. Thank you, Karin, for your support of Pit Stops for Kids!

Whether you’re visiting Mystic, CT as a family or just passing through on I-95, The Dinosaur Place makes for a great pit stop complete with educational activities, fun and games, the chance to stretch your legs, and food. Along their nature trails, spot 30 life-sized dinosaurs, then let the kids loose in the playground or splashpad (summer only). Kids can also dig for gems in a candle-lit mine, pan for gold, and play paleontologist (recommended for ages 5 and up)!

Extra Tip: Plan on spending several hours (and lightening your pocketbook a bit…although you can find discounts by packaging activities).

Distance off the interstate: 10 minutes off I-95.

Admission:

Outdoor Adventure: ages 2-59 $11.99 in off-season, $18.99 in summer (with splash-pad)
Indoor Adventure: separate admission for each indoor activity, such as jackpot mine ($10.99) and Bone Zone ($12.75).

Hours: Open daily.

Food Services: The Cobalt Cafe is located in the main building and offers pizza, sandwiches, wraps, etc. There’s also an ice cream shop and a snack shop. A picnic area is available.

Website: http://www.thedinosaurplace.com

Directions: From Mystic, CT: Take I-95 South to Exit 82, Route 85. Turn right onto 85. Travel about 6 miles. Dinosaur Crossing is on your left, see Monty, the T-rex!
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Mystic Aquarium

August 10, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Mystic Aquarium: Photo courtesy of Sea Research Foundation

This stop was submitted by Karin Burgess of Mystic Country. Thank you, Karin, for your support of Pit Stops for Kids!

If you find yourself in Mystic, Connecticut (perhaps to tour the Mystic Seaport), the Mystic Aquarium, located nearby, is a must-see attraction for families!

Within the aquarium, you’ll find a marine theater show, a 3-D theater, and extensive exhibits on everything from the ocean depths to the Titanic to specific species such as jellyfish, belugas, and sea lions. Be sure to check the daily program for feeding times and special programs offered!

Distance off the interstate: Right off Mystic exit 90 on I-95 north or south in Mystic, Connecticut

Admission:

Adult $28
Senior (age 60+) $25
Children (age 3 – 17) $20
Children (age 2 and under) Free!

Tip: For just one dollar more on your admission price (per person), the aquarium will add on lunch!

Hours: Generally, the hours are 9am-5pm, but they vary by season. Visit their info page for up-to-date hours.

Food Services: The Penguins Cafe is located within the aquarium. Otherwise, there’s plenty to choose from along the seaport from fine dining to a cafe with sandwiches and picnic fare. Check this page for a list of options.

Website: http://www.mysticaquarium.org

Directions: Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is located in Mystic just off Exit 90 on Interstate 95, about 10 miles east of New London along Connecticut’s southeastern shore.

Things To Do
Mystic

Mystic Seaport

August 8, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

19th Century Village at the Mystic Seaport

Mystic, Connecticut

This stop was submitted by Karin Burgess of Mystic Country. Thank you, Karin, for your support of Pit Stops for Kids!

Looking for a great maritime day or weekend trip to beat summer heat and learn as a family? Just off I-95 in Mystic, CT, the Mystic Seaport: Museum of America and the Sea is a great place to run around, get out on the water for a short boat ride, climb aboard a ship, learn history by seeing and doing! Along the waterfront, explore four National Historic Landmark vessels, then visit a recreated 19th-century village. There are lots of exhibits and galleries, and you can even watch experts restore antique vessels, then rent a boat yourself to get a sea-faring perspective. Make sure you allow for most of a day!

Charles W. Morgan at Chubb’s Wharf

Distance off the interstate: Five minutes off I-95.

Admission: Adults are $24, Youth (6-17): $15, 5 and under: Free.

Hours:
Spring/Summer/Early Fall 2010 (March 27 – October 31) open daily 9am-5pm
Late Fall 2010 (November 1 – November 28): open daily 10am – 4pm

Food Services: There’s plenty to choose from along the seaport from fine dining to a cafe with sandwiches and picnic fare.

Website: http://www.mysticseaport.org/

Directions:

From Hartford, Conn: Take Route 2 East to Route 11 South. Turn left onto Route 82, right onto Route 85, then Route 85 to Interstate 95 North. Take Exit 90, turning right at the exit. Mystic Seaport is one mile south on Route 27.

From Boston and Points Traveling South on I-95: Take Exit 90 off I-95. Turn left at end of ramp onto Route 27 South. Proceed approximately one mile.