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0November 12, 2022

Re-Opening in Connecticut – Family Edition

They’re the big questions on everyone’s mind: What is open now, what will be opening soon, and when can we get out of our house??

School is officially out for summer next week for most, if not all, of us. Summer is officially here. And while many of us are cautiously ready to leave the house, we don’t know where we can go.

Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 659. It’s all super confusing. What is currently open.. What is going to open… What may not reopen at all this summer… 

So to help you out, I’ve reviewed what has been released by Connecticut (and neighboring states) so far; as well as scoured all the websites and social media pages for popular family destinations in Connecticut and neighboring states. I’ve broken it down by category and tried the explain a few of the re-opening rules.  I’ve also listed what is open, what has an reopening date and what is still closed. This is not an all-inclusive list (can you imagine how long that would be?) but instead a list of some of the most popular places in the area.

No matter where you head this summer, you will find social distancing guidelines in place. It is super important that you review these guidelines on each venues website and/or Facebook page for full clarification. They will explain capacity, mask rules, admission procedures and everything else you will need to know before you enter a place. 

As more things open, I will try to update this page.  If you find out that something is open, please let us know in the comments below, by email or on our Facebook page!

Be safe everyone!

All Inclusive Parks

Most outdoor parks have remained open. Hiking trails and open spaces are available for use. Some places still have playgrounds closed (those with confirmed closed playgrounds are listed below; but it is safe to assume that as of June 12, most playgrounds are still off limits). Group sizes are limited and face masks are required at many of these parks. Please refer to the park’s website for specific details regarding social distancing.

 

Amusement Parks

Under Phase 2, most amusement parks in Connecticut can open as early as June 17.  Specific opening dates are indicated below. In Massachusetts, it does not appear that amusement parks will be opening for the summer.

 

Aquariums

Under Phase 2, most aquariums in Connecticut can open as early as June 17.  Specific opening dates are indicated below, if they have been announced.

 

Arcades

Many arcades continue to remain closed at this time. Reopening dates will be determined at a later date (most likely under Phase 3).

 

Arts & Crafts

Many arts and crafts classes have been allowed to resume operation; while some remain closed.

 

Beaches, Lakes and Rivers

Beaches are open at this time. Some beaches and waterfront destinations are closed to non-residents. We have not included those beaches on this list. As of this date, no swimming is open at lakes and ponds in Connecticut State Parks. 

 

Bookstores/Storytimes

While most bookstores have reopened, storytimes are still on hold. You can find many storytimes online, on social media and YouTube.

 

Bowling Alleys

Under Phase 2, Bowling Alleys can reopen as early as June 17.

 

Children’s Museums

Under Phase 2, children’s museum can open as early as June 17 at 50% capacity.

 

Farms (Pick Your Own)

Many farms are open for pick-your-own strawberries as of June 10, 2020.  Follow our page for updates on blueberry pick-your-own.

 

Farmers Markets

Farmers’ Market openings vary by location. Some are open for in-person shopping; others are offering online pre-ordering for quick and easy pickup from vendors, and even vehicle pickup.

For a list of farmers markets, visit the CT Dept. of Agriculture here. The popular Ellington Farmers’ Market is currently open. Coventry Farmers Market is open for vehicle pickup.

 

Gymnastics

Gymnastic training centers will be opened with Phase 2 as early as June 17 at a limited capacity.

  • Airtime Gymnastics in Enfield – Currently open for classes with social distance rules in place. Summer camp is running with limited spaces available.
  • My Gym Enfield – Currently Open for small, in-gym mini classes, semi-private play parties, private play parties and small, in-gym summer fun day drop offs. Social distancing guidelines will be followed.
  • Playstrong Studio in Simsbury – Currently Open for small classes and camp sessions.
  • Suffield Gymnastics – Currently Open with social distance rules in place. No summer camps or playgroup at this time.

 

Indoor Activity Centers

Under Phase 2, indoor recreation and sports/fitness facilities can open at 50% capacity on June 17. It is unclear if indoor children’s activity centers are included in this category.  At this time most indoor activity centers in Connecticut remain closed with no opening date in site. In Massachusetts, indoor activity centers remain closed.

 

Libraries

Under Phase 2, libraries can open at 50% capacity as of June 17. Visit your local library’s website or Facebook page for details regarding their opening.

 

MiniGolf

Most mini-golf places are currently open at this time with social distance precautions in place.

 

Movie Theaters and Drive-Ins

Movie Theaters will be able to open under Phase 2 at 50% capacity on June 17.  Drive-in Theaters are currently open but do sell out quickly.

 

Museums

Under Phase 2, museums can reopen in Connecticut at 50% capacity on June 17.

 

Nature Centers

Since Nature Centers are outdoors, they may or may not be open yet. For those open, they are following strict social distance guidelines. Those not yet open are aiming for the Phase 2 opening date or soon thereafter.

 

Outdoor Activity Centers

Most outdoor activity centers have reopened at this time. There are many social distance guidelines in place and reduced park capacity.  For those with indoor activities, many will open on June 17 with Phase 2, but some still have not announced their indoor activity opening dates yet.

 

Playgrounds

Many playgrounds have started to reopen in July at the discretion of each town. You may want to call your town to confirm before heading out. For a list of playgrounds in the area, check out our playground guide.

 

Petting Zoos

Under Phase 1, outdoor farms and activities have been open. 

 

Roller Skating Rinks

Roller skating rinks still remain closed at this time. It is unclear if they will be reopened with Phase 2.

 

Sporting Events

Sadly, the Hartford Yard Goats will not be playing the 2020 season.

The New Britain Bees will be back for baseball on July 2 with 25% limited capacity. Tickets are on sale now. 

 

State Parks & Campgrounds

Trails and grounds of Connecticut State Parks and Forests are currently open. Plan ahead as many indoor facilities and amenities remain closed (i.e. bathrooms). Please follow social distancing guidelines at all CT state parks. Campgrounds will open on beginning on July 1 to campers who have RV’s with water systems and a functioning bathroom. Many private campgrounds are welcoming RVers and a limited number of tent campers. Most amenities are limited at these campgrounds.

 

Spray Parks

For the most part, spray parks are remaining closed for the summer. You can find an updated list of splash pads in the area, along with their current reopening status, in our 2020 guide.

 

Summer Camp

Camps are currently up and running. However, things are different. Many have limited capacity and spots are already full. Some town camps have outright cancelled, but you can still find camps open in the area.  Expect small groups, health screenings at check in, masks requirements for the counselors and changes to the activities (no field trips, etc.).

 

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools were able to reopen with Phase 2 on June 17.  For those that did open (or will be opening), they will be operating at half capacity, limiting to members or town residents only, or requiring a reservation for specific times in the water. Social distance guidelines will be followed but masks will not be required in the water. It is best to check with your town before heading to the pool. For a list of swimming pools in the area, along with their current reopening status, check out our 2020 guide.

 

Theaters

Live Theater remains closed at this time and was not included in Phase 2.

 

Toy Stores

Most retail stores were reopened under Phase 1 with social distance guidelines in place.

 

Trains & Trolleys

Under Phase 2, museums are able to reopen at reduced capacity. At this time, only one museum in this category has a reopening date. The rest are to be determined.

 

Zoos

Most zoos opened with Phase 1. New York zoos remain closed at this time. Connecticut and Massachusetts zoos are opened with reduced capacity, online ticket sales only and social distance guidelines (including masks) in place.

 

Keyword: Re-Opening in Connecticut

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ThisConnecticutMom

Mom, wife, blogger

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