Exploring the Best Connecticut Beaches for Families

When you have younger kids, one of the best activities is planning a beach day. Whether they want to splash around in the waves or build a truly spectacular sand castle, a visit to the beach gives them the chance to burn off some energy while soaking up the sun. While Connecticut offers plenty of coastline, the last thing you want is to show up only to find an overcrowded space with nothing for your kids to do. If you’d like to make plans for your perfect day, I would love to tell you all about the best Connecticut beaches for families!

5 Best Connecticut Beaches For Families That I Know You Will Love 

Jennings Beach

880 South Benson Road

Fairfield, Connecticut 06824

Jennings Beach offers 27 acres of meticulously maintained Connecticut beaches waiting for families. The beach gives you exceptional views of Long Island South. The beach is handicap accessible and offers amenities, including a concession stand, bathroom facilities, sand volleyball courts, and sailboat racks. There’s also the legendary Sandcastle Playground, a wooden structure for all ages that’s designed to invite your children to use their imaginations and rule their very own kingdom. 

Hammonasset Beach State Park

1288 Boston Post Road 

Madison, Connecticut 06443

Hammonasset Beach State Park gives you gorgeous families-friendly hiking trails where you can take in views of the Connecticut beaches and sea. The park offers designated swimming areas, concession stands, camping cabins, and a picnic area. The beach stretches for over 2 miles and provides your child with plenty of space to stretch their legs. 

Jacobs Beach

140 Seaside Ave

Guilford, Connecticut 06437

Jacobs Beach is an idyllic space that offers over 25 acres of serene beachy views. The beach is ADA-compliant and requires non-resident fees. Don’t worry. This location is more than worth it! On top of the coast, you’ll have grills, a pavilion, boat racks, bathroom facilities, and a playground. 

Short Beach

CT-113

Stratford, Connecticut 06615

While equally as beautiful as the other beaches, Short Beach is a little more low-key for Connecticut families to enjoy. The beach rests alongside the Housatonic River. They don’t let dogs in the area from April to November to keep things a little less chaotic. The beach is handicap accessible. The attached park features playgrounds, a calisthenics course, and picnic areas. Fishing is allowed. 

Pleasure Beach

Stamford, Connecticut 

For years, Pleasure Beach remained abandoned, just waiting for the shoreline to once again invoke the happy feelings suggested by the name. In 2014, everything changed when it underwent an extensive renovation, including a water taxi used to transport visitors back to the sand. The beach closes down during cooler seasons, but once the weather heats up, it’s the place to be. There are bathrooms along the extensive coastline, and concession stands are often open. Water taxis come every 20 minutes to move traffic along. 

Best Connecticut Beaches For Families

With the right beach, your family can have the best day ever! Check out these best Connecticut beaches for families! So your kids can have an afternoon they’ll remember forever.

If you’re looking for additional ways to make memories with your family, I would love to chat! I’m a Connecticut photographer as well as a mom myself. I know from experience how hectic this time can be, and I want to help you slow things down. If you’ve been considering booking portraits for your family, I would love to chat and tell you more about my style so you can decide if I’m the photographer for you. Contact me today to get the conversation started!

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