School’s out and you know what that means? It’s time for all things summer! Balmy beach days and roasting s’mores on the campfire, sprinklers and ice pops…not to mention all the yummy ice cream to be had! With our community so heart-centered on families, Milford offers a myriad of opportunities to create wonderful summer memories with your children.
From a short stroll across the Hotchkiss Bridge for the best waterfall views or an after-dinner trip to the Sundae House for an upside-down banana split, you can fill your days with adventures right here in Milford. Here’s our summer bucket list of the top 15 things to do in Milford with your kiddos this season.
- Scoot & Paddle – Explore the city from a different perspective! Tucked within the Walnut Beach business community, Scoot & Paddle rents kayaks, paddleboards, bikes, and motor scooters for full or half days. Children’s bicycles and bike trailers are available for rent as well.
- CT Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point– Located at the outermost tip of the city, this coastal haven harbors all types of wildlife inside and out. Check out the snakes, turtles, and fish located inside the Audubon and climb the spiral staircase to the tower for spectacular views of the marsh and Long Island Sound.
- Walnut Beach Creamery – Crafting each small batch of their gourmet ice cream by hand, this local favorite offers all the popular flavors plus new tastes like Cinnamon Toast and Chocolate Chili. Take your cone to the beach or sneak around back to their lovely courtyard.
- 4. Bodie’s Place – Undoubtedly the city’s most-visited playground, Bodie’s Place (located within Eisenhower Park) was designed to accommodate children of all abilities with sensory activities that include oversized structures and plenty of open spaces. Last year’s addition of a splash pad quickly made it the go-to destination for families during the hot summer months.
- Walnut Beach Boardwalk – This three-quarter mile boardwalk is one of the longest continuous boardwalks in the state, skirting the edge of a vibrant bird habitat and Long Island Sound, perfect for a morning of exploration.
- Milford Road Runners Kids Track Series – Beginning July 11 at 6:00 pm, Milford Road Runners presents its annual free summer kids track series at Platt Tech. This 6-week free event for kids of all ages—from just-walkers through high schoolers—lets participants take part in 100, 200, and 400-meter races, earning ribbons and trophies.
- Anchor Beach to Woodmont Beach Walk – At just under three-quarters of a mile, you can begin this walk at the public parking lot on Beach Avenue and walk alongside Anchor Beach toward Flag Rock and follow the sidewalk along the water until you connect to Woodmont Beach. This is a stroller, scooter, toddler, and bicycle friendly walk. It’s our family’s very favorite!
- Mondo Ponds – Pack your binoculars (and fishing pole) for some of the best bird watching in the city. The main trail loop is a perfect under-an-hour loop for kids. The Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve includes five ponds for the kids to cast in, as well as wetlands with walking trails, on 36 acres of property on the west side of town
- Farmer’s Market – Held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, the Downtown Milford Farmer’s Market is a great way to ease into your Saturday morning. Each week, the market offers a variety of vendors, activities, and live music with designated children’s days packed with kid-friendly entertainment.
- Fairy Frolic – At the end of June, hundreds of fairies descend on Walnut Beach bringing plenty of magic, surprises, and glitter for an evening frolic. This event has become a summer staple in our house and a wonderful way to kick off the season with the whole family.
- Scoopy Doos – Serving Milford’s own Buck’s French ice cream, Scoopy Doos at Lisman Landing has been scooping over eighty flavors of ice cream in their downtown location for 20 years. The line can get long in the summer, but we assure you it’s worth the wait.
- Eisenhower Park– Offering three miles of trails on a fairly flat terrain, you and your family can go on a 20-minute adventure, or pack a picnic and make a day of it. There’s a great bug-themed letterboxing trail perfect for kids. And when you’re done, head up to Bodie’s Place.
- Milford Ice Pavilion – You might not be thinking about going ice skating come July, but it proves to be a nice change of pace during those sweltering summer heat waves. The Milford Ice Pavilion provides a wonderful introduction to both hockey and figure skating and offers an hour and a half of public skating on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Strawberry Picking at Glendale Farms – With so many pick-your-own farm giants in neighboring towns, many haven’t heard of Glendale Farms. Known primarily for its annuals and vegetable business, Glendale also offers PYO strawberries beginning in early June.
- Milford Riders Club – Got the need for speed? Take your kiddos to watch The Milford Riders Club. Mondays are designated Peewee Night, reserved for beginning riders and young kids. There is no fee for spectators on Mondays. Check their calendar for ongoing events.
