Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut Invites Families to “Make a Day of It”


NIANTIC, CT –The Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut (CMSECT), 409 Main St., invites families to “Make a Day of It” this summer by exploring East Lyme’s shoreline village of Niantic and discovering the beach, shops, restaurants, and family activities.


Begin the day, spend the day, or end the day at the CMSECT, where discoveries are made and fun just happens. Play inside with the hands-on exhibits and outside where there is a huge 3-tier tree fort and an authentic 2-person research submarine. Exhibits are designed to accommodate children of all abilities.


Town beaches require passes during the summer months so CMSECT is making 2-hour beach passes available for museum visitors. First come, first served — however, museum members can call ahead to reserve one. Passes are good for McCook's Point Park & Beach, which has picnic areas, children's playground, restrooms with outdoor showers, and white-sand beach; and the Hole-in-the-Wall Beach, just off Main Street with parking and restrooms.


Hungry? Frosty Treat, located at 440 Main St., is just down the road from the museum. It’s a family favorite. Or try Dad’s, a casual place at 147 Main St., for fresh seafood overlooking the sound. Leave room for something special at Gumdrops & Lollipops Candy Shoppe, 334 Main St., where there is definitely something for everyone.


Want to venture a little further? Take a short stroll to Niantic Bay Bicycles, 8 Methodist St., and grab free maps for hikers and bikers. Didn’t bring a bike? Rent one: call (860) 691-0757. 


For more family fun, go to Scott's Yankee Farmer, 436 Boston Post Rd. (Route 1), in East Lyme, for pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, apples, blueberries, pumpkins, peaches and other fresh-from-the-farm produce starting mid-June.


To learn more about the area, visit the East Lyme Historical Society and Information Center at 228 W. Main St., or call them at (860) 739-6070. While there, step back in time and visit the Lee House and the Little Boston School House. Pick up a town-wide scavenger hunt, developed by CMSECT and the East Lyme Historical Society, and head out for more family fun.

Niantic, Connecticut's shoreline village in East Lyme, has something for everyone in the family: beaches, shops, restaurants, and activities — enough to make a day of it!

For information about this or other programs, call the museum at (860) 691-1111 or visit www.childrensmuseumsect.org.