Hartford – Things to do with your Team

Hartford is the capital of Connecticut and is home to beautiful parks, many unique museums, thrilling attractions, and all kinds of top notch restaurants. Located right in the center of the state, it is the most vibrant of Connecticut cities, though it is only the third largest. The Connecticut River, centerpiece to the River Valley region where Hartford is located, flows from Suffield to Old Saybrook. As you explore all that Hartford has to offer, stop at the Constitution State’s Capital, to learn about the history of Connecticut, or explore the River Valley to experience some of Connecticut’s great outdoors. When you bring your team to this area, only 20 miles south of the Massachusetts border, you will have lots of options of downtime activities. Many of these attractions can be found near the Connecticut Convention Center. If your tournament is held there, you lucked out. Here are some of the best things to do.

Connecticut Science Center 

Residing along the meandering Connecticut River is the Connecticut Science Center. This nine-story science museum and theater can bring the excitement of science and curiosity to your team for a very affordable price. Your team will get the opportunity explore 40,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits and activities while they become experts on specific topics. The Connecticut Science Center has been recognized as one of Hartford’s best attractions for groups. What better accolade to keep in mind when you’re deciding on what to do than that? No matter what kind of learner you are, the interactive exhibits will cater to you in some form or fashion. There are audio, tactile, visual, and other elements of these galleries that will keep your team engaged for the duration of the visit. The Exploring Space gallery lets you gaze at moon rocks and craters as you gain insight into how vital and interesting the moon really is. Continuing with the trend of space, your team can or go on a venture and get lost in a black hole. Other exhibits are focused on topics like the Connecticut River, health habits, and sights and sounds of the world. 250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103

Mark Twain House & Museum

There’s a very high probability that you’ve heard of the famed American writer, Mark Twain. You may have not read something by him, but you know the name. You won’t be closer to Twain’s house than when you’re in Hartford. Located on Farmington Avenue, the Mark Twain House & Museum is devoted to the preservation of Mark Twain’s legacy and home. Twain lived and worked in this house from 1874 to 1891. The history behind this house is simply astounding. He wrote his two most successful novels here: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. These two stories are largely why Mark Twain is held in such high regard over a century later. This Victorian Gothic style house has 19 rooms for you and your team to see and the museum rotates exhibits to accompany the large collection of permanent artifacts on display. 351 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105

Hartford Yard Goats

The Hartford Yard Goats are a double-A minor league baseball team affiliated with the Colorado Rockies. They are a part of the Eastern League and were founded in 2016 when the New Britain Rock Cats moved the team to Hartford. You can count on a memorable day or night out at Dunkin’ Donuts Park when you go see the Goats play a game. Your team will be treated to no less than nine innings of exciting plays, delicious ballpark food, and plenty of time to bond. Ticket prices are reasonable, and the seats are so close to the field that you will feel like you are on the team. 1214 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103

Launch Trampoline Park

Launch Trampoline Park is the place to bring your team when you want to have loads of fun. This indoor trampoline park provides all of the thrills that you’d want to try. The 15,000 square feet of connected trampolines cover the walls and floors and make for the ideal jumping and flipping area. In addition to the open jump area, your team has the chance to dive into the giant foam pit, play trampoline dodgeball, and so much more. You’ll even find some arcade games and you can order pizza and other kid favorite foods.

Don’t worry if you’ve never jumped on a trampoline before, the employees at Launch are there to help. They will run through the rules and watch out for any unsafe situations that might arise. There are routine safety checks for all of the equipment daily and weekly to assure that everything is in tip-top shape. 91 Brainard Road, Hartford, CT 06114

Connecticut River Boat Cruise

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and Charter Oak Landing are the two departure points for the river cruises Hartford Belle Cruises and Lady Katharine Cruises. The elegant 49 passenger riverboat Hartford Belle will transport you to the past with its appearance. The mahogany-trimmed cabin has more than enough seating to fit your team as you sail up and down the Connecticut River. Captain Fenn will tell you everything you need to know about Hartford and the Connecticut area. Mystique, Lady Katharine Cruises’ riverboat, has a lot of history behind her. Originally sailing in the New York Harbor, this boat gained its stellar reputation by taking tourists all around New York City and showing them the sights. Today, Mystique continues her success with the people of Hartford. Regardless of which riverboat cruise you choose, you and your team will be pleased to take in the sights of Hartford and the Connecticut River. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza – 300 Columbus Blvd. Hartford, CT 06103; Charter Oak Landing – 50 Reserve Rd, Hartford, CT 06114

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Farmington Miniature Golf & Ice Cream Parlor

Come play miniature golf at its best at the Farmington Miniature Golf & Ice Cream Parlor. This place has been family owned and operated since 1962. Located just 10 miles west of Hartford in Farmington, you can hit the links on their park-like 18-hole course, then get some dips on a cone when the fun is done. 1048 Farmington Ave., (Route 4) Farmington, CT 06032

Museum of Connecticut History 

The Museum of Connecticut History is a must-see attraction while you and your team are in Hartford. Housed in the historic 1910 building where the state library and supreme court are located, this museum is concerned with various historical topics relating to Connecticut. There, your team will be engrossed in exhibits about the military, industrial, and governmental history of the state. You can trace the development of this influential state throughout its existence. As you walk through the halls, you’ll encounter portraits of former Connecticut governors, historical documents, weapons, uniforms, flags, and other historical artifacts.  One of the best parts about the Museum of Connecticut History is that admission is free. 231 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106

Blue Back Square

It’s no secret that kids love to shop. Take advantage of this by taking them to Blue Back Square. This complex offers a unique shopping, living, dining, and entertainment experience in the heart of West Hartford. Many of the major retailers  and restaurants can be found there, like Crate & Barrel, Barnes & Noble, and The Cheesecake Factory. There are many other stores and eateries available when you visit. You can even catch a movie at Cinepolis Cinemas. Blue Back Square can provide your team with hours of enjoyment through shopping, browsing, and of course all kinds of delicious foods. 65 Memorial Road, West Hartford, CT 06107

Catch an Outdoor Performance

Get some fresh air and have some fun outdoors at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. This park has become a hotspot of Hartford and a centerpiece of the Riverfront park system. Play games and run around on the vast grassy fields, or take a break from the hectic trip and relax and do some cloud watching. If you’re lucky, there may be a performance going on at the stage that’s a part of Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. The park has a lot of trails along the river that can be utilized and there’s even an opportunity to go on a boat tour. 300 Columbus Blvd. Hartford, CT 06103

There are lots of things to do in the Hartford area to keep your team entertained when they are done playing. But if you are looking for something else interesting to do and you have the time, then take the 45 minute ride up I-84 to Old Sturbridge Village just across the Massachusetts state line. It’s like Old Williamsburg, Virginia north!