Nature

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center Encounter owls, hawks, and falcons in the outdoor flight enclosures; check out insects and amphibians up close in the Natural History Museum; hike the woods, wetlands, and meadows; view the hundreds of pink Lady's Slippers that bloom each May. 109 Pequotsepos Rd., Mystic, CT; +1 860 536 1216. Fee.

Hammonasset Beach State Park Hunt for crabs along the rocky coast, visit the nature center for guided wildlife walks, hook some bluegill, listen for the call of the loons on a misty morning. Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT; +1 203 245 8743.

Kent Falls State Park Bask in the mist of waterfalls after trekking on the trails, cross a covered bridge, enjoy a stunning view from the top of the cascades. Off of Rte. 7, Kent, CT; +1 860 927 3238.

Lighthouse Point Park Hike up to the lighthouse, take a spin on the carousel, cool off in the water along the shore, examine specimens you may find in the Long Island Sound at the ranger's station. 2 Lighthouse Road, New Haven, CT; +1 203 946 8790. Fee.

Project Oceanology and the Lighthouse Program Board a ship to visit the New London Ledge Lighthouse, pull in a trawl net from the ocean to see its contents, spot seals that have traveled from Maine to Fishers Island Sound. 1084 Shennecossett Rd., Groton, CT; +1 860 445 9007. Fee.

Rocky Neck State Park Angle for a wide variety of fish; search for crabs off the pier; camp, hike, bird watch, and swim along the wide sand beach. 244 West Main St., Lyme, CT; +1 860 739 5471.