If nature, being outdoors, and our wildlife friends call to you, visit the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic. You’ll find 300 preserved acres and eight miles of relaxed walking/hiking trails, native birds galore including hawks and owls, meadows, a pond, a wildflower garden, picnic tables (bring a bag lunch*), and, most importantly, peace and serenity. I actually love to visit the grounds alone, whether I want to seriously hike or just wander around and reconnect with nature.

Kids love the pond dipping here (all hands on — read no hand-helds). What kid you know could resist the chance to catch some pollywogs, a small frog, salamader or other creature residing in a pond?

Once you’ve spent time outside, be sure to visit the indoor exhibits. These are fabulous displays of the many different habitats prevalent in Connecticut , including wetlands, woodlands and meadows.

Kids love these exhibits because they get to experience close-ups of live frogs, fish, turtles, and even snakes, for those brave little ones. They also have collections of birds eggs and such which is always fascinating in its vast variety.  My nieces enjoyed the Life Under a Log exhibit, where they got a bird’s-eye view of ants, mushrooms, and even centipedes. Creepy crawlies aren’t my thing, but I enjoyed the small theater also in the museum. This is a must-do! Kids absolutely love it.

The Center offers a number of programs and events. The full moon walks are my favorite. There are off-site hiking and kayaking expeditions, Firefly Nights, horseshoe crab tagging, and tons of kid-focused events. Visit their website for full details and a complete schedule. You don’t need to live here to participate.

Wear comfy clothes and be ready to get your sneakers dirty here. I guarantee you’ll leave refreshed, rejuvenated and excited about the world outside again.

*If you are looking for a place to pick up a bag lunch, try close by Mystic Market East at 63 Williams Ave. in Mystic, 860-572-7992.

or Puritan  & Genesta at 2 Holmes Street in Mystic 860-536-3537 which sells ready made sandwiches and salads, all organic (some vegan selections)  ingredients.

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