Nestled along Long Island Sound, Milford is a charming coastal city in Connecticut that offers plenty of fun activities for families. From beaches and parks to museums and attractions, there is something for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Milford’s scenic location, along with its small-town vibe and variety of family-friendly destinations, makes it an ideal place to bond with your loved ones.
This article will highlight 12 of the top things to do with family while visiting Milford. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, kid-approved attractions, or simple ways to make lasting memories together, you’ll find ideas that appeal to everyone here. With quaint neighborhoods, a lively downtown area, and an abundance of natural beauty, Milford truly has something for every family.
Explore Downtown Milford
Downtown Milford features lovely brick buildings housing boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants that line up the streets. Take a stroll with the kids along this pedestrian-friendly area while enjoying treats like ice cream or pastries. Pop into the stores selling toys, clothes, and souvenirs that make for perfect mementos.
On certain nights during the summer, free outdoor concerts are held, allowing families to sway and dance to live music under the stars. The kids will love visiting the Daniel Street Playhouse – a small children’s theater that puts on lively musical performances. Before heading home, snap some family photos in front of the decorative fountain at Lisman Landing Park.
Walk Along Silver Sands State Park
Stretching over 300 acres right along the shores of Long Island Sound, the scenic Silver Sands State Park is one of Milford’s top natural attractions. Families can enjoy walking together on the extensive boardwalks and paths that meander through the park. Marvel at the spectacular views of Charles Island and Long Island Sound as you breathe in the refreshing ocean air.
Stop at some of the designated picnic spots under shady trees or open grassy areas to refuel and recharge. Then head down to the beach where the kids can frolic in the gentle waters or build epic sandcastles. Join in on a game of volleyball on the courts near the beach and try your hand at boogie boarding in the small waves when they pick up. With lush greenery, beautiful vistas, and plenty of ways to bond outdoors, Silver Sands State Park promises a delightful day for the whole family.
Go Paddling at Walnut Beach
For a peaceful waterside experience, head over to the smooth waters of Walnut Beach with your family. Rent a paddleboard or kayak for an easy coastal paddle that even young kids can manage with supervision. Glide smoothly over the calm waters while soaking up panoramic views of the harbor dotted with boats. See who can spot more marine creatures like crabs, starfish or colorful fish through the clear waters beneath you.
Stop at some of the quieter stretches of the beach to try your hand at yoga poses on the paddleboard or play games like “I Spy” from the kayak. Let the little ones splash freely at the three designated swim areas open seasonally. End your time at Walnut Beach with a relaxing picnic blanket spread out on the sand before heading home.
Tour The Milford Historical Society
History buffs and curiosity-driven kids alike will find much to marvel at inside the Milford Historical Society. This non-profit organization runs a museum and library housed within a historic 18th-century home, where families can learn more about Milford’s rich past. Check out over 10,000 artifacts in the collection ranging from vintage photographs to antique furniture, all helping illustrate what life was like for past Milford residents.
Kids will especially love seeing the authentic Victorian dollhouse fully decked out with miniature furnishings. Other exhibits spotlight topics like the Hurricane of 1938 that devastated the region or how Milford played a role in the Revolutionary War. Friendly docents provide extra details and tidbits to fascinate both parents and children during your visit.
Scale The Cliffs at Eisenhower Park
Thrill-seeking families will want to check out the unique cliff features at Eisenhower Park, affectionately dubbed the “Little Grand Canyon of Milford”. These rugged cliffs tower 35 feet high over Indian River, resulting from glaciers that shaped the landscape over 12,000 years ago. Join fellow adventurous families in scaling the cliffs using the footholds and crevices.
There are varying levels of difficulty, allowing both older kids and younger children a chance to challenge themselves according to individual ability levels. Those who make it safely to the top can reward themselves with unmatched panoramic views of the 50-acre park before rappelling back down or taking an easier trail. Be sure to also explore the surrounding woodlands and walk along the river during your visit to Eisenhower Park.
Appreciate Art at The Milford Arts Council
For a dose of culture paired with creativity, families should check out the dynamic exhibits and events hosted at the Milford Arts Council. Their gallery space and framing shop feature works in various mediums like paintings, photography, ceramics and more from local artists. Seasonal classes open to students of all skill levels allow kids and parents to discover new passions, with subjects covering everything from theater to magic tricks.
Ask about the family packages that provide discounts on classes and events for up to 6 members. Monthly events like community jams and open mic nights welcome budding performers of all ages as well. Between interactive workshops, lively performances, and imaginative exhibitions on display, the whole family can flex their creative muscles during a visit to the Milford Arts Council.
Picnic & Play at Eisenhower Park
Offering nearly 100 acres of recreational facilities, Eisenhower Park is arguably Milford’s top spot for family fun. After working up an appetite hiking the trails or scaling the unique cliffs, families can refuel on yummy picnic spreads across dozens of tables scattered throughout the sprawling park grounds. Children can then burn off extra energy at the playgrounds geared towards both tot lots and older kids.
Other facilities like basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, sand volleyball pits, and a putting green cater to sporty families looking to play together. Cool off with a swim during the summer at the Olympic-sized Eisenhower Pool, featuring lap lanes, diving boards, waterslides and areas for free swim. With lush scenery all around, Eisenhower Park makes it easy for families to enjoy healthy outdoor time together.
Paddle at Rock House Cove
For a peaceful paddle excursion that even younger kids can manage, head over to the protected salt marsh of Rock House Cove. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and launch them into these calm waters with very few waves or boat traffic to contend with. Paddle leisurely while pointing out sights like the Charles Island lighthouse, cormorants perched on channel markers, or colorful wildflowers peeking out from the marsh grass.
Search for critters like crabs skittering across the sandy bottom beneath you in shallower areas. Stop to let the kids splash freely and examine unique shells or rocks along the way. Reward the family’s paddling efforts with juicy burgers and thick milkshakes at Rock House Ice Cream Shoppe nearby after working up hearty appetites.
Browse Shops & Dine Out on Atlantic Street
The pretty downtown area along Atlantic Street puts families within strolling distance of shops, restaurants and cafes. Kids can pick out toys, stuffed animals or souvenirs to commemorate the trip at old-fashioned stores like Sugar Plums. Parents will appreciate picks like wine glasses etched with Milford scenes found at Dockside Gifts. Grab an Instagrammable rainbow donut or decorate-your-own cookie kit at Sugar Love Desserts before window shopping some more.
When tummies start grumbling, families have their pick of kid-approved eateries like Olympia Diner serving out classic American fare or D’Amelio’s dishing up hearty Italian pastas and pizza. Save room for something sweet like gelato from Caseus Fromagerie Bistro or fudge from Scruples Candy Shoppe. With family-friendly dining options, cute boutiques and tasty treats all over, Atlantic Street makes exploring downtown Milford an all-day affair.
Enjoy Harbor Views from Lisman Landing
The scenic outlook from Lisman Landing in downtown Milford provides postcard-worthy vistas of the harbor that will dazzle families. Walk out to the end of the pier jutting into the harbor for an elevated perspective looking out over the coastal scene. Snap photos posing in front of the Milford Harbor Lighthouse perched picturesquely on the water.
Use the coin-operated viewers mounted along the railing to get better glimpses of features like the landscaped grounds of Charles Island across the way. Let the kids enjoy dangling their legs over the water as boats sail smoothly in and out of the harbor. The nearby grassy areas and fountains create nice backdrops for some family portrait shots too before heading on your way.
See a Show at MTC Main Stage
Forbelly laughs, emotional storylines, impressive song and dance acts, and family bonding time, look no further than the talented productions put on at MTC Main Stage. This intimate 300-seat theater presents high quality community theater productions featuring performers of all ages across its 5 annual shows.
Kids love singing along to toe-tapping musical numbers while parents appreciate the elevated level of talent on display. Annual family-friendly shows like “Annie” or “The Wizard of Oz” make for especially memorable outings, enhanced by the cozy, welcoming vibe throughout the theater. From heartwarming dramas to side-splitting comedies, MTC Main Stage consistently entertains patrons of all ages.
Explore Gulf Beach
Another fantastic spot for families in Milford is Gulf Beach, with its soft sands and gentle waves. Kids will love splashing and swimming in the tranquil waters designated for swimming. Build epic sandcastles then adorn them with shells, seaweed and other natural embellishments collected along the shoreline. Play a friendly game of beach volleyball or bocce ball on the courts near the snack bar.
Cool off with tasty treats like ice cream sandwiches and smoothies from the concessions stand on hot summer days. Take scenic strolls down the lengthy boardwalk that provides lovely vantage points. Spot ospreys and other coastal birds that frequent the salt marsh areas nearby. With picnic tables scattered under shade trees and wide open spaces for running around, Gulf Beach makes for easy, enjoyable days soaking up sunshine and making magical memories as a family.
Conclusion
With its small-town charm, scenic waterfront setting and abundance of family-friendly attractions, Milford makes for an enjoyable destination for bonding with your loved ones. No matter whether you seek outdoor adventures together along the shoreline or indoor cultural pursuits, Milford offers activities that will appeal to family members across all ages and interests.
Your kids are sure to leave Milford with happy memories strolling the lively downtown area, getting creative at museums, hiking lush parks, or digging toes into the sand at beautiful beaches. After a trip exploring everything this charming Connecticut city has in store, you may find your family eagerly asking to return year after year!