Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Enfield, Connecticut

Summary

Six Flags New England
Riverside Reptiles Education Center
Enfield Historic District
Sonny’s Place
Powder Hollow Brewery
Connecticut Trolley Museum
Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail
Scantic River State Park
Enfield Fourth of July Celebration
Enfield Public Library
Phelps-Hatheway House
Pell Family Farm, Somers
Redstone Rail Trail
New England Air Museum
Grassmere Country Club

The town of Enfield is located in northeastern Connecticut, adjacent to the Massachusetts state line on the east bank of the Connecticut River.

Enfield presents a serene environment, complete with an idyllic Town Green and a historic district. Most commercial activities are concentrated along a strip mall on Hazard Avenue; however, numerous attractions are easily accessible within a short drive, with none exceeding ten miles from the town.

In addition to Six Flags New England, visitors can enjoy charming local museums, an indoor zoo, historic residences, craft breweries, farm stands, and family-friendly activities such as mini golf and laser tag.

There are ample opportunities for leisurely walks, including trails along a canal towpath that facilitated boat navigation on the Connecticut River in the 19th century.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Enfield:

1. Six Flags New England

Established in 1870, Six Flags New England is the oldest amusement park in the Six Flags chain, situated just across the Connecticut River in Springfield, Massachusetts.

For enthusiasts of exhilarating rides, Superman The Ride, which features a 220-foot drop, remains a notable attraction, consistently ranking among the top five steel roller coasters for the Golden Ticket Awards from 2001 to 2018.

Other thrilling rides include Flashback, Batman: The Dark Knight, Goliath, Wicked Cyclone and The Riddler Revenge.

Introduced in the 2010s, The Joker is a “4D roller coaster” that inverts riders up to six times along a winding track.

Additionally, a variety of rides are available, encompassing both innovative and traditional experiences. The 1909 Illions Carousel and Houdini – The Great Escape, a unique madhouse attraction, are particularly captivating.

Children will find delight in the cartoon-themed entertainment at Looney Tunes Movie Town, along with gentler rides in the Kidzopolis area.

2. Riverside Reptiles Education Center

Outside of Six Flags, a highly recommended family attraction is this educational zoo, which specializes in reptiles and amphibians. The Riverside Reptiles Education Center is home to over 70 species of native and exotic lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs, alligators, and more.

The facility encompasses 13,000 square feet, along with an additional 4,000 square feet of outdoor habitats for turtles and tortoises.

Visitors can engage in memorable interactions with reptiles. Opportunities to feed tortoises or hold various species are often available. A highlight is a full-size American alligator, particularly during feeding time.

3. Enfield Historic District

To experience the picturesque charm of Enfield, a two-mile drive along Enfield Street is recommended.

This stretch includes the Enfield Historic District, featuring the Town Green and various civic and religious landmarks, all accompanied by a diverse range of residential architecture dating back to the 18th century.

A notable structure is the Errin Thompson House (1832) located at the intersection of Enfield Street and South Road, a striking Greek Revival mansion built for the person who initiated Enfield’s carpet-making industry.

Additionally, the Enfield Town Meetinghouse, situated at the same intersection, dates back to 1775 (relocated and modified in 1848), having served as the local government’s meeting place until 1920.

4. Sonny’s Place

Located nearby in Somers, Sonny’s Place is an extensive family entertainment center offering various attractions.

In summary, the facility features go-karts, laser tag, a batting cage, a climbing wall, a large outdoor soft play structure, mini golf, miniature bowling, a gyroscope, and a zip-line.

Groups can also enjoy the new Hologate VR game, where players collaborate to defeat robots and zombies or engage in a playful snowball fight.

In the 2010s, Sonny’s Place added a beautiful carousel, dating back to 1925, which is a highlight for many visitors.

After all the activities, visitors can satisfy their appetites at the on-site restaurant with a takeout window, perfect for summer picnics.

5. Powder Hollow Brewery

This craft brewery is recognized throughout north-central Connecticut, with its beers available at numerous establishments and retail locations within the state.

Visitors can discover the charm of its taproom in Hazardville, Enfield, which operates seven days a week, with late hours extending until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Powder Hollow meticulously selects premium hops, wheat, barley, and yeast, resulting in an eclectic and ever-evolving array of brews.

During my visit, there were twelve varieties on tap, including Bayonet Blonde, Hop Hazard (DIPA), Lift Your Kilt (Scottish Ale), and my personal favorite, 1929 Prohibition Porter.

Customers can order a flight of four or five selections to sample the latest offerings. If hunger strikes, a pizza menu is available, along with a food truck located outside.

6. Connecticut Trolley Museum

This charming seasonal museum dedicated to electric railways is located on a restored 1.5-mile stretch of the Hartford and Springfield Street Railway Company’s Rockville Branch, which began operations in 1901 but ceased following the company’s bankruptcy in 1926.

Shortly thereafter, this section was restored, establishing the Connecticut Trolley Museum as the oldest institution of its kind in the United States.

The admission fee grants visitors unlimited rides on meticulously maintained trolley cars, sourced from various lines such as the New Orleans Public Service, the Boston Elevated Railway, the Connecticut Company, Montreal Tramways, and the Fair Haven and Westville Railroad.

Several additional trolleys are on static display in the museum’s sheds, while others await restoration. The Visitor Center’s Main Hall features an impressive collection and provides detailed insights into the history and evolution of streetcars in the United States.

7. Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail

For a pleasant yet scenic walk, consider crossing over to the west bank of the Connecticut River to explore this 4.5-mile paved trail along the historic towpath of the Enfield Falls Canal.

Constructed in the 1820s to circumvent the shallow sections of the river at Enfield Falls, a segment characterized by rapids, this canal soon became obsolete due to the advent of railroads.

However, it was repurposed in the mid-19th century to power local mills, resulting in the development of factories along the towpath.

Windsor Locks derives its name from the canal’s locks, which remain intact but have not been operational since the 1970s. It is advisable to take your time to fully enjoy the frequent views over the river.

8. Scantic River State Park

Enfield is fortunate to have an abundance of public natural spaces. However, it can be somewhat confusing as the largest park in the area encompasses several distinct parcels, all situated on or near the banks of the winding river of the same name.

The park’s total area approaches 800 acres and extends into East Windsor and Somers in certain locations. When in doubt, head to Hazard Avenue, where a green corridor crosses the town line into Somers.

This area includes the Powder Hollow Section, the Scantic River Linear Park (West and East), and the Bailey Road parcel on the opposite bank.

The Linear Park features a winding, yellow-blazed trail that borders the riverbanks and meanders through tranquil broadleaf forests. Benches are available for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery, with small bridges crossing the streams that nourish the river.

9. Enfield Fourth of July Celebration

To experience local community spirit, aim to be in Enfield during the town’s three-day Fourth of July celebration. This festive event, held at the Town Green, is filled with activities.

Highlights include a parade, road race, live music, community demonstrations, and a spectacular fireworks display. There is also an opportunity to savor local cuisine at Taste of Enfield and explore the numerous vendors at the marketplace, which operates throughout the event.

Children will find a wide range of activities, while older youths can engage in fun at the Teen Zone.

10. Enfield Public Library

For residents of the Enfield area, the public library serves as a valuable resource. This facility boasts an extensive collection and offers a diverse array of programs suitable for all audiences.

Programs occur almost daily. Children can participate in activities such as the StarLab portable planetarium, stargazing events, Rhyme Time for infants, an art club during school breaks, storytime, wildlife talks, magic shows, and more.

Adults can take part in book discussions, author talks, and acoustic music performances, among other activities. Films are also screened on Fridays for both children in the morning and adults later in the evening.

11. Phelps-Hatheway House

Located in neighboring Suffield, this historic residence offers insights into the lifestyles of the affluent during the 18th century.

The earliest sections of the Phelps-Hatheway House were constructed in 1732, with significant alterations made in 1795 by renowned architect Asher Benjamin for land speculator Oliver Phelps. Benjamin added a grand Doric portico that enhances the main entrance.

The central portion of the building, dating from 1762, revolves around a prominent chimney and is adorned with exquisite original woodwork.

At one point, following the Phelps and Gorham Purchase of six million acres in upstate New York, Phelps was among the largest landowners in the United States. He resided here from 1788 to 1802. The house is furnished with 18th-century period furniture and decorative arts, and features a meticulously designed parterre garden.

Public tours are offered on weekends from May to October, providing a glimpse into the domestic life of the Phelps family and their predecessors, the Burbanks. At other times, tours are available by appointment only.

12. Pell Family Farm, Somers

Pell Family Farm, established in 1930 and maintained for four generations, embodies the quintessential New England countryside experience.

Open from late spring through fall, visitors can pick sensational strawberries and raspberries, which have been a signature offering for decades. The nursery also features perennials, privacy trees, and ornamental shrubs.

During the fall, a pumpkin patch provides seasonal fun, while in the holiday season, families come to choose and cut down their own Christmas trees.

13. Redstone Rail Trail

Just over the state line in East Longmeadow, visitors can access this short yet delightful paved trail.

Spanning approximately 1.5 miles, the Redstone Rail Trail follows a long-abandoned rail bed once part of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Armory Branch, operational from 1872 to 1968.

Heading north,Trail-goers will encounter the preserved Old East Longmeadow Rail Station (1876).

Nearby, the East Longmeadow Rotary, an intersection comprising seven streets without traffic signals, is renowned among drivers for its notorious navigation challenges.

14. New England Air Museum

The largest aviation museum in the Northeastern United States is located just a short drive from Windsor Locks.

Aviation history has been pivotal in Connecticut, and this museum provides extensive insights into Sikorsky Aircraft, which originated in Stratford and produced the first viable helicopter in the United States during the 1930s.

The museum features eight Sikorsky planes and helicopters among a total of 92 aircraft displayed across three hangars. Other notable manufacturers include de Havilland, Douglas, Grumman, and Lockheed, to name a few.

Unique exhibits include the Silas Brooks Balloon Basket (1870), recognized as America’s oldest aircraft, the last-surviving Sikorsky VS-44 flying boat, and a Sikorsky S-39, the manufacturer’s oldest-surviving aircraft.

15. Grassmere Country Club

This public course in Enfield invites guests to enjoy its nine-hole layout set in lush, rolling terrain. The wooded backdrop is dotted with small streams, and both the fairways and greens are exceptionally well maintained.

Well-placed sand traps and grass bunkers present challenges to players on every hole. A practice green offers an opportunity to refine skills prior to the game.

Notably, considering the high level of maintenance, the green fees are quite reasonable. My recent round cost $24 on weekdays and $25 on weekends for nine holes, with a gas cart rental available for $10.

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