Introduction
If you’re looking to explore the unknown in Hamden, Connecticut, there are plenty of fun things to do. Here are 20 great things to do:
1. Sleeping Giant State Park
Sleeping Giant State Park is a great place to go hiking, bird watching, biking, kayaking, and fishing. It’s also a great place to swim! The park has a large lake with sandy beaches and swimming areas.
Sleeping Giant State Park is located in Hamden Connecticut along the Long Island Sound coastline. The park contains over 10 miles of hiking trails that wind through the various rocky outcroppings that make up Sleeping Giant Mountain (named for its resemblance to an ancient warrior resting on his elbow).
2. Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum
When you’re in the mood for a history lesson, Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum is your place. This museum is dedicated to explaining what happened during the Irish Potato Famine of 1845-1849, which killed tens of thousands of people (many more emigrated). The museum has exhibits on the history of this period and also gives insight into life today in Ireland.
The museum’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday from noon – 4 pm. Admission is free! They are located at 500 Boston Post Road East in Hamden. Their phone number is 203-287-8123 and their website address is www[dot]irelandsgreathungermuseum[dot]org
3. West Rock Ridge State Park
West Rock Ridge State Park is a beautiful place to go for a hike or picnic. This park has numerous trails that are open year-round, so you can visit them at any time of year! Hiking is one of the most popular activities for visitors, but other activities include horseback riding, fishing, and off-road biking.
One thing that makes West Rock Ridge State Park unique is its rock climbing wall where people can try out their climbing skills without having to go into a cave – although there are plenty of caves here too! The park also has several swimming holes which make it popular with families during the summer months as well as winter months when they freeze over and become ice skating rinks instead!
To get there: Take exit 54E off I-91 onto CT-15 N toward Hamden Center Rd/CT10 S (about 1 mile) and continue onto CT10 S (about 0.5 miles). Make a right onto Long Hill Rd/Old Whitney Ave(0.2 miles), then a left onto Valley Road(0.4 miles).
4. Farmington Canal State Park
The Farmington Canal State Park is a 7.5-mile-long state park that runs through the town of Hamden. The trail was built in 1828 and used to be part of the Farmington Canal system, which was used to ship goods by boat when roads were too muddy or snowy. Today, you can use it as a biking path or just take walks along its route! You can start at either end of the trail: in downtown New Haven (on Orange Street near Grove Street) or North Haven at South Farms Road & West Farms Road respectively.
The hours vary from season to season depending on daylight hours but generally fall between 6 am-sunset year round except for when there are special events taking place (such as during Luminaria). If you have any questions about opening times for your visit please contact them directly at 203-230-5321
5. People’s United Center
The People’s United Center is a multi-purpose arena in Hamden, CT. The arena is home to the Quinnipiac Bobcats and can hold 5,000 people. It was built in 1990 and designed by architects Ellerbe Becket & Associates. This large venue hosts events such as concerts, hockey games, basketball games, and many more!
You’ll want to make sure that you’re dressed appropriately when attending an event here at the People’s United Center. If you’re looking for something sporty or casual wear then check out our wide selection of clothing options at [located around this area](https://www.sportsmansguideoutletstoreonlinecom/).
6. No Worries Brewing Company
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a beer and some great food, look no further than No Worries Brewing Company. The brewery is located in Hamden and is open every day at noon! They have a variety of foods on their menu, like pretzels, sandwiches, and sliders. They also serve up delicious pizza by the slice or pie. You can even order them frozen to take home!
A few things that make this place unique include: they don’t serve wine or cider; they’re known for their craft beers; one of their most popular brews is called “The Big One” which has an ABV (alcohol by volume) content of 11%; if you go during happy hour then you’ll get half off your first beer! (This applies Monday through Friday between 3 pm-6 pm). All in all, it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something new to do in Hamden CT!
7. Hindinger Farm
The Hindinger Farm is a family-owned and operated farm that has been in operation since the early 1900s. The farm is known for its pumpkin patch, hay rides, and corn maze which are open every year from September through October. In addition to these fun activities, you can also purchase fresh produce and baked goods at the market located on the premises.
8. Bassett Park
- A beautiful park with a pond and walking trails, Bassett Park is a great place to take the family. There are picnic tables and a playground, as well as open space for kids to play. It’s also a good place for a walk or run if you’re looking for something more active.
- There are no bathrooms in this park, so be sure to leave home with enough time before needing one!
9. Eli Whitney Museum
Eli Whitney was a scientist and inventor who created the cotton gin. This invention made it possible to separate cotton fibers from seeds in a much shorter period than had previously been possible. In addition to helping spur an increase in the production of cotton, this technology also allowed for more efficient growing and harvesting methods, which led to an increase in the amount of land that could be used for farming purposes.
Whitney is known as the “Father of American Manufacture” because his inventions were instrumental in both industrialization and civil war-era manufacturing processes. His work helped turn America from an agricultural society into an industrialized nation.
10. The Space
This multi-use space is a gem of Hamden. It includes a theatre, dance studio, art gallery, and restaurant. The restaurant serves food during shows and can be used as an event space to host your next birthday party or business function. The wine bar has live music every Friday night from 10 pm to 1 am and features local artists performing every other Saturday at 8 pm. This place is perfect for anyone looking for something different in Hamden!
11. Wine 101
Wine 101 is located in the heart of downtown, and offers wine tastings, wine classes, and a club that you can join if you’re interested. They also have regular food and wine pairings, so if you want to learn more about pairing wine with certain foods or even cheese (which is my personal favorite) then this is a place for you.
There are many different types of classes offered as well as a comprehensive calendar of events. The cost of these classes varies depending on what type of class it is and whether or not there’s anything specific going on at the time (i.e.: holidays).
12. Best Video Coffee & Wine Bar
Best Video Coffee & Wine Bar is a coffee shop and bar located in the South End of Hamden. Best Video offers a variety of drinks, including coffee, wine, beer, and more. The shop is open daily from 7 am to 11 pm. Address: 887 Whitney Avenue, Hamden CT
13. Johnson’s Duckpin Lanes
If you’re looking for something a little different from your usual bowling alley, Johnson’s Duckpin Lanes is the place to be. The lanes are smaller and more challenging than big bowling alleys, but also require less skill because the ball used is smaller than a regular bowling ball. They even have shorter pins, so it’s easier to knock them down!
If you’re still not sure whether duckpins are right for you, check out this video of some professional duckpin bowlers in action:
14. Replenish Reflexology and Healing Arts
Reflexology is a form of alternative medicine that uses pressure on specific points on the feet, hands, and ears to relieve tension and pain in other parts of the body.
Reflexology can be used to relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
15. Monkey Joe’s
Monkey Joe’s is a local favorite for kids and parents alike. The indoor play structure is big enough to accommodate multiple kids, even at the same time! There are tons of slides, obstacles, and places to climb. The arcade will keep your little ones busy while they wait for their turn on the monkey bars or climbing wall. The cafe serves food and drinks in classic kid-friendly choices like hot dogs and fruit smoothies, plus there’s an ice cream machine if you need something sweet after your adventure! If you’re looking for birthday party ideas, nothing beats Monkey Joe’s–there’s a private party room with lots of games (including basketball hoops) and even a huge jungle gym outside where everyone can play together.
16. McBlain Books
McBlain’s is a small bookstore located in central Hamden. It has a great selection of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry to choose from as well as some fun knickknacks and gift items. People can also buy used books here too! The staff at McBlain’s is very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to finding what you’re looking for. They have a nice seating area in the back if you want to sit down with your book while drinking coffee or tea on their patio outside. This shop has been around since 1975 so definitely check them out if you’re interested in seeing what they have available! Their hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST (closed Sundays).
17. Goat Yoga at Nadeau Farm
Goat yoga is a great way to get some exercise, have fun and make new friends. The farm offers classes for all levels including beginners, kids, and those who are more advanced. If you are looking for a challenging workout goat yoga may not be for you but if you want to relax with friends or family this could be the perfect activity for you!
Nadeau Farms has an array of other activities that make it the perfect place to visit any time during the year. They host events such as concerts, bonfires, and much more!
18. Hamden Spa Palace
If the spa experience is your jam and you’re looking for somewhere to go in Hamden, look no further. This place has it all. They offer massages, facials, body treatments—you name it! You can even get your waxing done here or get your hair removed with a hot towel treatment.
This spa also offers manicures and pedicures for those of us with nails that need some love too! If you’re looking for something more adventurous like tanning beds or makeup application (which are always fun!), this place has got you covered there as well.
19. Laurel View Country Club
Founded in 1926, Laurel View Country Club is a private club that offers an 18-hole golf course, a restaurant, and a banquet facility. The dining room is spacious and airy with tables lining the walls of the room. There’s also a lounge with comfortable leather armchairs and sofas as well as a bar area where you can relax after your meal or play some pool.
20. Connecticut Avenue Limos
There is a limousine service in Hamden Connecticut. If you’re looking to take a ride in a limo, this might be the place for you. You can choose from different kinds of vehicles and decide who will drive them (the driver). They also offer airport transportation, wedding transportation, party transportation, and business meeting transportation too! If those aren’t enough reasons why they should be on your list of things to do in Hamden Connecticut today then maybe concerts or sporting events are more your thing.
Takeaway
In the words of the great poet and novelist, E.B. White, “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library with all the books in the world in it.” I’m sure this is a view shared by many people who spend their lives immersed in the written word.
So if you’re looking for someplace to enjoy reading and exploring new ideas, look no further than your local library! The Hamden Public Library has recently undergone extensive renovations and now boasts an impressive collection of books and other media items that can help fill up your brain (and keep it occupied). It also hosts community events like book clubs and author readings throughout the year which give residents more opportunities to connect with their neighbors while expanding their knowledge base at the same time.
Conclusion
I hope you have enjoyed reading this list of some of the best things to do in Hamden Connecticut. If you are looking for more adventures then check out our post on 10 things to do in New Haven, CT.
