Connecticut Has A Free Submarine Museum and Your Kids Will Love It

Traveling is my FAVORITE. And, there’s I love more than sharing my experiences from the road with pretty much anyone who will listen. Which brings me to my new series, Keeper of The Fruit Loops Approved! It’s official AF, I tell you. When I find a restaurant, museum or location that I love, I’m going to share with all of you. I’m not being paid by sponsors so don’t think I’m getting to to fancy places on someone else’s dime (though, if travel bureaus in major cities come knocking, I’ll be sure to tell you).  I’m just a mom who knows how hard it is to find cheap entertainment while traveling!

For years, my family and I have been vacationing in the adorable seaside town of Mystic, CT. It’s family friendly restaurants, easy access from I-95 and it’s sleepy, colonial feel has made this cute little town one of our favorite destinations.

In fact, we’ve pretty much done it all when we’ve visited.

We’ve eaten pizza at the famed Mystic Pizza, made famous by the 1988 film starring Julia Roberts. Yes, the pizza is delicious and no, we’ve never seen Julia there with her family.

We’ve toured the Mystic Seaport Museum and have learned all sorts of cool historic maritime facts. Seriously, that place is fascinating. And, if you can take your family for a visit on a gorgeous spring day, even better.

We’ve meandered through the slightly overpriced but still totally worth it Mystic Aquarium. I could sit in front of the beluga whales exhibit all. day. long, you guys.

And, as if Mystic didn’t have enough to offer, it’s just short drive to Newport, RI where you can tour majestic mansions and hike along the coast on the famed Cliff Walk.

Our family all has a favorite something in Mystic, CT. Whether it’s a favorite restaurant, store, hotel or view, suffice it to say that I was pretty sure we’d been there, bought the Christmas ornament, and done it all when it came to this adorable town in Connecticut.

And then I found the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, CT.

Home of the USS Nautilus, the Submarine Force Museum is located on the Thames River in Groton, CT. According to the website, it’s the only submarine museum operated by the US Navy and it’s home to thousands of artifacts, documents and photos about submarine history.

Hands on displays of control rooms, large scale dioramas depicting life on a submarine and incredibly interesting facts about the Navy and it’s missions makes this museum a must do activity for your family.

You can even board the USS Nautilus for a walking tour of the submarine. Glass encased depictions with mannequins and staged scenery bring the realities of submarine service to life. Your kids can see the control rooms, sick bay, sleeping accommodations, even the Captain’s mess hall up close and personal. When we toured the submarine last Fall, my kids were fascinated to see that submarines are submerged worlds that include a chapel, recreation rooms and laundry facilities.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the best part: The Submarine Force Museum is FREE.

That’s right.

Free. Free. Free.

The parking is free.

The museum exhibit is free.

And, the tour of the USS Nautilus is free.

Your kids will love the experience and you’ll love that your wallet doesn’t take a major hit. It’s a win win situation, I tell you.

Of course, the museum is run by donations from visitors and private benefactors so don’t be a jerk when you visit. Drop a few pennies in the gift shop or slip a few bucks into the donation station when you are there as a sign of your appreciation for the museum’s efforts. And then, pat yourself on the back for taking your kids on a day trip that they will remember for years to come.

To round out this already perfect day, head on up to Mystic, CT and stop the Sea View Snack Bar for full belly clams and gorgeous views of the water. You’ll thank me, trust.

For it’s family friendly atmosphere, super cool educational topic and it’s ease of parking, the Submarine Force Museum is Keeper of The Fruit Loops Approved!!