Community Corner
Picnic Areas Close By
Pack up the picnic basket, grab friends or family, and enjoy a relaxing meal outdoors.
Crandall's Park in Tolland offers a number of outdoor activities to enjoy before or after you eat. You can play basketball or tennis, take a hike, and play on the playground or fish. During the warmer months guests can enjoy swimming in the pond or hanging out on the beach. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. through dusk. The pond is open mid June through August from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Tolland.org
Nipmunk State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park are located in Union and cover more than 9,000 acres. Many outdoor recreation activities are available including letterboxing, scuba diving, boating, hunting, and picnicking. The park is open from 8 a.m. through sunset. Forest areas open one-half hour before sunrise and close one-half hour after sunset. A fee will be collected on weekends and holidays. Pets on leashes are allowed. CT.gov
Wickham Park of Manchester contains many outdoor activities the whole family will enjoy. Visit the aviary where beautiful peacocks are found or stroll through the many gardens. Play a game of disc golf or check out the nature center. Swing on the swings at the playground and then enjoy lunch at a picnic table, on the grass, or under a tree. The park is open 9:30 a.m. until sunset 7 days a week from the first weekend in April through the last weekend in October. Car admission is $4 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. Buses and limousines are welcome. WickhamPark.org
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Valley Falls Park in Vernon boasts 8.5 miles of hiking trails which are sure to help build up your appetite. Guests can utilize a playground, picnic pavilion, and swimming area. Fishing and wildlife observation can also be enjoyed. The Braille Loop Trail is fairly new and can be experienced by blind and seeing patrons. Visitors may observe ruins from textile mills and a trout hatchery. No bikes are allowed. Vernon-CT.gov
Shenipsit State Forest in Somers features an observation tower that offers amazing views. Guests can partake in horseback riding, mountain biking, letterboxing, and picnicking, among other recreational activities, during their visit. The forest opens one-half hour before sunrise and closes one-half hour after sunset. No fees are charged. CT.gov
