The best things to do in Capitol Planning Region

“Lessard Lanes is that easy go-to when the group chat stalls... the newly remodeled spot packs 10 pin bowling, indoor mini golf, an arcade, and a snack bar and lounge to keep everyone happy. Leagues and parties too, plus a pro shop if you're chasing that cleaner hook.”

From the New Britain newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Oakwood Virtual Golf is the local fix for when Connecticut weather gets fussy. Eight polished simulator bays, leagues, and lessons mean you can play famous courses, tune up your game, or just smack balls with friends, no lost rounds to rain, snow, or workday darkness.”

From the Meriden newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Georgina's Restaurant & Banquets is that rare combo your week needs, serving hefty Italian-style plates and pizza for family dinners, then leveling up to celebrations in their Grand Ballroom, Smaller Grecian Ballroom, or Restaurant Lounge.”

From the Manchester newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.”

“Bring the crew out to LaserMaxx Newington for state-of-the-art laser tag in a huge multi-level, fog-filled maze. It’s an easy win for birthday parties, team outings, youth groups, or when the family just needs to burn energy, ages 5 to 85 included.”

From the New Britain newsletter, October 7, 2026

“If you want reliable, well-kept fairways and an enclosed, heated and lighted driving range, Stanley Golf Course Maintenance is the behind-the-scenes hero at New Britain’s Stanley Municipal Golf Course. Add leagues, clubs, and an academy, and your game has zero excuses left.”

From the New Britain newsletter, October 4, 2026

“Southington Drive-In keeps it delightfully old-school with a 1950s-era setup and a limited summer schedule of classic, family-friendly flicks. Low fuss, high charm, and an easy night out when you want something simple, local, and actually fun to do after dinner.”

From the Meriden newsletter, October 1, 2026

“Spacious, 24-hour venue providing bowling lanes, an arcade & lounge in a dimly lit old-school space.”

“Sprawling, all-ages activity center with arcade, mini golf, climbing wall & more, plus a pub.”

“Revolutions Bowling and Lounge keeps things fun with bowling, a full-on lounge feel, and better-than-you’d-expect food. Join a league, book a birthday or corporate outing, or hang at The Yard for volleyball and events... the kind of spot you end up staying longer than planned.”

From the Windsor newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.”

“Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.”

“If you want your Springfield-area celebration to feel timeless, Hilltop Farm offers the Big White Barn, aka Connecticut's Agricultural Cathedral, plus sweeping fields and rustic charm. Built by Indian Motorcycle co-founder George Hendee, it's a community-run spot that nails character without trying too hard.”

From the Springfield newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Bowling, brews & TV sports are the backbone of this alley that also has pub food & a small arcade.”

“, Shuttle Meadow Country Club is that member-owned Central CT hideaway where smart shotmaking shines on a course that stays interesting round after round. Off the fairways, settle into pool days, tennis and paddle tennis, plus dining that feels like a standing tradition.”

From the New Britain newsletter, October 1, 2026

“Designed in 1927 by Golden Age architect Devereux Emmet, Keney Park Golf Course blends strategic shotmaking with parkland beauty, plus a grass tee range, bunkered short-game green, and roomy putting green. Sneak in nine after work or tune up for league season this week.”

From the Bristol newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Trampoline park with obstacle courses, plus a virtual-reality ride and arcade, as well as massage chairs and a foam pit.”

“Stanley Golf Course SGC is a 27-hole public golf course in New Britain with a new Toptracer-powered range featuring heated, covered bays, so your swing excuses just ran out. Grab a lesson at their Teaching Academy, then reward yourself with on-site dining and a browse through the fully stocked Pro Shop.”

From the New Britain newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Berlin Batting Cages has new state-of-the-art go karts on a Grand Prix-style track with swoopy turns and under-bridge zips, perfect when you need a quick adrenaline reset this week. Bring the crew for bumper boats, two 18-hole mini golf courses, and cages to tune your swing.”

From the Middletown newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Country line dancing & a mechanical bull give a Western vibe to this saloon with a pub food menu.”

“If you're thinking about leveling up your Hartford weekends, The Hartford Golf Club brings 27 superbly conditioned parkland holes with Donald Ross and Devereux Emmet pedigree, plus tennis, squash, platform tennis and family programs. Old-school heritage, thoughtful renovations and a legit short-game haven...”

From the Hartford newsletter, August 26, 2026

“East Hartford Golf Club keeps it friendly for newcomers yet sneaky-tough for regulars, with tree-lined fairways, small greens, and an 18-hole par 72 layout topping out at 6,208 yards; swing in for a quick nine, then debrief over Square Peg Pizza and the clubhouse’s golf-themed bar.”

From the Windsor newsletter, September 7, 2026

“An Arnold Palmer Signature Design with streams, lakes, and real elevation changes, Gillette Ridge Golf Club dishes out tree-lined fairways, heroic carries, and plenty of shot-making decisions. Regularly praised among Connecticut’s best public tracks, including a 2026 Golfers Choice #4 nod.”

From the Torrington newsletter, September 4, 2026

“If your weekends revolve around fairways and good food, Wampanoag Country Club mixes a renovated, award-winning Donald Ross layout with a sleek clubhouse, pool, platform tennis, and scenic patios for peak sunset unwinding.”

From the Torrington newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Family-friendly venue offering miniature golf and batting cages, plus ice cream.”

“One of North America’s last remaining Art Deco adult theaters, The Art Cinema keeps things tastefully risqué with two features, a couples-only VIP balcony, and themed parties that feel like a hush-hush club for Hartford grownups. If your week needs a playful curveball, this 18+ spot delivers.”

From the Hartford newsletter, September 24, 2026

“If you crave an open, scenic walk with greens and bunkers kept in great shape, Rockledge Golf Club delivers a true municipal gem just up the road. The new driving range makes tune-ups easy, and afterward the Rockledge Grille deck is perfect for swapping birdie tales with a view.”

From the Newington newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.”

“Public course also home to a driving range, offering a picturesque, challenging course, carts with GPS and a bar.”

“Mini-golf for the kids and the kid in you, plus a driving range with grass tee options, make Mar-Lea Miniature Golf & Driving Range an easy local fix for swings and giggles. Buckets start at $6 and mini-golf is $8, and yes, Dave offers real instruction.”

From the Manchester newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Shake off the week at Berlin Batting Cages, where you can take real cuts in multiple-speed cages, chase go-kart bragging rights, splash your friends on bumper boats, and try for mini-golf glory across two 18-hole courses... easy local fun when you just need something different.”

From the Middletown newsletter, October 6, 2026

“Amusement park offering trampolines, a ninja warrior course, and a tube slide, plus massage chairs, and birthday parties.”

“Skip the scroll and let Mansfield Movieplex 8 handle your plans this week, with new releases, family crowd-pleasers, and the wildcard fun of Mystery Movie Monday - Horror Edition. Grab popcorn, settle in, and remember why movies are better when the whole room gasps at the same time.”

From the Mansfield newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Connecticut Golf Land is back with a full 18-hole dinosaur-themed mini golf course and a new Dig It pit where you operate real excavators, because who hasn't wanted to scoop dirt for fun? Cap it off with a Coneheads Creamery cone from 32 homemade flavors.”

From the Hartford newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Rooted in 1917 with a 1935 Tillinghast redo, Manchester Country Club just added a bigger practice range and even got named a Top 50 course by Golf Pass. Book a tee time or hit the simulators, then grab a bite at The Hollow to upgrade your week in one swing.”

From the Hartford newsletter, August 18, 2026

“For a low-key weeknight reset, Safari Golf brings 18 holes of jungle fun to Berlin with life-size animals, cascading waterfalls, and a breezy walk-through cave. The oversized greens and the epic 142-foot Monster 13th keep it interesting, and Connecticut Magazine named it the state’s best.”

From the Middletown newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Goodwin Park Golf Course keeps it local with an 18-hole South Course for the full grind, a 9-hole North Course when you’re sneaking out before dinner, plus a full driving range, lessons for all ages, and community programs from First Tee to PGA HOPE. 2026 season passes include senior and junior options.”

From the Hartford newsletter, October 8, 2026

“Movie theater chain, offering state-of-the-art sound & projection technology.”

“Take on two 18-hole courses at Putters Paradise Mini Golf, the putt-putt side of Berlin Batting Cages. It’s friendly competition for all ages, perfect for chasing a personal best, settling household rivalries, or just sneaking in a breezy midweek reset close to home.”

From the New Britain newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Meticulously landscaped grounds, continuous waterfalls and thriving greenery make Hidden Valley Miniature Golf & Waterfront Grille a legit local escape, then the newly renovated Waterfront Grille answers cravings with fresh ground burgers, savory sides, Gifford's Ice Cream and Libby's Italian Ice.”

From the Bristol newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Chain of escape rooms featuring inventive puzzles and friendly service.”

“Casual B&B offering warm rooms, dining & a cozy tavern, plus a petting zoo & a 1940s gas station.”

“Hebron Miniature Golf is a family-run course built to slow you down a little... think breezy outdoor holes with just enough trickery to keep the smack talk alive. Grab an adult beverage from the clubhouse, rally the crew, and turn an ordinary weeknight into playful, photoworthy competition.”

From the Norwich newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Complex with outdoor mini golf, driving range, go karts & more, plus an indoor arcade & restaurant.”