The best things to do in Groton

Pequot Golf Club pairs gently rolling terrain and tree-lined fairways with an 18-hole, par 70 layout that’s welcoming to golfers of different skill levels, but still offers plenty of challenge. After your round, settle in for a light meal in the historic clubhouse or on the patio overlooking the 18th green.

From the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region newsletter, October 27, 2026

Alley Katz Bowling Center keeps locals rolling with leagues, learn to bowl programs, and parties that practically plan themselves. The in house Cleats Restaurant and bowling plus food packages make it easy to turn a few frames into a night out, no group text drama required.

From the Westerly newsletter, October 21, 2026

United Theatre has been uniting the community through the arts since 1926, mixing weekly films with concerts, tributes, and special events, plus a legit Music School and creative classes for all ages. Check the calendar, bring a neighbor, and treat yourself to a culture refill close to home.

From the Westerly newsletter, September 30, 2026

Whether you like discovering new painters or cheering on friends, Hoxie Gallery spotlights local area artists with month-long exhibits that actually change before you get bored. Up next: September’s Community Art Exhibit, then October’s The Five Friends, so swing by, get inspired, repeat.

From the Westerly newsletter, October 27, 2026

Misquamicut Drive-In Theater keeps the nostalgic magic alive with big-screen nights under the stars, concessions, and theater rentals for a just-your-crew showing. The seasonal schedule pops up via their newsletter, so locals can jump on new dates fast and make it a low-key night out.

From the Westerly newsletter, October 14, 2026

Looking for a legit 18-hole challenge with immaculately groomed fairways and greens and those welcome ocean breezes, New London Golf Course is a private spot for members and their guests. Not playing today? The Little Neck Restaurant is open to the public and overlooks the course.

From the New London newsletter, October 21, 2026

If you’re part of the SUBASE New London community, Dealey Center Theater delivers a legit big-screen fix with 38-speaker surround, crisp digital 2D and 3D, plus a full stage for events. Tickets are easy on the wallet and the popcorn is, too.

From the New London newsletter, October 16, 2026

Goose Run Golf Course keeps it relaxed with nine holes, par 34, no tee times, just first come, plus leagues, tournaments, and lessons to keep the swing honest. The Thames River backdrop makes even a double bogey feel scenic, so grab a buddy and chase a tidy round this week.

From the New London newsletter, October 27, 2026

Mohegan Sun Arena keeps the calendar stacked with top headlining concerts, comedy, and WNBA action from the Connecticut Sun, all in a 10,000-seat setup that feels close to the stage. Grab classic arena bites and a legit drink selection, check the lineup and treat yourself to a midweek spark.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 23, 2026

If your golf game needs fresh scenery and a little humbling, Fox Hopyard Golf Club threads a championship 18 through 530 acres of woods, wetlands, and rock outcrops, with top-notch practice facilities and On The Rocks Restaurant to celebrate the good shots you actually remember.

From the Norwich newsletter, August 11, 2026

Great Neck Country Club is Waterford's go-to for a well-kept, challenging 18-hole round, with ocean-kissed breezes and greens you actually want to putt on. Not a member? The Little Neck Restaurant is open to the public with golf-course views, and the club doubles as a polished spot for weddings and private events.

From the New London newsletter, October 9, 2026

Norwich Golf Club delivers an 18-hole, par-71 layout with undulating terrain that actually rewards smart shots, not just big swings. It’s public, playable for all levels with multiple tees, and backed by a solid pro shop, instruction, leagues, and a proper post-round bar and grill.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 23, 2026

When you need a local fairway fix, River Ridge Golf Course mixes a challenging 18-hole championship layout with views that actually make you forget about your slice.

From the Norwich newsletter, August 17, 2026

Winnapaug Country Club gives locals an 18-hole, Donald Ross-designed walk with sweeping views of Winnapaug Pond and the Atlantic. Public tee times are easy to snag, the course stays challenging and picturesque, and the mobile app’s GPS yardage helps you pick the right stick when the breeze kicks up.

From the Westerly newsletter, October 7, 2026

Black Hall Club is a private, Robert Trent Jones Sr. design with no tee times, a modern practice setup, and a friendly, tradition-heavy vibe. Those back-nine 90-degree doglegs keep it honest, and the limited membership means your after-work round actually finishes before dinner.

From the Groton newsletter, October 22, 2026

RoseGarden Ice Arena is where Norwich skaters of every stripe find their groove, from public skate laps and stick time to adult leagues, figure lessons, and the RoseGarden Ice Academy. It’s family friendly, well-run, and perfect for burning energy on a Tuesday or leveling up your edges.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 29, 2026

Scenic, Thames River-adjacent course with open fairways, a signature hole and 2 ocean view holes.

Knolls & Holes Miniature Golf & Ice Cream brings a legit 18-hole challenge with water hazards, sand traps, and those sneaky contours that make you second-guess every tap. Finish strong at the Scoop Shack for victory ice cream, because bragging rights taste better with sprinkles.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 16, 2026

Family activity center with a driving range, golf simulator, mini-golf, batting cages & ice cream.

5 miles of lakeside trails packed with 100+ life-sized dinos, then let the kids conquer T-Rex Tower, splash the Splash Pad, and escape A-MAZE-asaurus. The Dinosaur Place makes an easy weekend win for Norwich families and closet paleontologists alike.

From the Norwich newsletter, August 21, 2026

Whether you're chasing a birdie or just an excuse to escape yardwork, Mohegan Sun Golf Club delivers a polished course with full practice facilities, the Mohegan Sun Golf Academy, a Greenside Grille & Pub and a well stocked Pro Shop. Golfweek even ranks it among Connecticut's 10 best, so go treat yourself.

From the Norwich newsletter, August 12, 2026

Between two Rees Jones‑designed 18s, island greens, and those postcard views, Lake of Isles is where your Sunday round feels like a mini-vacation. Hit the Golf Academy with TrackMan and indoor studios to tune up, then stick around for a solid post-round meal overlooking the water.

From the Ledyard newsletter, October 1, 2026

Challenging, clean venue for 18-hole minigolf rounds through a gem-themed course featuring rock facts at each hole.

Mystic Aquarium is the rare spot where a random Tuesday can include beluga whales, African penguins, and sand tiger sharks, plus interactive exhibits and a lively sea lion show. It’s kid-energy burner, date-night wildcard, and legit local nonprofit doing real conservation work.

From the Ledyard newsletter, October 17, 2026

Round up your smartest friends this week and give your brain a proper workout at No Escape, where 60-minute immersive rooms pack in clever puzzles, hidden clues, and team-boosting challenges. It's not scary, no clowns, just that glorious collective aha when the lock pops and everyone high-fives like champs.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 15, 2026

Elmridge Golf Course is the nearby spot when you need real golf, not just range therapy. Thoughtful holes that reward smart shots, friendly vibes that don’t take themselves too seriously, and easy-to-rally tee times make it a go-to for post-work nines or weekend bragging rights.

From the Groton newsletter, October 18, 2026

Friendly par-3 course featuring 9 to 18 holes, plus golf carts.

Settle into heated recliners, grab real-butter popcorn, and let Mystic Luxury Cinemas remind you why going to the movies is still a thing. or A.

From the Ledyard newsletter, September 30, 2026