The best things to do in Groton

21 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 21 places · showing the latest additions first

Misquamicut Drive-In Theater keeps the nostalgic magic alive with big-screen nights under the stars, concessions, and theater rentals for a…

316 Atlantic Ave (Westerly)

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, September 16, 2026

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Looking for a legit 18-hole challenge with immaculately groomed fairways and greens and those welcome ocean breezes, New London Golf Course…

34 Lamphere Rd (Waterford)

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, September 9, 2026

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Goose Run Golf Course keeps it relaxed with nine holes, par 34, no tee times, just first come, plus leagues, tournaments, and lessons to…

1 Naval Submarine Base

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 Norwich newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Mohegan Sun Arena

Entertainment

Mohegan Sun Arena keeps the calendar stacked with top headlining concerts, comedy, and WNBA action from the Connecticut Sun, all in a…

1 Mohegan Sun Blvd (Uncasville)

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, September 10, 2026

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Run a Groton business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

If your golf game needs fresh scenery and a little humbling, Fox Hopyard Golf Club threads a championship 18 through 530 acres of woods,…

1 Hopyard Rd (East Haddam)

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

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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…

28 Lamphere Rd (Waterford)

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 Waterford newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Norwich Golf Club

Entertainment

Norwich Golf Club delivers an 18-hole, par-71 layout with undulating terrain that actually rewards smart shots, not just big swings. It’s…

685 New London Turnpike (Norwich)

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, September 3, 2026

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

259 Preston Rd (Griswold)

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

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Public golf facility offering 18 oceanside holes, plus cart and GPS systems.

184 Shore Rd (Westerly)

Public golf facility offering 18 oceanside holes, plus cart and GPS systems.

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Black Hall Club

Entertainment

Private golf course featuring 90-degree doglegs on the back nine.

47 Buttonball Rd (Old Lyme)

Private golf course featuring 90-degree doglegs on the back nine.

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RoseGarden Ice Arena is where Norwich skaters of every stripe find their groove, from public skate laps and stick time to adult leagues,…

641 New London Turnpike (Norwich)

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, September 6, 2026

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Knolls & Holes Miniature Golf & Ice Cream brings a legit 18-hole challenge with water hazards, sand traps, and those sneaky contours that…

38 Bozrah St Ext (Bozrah)

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, August 31, 2026

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Senator Thomas J Dodd Memorial Stadium is where the Norwich Sea Unicorns keep summer fun affordable and loud, with family-friendly vibes,…

14 Stott Ave (Norwich)

Senator Thomas J Dodd Memorial Stadium is where the Norwich Sea Unicorns keep summer fun affordable and loud, with family-friendly vibes, goofy promos, and legit baseball. When they’re on the road, the place still buzzes with high school, college, Legion, and travel ball, so there’s always a game to cheer.

From the Norwich newsletter, September 1, 2026

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The Dinosaur Place

Entertainment

Skip the screens and wander 1.5 miles of lakeside trails packed with 100+ life-sized dinos, then let the kids conquer T-Rex Tower, splash…

1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, CT-85 (Oakdale)

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

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Whether you're chasing a birdie or just an excuse to escape yardwork, Mohegan Sun Golf Club delivers a polished course with full practice…

7 Dows Ln (Baltic)

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

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Lake of Isles

Entertainment

Championship golf course featuring 2 Rees Jones-designed 18-hole layouts and a clubhouse.

1 Clubhouse Dr (North Stonington)

Championship golf course featuring 2 Rees Jones-designed 18-hole layouts and a clubhouse.

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

1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike (Oakdale)

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

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Mystic Aquarium

Entertainment

Beluga whales, African penguins, sea lions & sharks are top draws to this interactive aquarium.

55 Coogan Blvd (Mystic)

Beluga whales, African penguins, sea lions & sharks are top draws to this interactive aquarium.

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No Escape

Entertainment

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…

190 W Town St Ste A (Norwich)

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, August 26, 2026

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

34 Drabik Rd (East Lyme)

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

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Intimate, locally owned movie theater with occasional live theater & concert performances.

27 Coogan Blvd Ste. 1-B (Mystic)

Intimate, locally owned movie theater with occasional live theater & concert performances.

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