The best things to do in Meriden

“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.”

“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

“New England’s only PGA TOUR event at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT, Travelers Championship brings world-class golf practically to your backyard. Expect big-time shots, the Stanley Black & Decker Fan Zone, community vibes like Birdies for Charity, and bragging rights that Viktor Hovland took the 2026 title.”

“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, September 11, 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 Newington newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Hop Brook Golf Course is a well-manicured nine-hole muni in Naugatuck with well-kept greens, tee times up to 14 days out, and the Hop Brook Players Club, lessons, and junior camps. Ideal for a quick after-work loop or casual outing that still feels legit.”

“1950s-era drive-in cinema screening classic family flicks on a limited schedule during the summer.”

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

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

“Connecticut's only full-length par 3 course lighted for night play, Highland Greens Golf Course is perfect for a quick tune-up or a full bag challenge. Welcoming to all skill levels and known for fun league vibes, it’s an easy go-to when you want real golf without the half-day commitment.”

From the Cheshire newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Small bowling alley featuring duckpins with beer & wine, snack food & an arcade.”

“Long-standing chain of bowling alleys featuring casual grub & pitchers, leagues & party events.”

“TPC River Highlands is Cromwell’s PGA TOUR stop, hosting the Travelers Championship since 1991, and a private club locals join for tournament-tested golf, a dialed-in practice facility, and a 40,000 sq. ft.”

From the Middletown newsletter, September 20, 2026

“, 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 Meriden newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Laser Planet brings New England's largest multi-level, space-themed laser tag arena, plus UFO bumper cars, VR rides, and an arcade that feeds your inner ticket hoarder. Round up the crew, settle some friendly grudges, and treat the kids, or yourself, to bragging rights.”

From the Waterbury newsletter, September 17, 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

“Connecticut Children's Museum is a low-key gem for New Haven families, with hands-on rooms that sneak learning into play time. Math, music, linguistics, nature, even city-themed spaces... interactive exhibits and children's books on hand make it an easy go-to for rainy days or weekend wiggles.”

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

“Whether you’re in the mood for music, comedy, or family shows, Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater keeps the calendar stacked September through May with crowd-pleasing performances in a historic local landmark right here in Bristol. It’s the kind of place you suggest once and end up going to all season.”

From the Bristol newsletter, September 15, 2026

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

“Municipal golf facility with a clubhouse undergoing renovations.”

“Family owned and tucked into Bethany’s trees, Woodhaven Golf Course is a no-fuss 9-hole track with fair prices, tricky greens, and fairways that actually make you think. Perfect for New Haven folks who want a laid-back loop after work or a weekend tune-up without burning through golf balls.”

From the New Haven newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Brass City Raceway & Axe Throwing keeps Waterbury weekends lively with 12-lap heats on one of Connecticut’s longest indoor tracks, then axe lanes, a swing-at-will driving range, arcade, Glow Throws, and the Karaoke Garage. Round up the crew, talk a little smack, and make it a friendly championship.”

From the Waterbury newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Year-round swings at Torza's Golf make winter excuses obsolete; pick a spot, track your shots on Toptracer, and actually stick some wedges with real short-game practice. Lessons and leagues keep you honest, and mini golf in season means your non-golfer friends can still hang.”

From the Hartford newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Adventure Palace packs slides, sports courts, tunnels, towers, ball blasters, toddler trampolines, rope courses, and a sprawling jungle gym into one spot, with dedicated zones for little ones and bigger-kid thrills. Great for birthday parties or when your living room can't handle another couch jump.”

From the Meriden newsletter, September 20, 2026

“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, August 30, 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

“Tee it up at Hunter Memorial Golf Course, right here in Meriden, with leagues, instruction, a junior camp, a pro shop, and an on-site restaurant. Connecticut Magazine has recognized it among the state’s Ten Best Public Courses, which feels about right for a track locals keep returning to.”

From the Meriden newsletter, September 22, 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 Bristol newsletter, August 15, 2026

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

“Escape New Haven turns you and your crew into the main characters, with 60 minutes to puzzle your way out of immersive rooms like The Crypt, The Gallery, and Before Moonrise. Great for team-building or a break from the same-old dinner plan, plus they even run outdoor and traveling games.”

From the New Haven newsletter, September 18, 2026

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

“Quassy Amusement & Waterpark is the easy win this week when you need kid thrills and adult chill, with classic rides, Splash Away Bay water slides, and legit lakeside beach time on Lake Quassapaug. It’s designed for simple, affordable fun, plus cabanas if you’re embracing your inner lounge lizard.”

From the Waterbury newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Designed by Charles Blair Macdonald and Seth Raynor and opened in 1926, Yale University Golf Course dishes out bold greens, deep bunkers and that sneaky Biarritz you swear you can tame. Loop it this week, then grab a bite at Widdy’s or cruise the pro shop.”

From the New Haven newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Extreme Paintball has been dialing up the fun since 1992 with speedball and woods ball fields, solid refs who keep teams fair, and gear rentals if you’re light on equipment. Try open play when you’re short a squad, or book a private game for birthdays and bragging rights.”

From the Waterbury newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Wine and Cheese Social LLC is a cozy event spot with a Local Wine & Cocktail Social Bar, a sweets menu, and a gorgeous 1828 setting featuring Italian tile floors, an Irish-crafted bar top, and a restored bank vault where friendly ghosts allegedly mingle.”

From the Waterbury newsletter, August 21, 2026

“If your youngster keeps turning the grocery cart into Turn 3, Silver City Quarter Midget Club is a Meriden non-profit that lets ages 5 to 16 race on a 1/20-mile oval and build real skills, friends, and confidence. Keep an eye out for Arrive & Drive events to try it without the gear.”

From the Meriden newsletter, September 15, 2026

“New Haven Country Club has been part of the area’s rhythm since 1898, pairing early-American golf pedigree with a beautiful historic clubhouse. Beyond tee times, it’s a polished spot to host weddings and special events, the kind that look great in photos and feel even better in person.”

From the New Haven newsletter, September 3, 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, September 17, 2026

“Founded in 1899 and known for golf etiquette that keeps rounds under four hours, the Country Club of Waterbury blends classic fairways with a first-class spot for dining and member events. If you’ve been craving a timeless home base for your game, this is your move.”

From the Waterbury newsletter, September 19, 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

“If you need an easy win this week, Lakewood Lanes blends 42 slick lanes, Galaxy Bowling, a legit arcade with ticket prizes, and the Sports Rock Bar for pool, darts, and their own New England IPA, Life in the Gutter... grab your crew and roll.”

From the Waterbury newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Locals who want more than a quick nine will love The Farms Country Club, a member-owned, full-service family spot with 18 holes and practice facilities, six multi-purpose courts for pickleball and tennis, four Har-Tru courts, a new Olympic-style pool, five dining spaces, plus lively social and holiday events.”

From the Wallingford newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Skip the endless tee-time scroll and get a proper round this week at Wheeler Family Traditions Golf Club in Wallingford, with 18 holes, multiple sets of tees, and a roomy practice area to tune it up. Post-round, hit Terrace on the Green for a celebratory bite and patio views.”

From the Wallingford newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Chippanee Golf Club delivers a fun, challenging 18-hole round on 150 acres of rolling terrain about 900 feet up, plus a newly renovated clubhouse that stares down the first fairway and Bristol’s hills. Bonus for families, there’s Har-Tru tennis, an Olympic-size pool, and solid on-site dining.”

From the Bristol newsletter, September 19, 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

“Large bowling center featuring burgers, pizzas and beer, plus a laser tag arena and an arcade.”

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

“Wallingford Country Club pairs impeccable greens and a challenging but fair layout with a friendly vibe that keeps locals coming back.”

From the Wallingford newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Whether you're wrangling kids, co-workers, or your competitive streak, Fork and Band Slingshot turns slingshots into a full-on indoor shooting gallery with reactive targets that spin, ring, and light up across Carnival, Outer Space, Sports, and Showtime lanes.”

From the Bristol newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Quarry Ridge Golf Course keeps your golf habit happy with quick online tee times, active men’s and women’s clubs, a Thursday Night Club, and plenty of tournaments if you like a little pressure. Wrap it up at Terrazza Restaurant & Bar, because post-round bites make the birdies even sweeter.”

From the Hartford newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Informal space boasting trampolines, slides, a ninja course, dodgeball games and basketball hoops.”