The best things to do in New Haven

18 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 · 18 places · showing the latest additions first

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…

122 Cook Rd (Prospect)

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

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AMF Circle Lanes

Entertainment

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

525 Main St (East Haven)

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

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Highland Golf Club

Entertainment

Established in 1900, Highland Golf Club gives you rolling hills and target greens on a pristinely conditioned Frank G. Gates design, just…

261 Wooster St (Shelton)

Established in 1900, Highland Golf Club gives you rolling hills and target greens on a pristinely conditioned Frank G. Gates design, just minutes from downtown Shelton. This week, cap it off in the brand-new clubhouse with bar, dining, and a covered patio by the firepit...

From the Shelton newsletter, September 6, 2026

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Need a quick reset that doesn’t involve yardwork? Orange Hills Country Club has easy online tee times, a friendly vibe, and a course that…

389 Racebrook Rd (Orange)

Need a quick reset that doesn’t involve yardwork? Orange Hills Country Club has easy online tee times, a friendly vibe, and a course that rewards good shots without punishing the misses, so grab a friend, chase a few pars, then check their hole-in-one brag list.

From the West Haven newsletter, August 29, 2026

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One of Connecticut’s oldest private clubs, Race Brook Country Club delivers a beautifully conditioned 27-hole experience with a…

246 Derby Ave (Orange)

One of Connecticut’s oldest private clubs, Race Brook Country Club delivers a beautifully conditioned 27-hole experience with a championship course, the O'Sullivan inside nine, and real-deal practice areas, plus an elegant setting for weddings or business events when you’re more about toasts than tee shots.

From the New Haven newsletter, August 22, 2026

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For weddings, milestone parties, or a laid-back night at The Deck with drinks, live music, and Morris Cove views, Amarante’s Sea Cliff is…

62 Cove St

For weddings, milestone parties, or a laid-back night at The Deck with drinks, live music, and Morris Cove views, Amarante’s Sea Cliff is the local pick you recommend without thinking. Chef-prepared menus, warm hospitality, and a Grand Ballroom that cleans up nice make everything feel effortless.

From the West Haven newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Skip the flight and get the destination vibes right here, as Anthony's Ocean View sets ceremonies on a sandy beach with palm trees and…

450 Lighthouse Rd

Skip the flight and get the destination vibes right here, as Anthony's Ocean View sets ceremonies on a sandy beach with palm trees and tropical gardens, backed by classic Connecticut shoreline sunsets. If your week includes wedding plotting or a milestone to toast, their team makes it feel effortless.

From the West Haven newsletter, August 19, 2026

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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,…

22 Wall St

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.

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

550 Universal Dr N (North Haven)

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

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Alling Golf Club

Entertainment

Municipal golf facility with a clubhouse undergoing renovations.

35 Eastern St

Municipal golf facility with a clubhouse undergoing renovations.

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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…

275 Miller Rd (Bethany)

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

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Escape New Haven

Entertainment

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…

103 Whitney Ave

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

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Designed by Charles Blair Macdonald and Seth Raynor and opened in 1926, Yale University Golf Course dishes out bold greens, deep bunkers…

200 Conrad Dr

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

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The Tradition Golf Club at Oak Lane in Woodbridge is a Geoffrey Cornish design with firm, true greens and sneaky-strategic holes that…

1027 Racebrook Rd (Woodbridge)

The Tradition Golf Club at Oak Lane in Woodbridge is a Geoffrey Cornish design with firm, true greens and sneaky-strategic holes that reward brains over brawn. Warm up on the driving range, then debrief over something tasty at the Birchwoods restaurant. CT PGA’s 2020 Walter Lowell Distinguished Public Golf Course.

From the New Haven newsletter, September 11, 2026

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New Haven Country Club has been part of the area’s rhythm since 1898, pairing early-American golf pedigree with a beautiful historic…

160 Hartford Tpke (Hamden)

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

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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…

180 Cheshire Rd (Wallingford)

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

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Skip the endless tee-time scroll and get a proper round this week at Wheeler Family Traditions Golf Club in Wallingford, with 18 holes,…

37 Harrison Rd (Wallingford)

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

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

195 Long Hill Rd (Wallingford)

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

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