I love living in Connecticut, especially during the summer. There's so many places to go outdoors, and it's always nice weather. But eventually, we all hit that "summertime sadness" stage and get a little bored. Here's ten of my favorite places to go to in Connecticut during the summer:

1. Mystic Aquarium

Located in Mystic, Connecticut, Mystic Aquarium is a favorite day trip for both children and adults. The aquarium has beluga whales (a personal favorite stop), penguins, sharks, and so many other animals! There's even a spot where people can pet stingrays!

2. Gillette Castle

Designed by William Gillette, an American actor who played Sherlock Holmes, Gillette Castle is one of the prettiest views in Connecticut. Located between East Haddam and Lyme, the castle sits high above the Connecticut River. Visitors can go inside the castle and look out at different viewpoints.

3. Cotton Hollow

The perfect spot for cliff jumping and swimming on a hot day! Cotton Hollow is located in Glastonbury, and people can hike to the main swimming hole where there are cliffs next to the cool water.

4. Elizabeth Park

Located in West Hartford, this park is well known for the rose arches, which typically bloom in June. Besides the arches, there are several other parts of the park with different flowers to look at and take pictures of.

5. Thimble Islands

The Thimble Islands is an archipelago of small islands where some people live. The islands are located in Branford, Connecticut. Visitors can take a boat tour around the islands and see that some people live on them. Some of the homes are even up for sale.

6. Lake Compounce

Since opening in 1846, Lake Compounce is the oldest open amusement park in America. The park has rides, a water park, a beach, and a lake. Located in Bristol, Connecticut, this amusement park is a popular place in the summer.

7. Mark Twain's House

Located in Hartford, Connecticut, Mark Twain's house belonged to the Clemen's family from 1874 to 1891. When living here, Twain wrote some of his most well known pieces, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Visitors can go and see the inside of his house.

8. Heublein Tower

Standing at 165 feet tall, Heublein Tower is a great way to see views of the Hartford Skyline and the Farmington River Valley. Visitors hike to the top of Talcott Mountain in Simsbury to climb up to the top of the tower.

9. Blueback Square/ West Hartford Center

One of the most popular places for locals in West Hartford, Connecticut, , Blueback Square/ West Hartford Center is a great place to visit. With plenty of stores, restaurants, and sometimes even live music, this is definitely a great place to visit in the summer!

10. Connecticut Shoreline

And, last but not least, the beach.