5 Awesome Family Friendly Beaches in Connecticut

After being closed since 1996, the new and improved Pleasure Beach reopened last year. Since there is no direct access, a free water taxi takes you from the pier located at the end of Central Ave and admission is also FREE to the beach.

Sherwood Island offers miles of beach for swimming but it's known to be a bit rocky in places, so make sure you bring along some water shoes. Because Sherwood Island is a popular tourist destination, it's advisable to get to the beach early on a prime summer day. They also offer a great nature center which offers a number of programs during the summer months. Connecticut residents only have to pay $9 a car on weekdays($15 for non-residents) and on weekends it's $13 for residents and $22 for non-residents. For more info call 203-226-6983.

Short Beach is one of the very best choices for the family with kids, because of their playground set right in the sand, and because it's fenced in, young toddlers aren't able to make a run for the water. Short Beach has food concessions, a free skate park, tennis and basketball courts, and even mini-golf. The daily parking fee is $20 per car.

Jennings Beach is located on South Benson Road, exit 22 off I-95 and is the largest of Fairfield's six beaches. It comes equipped with restrooms, concessions, and is right next to the Henry Rowland Memorial Playground, home of the "Sand Castle Playground" and a new skate park. This summer, they've added a "Sand Jam Family Fun Dance" that starts up at 6:30pm with dancing followed by a family movie under the stars. Make sure to pack a beach chair, a blanket and some munchies. The weekday parking fee is $20 and is $50 on weekends.

Calf Pasture is located off exit 15 of I-95. This 33 acre beach has mini-golf, ball fields, volleyball courts, and boat rentals. If you're a Norwalk resident, the daily parking fee is free, but you must have a parking pass which are available at Norwalk Park and Rec. Non-residents can purchase a seasonal parking pass for $175.