Press Releases
07/25/2025
Reserve Your Seat With New DEEP & CTDOT ParkConneCT Excursions Program
New Focus of the ParkConneCT Program Offers Guided Excursions to Designated State Park Events & Activities, Furthering State’s Efforts to Remove Barriers and Help Residents Access Their State Parks
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) are pleased to announce a new focus for the collaborative ParkConneCT program. This program will now offer free bus transportation for special excursion trips to four designated events, including three popular No Child Left Inside® (NCLI) events during this summer season. These hands-on, guided excursions will use motorcoach buses that are ADA accessible and air-conditioned to provide convenient and comfortable transportation to pre-scheduled park activities and events. The new special excursion format replaces the special summer bus service to select parks offered in past years.
The ParkConneCT initiative is part of the Lamont Administration and DEEP’s ongoing efforts to increase access and remove barriers to help residents enjoy Connecticut’s State Parks. The ParkConneCT excursions are designed to provide positive experiences in our State Parks. Each excursion features staffed buses, with all logistics and planning handled in advance by Connecticut State Parks staff, allowing participants to simply show up and spend the day making memories in our parks.
Although the program is free, advance reservations are required and are available on a first come, first served basis. Sign up for any of the four excursions offered in 2025 using the links below.
2025 Excursions Schedule
Dino Day Excursion to Dinosaur State Park – Saturday, August 2, 2025
This bus trip will travel back in time, figuratively, to Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill to celebrate our annual Dino Day. Participants can view a 200 million year-old fossil trackway, one of the largest dinosaur track sites in New England, and interactive exhibits. Participants also can explore hands-on fossil digs, live animal demonstrations, STEM learning activities, and more. Participants should bring hats, sunscreen, lunch/snacks, and water. Food trucks will be available on site for additional food and beverage options. The bus will depart East Hartford Park & Ride at 10:30 a.m. and return by 2:15 p.m.
Saltwater Fishing & Harkness Memorial State Park Excursion - Saturday, August 9, 2025
This bus trip combines two exciting events into one sun-and-fun-filled day! We'll travel first to Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford to explore the Eolia Mansion, tour its gardens, and complete a scavenger hunt. Then, participants will reboard the bus to travel to Fort Trumbull State Park in New London to participate in the NCLI and DEEP Fisheries Division's Saltwater Fishing Day. August 9 is FREE Fishing License Day. Although the fee for a fishing license is waived, participants still need to obtain their fishing license through the Online Sportsmen Licensing System. Loaner fishing equipment with bait will be provided to participants at no charge. Volunteers from the DEEP Fisheries Division CARE Program will teach participants all they need to know to (hopefully) hook a big one. Participants should bring hats, sunscreen, lunch/snacks, and water, as well as a cooler and ice if you choose - you may catch dinner! The bus will depart Norwich Park & Ride at 9:30 a.m. and return by 3:15 p.m.
Boating Day Excursion at Hopeville Pond State Park - Saturday, August 23, 2025
Participants who are looking to spend some time on the water at Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold, should join us for this bus trip. DEEP Boating Division staff will provide a safety overview and instruction, as well as lifejackets, so you can become a paddling pro while trying out our kayaks and canoes. There are no rental fees or lugging boats around – we'll do all the work! Other activities, demos, and nature walks will be available as well. Participants should bring sunscreen, beachwear, towels, water shoes or closed-toe footwear, lunch/snacks, and water. The bus will depart Norwich Park & Ride at 11:30 a.m. and return by 2:30 p.m.
Beach Day & Meigs Point Excursion at Hammonasset Beach State Park - Saturday, September 6, 2025
Experience Connecticut's largest shoreline park like never before! This bus trip will take participants to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, where millions of visitors flock each year to enjoy the sandy beach. Participants will enjoy a tour of the Meigs Point Nature Center and its gardens and a guided interpretive bus tour of the park's natural wonders. There will be time to explore the beach including its tide pools, jetties, and more! Participants should bring hats, sunscreen, beachwear, towels, lunch/snacks, and water. The bus will depart North Haven Park & Ride at 9 a.m. and return by 2:40 p.m.
“We're thrilled to pivot the ParkConneCT program to offer a full-service experience in some of Connecticut’s State Parks,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “We’ve collaborated with the Department of Transportation and our State Parks Division staff to provide not just a ride, but pre-planned, free activities and events for folks to enjoy. We’re excited to deliver this full experience for individuals, families, and organizations looking to explore a new state park or a new activity. These trips truly offer something for everyone - boating, swimming, fishing, nature, history, and more. There is no better time for residents to get out and explore our beautiful natural and historical areas.”
“The ParkConneCT program has been revamped for 2025 and provides free transportation to some truly unique trips and activities for people of all ages,” said CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with DEEP and encourage residents to use public transportation while exploring the state’s beautiful parks and beaches.”
Advance reservations are required through Reserve America, with a limited number of seats available for each trip on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals, families, and community organizations and groups serving youth. The park excursions are free, and a $2 non-refundable online reservation system fee applies to each seat. Seats are required for all participants. All buses are handicapped-accessible and air-conditioned. For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.ctparks.com/parkconnect.
For those looking for continued service to Hammonasset Beach, Silver Sands, and Sleeping Giant State Parks as offered in the past, CTDOT continues to offer alternative transit options:
- Sleeping Giant State Park (Hamden): CTtransit Route 229 provides service to Whitney Avenue and Mount Carmel Avenue, approximately a 6-minute walk to the park entrance.
- Silver Sands State Park (Milford): Milford Transit Route 3 stops at the park entrance Monday through Saturday.
- Hammonasset Beach State Park (Madison): The Clinton Trolley continues to operate free of charge from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with service to the park.
Established in 1913, the mission of the Connecticut State Park System is to provide natural resource-based public recreational and educational opportunities through a system of state park and forest recreation areas, environmental centers, and nature centers that provide an understanding of, access to, and enjoyment of, the state’s historic, cultural, and natural resources.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110