Pack a picnic lunch, bring the football, baseball and Frisbee, and get ready to enjoy some good wholesome fun in the sun when you take the family to Hartford's Goodwin Park. This park was opened in August of 2006 and has been providing an excellent place for families to come and enjoy the city's comfortable climate as well as the facility's excellent amenities and attractions. These include a hugely expansive play area, an impressive playground, picnic areas, and easily accessible walking paths.
One of Hartford’s premier cultural events is the Caribbean and Jerk Festival. It has been held every August for the past seven years and features both the upper and lower areas of Mortensen Riverfront Plaza transformed into a Caribbean village. The whole family will enjoy the variety of music and dance performances as well as authentic Caribbean fare offered by more than 25 vendors. There is also a children's activity area, a Caribbean carnival, and salsa merengue lessons.
Hartford's Riverside Park is a popular outdoor spot that offers a little something for everyone. There's a boat launch, docking, volleyball, picnicking, and playgrounds. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, there’s also mountain bike and nature trails as well as fishing and athletic fields that always feature something fun and interesting to do and see. This park is also the home of the Greater Hartford Jaycees Community Boat House. Also, the park features various sculptures and other eye-catching attractions that make spending time here something truly special.