Hartford Gospel Hall

Exploration and discovery is what your whole family will be experiencing when you take them for a visit to the Connecticut Science Center. This incredible facility is a nine-story museum located on the Connecticut River and welcomes a constant stream of visitors. Through exciting exhibits and attractions, you'll learn about the art of animation, check out a movie in the 3-D theater, get inside a tornado to see how it is formed and much more. The museum welcomes groups and school organizations and also is an ideal place to host your child's birthday party. Call or check the website for more details.

Make your way to the checkered flag–the one that signals you've arrived for a good time at Checkered Flag Raceway. Located in Berlin just a few minutes from Hartford, this is undoubtedly the best outdoor go-kart racetrack in all of New England. This challenging but fun ¼ mile track will find you revving up the engine in your kart as you put the pedal to the metal. Plus, there is an excellent arcade with all the latest video games as well as a snack bar. It's high-speed fun and recreation for the whole family!

Amid the day to day hustle and bustle of the city, escaping to a natural haven isn't as difficult as you would think thanks to Hartford's Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens. Your senses will be stirred in this beautiful natural setting that features amazing views of meadows, fields and water. And of course, the roses of the park's namesake are the main attraction. A half-acre garden of rose bushes has attracted international attention, and once you see it, it's easy to see why. There are also several greenhouses, a picnic grove and recreational areas.