Author: Yoon Lee, Yale College ‘05

Planning a trip to New Haven for an upcoming reunion, with kids in tow? Hybrid work schedule got you scrolling Airbnb or Zillow, daydreaming about renting a summer house in New England with friends and their families? Collegetowns punch above their weight for the culture, cuisine, and nature access, but traveling with kids can complicate logistics.

This blogpost aims to de-mystify some of the logistics around traveling with family to New Haven, which has gone through a remarkable urban renewal over the past 30 years.

1. Accommodation

Hotel options (mostly downtown) are well-chronicled, so we won’t spend much time here. The Blake and the Study are some of the newest and nicest hotels in New Haven. For options in residential areas, renting an entire apartment or an entire house with friends on Airbnb can work well. Search on Airbnb for accommodations with full kitchen and in-unit laundry.

East Rock and parts of Science Hill, with their tree-lined streets and walkable restaurants and cafes, have great walkability to parts of the Yale campus, like Silliman, Timothy Dwight, and the Peabody Museum.

If you are visiting for college reunion at Yale, the chances are, the residential college for your reunion has been renovated in the last 10-15 years, as part of Yale’s residential college renewal program. The renovation scope generally included updated suites and improved common areas while preserving the historic character of the college.

We love the look of Co.House NHV. A bit pricey and more of an #inspo for yours truly’s budget, but comparable to hotels if you split a 2bedroom 2 bathroom rental with a friend, plus, the house features architect-designed finishes and great location.

2. Activities

Explore the Outdoors

Springtime, summer, and autumn all present great weather in New Haven. Springtime pollens can present a challenge, so pack your meds or purchase over-the-counter upon your arrival.

East Rock Park: Take in stunning views of the city with a family hike to the summit. You may take the paved path or trails. The park also features picnic areas around the summit. AllTrails.com is a good app for navigating. Kid-friendly and dog-friendly.
Edgerton Park: This serene space offers wide-open, English-style lawns, gardens, and a greenhouse to explore, making it ideal for a relaxed family outing. Kid-friendly and dog-friendly.
Hammonasset Beach State Park: Stunning beach with walking/running path alongside. It’s one of my favorite beaches in New England. Easy access from I-95, about a 20-minute drive from New Haven.

Interactive Museums

Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History: A favorite for children and adults, this newly-renovated museum showcases fascinating dinosaur fossils, dioramas, and interactive exhibits. Kid-friendly.
Connecticut Children's Museum: Tailored for younger kids, this hands-on museum provides an engaging and educational experience for little learners. Kid-friendly.

Local Favorites

The Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park: This historic carousel, paired with a beachside setting, is sure to delight kids and adults alike.
The Shops at Yale: Grab a bite at one of the many family-friendly restaurants, and shop for Yale memorabilia at the Bookstore.

Seasonal Highlights

CitySeed Farmers' Markets: A great way to explore local produce and goods. Kid-friendly and dog-friendly.

3. Childcare and Babysitting Options

(Only applicable for Yale College Reunions) Camp Bulldog: Camp Bulldog, located in the Payne Whitney Gym, and administered by Bright Horizons, hosts children ages 3-11 (children must be toilet-trained to participate) if you are attending the first reunion weekend (May 22-25; Memorial Day Weekend). Make sure you review the information directly from the official Yale website, and note the various deadlines.

Care.com: This platform offers a wide selection of vetted babysitters in the New Haven area, allowing you to find someone who fits your family’s needs.

4. Play Spaces

Playgrounds: East Rock (e.g. East Rock Park) and Wooster Square feature informal playgrounds. Google Maps is a good resource for this.
Imagine Nation (Bristol, CT): A short drive from New Haven, this children’s museum includes supervised play zones to give parents a break.
Local Libraries: Many libraries in the New Haven area host storytime sessions and other events, perfect for young children. For example, the New Haven Free Public Library often organizes interactive storytime hours, arts and crafts sessions, and puppet shows to engage kids of all ages. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for children to learn and socialize while parents take a short break or participate alongside them. Be sure to check the library's calendar for up-to-date schedules and special programs.

Safe travels and happy adventures!