Lighthouse playground

Right on the water at Lighthouse Point Park, this playground is the kind of spot where you can actually relax while the kids burn off energy — mostly because you’re staring out at Long Island Sound instead of your phone. Parking is straightforward, which matters more than people admit when you’ve got a carload of kids and gear. It’s a solid add-on to a beach day, or honestly reason enough to make the trip on its own. New Haven families have been coming here for years, and it’s easy to see why it keeps drawing people back.