Mosquito Hill Nature Center

If you haven’t been out to Mosquito Hill yet, you’re missing one of the better spots in the New London area for actually getting outside and doing something. The walking paths wind through prairies and into the woods, with some solid scenic overlooks that make the climb worth it — and there’s a frog pond and marsh where you can spot herons, frogs, and whatever else decides to show up that day. Trails are well-kept, and there’s a wheelchair-accessible route, so it works for pretty much everyone in the group. Restrooms on site, good shade, open grass areas for the kids to run around — it’s a legit half-day outing without driving far.