Plan a Family Weekend in New Haven

Dinosaurs, a mummy, 150 hands-on science experiences, a carousel and pizza — what kid wouldn’t love a weekend of family travel in New Haven, Connecticut?

Yale University is the city’s centerpiece, and although it has museums of art, rare books and other subjects, the kid-pleaser is Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. While its displays of minerals, animals and Native American cultures may interest older children, young visitors will want to head for the Great Hall of Dinosaurs and the Daily Life in Ancient Egypt galleries, where they’ll find a mummy, a coffin and other Egyptian artifacts.

Almost everything at Connecticut Science Center is hands-on, encouraging kids to explore the entire scope of scientific discovery. Both the natural and physical worlds are covered, and in the bright, engaging exhibits, kids can experiment with wind and water power, design a flying machine and solve problems in the Engineering Lab. DNA, space exploration, climate change and natural science experiences satisfy every kid’s curiosity.

KidSpace is especially designed for children under 7, where they can build with large-scale blocks and experiment with swirling water.

In the summer, you’ll find a beach at Lighthouse Point Park, along with a playground and shaded tables for a picnic. The historic Lighthouse Point Carousel is one of less than 100 early 20^th-century carousels still in existence. Its 72 painted horses and other figures are treasures of American folk art.

Don’t leave New Haven without enjoying a slice of famous New Haven pizza, preferably from its originator, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, in Wooster Square Historic District. The thin-crusted pizzas have been baked here in a coal-fired oven ever since the pizzeria opened in 1925.