It seems like nearly every kid goes through a skateboarding phase, even if they don't see it through to Tony Hawk levels of expertise. Kicking, pushing, and gliding down the block is cool, but heading out to one of these local skate parks in Connecticut to practice tricks and catch some air is even better. Skateboarding may well be the most fun on four wheels that kids can have until they drive, so here are several well-kept skate parks in Connecticut for daredevil kiddos to explore.
Looking for more outdoor spaces to have a blast? Don't miss our Outdoor Adventures Guide and our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Connecticut.
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Note: Most of the following parks are outdoor, unsupervised facilities. Protective gear is required.
The ramps at Glastonbury Skate Park have multiple lanes. Photo courtesy of Glastonbury Parks and Recreation
Skate Parks near Hartford
Glastonbury Skate Park - Glastonbury
Located on Main Street, this skate park is modern and fun. It features a half-pipe, rails, wedges, and ramps. No in-line skates are allowed. Kids are asked to fill out a waiver before they skate for the first time and skateboarding lessons are even offered through Glastonbury Parks and Recreation.
Simsbury Skate Park - Simsbury
Located at Memorial Park Complex, the Simsbury Skate Park is open daily from 10am to sunset. This park is open to skateboards and in-line skates and is available for rental. Protective gear is required.
Newington Skate Park - Newington
Open daily from dawn to dusk, this park is open to skateboards, in-line skates, and BMX bikes too! There are lots of ramps and plenty of open space.
Keeney Skateboard Facility - Wethersfield
Open daily from dawn to dusk and located at Mill Woods Park, this 6,000-square-foot facility is open to in-line skates, skateboards, and BMX Bikes. Kids will find ramps, wedges, and stairs.
Manchester Skate Park - Manchester
There are lots of wedges and a ramp, and the park is open daily until dusk. It's located in Robertson Park and open to skateboarders, in-line skaters, and BMX bikers.
Skate Parks in Fairfield County
Graham Dickinson Spirit Skate Park - Ridgefield
All ages are invited to join the fun at this park built in 1998. This skate park is part of a community effort and has staff on hand as well as regular operating hours. Annual memberships are available for purchase by both residents and non-residents, as are summer skate camps. The park is open daily from 3pm to 6pm and also on weekends.
Jennings Beach Skate Park - Fairfield
Right on the beach, there's no admission fee for this park, but you must have a beach sticker (or pay the daily fee of $20 on weekdays and $50 on weekends) to park. The park is not supervised and allows both skateboarding and in-line skateboarding. All skaters must wear helmets (while not required, elbow and knee pads are recommended).
Compo Beach Skate Park and Roller Hockey Center - Westport
This non-supervised park on the beach is open to both Westport residents and non-residents for a fee. It has rails, ramps, and two half-pipes for kids to can catch some air. All skaters are requested to wear proper protective equipment. The town of Westport offers regular programming at the skate park as well.
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Find steps, wedges, and more at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
​Skate Park at Calf's Pasture Beach - Norwalk
Admission is free, but you must pay for parking if you do not have a beach sticker ($20 during the week; $25 on weekends; $5 after 5 pm). On Friday evenings during the summer, the park hosts an open skate with a trick competition and a DJ from 430-930pm. It's open from 8am to 9pm (weather permitting). During the summer they also offer full and half-day skate camps where kids aged 7 and up learn how to skateboard or inline skate.
Scalzi Skate Park - Stamford
This is the only no-fee skate park in Fairfield County with plenty of free parking. Constructed in 2007, the park features ramps and several bowls. The skate area is gated during the winter and after wet weather, but it is not routinely supervised.
Skate Parks in New Haven County
Haven Skate Park - North Haven
Haven Skate Park is an indoor, expertly crafted wooden skate park with lots of ramps, bowls, loops, wedges, and even a tunnel. This park is very popular and requires a signed waiver. Haven offers monthly memberships and clinics for learning new skills.
Peterson Park - Wolcott
Located on 65 acres of property with a playground and trails. Space for BMX, rails, and ramps.
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The Groton Skate Park is beautifully painted. Photo courtesy of Groton Skate Park, Facebook
More Skate Parks in Connecticut
Groton Skate Park - Groton
Colorful and fun, Groton Skate Park has year-round skating for in-line skaters and boarders. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and includes pipes humps, wedges, ramps, and more.
Plainfield Skate Park - Plainfield
This small skate park is located near the middle school. Plainfield is free and a good park for beginners as it's a track-style layout. The skate park has both ramps and walls and is made of concrete.
Lauter Park - Willimantic
Lauter Park is a wide, open-space skate park with a tree in the center and lots of different things to do. It includes a half-bowl, ramps, wedges, and rails. The park is on the tree line so there's plenty of shade.
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Spend a couple of hours at Moodus Skate Park, photo courtesy of Skate the States
Moodus Skate Park - East Haddam
Moodus is a large skate park, with a huge open bowl, ramps, and rails. It's modern and well-kept.
Owen Bell Park - Killingly
Owen Bell Park has lots of space, ramps, rails, and stairs. This park also has a playground and other things to do in case you are bringing kids of different ages.
Elise Besse Skate Park - Torrington
This large fenced-in skate park with modern obstacles and ramps is located at the Elise Besse Park with a playground and lots of space to play. Helmets must be worn at all times. The park is open from dawn to dusk and is unsupervised. This skate park will be relocated in the future according to the town of Torrington.
This post has been updated for 2022.