Whether you’re into poking around strangers’ houses, ogling historic gardens or hitting the trails, there are tons of organized activities this summer.  The Flo Gris Museum gets it going with their annual Garden Fest from June 5th through the 14th. Snoop to your heart’s content at Madison Historical Society’s annual house tour. Hit the trails (or grab your paddle) during CT Trails Weekend. Mark your calendars for Connecticut Open House Day on June 13th for special exhibitions, free and discounted admissions at museums and historic sites around the state. Or maybe it’s time to finally take that Thimble Island Cruise you’ve been considering? Here’s our list of outdoor activities and house and garden tours.

Take a self-guided tour of fine residences in the towns of Branford, (Pine Orchard and Stony Creek), Guilford, and Madison on Saturday, June 7, 10am to 4pm. More details on their website.

Thimble Island Cruises are always fun and relaxing this time of year, too. Book one in an advance for a handful of friends and make a summer night out of cruising around this chain of 25 teeny, rocky, wooded islands topped with beautiful summer cottages built during the Victorian Era.

Madison Historical Society will hold their 3rd Annual Remarkable Homes Tour followed by the gala Straw Hat Soiree on June 28, 2015. Visit the website for details.

Lyme/Old Lyme Auxiliary’s Garden Tour is June 19 and 20th. Tour a handful of gorgeous grounds and unique gardens in the Lyme/Old Lyme area.

American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is an annual celebration of America’s magnificent trail systems. Connecticut Trails Weekend Events will take place on 6/6 – 6/7.  Hikes, educational walks, trail runs, bike rides, and other outdoor activities, designed to promote and recognize the importance of trails in the United States.

Mark your calendar for Connecticut Open House Day on June 13th for special exhibitions, free and discounted admissions for popular venues around the state. Take a free ride on the Chester Ferry or take an hour-long cruise on RiverQuest down the Connecticut River ($5 per person), or take a free tour of the Goodspeed Opera House or the Ivoryton Playhouse. Check out the website for all the the offerings.

New London Summer Lighthouse Weekends run Saturdays and Sundays starting June 20th. Take a lighthouse tour or a boat ride to Fisher’s or Plum Island.

Lady Katherine Cruises are already in full swing. Book a seat on a Goodspeed Cruise after catching a show or consider boarding the Mystique on August 15 for a Jazz Brunch. They offer loads of public cruises on the CT River and are available for private functions, too.

Pack the family and a picnic for a 2 hour sunset cruise on the CT River Museum Schooner Mary E. Began Memorial Day Weekend.

Try rowing a whaleboat or take a horse and carriage ride around Mystic Seaport. The Seaport’s Salute to Summer list of fun activities is here.

tags; connecticut shoreline, ct gardens, house tours 2015, ct shoreline house tours 2015, summer in CT, outdoor fun,