Tired of the same old routine and looking for something a little different to do with your evening plans? Whether you’re looking for something to do with your family, for a fun group gathering or need an escape for you and that someone special, there are some great places in Connecticut to visit. Check out our list of some of Connecticut’s most unique spots to hang out while the sun goes down. Whether it’s sports, music, entertainment or just a place to relax and enjoy the surroundings, these places will most certainly fill the bill for a one-of-a-kind night out.

Mansfield Drive-in   
228 Stafford Road
Mansfield, CT 06250
(860) 423-4441
www.mansfielddrivein.com

Price: $9 for adults, $5 for kids 4 to 11, Free for kids 3 and under

Take yourself back to a time when the whole family would pile in the station wagon and go to the drive-in for a great double feature. Believe it or not, those days are still alive and well at the Mansfield Drive-in in eastern Connecticut. The drive-in features three screens, FM sound, and a full snack bar and play area to keep the kids entertained until it’s showtime. This year, Mansfield is the first drive-in in New England to feature a brand new digital projection system for a brighter and clearer picture. In fact, the drive-in’s #1 screen is the biggest, other than IMAX, in North America to use digital technology. Pack the car on Wednesdays and the whole crew gets to watch a movie for just $18. As Mansfield Drive-in’s ad says, “Come on down for the best show in town.”

Connecticut River Quest
1 Marine Park
Haddam, CT 06438
(860) 662-0577
www.ctriverquest.com

Looking for an intimate and picturesque evening with that someone special? Or maybe you need a unique venue for a large gathering. In either case, a cruise on the Connecticut River aboard the RiverQuest is just what you’re looking for. Set out from historic Haddam near the Goodspeed Opera House and relax with your favorite beverage for the two hour excursion as the captain and crew do all the work. Extended charters are available, and fees and time vary, so call ahead to make your reservations.

Related: Nights Out in Connecticut Under $30

Nomads Adventure Quest
100 Bidwell Rd
South Windsor, CT 06074
(860) 290-1177
www.nomadsadventurequest.com

Nomads provides the perfect evening out for the whole family. Set against a backdrop of the Mayan Ruins, this 65,000 square foot facility offers everything from laser tag to mini golf to multiple belay climbing walls. For the younger ones, Nomads has bounce houses and over 50 video, arcade and redemption games. Play full court hoops on one of the two indoor courts or bring your stick and shoot some pool. If you’re headed there for business, schedule a meeting in one of the banquet or conference rooms, then grab a drink at Red’s Tavern or sit down for a dinner at the full service café and restaurant. The best part: admission is always free.

Infinity Music Hall & Bistro
20 Greenwoods Road West
Norfolk, CT 06058
(866) 666-6306
www.infinityhall.com

If its music and ambience you want, Infinity is the place for you. Set in beautiful Norfolk, Conn. in the scenic northwest hills, this 1883 music hall has all the feel of yesteryear with all the amenities of today. This historic 300 seat venue features its original proscenium stage and detailed period woodworking. The venue hosts over 200 shows annually, spotlighting a variety of national and regional artists and acts. Whether its dinner and show, casual dining or just drinks and music, an evening at Infinity is just what you’re looking for.

Related: TopVenues To Act Like A Kid

Minor League Baseball
New Britain Rock Cats
230 John Karbonic Way
New Britain, CT 06051
(860) 224-8383
www.milb.com

Connecticut Tigers
14 Stott Ave.
Norwich, CT 06360
(860) 887-7962
www.milb.com

As James Earl Jones said in “Field of Dreams,” “Its baseball Ray. It’s always been baseball.” What better way to spend an evening than outside at one of Connecticut’s two minor league baseball parks? The Rock Cats of New Britain are the AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins and the Tigers of Norwich are the Class An affiliate of the big club in Detroit. The venues feature their own game day specials, giveaways, in-game activities for the kids and Friday night fireworks. There’s nothing quite like the sounds and smells and the feel of a baseball game in summer. James Earl Jones was right.

Pete Koiva is a Connecticut School of Broadcasting graduate and a 1986 graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University where he studied Business and Political Science. He has been active in youth sports for over 15 years, coaching soccer and basketball at all levels. His work can be found at Examiner.com.