If the frat parties and the film series just aren’t cutting it anymore, try heading off campus for a change of scene. You may run into anyone from Wild Bill to Coco the sea lion during your off campus adventures.

Walking Distance:

Located on Main Street, Middletown Roller/Inline Skating Rink is a blast from the past. The rink offers both roller and inline skate rentals for their widely popular public skating sessions. They can also host birthday parties. The best part: a pull-down screen that plays wacky music videos of Oldies (but goodies).

Since it opened in the winter of 2005, A New World Laser Tag has entertained University students and Middletown residents alike. A 7,000 square foot arena, complete with strobe lights, an arcade, sound effects, music and fog, A New World can accommodate 38 players on up to 3 different color teams. Like the Middletown rink, A New World hosts birthday parties.

For those looking for a more relaxing yet entertaining evening, Middletown’s Destinta Theatres shows over 10 movies every day of the week. Though there is a special student rate of $8.25 (with Wesleyan ID), Tuesday night is bargain night for only $6.50.

While the Green Street Arts Center’s primary focus is their After School Program for Middletown-area kids and teens, this community arts center also offers weekend performances and workshops, of which the greater University community often takes advantage. In the past, University faculty, as well as visiting, local and professional artists have come to Green Street to host events such as an open mic music series. Since its opening in 2005, Green Street remains a source of weekend entertainment for students.

By Car:

Just an hour’s drive from campus is the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration in Mystic, Conn. Despite its small size, the aquarium is home to seals, penguins and New England’s only beluga whale. Three 500-pound sea lions, Coco, Surfer and Rider, star in the “Lions of the Sea” show. Admission during the year is $18.50 for adults— but the ticket includes access to their new XD Motion Theater, which provides audience members with 3-D glasses that are sure to enhance their Movie Motion experience. Upcoming special events include “Bob the Builder Live!” on Sept. 22.

Located in Rocky Hill, Conn. is Dinosaur State Park, one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Surrounded by 2 miles of nature trails and the Dinosaur State Park Arboretum, it showcases early Jurassic fossils that were made 200 millions years ago. The Park also boasts life-size Triassic and Jurassic dioramas, as well as interactive displays.

Wild Bill’s Wonderful World of Wild and Crazy Things—the name says it all. At this nostalgia store, customers can find anything from bobble heads (wobblers) to ’60s vinyls to funky posters. There is also curtained-off aisle of pornography that is only accessible to those 18 and older. With a brightly painted exterior that features murals of American flags and scantily clad women, the store is just a five-minute drive from campus and hard to miss. Wild Bill himself has as just much character as his store—sporting a long blonde beard, spectacles and the occasional Hawaiian-print shirt.

A popular fall activity, apple picking at Lyman Orchards is a fun way to get fresh fruit. June through October are prime months for apple picking, although Lyman remains open throughout the entire year, harvesting pumpkins during the fall and maple syrup throughout the winter. Lynman also offers seasonal events, including this fall’s corn maze, in which Spiderman trivia questions guide the way out. The orchards are located in the next town over, Middlefield.

For an outdoors adventure, head to Miller’s Pond State Park, a popular destination for late-night skinny dipping. Students also enjoy jumping off the 20-foot high rocks into the chilly water. The pond, which is about a 20-minute drive from campus, is completely surrounded by woods and is accessed by a short wooded path.