10 Family-Friendly Activities in Fairfield County

Fairfield County is one of the best places to live on the East Coast because of its high quality of life, desirable residential experiences, and impressive range of things to do. From the scenic views of the Long Island Sound to the remarkable list of museums to explore, there is plenty for families to check out for a fun-filled outing. Let’s take a look at a few of our favorites.

Allow your children to discover the fascinating wonders of the sea at The Maritime Aquarium. Located in Norwalk, the nationally recognized aquarium showcases Long Island Sound’s most intriguing marine life. With over a thousand marine animals, kids can enjoy seeing and learning about sharks, seals, sea turtles, and many more nautical animals. In addition to the engaging exhibits, the aquarium is home to a 4D Theater where families can enjoy a fun and educational experience. The Maritime Aquarium also offers public animal-sighting cruises on the Long Island Sound, where you can catch a glimpse of seals or sea birds in the wild. The family-friendly aquarium is open year-round from 10 am - 5 pm.

 

Located in Fairfield’s City of Stamford, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center gives the whole family a place to learn, discover, and enjoy a unique experience together. Enjoy the various animals at the center’s Heckscher Farm, eat a picnic lunch on the Meadow, take a stroll through the scenic nature trails, or visit the exciting and unique exhibits offered in the main center.

The gorgeous and historic Bendel Mansion is another must-see attraction at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. It also hosts events year-round, such as Family Fest Sundays, educational classes, summer camps, and so much more. The center and museum are open year-round, with hours varying from season to season.

The Adventure Park at The Discovery Museum is a must-visit for all adventure-seeking families. The outdoor adventure park features five acres of thrilling rope and zip line attractions. The park's courses are made up of over 180 treetop platforms connected by ladders, bridges, and ziplines. In addition to the aerial adventure courses, the park also features an Adventure STEM program for kids 10+ and a Glow in the Park nighttime adventure event. The seasonal park makes for an excellent family-friendly outing during those warmer months.

 

For a fun-filled day of adventure and learning, take the family to Greenwich’s recently-renovated Bruce Museum. Bruce Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and offers visitors a unique, world-class selection of art, science, and natural history exhibits. The museum features more than a dozen changing exhibitions throughout the year, some of which include geology, paleontology, natural sciences, the Ice Age, and marine ecosystems. Bruce Museum also showcases permanent galleries which feature natural sciences representing both regional and global scales.

This enriching museum is open year-round and is an excellent cultural and educational activity for the entire family. Attend a family & early childhood class to let your child explore the wonder of the Bruce Museum! There are also plenty of opportunities for teens to get involved by volunteering, showing their work in an art exhibit, or taking classes.

If your family is looking for some adventurous exercise, head over to Fairfield’s exciting indoor rock climbing gym. Rock Climb Fairfield is one of the largest of its kind in Connecticut. The gym features a thrilling three-story lead wall, hundreds of top-rope routes/boulders, and a fitness center. Rock Climb Fairfield offers kid-friendly rock climbing routes as well as more challenging options for the seasoned climbers in the family. If you’re new to rock climbing, the facility offers professionally guided instruction for the entire family. Rock Climb Fairfield is open year-round, and visitors can choose to purchase a day pass or a membership.

 

One of Greenwich’s many charming attractions is the beautifully scenic Great Captain Island. The island has been preserved in its natural state and features an authentic lighthouse, numerous species of unique birds, giant boulders, and gorgeous views of the water. The island features a trail system to enjoy the local wildlife and scenic views of the Long Island Sound. Great Captain Island also offers swimming permitted in posted areas, picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. Located just one mile off the Greenwich shore, the island can be accessed by private boat or public ferry. During the summer months, the ferry service takes off from the landing at Roger Sherman Park.

In Long Island Sound, you’ll find Island Beach, another popular summertime destination for Fairfield County residents. Picnic with the whole family while the kids play on the beach’s playground, and take advantage of the convenient grills and pavilion. The island can be accessed via ferry from Greenwich.

 

If you’re looking for a fun and scenic outdoor day trip for your family, visit Stamford’s Cove Island Park. Located on the Long Island Sound, the park offers enchanting views of the water. Cove Island Park spans over eighty acres and is the perfect outing for a warm, sunny day where visitors can enjoy the surrounding nature, beach, and recreation area. Relax in the sun while your children enjoy themselves at the playground. Cove Island Park is also an excellent location for biking.

If you have little ones, bring them to Stepping Stones Museum for Children for an exciting and engaging experience. Located in Norwalk, Stepping Stones Museum for Children is an interactive museum for children ages ten and under. The museum features hands-on exhibits, a theater, a garden, and plenty of play areas. The museum’s exhibits are educational and aim to help with children’s development. The museum gives parents access to the best information and programs about learning through play, early literacy, and a variety of other skills. Stepping Stones also offers daily interactive programs for the entire family.

 

Spend your summer soaking up the sun at Jennings Beach. The 27-acre beach offers visitors breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound and has plenty of amenities, including a concession stand, bathroom facilities, volleyball poles, and sailboat racks. The beach is located adjacent to the Henry Rowland Memorial Playground, which is home to a popular skate park. Whether your family wants to spend the day relaxing in the sand, swimming, or roller skating, Jennings Beach is a scenic place to enjoy any of these activities. The location is also known for featuring various family-friendly events throughout the summer months.

Treat everyone to an exciting day of exotic animals. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a beloved family attraction located in Fairfield County’s Bridgeport, CT. Open year-round, the zoo features over 350 animals of primarily North American, South American, and Northern Asian species. The entire family can enjoy catching sight of the Amur tigers and leopards, taking a ride on the carousel, checking out the prairie dog habitat, exploring the Rainforest Building, eating lunch at the cafe, and so much more. The zoo is open seven days a week from 9 am to 4 pm.

There is certainly no lack of family-friendly activities and outings in Connecticut’s charming Fairfield County. Greenwich real estate and luxury homes in Fairfield County are highly sought after by home buyers due to the area’s excellent location and high quality of life, and it’s advisable to work with an experienced agent like Lisa if you’re looking to buy here. If you can picture your family enjoying all of the various activities, beautiful scenery, and peaceful charm that Fairfield County has to offer, please don’t hesitate to contact Greenwich Realtor Lisa Migliardi today.