Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and Around Fairfield County - 2021

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo creates wonderfully wild experiences for children and families all year 'round. Connecticut's only zoo, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, features 350 animals, representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won't want to miss our critically endangered Amur tigers and leopards, and Mexican and red wolves. Other highlights include the New England Farmyard, spider monkey habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, plus the Pampas Plains featuring maned wolves, Chacoan peccaries and giant anteaters. Guests must buy tickets in advance at beardsleyzoo.org/. Bring a mask to wear inside our animal buildings as animals are susceptible to Covid. Children under two do not need masks. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.

The nationally recognized aquarium focuses on the fascinating marine life in Long Island Sound and its watershed, including prowling sharks, curious seals, rambunctious river otters, stately sea turtles, pulsing jellyfish and thousands of other animals. The Aquarium also offers: educational programs, including public study cruises out onto the Sound; changing special exhibits; community-science opportunities; and a new 4D movie theater with sensory-enhancing special effects. The not-for-profit attraction is the centerpiece of the popular South Norwalk (or “SoNo”) neighborhood, with fun shops, nightclubs and restaurants.

A unique family entertainment experience in Shelton with a Toptracer golf driving range, mini golf, lazer tag, fun bowl, arcade, batting cages, virtual reality, target paintball and the only double-decker ice rink for hockey and public skating. We are a great place for birthday parties, summer camps, ice skating/hockey programs & more!

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At Stepping Stones Museum for Children, the hands-on exhibits and educational programs engage, inspire and delight every child — as well as countless parents and caregivers.

Rockin' Jump is the Ultimate Trampoline Park featuring Aerial Silks, Trapeze, Warrior Course, Warped Wall, Rock Climbing Wall and of course Trampolines.  Great for parties, group events, field trips, fundraisers and quality time with friends and family.  Book your next birthday party with at Rockin' Jump and let us do all the work for you! Have fun while exercising at Rockin' Jump!

Whether the ultimate goal for your child is to enjoy recreational sports, become a top competitive athlete on track for a college scholarship, or live a healthy lifestyle, Chelsea Piers supports your child's athletic journey with a wide variety of youth sports leagues. We have classes and clinics for kids as young as 1 through age 15 at all levels. Our highly trained, professional coaches are committed to building athletes beyond sports technique. We know the skills kids learn in sports translate to success off the field throughout their life. Visit our website today to find out why Chelsea Piers is the top choice for after-school sports programs in Fairfield County!

Pantochino Productions Inc. is Connecticut's 'ridiculously entertaining,' professional not for profit theatre for family audiences. Founded in 2010, our mission is to entertain, engage and enrich young audiences and their families with an array of original, affordable, professional entertainment experiences, and provide positive, nurturing training to young actors. In addition to original musicals, the company boasts a wildly popular Summer Theatre Camp, a Teen Theatre program, After School Drama Clubs, Masterclasses, Musical Podcasts and a Cabaret series. The company performs at the MAC, Milford Arts Council with studios located in the Connecticut Post Mall.

Quassy Amusement Park, is an amusement and waterpark in Middlebury, Connecticut, USA. It has 20 rides on its 20 acres. Quassy is considered "home to the award-winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster." In addition to a variety of fun-filled classic and newer theme park rides, Quassy also has Splash Away Bay waterpark for the whole family to enjoy. We specialize in catering private parties for school, church, camp, sporting & corporate events and birthday parties.

Jones Family Farms, nestled in the White Hills of Shelton, with its 19th century dairy barn and homestead farmhouse, impresses the visitor as a peaceful and relaxed living environment. The beautiful countryside with its orderly rows of Christmas trees, neat stonewalls, and well-maintained fields are the result of efforts by seven generations of Jones family farmers.

The farmers of the 400-acre working farm invite families to visit and harvest seasonal crops. Presently under cultivation are 200 acres of Christmas trees, 15 acres of strawberries, 15 acres of blueberries, and 25 acres of pumpkins, gourds and squash. The Jones farmers harvest these crops from three different farm locations known as the Homestead Farm, the Valley Farm, and Pumpkinseed Hill. The farm also manages 50 acres of hay land and 50 acres of woodlots. Over ten acres of grapes are in production for the farm's winery.

A natural history museum at Yale University, advancing our understanding of earth’s history through geological, biological and anthropological research, and by communicating the results of this research to the widest possible audience through publication, exhibition and educational programs. From mummies and mastodons to dinosaurs and diamonds, there's something fascinating around every corner of the Peabody. Note: A major renovation is closing the museum to the public for a time starting July 2020. Please check their web site for updates.

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation's leading maritime history museum whose 19-acre waterfront campus includes a historic seafaring village, tall ships and small boats, exhibit galleries, a renowned planetarium and much more! The museum has daily activities for the whole family, including demonstrations, crafts, games, and talks. In the summer, you can enjoy a boat ride on the Mystic River or check a boat out of the livery and be your own captain. For the younger set, there is a Children's Museum (ages 4-7) and the Homeport actiivity zone (ages 8-12). Don't miss the Discovery Barn, a STEM-based interactive space.

Providing professional musical theatre & entertainment to CT for over 40+ years.

The mission of the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is to cultivate and develop a diverse collection of trees, gardens, and plants for all to explore, enjoy and study; and to provide comprehensive environmental, horticulture and plant science educational programs for children and adults of all ages and abilities. We also create opportunities for inspiration, recreation, enjoyment and exploration of the natural world for all who visit.

ROCKWELL DANCE CENTER, in Trumbull seeks to provide each student with a creative and inspiring dance education. We feel it is imperative that every dancer be given a strong, technical foundation by utilizing proper terminology, training and anatomical understanding. RDC encourages artistry and fun in a supportive, nurturing environment; we believe in recognizing and appreciating the individual strengths of each dancer.

Our interactive STEM programs provide a chance for young learners to explore, collaborate, and solve problems. We encourage young learners to ask questions and engineer solutions today so they are better prepared to embrace the challenges of tomorrow. In addition to STEM learning experiences, dynamic exhibits, and hands-on learning programs, the Museum is also a unique venue for special events with special themed birthday party, wedding, and corporate event packages available.