Outdoor lovers of all ages will definitely enjoy a plethora of fun recreational activities in Fairfield County, no matter the season. The area boasts a wide range of outdoor spaces – parks, nature centers, beaches, zoos, water parks, mini golf courses, and so much more.
Here is a quick list of places to head to if you’re looking to have some fun outdoors:
Encompassing over 230 acres in Westport’s Green’s Farms neighborhood, Sherwood Island is the oldest state park in Connecticut. Right along Long Island Sound, it has Mill Pond on the west and New Creek on the east and has a beach, marshes and deep woods. It’s home to a nature center and the 9/11 Living Memorial.
Photo courtesy of NCNC Facebook page
Established in 1960, the 40-acre New Canaan Nature Center is dedicated to the study of nature, horticulture, and other related sciences. It is home to over two miles of trails, where visitors can trek through a vast landscape filled with wet and dry meadows, thick woodlands, serene ponds, dense thickets, and a cattail marsh. The center also features an interactive discovery room, an animal care building, and multi-purpose classrooms that can be used for summer camps, birthday parties, and other group activities.
Known as one of Bridgeport’s greatest treasures, Seaside Park is a fantastic outdoor destination for families. The 325-acre park is a superb spot to go to for biking, swimming, or simply relaxing while enjoying the panoramic views and fresh ocean breezes.
There’s a diverse range of outdoor activities available at the scenic, 60-acre Bruce Park. Here, you’ll find tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a baseball diamond, playgrounds, ponds, picnic areas, and trails great for walking, jogging, and biking. Spring is the perfect time to visit the park, as the countless blooming flowers treat visitors to a magnificent, colorful display.
This sprawling nature center is home to over 62acres of wildlife sanctuary, a diversity of wildlife, a winding network of trails, and a wide variety of natural habitats that include forests, fields, ponds, and streams. The center also offers various educational programs for all ages and organizes plenty of special events such as festivals, bonfires, parties, live performances, and more.
