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Favorite Summer Activities...Updated!

Hikes, Day Trips, Museums, Festivals and More

July 2, 2015

Here are some of my favorite Springtime outdoor activities around the state. Let me know your thoughts…Cathy

        1. Take a hike. Or a Kayak. Check out the Audobon Society in Greenwich and Fairfield, Earthplace in Westport, Devil’s Den Preserve in Weston. Want to go farther? Check out Kent Falls State Park in Kent. There are so many beautiful trails nearby, I just picked my favorites. Some of these trails let you take your dog and bike…but check first. If you like to kayak, check out the Westport Sailing School, Todds Point Marina or DownUnder Paddling in Rowayton and Westport.

2. Explore nature. In addition to hiking, visit Stamford Museum & Nature Center, their wonderful playground and all the animals, chickens, otters, trails and wildlife. Or go climbing at The Discovery Adventure Park! They've strung lights in the trees to provide just enough gentle illumination, at night!  New, extended hours. Check out Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Todd's Point in Greenwich, or Mianus River Park in Stamford. 

3. Take a daycation. Check out Legoland Discovery Center, Westchester. With two rides and a 4D theater in addition to all the LEGO® brick fun, the kids will be entertained for hours. Visit them online for tickets and info. Annual Pass holders, bring a friend for free every Friday in May.  Going north? Visit the CT Science Center in Hartford or the Yale Peabody Museum. Going further north? Check out the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. It's awesome.

 

4. Join the animals. Disconnect at the Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport. Like farms? Check out the wonderful Ambler Farm in Wilton, Wakeman Town Farm in Westport, or the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

5. Travel through history. Ride a vintage train through a restored 1903 station at the Danbury Railway Museum, check out the Essex  Steam Train, or visit the New England Air Museum and learn the history of aviation.

6. Enjoy Family festivals and concerts. Visit the Levitt Pavillion in Westport for concerts almost every night during the summer, as well as the New Canaan Summer Theatre, or Jazz on the Main in Stamford, or Shakespeare on the Sound in Rowayton, or music and movies at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk. 

7. Visit a farmers market and pick the season’s freshest. Click here for a list.

8. Get into culture. Spend a day in NYC. Check out the Intrepid, Museum of Natural History, the MOMA, Tenement Museum, Freedom Tower or the Guggenheim. Go see a Broadway show, then eat at Eataly!

9. Cruise around. Take a boat ride or local cruise. Entertainment Cruises New York cruises year round from Chelsea Piers NY and Lincoln Harbor Marina (Weehawken, NJ). The five vessels each provide a different type of on-the-water experiences. Unbeatable views of the New York City skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge and The Statue of Liberty. Even closer to home, check out the wildlife cruises at Norwalk Seaport, or listen to music while visiting Island Beach or Great Captain's Island in Greenwich.

10. Get out in the garden and plant some vegetables together. Visit the folks at Wakeman Town Farm for great ideas and advice. MacArdles, Geigers, Terrain, Stews and Home Depot have great planting supplies.