Whether you have a little one learning to walk and climb or a big kid you want to distract from playing Fortnite; local playgrounds are a mom’s best friend.
Fairfield County is filled with so many fabulous playgrounds. Before we begin, we wanted to draw your attention to a very special spot located in Stamford: Emmet’s Playground.
Emmet’s Playground was built in memory of Emmet Samuel Manheim, a 10-year-old boy who lost his life to aplastic anemia on September 25, 2019. Emmet loved life and things that went fast, like slides, roller coasters, and skiing. This playground was built to spread the joy that Emmet embodied and inspired in his too-short life. His mom, Lisa, is a former Fairfield County Mom contributor.
So, whether you have the energy to play with your kids or want to park yourself on a bench with a coffee (there’s no shame in that game), our contributors recommend a solid line-up of playgrounds across Fairfield County.
BETHEL
Meckaur Park: Besides the playground, there are volleyball nets, basketball courts, and all-purpose fields. You can also walk on the various biking and walking trails or watch the ducks at the pond. Bathrooms are available from April through October.
BROOKFIELD
Kid’s Kingdom: Kid’s Kingdom has many fun features for older and younger kids. It is great for kids who love to climb, as it boasts several fun climbing structures.
BRIDGEPORT
Beardsley Park: Play on the playground, check out the Beardsley Zoo, or on a hot day, let the kids play in the splash pad. Beardsley Park has it all.
Ellsworth Park: Located in the heart of Black Rock, this park features tennis courts and a children’s playground with an amazing splash pad!
DANBURY
Rogers Park: Located in the 56-acre public park, this playground is fun for kids of all ages. Adjacent to the playground is a splash pad. The park also has a concession stand, a pond with hiking trails, and many all-purpose fields. During the winter months, check out the outdoor ice-skating rink.
DARIEN
Cherry Lawn Park: This playground has two fenced-in areas—one with a toddler playground and one with preschool-sized play structures. For moms with multiple children, having a fenced-in area is huge. And there are clean bathrooms on site! In the “big kid” section, there is even a roundabout!
EASTON
FAIRFIELD
Lt. Owen Fish Park: A larger, shady playground for toddlers and elementary school-age children. There are baby and big kid swings, slides, climbing structures, and a four-person see-saw. The park is located off Stratfield Road in Fairfield but tucked away off the main road with parking. There are picnic tables and a little stream with ducks that the kids enjoy.
Veres Park: This amazing playground draws friendly families with young children. The play structures are designed to occupy the imagination of several age groups, a bonus if you have multiple children of different ages. The playground area is wide open, so everyone can be in constant view, but on the flip side, there isn’t a lot of shade. It’s a popular spot for mommy meet-ups, pre-nap activities, play dates, coffee breaks, and picnics. There are communal toys in the sandbox and ride-on toys on the grass.
Sandcastle Playground: One of the area’s most “famous” playgrounds, Sandcastle Playground boasts a huge wooden sandcastle-style playground with basically every feature you can imagine. Located in the Jennings Beach parking lot, the playground is great for all ages, but due to its enormity, it may be best suited for the older crowd.
GREENWICH
Bruce Park: Everyone loves Bruce Park in Greenwich. There is a toddler and “big kids” section and a pavilion with picnic tables underneath. The park is beautiful, with water views and tall trees for shade.
Byram Park Playground: The playground includes a large nature-inspired climbing structure with slides, a faux treehouse, a climbing pyramid, swings (including an “Expression Swing”), spring riders, and more. Benches and picnic tables are both available, and the view of the harbor is excellent.
MONROE
Wolfe Park: The lakeside has a playground (most suitable for children over five years old), a freshwater lake and beach, and a pavilion for picnicking. The main side of the park includes two separate playground spaces. The left side has two sections: one for children under five and one for children from 5-12 years old. The right side includes a large wooden playscape with sections for all age groups, including infant swings. These playgrounds are also not fenced in. This side of the park also features tennis courts, a basketball court, and baseball and soccer fields. A pavilion is available for picnicking, as well, and can be rented out for events.
NEW CANAAN
Mead Memorial Park: This fan-favorite for play, baseball games, nature watching, and family photos offers a shaded and fenced-in toddler playground area, plus a bigger playground, an “upscale” snack bar, and bathroom facilities—plus it’s within walking distance of town.
NEWTOWN
Dickinson Park: This playground is a favorite among local moms and offers updated equipment with fun features (hello, zip line!). There is also shade and activities for multiple ages and ability levels.
RIDGEFIELD
Imagination Station in Ballard Park: This park is in downtown Ridgefield,
across the street from Ridgefield Library and steps away from shopping and restaurants. There are lots of unique and fun climbing structures for little ones.
STAMFORD
Chestnut Hill Park: This spot is in a lovely wooded section of North Stamford, right off the Merit Parkway. The playground has a smaller fenced-in toddler playground and a larger, more challenging area for the big kids.
Commons Park: This modern playground is in the Harbor Point development, next to a large fountain and manicured lawn. Walter’s Hot Dog Stand is very close by, and Corbo’s Deli is across the street for a snack or quick lunch.
Scalzi Park: Scalzi has soccer fields, a water splash pad, and two separate playgrounds, one for preschoolers and another for children ages 5 to 12. There is also a great walking path on which you can ride bicycles.
STRATFORD
Boothe Park: Located in Boothe Memorial Park, this playground boasts a large wheelchair-accessible area with lots of room to run around. There are also two cool rock climbing walls, one for older kids and one for the smaller crew. If you have time, check out the Boothe Museum.
Victoria Soto Playground: Located in Long Brook Park, this playground is dedicated to Victoria Soto, who lost her life in the Sandy Hook shooting. Please check out Where Angels Play Foundation to see all the playgrounds constructed in honor of the victims of this tragedy. This playground has lots of room for littles to run around and is fairly shaded with trees and covered structures.
WESTPORT
Earthplace: This well-loved nature center and conservatory offer a host of fun, educational activities for children and a “secret” non-visible playground in the back. Earthplace also offers free hiking trails designed for little kids to enjoy. The school playground is available when camp or preschool isn’t in session. You can also play inside the nature center, view the interactive exhibits, and see the animal hall. There is a small fee for non-members.
