The arrival of spring brings fresh air and motivation to explore new places. One of our favorite things to do is explore local museums, and the options in Fairfield County are seemingly endless. Your local library may even loan day passes to some of these attractions, making it even more affordable. Here is a list of recommended museums in Fairfield County and the surrounding areas.
1. Bruce Museum {Greenwich}
Newly renovated and tripled in size, this art, science, and natural history museum has many events and exhibit options. There are family gallery tours and events appropriate for children – check out their website for the latest happenings. Bruce Park playground is right across the street, so you can pack a picnic lunch and make it a family day trip.
2. Greenwich Historical Society and The Bush-Holley House Museum {Greenwich}
Plan a tour of the Bush-Holley House, a historical landmark built circa 1790. The house is set up with furniture and household items from the appropriate time periods, and you can imagine the families living there as you walk through. Guidance from the friendly and knowledgeable staff makes it a great learning experience for children and adults. Also, plan a tour of the museum gardens, art, library, and cultural exhibitions, and don’t miss the expertly curated museum shop!
3. Stamford Museum and Nature Center {Stamford}
It is an excellent place for families to spend the day outdoors and explore nature and the many animals on the property. Some highlights include the 10-acre Heckscher Farm, The Knobloch Family Farmhouse, Overbrook Nature Center with hiking trails, and a great playground with many fun outdoor activities. A visit to the otter pond is a must, and Heckscher Wild offers an interactive experience with exotic animals and plants. Check out their website or social media for the latest family-friendly events.
4. Stepping Stones Museum {Norwalk}
It is one of the best family-friendly museums in the area, with many exhibits and activities. The highlights are the Community Garden, Light Gallery, Multimedia Gallery, “Tot Town” (play area for toddler-age children), and the outdoor Celebration Courtyard.
5. Boothe Memorial Park and Museum {Stratford}
This museum is free, and visiting is like stepping back into the 1860s. It is located on a 32-acre site in Stratford and was the estate of the Boothe family for many years. It offers Shakespearean plays and concerts, and there is so much to explore in its collection of buildings. The surrounding park is open year-round, and the property has a new handicapped-accessible playground.
6. Connecticut Science Center {Hartford}
While a bit of outside of Fairfield County, the Science Center in Hartford is worth the trip. It’s multi-leveled with traveling exhibits, a water area on the first floor, and a rooftop garden! There’s also a 3D movie theater and special days and times dedicated to toddlers and those with sensory needs. Check out the various permanent exhibits, including Science Alley, KidSpace, Butterfly Encounter, Engineering Lab, Exploring Space, Sports Lab, and many more. It’s a must-visit.
7. Danbury Railway Museum {Danbury}
If your family is into trains, you can’t miss this one! You can build, ride, and play with trains all day here. They also have exciting seasonal events, so check their calendar.
8. Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center and Planetarium {Bridgeport}
Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center and Planetarium is super hands-on and fun for preschoolers to middle schoolers, a hidden treasure right near the Sacred Heart campus. If you time it right, you can also watch a planetarium show. The Adventure Park is open seasonally for those with older children interested in ziplining and climbing.
9. Eli Whitney Museum {Hamden}
This hands-on experimental learning space allows you to explore factory life. It has a water lab and maker spaces and even hosts birthday parties! The staff collects, interprets, and teaches experiments that are the roots of design and invention.
10. Everwonder Children’s Museum {Newtown}
Tinker Stations, a magnet wall, a Lego table, and a dinosaur dig are some of the amazing exhibits this museum offers. It’s always a hit with the younger set.
11. Imagine Nation {Bristol}
A little further afield and designed for ages 2-8, this museum has art, water, design and engineering workshops, light and reflection, wildlife, a kinetic play area, and more. This museum was created using the Reggio Emilia philosophy, and it’s one-of-a-kind, not to be missed.
12. Pez Museum {Orange}
For those whose kids are candy-obsessed, this is a must. There are over 4,000 square feet of PEZ to explore, including the manufacturing of these legendary candy dispensers. Each month, there’s a new self-guided game, which gives the kids something to focus on aside from all the yummy goodies they will be begging you to buy.
13. The Children’s Building: Connecticut Children’s Museum {New Haven}
Eight thematic and community-inspired rooms, with books enriching each exhibit and a template of textures and languages supporting absolute accessibility, complement the museum’s rich and playful color palette. A unique set of murals emerging from the arts community and children’s art complete the space.
14. Westchester Children’s Museum {Rye}
One of the most hands-on museums in the area, children get to build rollercoasters, enjoy the indoor beach, create in a maker space, engage in a wind tunnel, and construct with blocks. They also have rotating exhibits and a full calendar of events, including themed STEAM-based activities for a full weekend each month (think slime fest weekend, maker weekend, and more).
15. Yale Peabody Museum {New Haven}
Following a transformative four-year renovation, the Peabody reopened in 2024. For dinosaur lovers, this is your ultimate destination. There are also exhibits about insects, plants, minerals, gems, birds, and the development of human culture. This museum is also part of the CT Dino Trail and has a robust events calendar.
16. Yale University Art Gallery {New Haven}
The Yale University Art Gallery is free and open to the public. Check out the website for a list of current and upcoming exhibits and information about the museum’s permanent collection. The website states that the museum has over 4,000 works, a rooftop terrace, and a sculpture garden. Also, the artwork spans from ancient times to the present.
17. New England Air Museum {Windsor Locks}
Although a bit far for many living in Fairfield County, the New England Air Museum is worth a trip, especially for those interested in aviation. Families can learn about the history of aircraft and view various aircraft exhibits and displays. Check out the Flights of Fun Family Programs available on the weekends, including museum admission. The programs offer scavenger hunts, flight simulators, and open cockpit experiences.
18. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum {Ridgefield}
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is one of the oldest contemporary art museums in the United States. The website lists the various exhibits, including current, upcoming, and past. There is a sculpture garden, and the museum is within walking distance of a Revolutionary War battlefield.
19. The Glass House {New Canaan}
Open to kids 10+, The Glass House is located on a 49-acre property with 14 structures, including The Glass House, which was built between 1949 and 1995. In addition to exploring and learning about the interesting architecture of the house, there is a permanent collection of 20th-century paintings and sculptures. There are also temporary exhibits. Tours are available, and reservations are recommended. Be sure to check the website for opening times, as tour season is generally April-December, and they are not open every day.
20. Fairfield Museum and History Center {Fairfield}
The Fairfield Museum and History Center believes in the power of history, art, and humanities to inspire the imagination, stimulate thought, and transform society. There are many family-friendly exhibits, workshops, and special events, including drop-in craft time, walking tours, sing-alongs, and open play. It’s a hidden gem worth checking out!
