July is National Picnic Month, and with summer in full swing, it’s a great time to head outdoors with family and friends for quality time. Enjoy the sunshine and a great meal in a relaxing park or beach. Spend the day in the picturesque scenery offered in and around Fairfield County.
If you have the time, make a day of it and enjoy a hike, swim, or bring anything your family loves to do outdoors. We always have a soccer ball and baseball gear in our car. We will throw some kites in the trunk if the day allows for some wind to send the kite soaring. Pack anything from sandwiches, chips, fruit, and dessert, or stop by your favorite take-out spot and stock up on food for an awesome day trip.
Here are some ideas for family-friendly places to go on a beautiful summer day in lower Fairfield County.
GREENWICH
Greenwich Point Park is a beautiful area to picnic, ride bikes, run or walk, or hang out for Greenwich residents with a pass or visitors with a day pass. There is beach access and walking paths around the park with grass fields for picnicking. There are two concession stands, or bring your own picnic and enjoy the day.
Bruce Park and Cos Cob Park are two other great picnicking spots in Greenwich. Bruce Park has picnic tables, a walking path, tennis courts, a large field for sports or flying a kite, and a pond. Cos Cob Park is located near the Cos Cob train station and has a soccer turf field, picnic tables, a playground, and a walking path with water views.
STAMFORD
A couple of our favorite Stamford locations for a picnic are the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, and Cove Island Park. The Stamford Museum and Nature Center is great for kids, and it’s worth checking the events calendar on their website. There are hiking trails and picnic benches by the playground, and you can walk around and see the animals located on the farm. Cove Island Park is a great picnic spot because of the large field, beach access, picnic shelter, and grills are available.
NEW CAANAN
Waveny Park has been a favorite of our family for several years. It is a large space with 130 acres of open space, ideal for a picnic and outdoor activities with the family. The grounds are beautiful and include a walled garden. There are walking paths for some exercise after a picnic.
DARIEN
Cherry Lawn is a great location for a family picnic in Darien. There is a playground, a large field, nature trails, and a duck pond. There are also basketball and tennis courts.
WESTPORT
Sherwood Island State Park includes 234 acres of beach, wetlands, and woodlands. There is a nature center on the property as well. On the west side of the beach, there are walking trails and a disc golf course. This is another great location for a family picnic because of the large area, beautiful views, and various choices for activities to spend the day outdoors.
WILTON
Located in Wilton, Weir Farm National Historic Park is a National Park for Art, and you can visit the home and studio of the Impressionist painter that the park is named after, J. Alden Weir. The park is open daily, and in addition to your picnic, you can schedule a tour of the Weir House and Studios. You can also plan a self-guided tour. Check out the website for the various options. For the artist in your family, you can bring your own supplies and take advantage of the free sketching kits or watercolor kits, depending on the day you visit.
NORWALK
Cranbury Park is another great location for a picnic in Fairfield County and also has a disc golf course, walking trails, sculpture garden, and playground.
FAIRFIELD
For water views during your picnic, visit Lake Mohegan or Jennings Beach for a picturesque meal and a chance to swim on a hot day. Also, check out Pine Creek Recreation Area and Sherman Town Green, a smaller park close to town that offers a summer concert series.