The 10 Coolest Destinations for Families in Stamford, Connecticut

Stamford is one of the coolest cities in Connecticut as well as one of the nicest suburbs of New York City. Whether you’re visiting Stamford on vacation or have lived there for years, you want to know that you’re always getting the best out of your summer experience. You want to enjoy time with your kids, taking them to locations that you know all of you will enjoy. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place! Check out these ten locations to discover the best family-friendly locations and events in Stamford.

1. Cove Island Park has it all. Whether you’re looking for a walking/running track that will let you get in some exercise or a playground designed to let your kids burn off some steam, Cove Island Park is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon with your family.

2. The Stamford Museum and Nature Center is focused on allowing children to interact with exhibits and learn more about different cultures, experience nature, and explore art and history. While not all the exhibits are interactive, there’s plenty to look at, plenty to see, and plenty to do at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center.

3. The Boothe Memorial Railway Society maintains the Boothe Memorial Railway Park and Museum in Stratford. The society is dedicated to increasing interest in model trains and railroad history. While there are regular events held by the society, particularly in the month of October, the museum is open year-round to allow your family to explore a complex display of model trains and learn more about railroad history.

4. Atlantic Pizza has been serving Stamford for over 50 years, and if you’re looking for the perfect place to sit back with your family and have an Italian meal, this is it. Atlantic Pizza doesn’t just provide an array of pizza. They also have salads so good that they’re famous and calzones, pasta, and plenty of other Italian favorites.

5. 16 Handles has the perfect array of frozen treats to make your entire smile. Even those with a special diet to follow can find a frozen treat just for them at 16 Handles. No sugar added? No problem. Vegan? They’ve got it. It’s the perfect stop for a family looking for a sweet treat to round out the day.

6. Schooner Soundwaters is “the teaching vessel of Long Island Sound.” On Schooner Soundwaters, students can experience a three-hour-long science enrichment program that will allow them to not only learn about ecology but to learn some of the basics of sailing, as well. It also allows learning and exploration sails for adults, so there’s something for every sailing enthusiast in your family!

7. The Maritime Aquarium is the perfect place to take an animal-loving family for a few hours. There are interactive exhibits, seal shows, a chance to touch sharks and rays or jellyfish, and plenty of fish to learn about and view. In addition, there are meerkats, butterflies, and dragons–exhibits that have little to do with marine life and plenty to do with fascinating your entire family.

8. Chelsea Piers is the perfect spot for a family looking for a place to drop in and get active for a little while. Let’s face it: sometimes, your kids get tired of being cooped up. When you need to get them active, Chelsea Piers has plenty of options. Whether your kids would rather splash in the pool, jump and climb, visit the batting cages, go ice skating, or check out the volleyball nets, there’s something for every taste.

9. Twin Rinks offers public ice skating times for the entire family–a great way for all of you to get active and enjoy some laughs together. Whether you’re a skating enthusiast or plan to spend more time sitting on the ice than skating on it, Twin Rinks can offer a great way to spend your vacation afternoon.

10. Stamford Crowne Plaza hotel enjoys excellent reviews and offers the perfect child-friendly hotel stay. The kids will be kept busy playing basketball, tennis, pool and swimming. The hotel also offers an onsite restaurant and bar for the adults.

No matter what you’re looking for during this family vacation season, there’s something in Stamford for you. In fact, it may be that you discover that there simply aren’t enough hours in your vacation this summer to do it all!