Top 10 Places to Take Kids in Winter in and Around Fairfield County

Each year, thousands of parents vote in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in Rochester. (Click here for the full list.) But where to go in WINTER? This nice sub-page shows you the top 10 places that you can take kids during winter.

1. Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo creates wonderfully wild experiences for children and families all year 'round. Located on 52 beautiful acres in Bridgeport, the state’s only zoo features more than 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Explore our South American Rainforest with free-flight aviary, the New England Farmyard, Victorian Greenhouse, and prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas. Visitors may enjoy a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and take a spin on the colorful indoor carousel.

2. Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

The nationally recognized aquarium focuses on the fascinating marine life in Long Island Sound and its watershed, including prowling sharks, curious seals, rambunctious river otters, stately sea turtles, pulsing jellyfish and thousands of other animals. The Aquarium also offers: educational programs, including public study cruises out onto the Sound; changing special exhibits; and Connecticut's largest IMAX movie theater, with a screen that’s six stories tall! The not-for-profit attraction is the centerpiece of the popular South Norwalk (or “SoNo”) neighborhood, with fun shops, nightclubs and restaurants.

3. Stepping Stones Museum for Children

At Stepping Stones Museum for Children, the hands-on exhibits and educational programs engage, inspire and delight every child — as well as countless parents and caregivers.

4. Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Seasonal fun awaits you at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. Bring friends and enjoy a picnic on the Meadow, explore more than 80 acres of nature trails, drop in to the Heckscher Farm and say hello to the animals, and don't miss the latest exhibition in the Bendel Mansion Museum Galleries. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a place for families. Come discover, learn, and enjoy!

5. Mystic Aquarium

As New England’s hands-on aquarium, Mystic Aquarium offers guests a variety of up-close encounters with a wide range of marine animals, including endangered African penguins and New England’s only beluga whales. Dive below the sunlit seas in Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below, the aquarium’s newest exhibit full of captivating imagery, breathtaking recreations, emotional soundscapes, hands-on activities and thrilling entertainment that transport you to the moment and inspire your course for exploration and discovery.

6. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

A natural history museum at Yale University, it is one of several go-to places for Fairfield County parents who want to give their kids the natural history experience in a friendly environment that is information-packed and fun without being overwhelming.

7. Pump it Up

At Pump It Up in Norwalk, your party is always a memorable experience. There's fun for all ages in our 2 private, indoor arenas with gigantic inflatables. Our friendly, trained staff is here to help you from the moment you arrive in the parking lot until the guest of honor makes a wish and blows out the candles! It’s always stress-free and easy to do. But we’re not just a birthday place! We have many open events where your child can participate in imaginative play all through the year. From our everyday fun like Pop-in Playtimeto Special Events on popular holidays such as Meet Santa Claus, Egg Hunts with the Easter Bunny, Not-So-Scary Halloween Jump Nights, Jump-N-Jackpot and our famous "Noon" year's Eve Balloon Drop every 12/31 at Noon .…we’re your kids’ favorite place!

8. Discovery Museum and Planetarium

Connecticut's premiere science museum and planetarium is right in Bridgeport! It is a hands-on interactive museum for all ages with over sixty-five exhibit areas.

9. Woodcock Nature Center

Located on 149 acres of state-protected land, the Woodcock Nature Preserve includes a pond, wetlands and 3 miles of publicly accessible woodland trails. The Woodcock Nature Center has been a private, non-profit source of nature and environmental education in Southwestern Connecticut since 1972. The full-time staff of the Center works with the local protected wildlife to serve as a resource for educating the community about our natural surroundings through public outreach, school field trips and visits, on-site birthday parties and our extremely popular summer camps.

10. My Local Library

My local library: Of course, the libraries in Fairfield County are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication.