Question for those who live in (or have visited) south west CT

[vald1977]

We are planning a get together with some relatives in New Jersey and south west CT is about half way for each of us to drive. We will have 5 adults, a 4 year old, a 3 year old, and two 18 month olds along with an elderly person in the group.

I have been trying to find a fun activity for us to do in this area. I am not a fan of Chuck E. Cheese or places like it where kids run wild . The relative from New Jersey sent us a couple of places she's heard of and one is Chuck E. Cheese, another is Smiles Entertainment Center (seems like Chuck E. Cheese to me based on what it has), and a bowling alley. Can't see the kids really getting into bowling (at least the younger ones) and I want to stay away from the others due to chaos factor.

Did some of my own research and found three different children's museums that sound like fun. 1.) The Discovery Museum in Bridgeport CT 2.) CT Children's Museum in New Haven and 3.) Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk.

Has anyone been to any of these places or know of another kid freindly place our group could have fun? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Princess Dot]

Norwalk could be fun because in addition to the children's museum (which I have seen on the outside but never went in, sorry!) there is a really nice aquarium that we are members of. All of my kids from the time they were babies have loved to walk throught the aquarium as there are many "hands on" exhibits that they love. The aquarium is called the "Maritime Center" I believe and they also have a great IMAX theater there.

The kids museum looked like fun but we have never made it in. The Maritime Center is very close by, maybe 5 mins in the car.

Any other questions, just let me know.

 

[Kimberle]

I second Norwalk. (My home town.)

We have a membership to Stepping Stones, It's wonderful for kids. They just opened a new rainforest exhibit. The children will love it! They have a special room just for babies/toddlers under 3. They can crawl & play w/out having to worry about bigger kids running them down.

http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/
I also agree on the Norwalk Aquarium. It's wonderful. Not to big, so you can get by w/out strollers for the older ones. There is an IMAX attached too. I would eat at the Brewhouse resturant, just a couple of blocks from the Aquarium. Food is really good! Especially the hot apple crisp!

 

[spb999]

I haven't been to the museums either, but I'll cast another vote for the maritime center in Norwalk!

 

[JKMastalski]

My hometown area! I also nominate Stepping Stones and The Maritime Center. You could easily spend a day there. I dont think you mentioned when you are going, but if the weather is nice, there are lots of parks & beaches that you could play at or even have a BBQ at. Let us know if you need any other info!
Good luck and have fun!

 

[vald1977]

Thanks so much for your replies, everyone! We have decided on the Maritime Aquarium and are keeping Stepping Stones as an idea for another time. It looks like our group is growing so we may be able to take advantage of a group rate even .

We are looking for somewhere to have a dinner after the aquarium. Kimberle, you mentioned a brewhouse close by. Do you happen to know the name? We are trying to do something relatively inexpensive since the income levels of the group vary widely and we want everyone to be able to enjoy and not worry about $.

JKMastalski,
We are going next Sunday so I think the weather might be too iffy to plan a BBQ. We do plan to do this again though so maybe during the summer that would be a great plan .

 

[vald1977]

Nevermind, Kimberle. I realized the name IS The Brewhouse. Just found the website online. Duh .

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

This may sound crazy--but how about Stew Leonards? Not for the while day, of course, but it is a fun shopping experience and kids always love the singing cows and other characters.