Top 10 Things to do in New Canaan, United States

February 16, 2018 Janette Largent

New Canaan /nuː ˈkeɪnən/ is an affluent town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States, 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Greenwich, 36 miles (58 km) west of New Haven and 48 miles (77 km) northeast of New York City. The population was 19,738 according to the 2010 census. In 2008 New Canaan had the highest median family income in the country.
Restaurants in New Canaan

1. Sheffield Island Lighthouse

4 N Water St, Seaport Dock, Norwalk, CT 06854-2228 +1 203-838-9444
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 249 reviews

Sheffield Island Lighthouse

The Norwalk Seaport Association has owned, restored and maintained Sheffield Island Lighthouse since 1986 and is the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Friends group for the Norwalk Islands.Sheffield Island with its historic 145-year-old lighthouse, beaches and wildlife refuge offers abundant summer fun for visitors. From May through September, visitors can board the Seaport Association's 45-foot C.J. Toth catamaran for a cruise to the island then tour the lighthouse, observe wildlife in their natural habitat in the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, hunt for shells along the beach, dine on a picnic lunch, play on the lawns around the lighthouse and just have a good time. The lighthouse tower provides magnificent views of Long Island Sound and, on a clear day, of the New York City skyline. Join us for one of the most exciting tours that the Norwalk Harbor Islands area has to offer! During this unforgettable adventure tour of Sheffield Island and Lighthouse, you'll step directly from the boat into the past.

Reviewed By josephcG8864QA - Versailles, Missouri

We didn't realize you needed advance tickets but fortunately two seats opened up and my wife and I were able too go. Dan, the tour guide, was very knowledgeable about the area and was a terrific guide to the lighthouse itself. All three, Dan, the first mate, Andy, and the captain were all very professional.

2. Westport Country Playhouse

25 Powers Ct, Westport, CT 06880-3621 +1 203-227-4177
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 130 reviews

Westport Country Playhouse

Reimagining itself in recent years, Westport Country Playhouse is rapidly emerging as a nationally recognized professional theater. Under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos and management direction of Michael Ross, the Playhouse creates five live theater experiences, produced at the highest level, from April through November. Its vital mix of works---dramatic, comedic, occasionally exploratory and unusual---expands the audience’s sense of what theater can be. The depth and scope of its productions display the foremost theatrical literature from the past---recent as well as distant---in addition to musicals and premieres of new plays. During the summer, the Playhouse is home to the Woodward Internship Program, renowned for the training of aspiring theater professionals. Winter at the Playhouse, from November through March, offers events outside of the main season---Family Festivities presentations, Script in Hand play readings and a Holiday Festival. In addition, businesses and organizations are encouraged to rent the handsome facility for their meetings, receptions and fundraisers

Reviewed By Joe1234665 - Weston, Connecticut

The playhouse did a season ending musical, Camelot and did it very well.

It is a challenge to get a full production musical on the small stage and with a cast large enough to look convincing. Westport county Playhouse pulled it off.

Slick scenery, a small but capable staff and you have a good evening of enjoyment.

I hope they do more musicals

3. The Philip Johnson Glass House

199 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840-5321 +1 203-594-9884
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 158 reviews

The Philip Johnson Glass House

Reviewed By jdms33 - Monroe, Connecticut

Finally made the trip and so glad we did. The property and facilities are just stunning. We did a self guided tour and really enjoyed it. The docents are all very knowledgeable and there was someone at every location ready to answer questions and/or share their knowledge of the property and people associated with it.

My favorite building on the property was the sculpture building...less about the collection, although it was nice, but much more for the architecture of the building and the lighting through the glass roof.

My least favorite was the painting gallery.

The glass house itself is absolutely unique and while it is consistently referred to as the crown jewel of the property I found a number of the other buildings much more interesting as well as the stories about the grounds....which all look very natural but apparently are as well thought out as the structures on the property.

4. Stamford Museum & Nature Center

39 Scofieldtown Rd, Stamford, CT 06903-4096 +1 203-322-1646
Excellent
63%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 257 reviews

Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Seasonal fun awaits you at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. The 118-acre property is home to Heckscher Farm, an 18-acre working farm; Overbrook Nature Center; the Bendel Mansion, with changing exhibitions and pieces from the Museum’s permanent collection; an otter pond; Nature’s Playground; the Stamford Observatory; Animal Embassy; and more than 80 acres of hiking trails. The Wheels in the Woods Trail provides a universally accessible nature trail. Come discover, learn, and enjoy!

Reviewed By AdvancedCake - Thornwood, New York

Have made the 30 minute drive several times in the past year, with kids, well worth it. The outdoor animal enclosures and indoor exotic animal exhibit are usually our first stops. The excellent wooden playground with slides of various sizes is usually how we end the visit. The hiking trails are fun too, time permitting.

5. Darien Library

1441 Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820-5419 +1 203-655-1234
Excellent
90%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 17 reviews

Darien Library

Darien Library is a Library Journal Five Star Library. We are among the busiest public libraries in the state, with over 1,300 people visiting on an average day. Aside from books and movies, we offer free WiFi, computers, programs for all ages, meeting rooms, a Business Center, a Digital Media Lab, and helpful staff to answer your questions. The building is award winning, so stop by today!

Reviewed By Patty G - Darien, Connecticut

Thinking libraries were becoming obsolete, I held off for way too long before finding an excuse to visit this library. Actually took my 5 year old grandson to look for some books for sleepover weekend. What a pleasant surprise! The children's area was bright, and very inviting. And there was a cafe for lunch. We also spent time outside, sitting and reading by the fountain. Drive thru drop off for return of books. Easy, spacious and attractive. Will visit more often!

6. The Maritime Aquarium

10 N Water St, Sono District, Norwalk, CT 06854-2228 +1 203-852-0700
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 893 reviews

The Maritime Aquarium

Awarded the 2013 Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor. The Maritime Aquarium inspires people of all ages to appreciate Long Island Sound and protect it for future generations.

Reviewed By avstrait - Stamford, Connecticut

We are Patrons of the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium BUT we are very unhappy that the fact that Long Island Sound is dying or dead depending on where you go in Fairfield County. As a child l could walk along any beach in Greenwich, Stamford, or Darien and find all kinds of sea life: minnows, crabs, snails, Starfish, hermit crabs, clams, mussels, etc. etc. Today if you walk along those same beaches you find NOTHING!! Thirty or more years ago you could fill a bushel basket with fish you caught to take home within an hour (flounders, sea bass, blowfish, blackfish, weakfish, etc.) Today you would be lucky to catch anything and the only fish that come into the sound are migrating fish who only come for a short time, like stripers, menhadden/bunker, or bluefish. The Maritime management should be educating the Public that SO;METHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE IGNORING THIS! The displays throughtout the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium at present would give you the idea that all is well with Long Island Sound.

7. Cove Island Park

Weed Avenue, Stamford, CT 06901 +1 203-977-4140
Excellent
56%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 150 reviews

Cove Island Park

Reviewed By DickandPaulineP - Worcester, Massachusetts

We were babysitting our great granddaughter and took our granddaughters car that has a season pass on a Monday, otherwise $25 parking fee in season, Plenty of walking/biking/running trails and their is a tram (free) that seems to run about every 15 minutes to take you to different parts of the park. Nice playground for kids and the snack bar has a nice menu and plenty of snacks and drinks for sale. The beach itself is clean but the waters edge is covered with lots of crushed/broken seashells so be sure and bring foot protection. Also there is a good foot+ drop from shallow edge to water so be careful with kids, Lots of shade spotsb ut bet they go quickly on a weekend. Overall a very good place to spend a day or evening.

8. Wilton Historical Society

224 Danbury Rd, Wilton, CT 06897-6000 +1 203-762-7257
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Wilton Historical Society

Reviewed By Jennifer K

I have lived in Wilton 8 years and finally stopped in to visit this charming and important location. They not only provide education about the town and surrounding area, but they have a terrific little gift shop. I been back several times and learn something new at each trip. Plus, there is a real blacksmith shop in the back. It is great little stop for both adults and kids. I was there last to pick up some unique Christmas gifts.

9. Grace Farms

365 Lukes Wood Rd, New Canaan, CT 06840-2206 +1 203-920-1702
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 46 reviews

Grace Farms

Grace Farms is a welcoming new place for people to experience nature, encounter the arts, pursue justice, foster community, and explore faith.

Reviewed By ArtsyGalBaltimore - Maryland

Why visit: Experience the River Building if you love architecture and appreciate others' spirituality. I had seem a model of this building at the MOMA in 2016 and what a wonderful gift to experience firsthand.
Fee: Free, show license at the gate.
Parking: Plentiful.
Experiences: A library, welcome centers, a basketball court, dining hall, natural trail, sanctuary.
Events: Suggest you consult an events calendar before your visit. I would love to see Grace Farm at night.
Vantage Point: If you GoogleEarth, you can get a wonderful perspective. We parked near the entrance and learned about the transformation of the east/west visitor welcome centers from stables. I wonder if there is a different parking lot to give you a different perspective.

10. Stepping Stones Museum for Children

303 West Ave, Mathews Park, Norwalk, CT 06850-4002 +1 203-899-0606
Excellent
58%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 224 reviews

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Stepping Stones Museum for Children ignites a child's love of learning through play. Open your world to our hands-on exhibits and exciting programs. With our five main galleries and over 100 hands-on activities, children become wide-eyed with wonder. As they see, hear, touch, feel and do, their ever-growing minds venture to amazing new places. Our Traveling Exhibit Gallery changes every few months so you can always expect new and fascinating adventures. Stepping Stones mission is to broaden and enrich the educational opportunities for children ages ten and under and to enhance their understanding of the world. The museum seeks to create an environment that inspires lifelong learning and supports parents, caregivers and educators as facilitators of children's explorations. Stepping Stones is open daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and CLOSED Mondays between Labor Day and Memorial Day (School Year Hours) Hours are 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Reviewed By FrankRod89 - Norwalk, Connecticut

Kids love this place! It’s got everything for them to stay busy and have an awesome time. Very interactive for the kids with lots of activities and games for them to play. Also learning while playing. Big outdoor playground with blocks for them to build up and other toys.

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