With two toddlers just 14 months apart, you can bet your cute little heinie I've been on the ultimate playground tour the last couple of years. My husband and I love getting our children outside every day if possible, and always try to switch things up and bring them to different places each afternoon. Here are my favorite playgrounds in Lower Fairfield County, CT!
#1: Cherry Lawn Park - Darien, CT
Conveniently located near I-95 and close to the Norwalk line is Cherry Lawn Park. It's got one of the most expansive playground areas I've come across, with both a totally fenced in area for toddlers, and endless things to do for the "big kids." Besides your typical play structures, it's part of a 26.5 acre park with sports fields & courts, gardens, walking trails, ponds, streams, and even an indoor nature center where kids can interact with all sorts of little critters, rain or shine (for free)! The entire property is meticulously maintained by the Darien Land Trust, and I've always found it to be a peaceful and safe place to spend an afternoon with the kids.
#2: Grace Farms - New Canaan, CT
Grace Farms is absolutely a hidden gem on the border of CT and NY. There are multiple buildings of open architecture to enjoy on the 80 acres of property, housing a gorgeous indoor play area and sports courts, exhibits, events facilities, an amphitheater, open meadows, gathering spaces, and more. It's free and accessible to the public 6 days a week (just grab a day pass on their website here), and they also offer free wifi, parking, and food & beverage options on site!
#3: Weed Beach - Noroton, CT
A warm weather favorite spot of ours, Weed Beach is a fantastic waterfront play haven for kids! Children can safely enjoy the sandy playground structure and swing set overlooking the Long Island Sound, and also have access to the beautifully-kept beach, pavilion, and sport courts on the property. (Access is free until summer beach season begins, then permits or day pass fees are required.)
#4: Bruce Park Playground - Greenwich, CT
Bruce Park Playground is located just across from the Bruce Park Museum and boasts multiple playgrounds for kids of all ages! From your typical play sets and swings, to climbing structures and scenic wooded pathways - it's part of the town's oldest public park, encompassing over 100 acres privately donated to the town in 1908. There is so much to do that I have trouble convincing my kids when it's time to go!
#5: Harbor Point - Stamford, CT
With three different playground options that are all walkable from each other, scenic waterfront walking paths overlooking Long Island in the distance, a splash pad in the summer, baseball fields, sand boxes stocked with toys in-season, green areas with colorful seating to enjoy, dog parks, and tons of cute shops and restaurants dotting the sidewalks, Harbor Point truly has something for everyone. The juxtaposition between the new, upscale urban construction and boat marinas give kids plenty to look at and makes for fun adventures for parents, too.
#6: Cos Cob Park - Cos Cob, CT
Cos Cob Park is super easy to access from I-95 and close to the Stamford border, with two fenced-in playgrounds, expansive soccer fields, waterfront walking trails, and clean public facilities. My kids especially enjoy watching the trains go by from the Metro-North and boats coming in and out of the harbor into the river that runs along the property. This is a great place to go to keep the kids close by and safe while they play, and give parents the chance to take a beat on one of the benches while taking in the beautiful view.
Got a playground you absolutely love? A "best kept secret" for kids in your neighborhood? Shoot me a DM (@XtineElise on IG) so we can add it to our list, and share the tip with other parents nearby, too! :)