14 Things to Do in Norwalk
Over Winter Break
The kids get just a few days off from school for February winter break. Here are our picks for things to do in Norwalk that cater to families and include an eclectic mix of urban, coastal, and charming neighborhood experiences.
1. Stepping Stones Museum
Without question, Stepping Stones is the crown jewel of children’s museums in Fairfield County. Kids of all ages can spend hours exploring the museum’s hands-on approach to learning. The galleries there are filled with tons of engaging exhibits that will appeal to the entire family.
2. Maritime Aquarium
Sharks. Octopuses. Seahorses. Jellies and meerkats. You can spend hours exploring the halls of this Norwalk institution. The 4D theater and Pinniped Cove are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
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3. SONO Switch Tower Museum
Admission to this small museum is free, so it is well worth a walk over from the Maritime Aquarium. Train enthusiasts of all ages will love learning about the only “Armstrong” switch lever machine in Connecticut.
4. Mill Hill Historic Park & Historical Society
You can explore the history of Norwalk in two locations: Mill Hill Historic Park and society’s museum on East Ave. The museum is open for self-guided tours on select days of the week. Mill Hill Historic Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The historic park features several historic buildings and an antique cemetery.
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5. Norwalk’s Thriving Arts Scene
Whether it’s taking in a show at the Music Theater of Connecticut, listening to live music at the District Music Hall, or exploring visual art at The Norwalk Art Space, you can take part in a variety of arts in Norwalk! Check the organizations’ websites for schedules.
6. Panic Room Norwalk
It takes a lot of team work to get out of one of these challenging rooms. Instead of just trying to “escape,” participants are given a mission to accomplish.
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7. Sky Zone
Sky Zone offers open jump sessions, a Foam Zone, where kids can jump from a trampoline runway into a pit filled with 10,000 foam cubes, and Sky Slam, where trampoline launch pads bounce you ten feet in the air so that you can dunk your basketball like a pro.
8. Stew Leonard’s
Stew Leonard’s is like the Disneyland of grocery stores and the original is right here in Norwalk. With animatronic musical characters, real life farm animals, tons of family fun events, oh – and delicious food!
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9. Grit Ninja
If you have ever dreamed of being a ninja warrior, this is your spot! You can check it all out on the weekends during their drop-in sessions.
10. SoNo Collection
In addition to some of the areas finest indoor shopping, the SoNo Collection is also home to the Connecticut outpost of CAMP. The mall also houses the family friendly Yard House, Pinstripes, and Galaxy VR.
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11. Mr. Frosty’s
Nestled into a corner of East Norwalk and open year-round, Mr. Frosty’s is the perfect place to stop by after a day at the beach, a celebration, or just about anything else. This spot is a personal family favorite, we love checking out the rotating list of seasonal specials.
12. Caffee Social
Located in SoNo, this is the best spot for breakfasts, brunch, coffee, or stop by for lunch after a trip to the aquarium, Caffee Social has a pretty eclectic menu of comfort foods, but we always go for the pancake special.
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13. O’Neill’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Also located in SoNo, O’Neills serves up classic Irish pub food with a great children’s menu.
14. Valencia Luncheria
The arepas at Valencia are some of the best that we’ve ever had. With classics like ham & cheese, or black beans and queso – don’t forget to order the Zach – you will not be sorry!
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Credits: Ally Noel/Mommy Poppins, “24 Best Things To Do in Norwalk, CT with Kids”