Stamford Museum & Nature Center

posted by yazmin

A few weeks ago I visited the Stamford Museum & Nature Center in Stamford, CT. This was our first time visiting and I was pleasantly surprised by all that there was to offer. Inside we found beautiful grounds with a museum that has rotating exhibits, a magical wooden playground set, picnic areas, walking trails and farm animals. The nature center even has an observatory and planetarium. My kids had a blast exploring the nature center. It’s certainly a fun family-friendly attraction in Fairfield County.

Stamford Museum

Dates & Times

Open daily except New Years Day, Thanksgiving & Christmas Day

Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm

2017 Admission

Pay admission at the gate before entering the park. Credit cards are accepted.

Adults – $10
Seniors (65+) – $8
Children (4 – 17) – $5
Ages 3 and under – Free

Farm

Heckscher Farm is on the nature center property and is included in your daily admission. The farm is set on 10 acres with some pretty incredible animals. On the day of our trip, we had no idea what to expect and I was so surprised to find such a large farm. There are heritage farm animals, gardens, barns, and a maple sugar house. We all had a blast visiting the animals.

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You’ll also find a reptile house on the farm named Heckscher Wild. This is a place where kids can get a closer look at reptiles and other small animals. There are special times when they take out animals for little ones to learn more about and get a hands-on look.

TIP: The reptile house is air conditioned and next to bathrooms so it makes a great mid-trip stop.

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Playground

The playground is a magical. You enter through a giant hollowed out log into a land of wonder. There are carved out trees, a giant bird nest and wooden play ship. There are multiple levels for pretending and exploring. It’s truly a child’s dream play place. My kids could spend an entire day playing on all of the different slides and tunnels.

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The playground is set in the woods so it stays pretty shady. There are benches, tables, a water fountain and port-a-potty all nearby. It seems to be a favorite spot for local children so it can be a bit busy but seems to clear out after lunchtime.

TIP: Since it is in the woods, it can get a little buggy. Bring along some bug spray. I love to buy non-toxic bug bands and keep them in my bag whenever we go out. Plus, kids love the bright colors and wear them as bracelets.

Nature Trails

There are multiple hiking trails around the property. There’s also a stroller-friendly trail that is perfect for families, young children and those with disabilities. My kids found some walking sticks and pretended to go on an adventure through the woods searching for different animals and plants.

TIP: Make sure to ask for a map at the visitor gate

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Museum

The Stamford Museum is a set in a beautiful mansion with architecture that is hard to miss. The museum holds different art pieces with rotating exhibits. During our visit to the museum they were showcasing maize. I can see this being a popular destination for school field trips.

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The Stamford Museum and Nature Center is a gem in the southern most part of Connecticut. The combination of farm, playground, museum and nature trails are one of a kind. They also offer a large selection special events. I can’t wait to plan a return visit.

Posted in Connecticut Kids Museums, Connecticut Parks, Family, Family Day Trips, Museums, Things to do in CT, Travel. Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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