CT Mommy Blog

1329 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester, CT

A few weeks ago we took the family to Wickham Park in Manchester, CT. The park is incredible. It is 250 acres of gardens, fields, ponds, and playgrounds. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy a day outside during nice weather and the perfect spot to visit with Santa around Christmas. The park is open to the public from April to October and in December for Santa’s Village.

Parking

There is a $5 admittance fee on weekdays, $7 on weekends and holidays. You will be given a map of the park at the front gate.

Gardens

There are six beautiful flower gardens throughout Wickham Park. Each has a unique theme with special plants and flowers and decorative elements. They are the perfect spot for weddings, special ceremonies and family photos. My favorite is the Oriental Garden. I love the tranquility of the area especially the beauty of the pond and bridge.

Playground

My kids loved the playground. There are smaller playsets around the park but the main area is next to the bird aviary and nature center. It’s a fenced in area that has the perfect mix of newer playground equipment and older pieces that remind me of my childhood. It includes a sand box, several different smaller slides, a large slide, an awesome play fire engine, and swings. It’s located mostly in the shade which is a nice change from many of the playgrounds we visit. There are public restrooms outside the nature center. There is also a snack bar available.

Aviary

The bird aviary is located directly next to the playground. You can hear the sound of the birds from various spots in the park. The birds are displayed in cages in the fenced in aviary. There are chickens, roosters, turkeys, hawks, pheasants, and peacocks. Signs are displayed with facts of each bird. There is bird seed available to feed the birds.

Nature Center

The Nature Center is open to the public. It includes stuffed animals and birds from throughout Connecticut. There are interactive exhibits and information about the Wickham family who gifted the land that makes up the mark today.

Wickham Park is one of the most beautiful parks I have visited in Connecticut. I love all of the gardens and open space. My kids loved playing on the playground and visiting the birds in the aviary. It’s a perfect day trip for the whole family.