Stamford Museum & Nature Center - 10:00 AM Pick
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USS Nautilus and Force Museum - 9:00 AM
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Train Rides for Connecticut Kids: Fun on the Metro North-New Haven Line
Kids love train rides. In Connecticut, taking the Metro North-New Haven line usually means commuting to work or going to the city for the day. But riding on the train can be a short day trip to a new town or a fun activity near a local station. Either way, it’s fun for children to see all their train favorites like meeting a conductor, holding a ticket (get a paper one at your station!), and just looking out the window. And riding the train adds an element of fun to the destination. No car seats or traffic on this leisurely day out. Another perk is that kids under 5 ride free on the Metro North, and kids 5 - 11 years old are only $1 per trip with a paying adult—all aboard!
Here is a list of stations where you can hop off, with activities to do right off the train without needing a car. Head to your local station and start your next train adventure on Metro North’s New Haven Line. Choo-Choo! And check out our Connecticut Day Trips and Weekend Getaway Guide for more fun ways to explore Connecticut with kids.
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Family Fun on the Metro North-New Haven Line - Greenwich to Westport
Greenwich
Explore the Bruce Museum, offering many kid-friendly exhibits and only a 6-minute walk from the station. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, the Bruce Museum is part of the Connecticut Summer at the Museum 2023. Right next to the Bruce Museum is Bruce Park which has an amazing playground with designated ages for younger and older children to enjoy. Beside the playground, there are walking paths, ponds, picnic areas as well as recreation like tennis courts and baseball fields.
Interested in shopping? Walk towards Greenwich Ave (a 7-minute walk). Find kid- friendly stores such as Jacadi, Funky Monkey Toys and Books, Zara, Love Shack Fancy, and J Crew to name a few. Granola Bar or Aux Delices are great eating options.
Take a train ride to fun activities on the Metro North-New Haven Line. Photo courtesy of the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium
South Norwalk, CT
Check out sharks, touch stingrays, or experience 4D at Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, a 9-minute walk from the station. The Maritime Aquarium can fill an afternoon with over 300 species to see. Cascade Café offers breakfast and lunch options - great for a break or meal.
Open the magical door to rooms filled with themed fun at CAMP at SoNo Collection. (an 11-minute walk). Check out their calendar for current themes; past examples include Bluey, Paw Patrol, and Disney. SoNo Collections is a beautiful space to explore, with over 50 retail stores, multiple food options, and even a bowling aisle at Pinstripes.
Yum! Kids (and moms and dads) will go "Donut Crazy" at the Westport station on the Metro North-New Haven line.
Westport, CT
A favorite stop that is right at the train station: Donut Crazy. From classics to specialties like Kookie Monster, kids will love a treat from this donut shop. Moms and dads can pick from a number of caffeinated options for a quick perk!
Sing and dance at Sherman's Green for Friday's Sing and Stomp.
Family Fun on the Metro North-New Haven Line - Fairfield to Bridgeport
Fairfield, CT
Explore all that downtown Fairfield has to offer in only a 5-minute walk. Several family friendly restaurants right near the station including Colony Grill, Old Post Tavern, and Centro Ristorante & Bar. Listen and dance at Sherman Green (a 5-minute walk) which offers many free kid-centric activities such as PB Jam Summer Concerts, Sing and Stomp, Farmer's Market on Sunday’s. After the green, give your sweet tooth a treat with options from Dave's Paletas, Saugatuck Sweets, and Bonker's Cupcakes
Love fire trucks? They are cleaned in the morning right in front of the station (a 7-minute walk). Best of all, there's a newly renovated playground behind the fire station. With swings, a zipline, and an interactive fire truck, Sargent Murphy Memorial Playground has something for kids ages 1 to 8 years old.
See a movie at the SHU Community Theater near Fairfield Station on the Metro North-New Haven line.
Watch a movie at SHU Community Theatre, a 5-minute walk from the station. It has nostalgic vibes on the outside but a brand new interior. Check their website for listings and times of events for the whole family. Check out Fairfield Public Library (a 5-minute walk)for books, play spaces, and classes. The library offers daily classes for all ages, though some need to be reserved ahead.
Fairfield Metro
Have a pie at the famous Sally's Apizza, located on the other side of the tracks from the station. Sally’s has several options for red and white sauces to please every kid. Stop by Tabitha's Ice Cream for a post-pizza treat, located next door. The Shirley Temple ice cream is the best!
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is a fun train ride for older kids and teenagers. Riding the Metro North-New Haven line is perfect for catching a concert at Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, only 7 minutes from the station. Formerly Bridgeport Bluefish Stadium, the amphitheater is owned by Live Nation and hosts amazing musical acts and other shows. Visit their website for a list of performances.
Stop at the Milford Station to visit the ultimate kid's shoe store, Arciuolo’s.
Family Fun on the Metro North-New Haven Line - Milford to New Haven
Milford
Downtown Milford is right by the train station (a 3-minute walk). Fun fact: Milford has the second longest town green in New England! Grab food to-go and have a picnic on the green. Picnic tables are available. Kid- friendly dining options include Scratch Baking, Don Rene Taqueria, and Archie Moore's. Milford Green offers many events that locals look forward to annually such as Pirates’ Day, Oyster Festival, and many popup vendor events.
Measure your child’s foot and pick up a pair at Arciuolo's Shoes (4 minutes) Operating since 1921, Arciuolo’s gives amazing service for kids’ growing feet. Plus it has a small indoor playground and large fish tank for entertainment.
Scoopy Doo's Ice Cream is delicious, with a marshmallow at the bottom of every cone!
Grab a scoop at Scoopy Doo's Ice Cream and watch some boats with your sweet treat. The Lisman Landing Marina (a 6-minute walk) will entertain your entire crew with plenty of boat action. Head to Milford Public Library to browse unlimited books. Visit their website for children events offers such as story time or workshops. There is a great playground behind the library to get some energy out. And a fire station across the street from the library to see fire trucks up close.
Sally's Apizza hits the spot after exploring Connecticut by train with the kids!
New Haven- State Street
The classic train station, with its throwback vibe, is fun to explore! Walk to Wooster Street (a 5-minute walk) for some of Connecticut's best pizza shops, the epicenter of the signature New Haven pizza, made in coal-fired ovens. Famous pizzerias include Frank Pepe Pizzeria and Sally's Apizza. Stop by Libby's Italian Pastry Shop for a taste of Italy post pizza outing.
