Great Family Pit Stops along I-95 in Connecticut (Fairfield County)

11/25/14 - By Brandee Gilmore

There's no way around it.  Literally.  If you're heading north or south on I-95 -- especially over a holiday -- you're going to run into Connecticut.  And sorry to say, that's gonna go part and parcel with traffic.  Gnarly traffic.  We're sorry.  Really.  So, if your brood has positively HAD it in the car, we've got some ideas for where you can catch a break just beyond the mayhem of the official rest stops.  We mulled over our favorite playgrounds, beaches, and play spaces, and hope we can take a little agitation out of easing down the road. Note, this is for Fairfield County only (exits 3-33).

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The Bruce Museum & Park, Greenwich (SB Exit 4, NB Exit 3)
Ok.  The museum won't blow your mind (full review here), but it'll be a break.  And, even better, it'll be free if it's a Tuesday (always free for 5 and under).  If the weather is on your side, skip the museum and just take advantage of the great playgrounds and beautiful park space, just a stone's throw from the interstate.

1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT 06830, 203-869-0376

Cove Island Park, Stamford (Exit 9)
Parking restrictions are only in effect during the summer.  So during the holidays, you're good to go.  Hop off exit 9, turn right on Seaside Ave., and left on Cove Rd.  Where Cove ends, the beach begins.  We promise it won't take more than 5 minutes to get there.  Hop out, breathe the sea air, go for a walk around the loop, it's fantastic.  If the bathrooms aren't open, venture back down Cove Rd. to Pat's Hubba Hubba for beach food, including awesome milkshakes.  Snicker at all the poor saps in the McDonald's as you hop back onto 95.

Cove Road, Stamford, CT

Lockwood-Mathews Park, Norwalk (Exit 15)
It's right next to the interstate -- perfecto!  You can visit Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (quirky hours here), head straight for Devon's Place playground (designed with special needs in mind), or make an afternoon of it and visit the stellar Stepping Stones Children's Museum

295 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT

Sherwood Island State Park, Westport (Exit 18)
This is the REASON for exit 18, so just head south at the end of the ramp.  Welcome to Connecticut's first state park! During the off-season, there is no admission charge.  You'll be able to beachcomb and picnic here, if weather permits. If bathrooms are closed, head north on the Sherwood Island Connector.  Where it ends at the Post Rd., there's a Walgreens on the corner -- you can reload on snacks, too!

Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, 06880, 203-226-6983

Tumble Jungle and Sportsplex, Fairfield (Exit 24 and Exit 21)
Tumble Jungle has drop-in times, so call ahead to see if it lines up with your ETA.  Sportsplex has an indoor playscape that is drop-in at any time (in the gymnastics center).  If your kids are older, perhaps pop into their ice rink or rock climbing wall instead -- that should take the fight out of the backseat!

Tumble Jungle: 111 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825, 203-345-6208
Sportsplex: 85 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield, CT 06824, 203-683-0000

 

National Helicopter Museum, Stratford (Exit 32)
A VERY small museum installed in the eastbound railway station in Stratford was inspired by Fairfield County's role in the design and production of helicopters -- including Igor Sikorsky's first helicopter (from right up the road, in Shelton). The main attraction is a full-size helicopter cockpit, the favorite of kids of all ages.  Warning: this sits in the shadow of 95, but the roads to get there can be very confusing!  Bonus: There is also a Dunkin' Donuts at this exit.

2480 Main Street, Stratford, CT, 06116, 203-375-8857


Traditional Rest Stops on I-95 in Fairfield County, CT:
Exit 23: Northbound and Southbound access 

Exit 12: Northbound access only 

Exit 10: Southbound access only 

 

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