New Year's Day Activities for Kids: Ice Skating, Bowling, and a Polar Plunge (Fairfield County)

12/28/15 - By Jacqueline Miller

New Year's Day is TOUGH—even if you haven't been up carousing until the wee hours. Somehow this seems to be the point in the winter break when the kids have grown weary of one another's company and are bored with their Christmas presents (so soon?). While most of our kid friendly mainstays in Connecticut are closed for the day, we've rounded up a list of those places in Fairfield County that are open for the day from bowling alleys to ice rinks and beyond. You're sure to find something to make your first day of 2016 a blast.

Happy New Year!

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Norwalk Maritime Aquarium & IMAX Theater—Norwalk
Did you know that the Maritime Aquarium is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas? They are a true life saver on New Year's Day when you can visit all the animals, check out the Festival of Lighthouses, and take in an IMAX show with the kids.

10 N. Water Street,  203-852-0700

Bowlmor—Norwalk
The fabulously renovated Bowlmor lanes offers 2-hour unlimited bowling packages that include rental shoes as well as food and drink (in addition to regular a la carte bowling, depending on availability). They also have laser tag and a video game arcade available on site.

701 Connecticut Avenue, 203-838-7501

Open Jump at Pump It Up—Norwalk
Pump It Up is a fabulous place to tire out kids! On New Year's Day, they're not offering a drop off activity, but they are hosting an open jump that includes free admission for adults.

145 Main Street, 203-838-5867

Nutmeg Bowl—Fairfield
A slightly more affordable option that Bowlmor, Nutmeg Bowl offers unlimited bowling packages on New Year's Day. Their Our Backyard Playspace will also be open for younger kids for an additional fee.

802 Villa Avenue, 203-367-7741

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Webb Mountain Discovery Zone—Monroe
Grab a scavenger hunt card before you hit the trail for some guided fun!

71 Webb Mountain Circle, 203-556-9737

Selleck's Woods—Darien
This hidden park just off 95 is a perfect spot for younger kids to explore the great outdoors. The trails are well marked and there are some terrific geocaches hidden on the property. (Drive all the way to the end of Parklands Drive, past the office park. You will think you're in the wrong place until you see the Selleck's Woods sign.)

2 Parklands Drive

TI Polar Bear Plunge—Westport
Raise money for the National MS Society and take a plunge into the chilly Long Island Sound. Following the event, there will be a brunch at Johnny Utah's in South Norwalk.

Compo Beach Road

ICE SKATING

Westport PAL—Westport
Nothing beats skating on an outdoor rink, and the Westport PAL Rink at Longshore will host an open skate in the afternoon and evening.

260 Compo Road South, 203-226-7465

Sports Center of CT—Shelton
The ice rink will be open for two public skating sessions. The laser tag arena and golf center will also be open.

784 River Rd., 203-929-6500

Wonderland of Ice—Bridgeport
These guys have the best prices around, and two lengthy public sessions on New Year's Day.

123 Glenwood Ave., Bridgeport, CT 203-576-8110

Stamford Twin Rinks
Public ice skating: 10 - 11:50am,  12 - 1:50pm, & 2 - 3:50pm.

1063 Hope Street, , 203-968-9000

Originally published 12/28/12.

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