The Yale University Art Gallery, founded in 1832, and with more than 100,000 pieces in its permanent collection, is the oldest university art museum in the country. The gallery offers an excellent overview of art history, ranging from ancient to modern. There is an exquisite collection of American paintings, and an extensive display of 20th-century European paintings. Classic objects from ancient Egypt and the Middle East, and treasures from the South Pacific and Far East are also on display. Guided tours, lectures, and family programs are all available. Admission is free.
Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a one-stop destination for all educational and fun activities. Sprawled over 118 acres (47.75 hectares), it is home to the large Hecksher Farm and the Tudor-style Bendel Mansion that houses an interactive center and museum. It also boasts a planetarium for astronomical shows and a four-level observatory equipped with a 22-inch (56-centimeter) telescope. Every exhibit within the museum is tailored towards kids and features interactive artifacts to teach them about animal life, culture, history, science and fine art. The myriad trails take you through glacial erratic rocks, ephemeral pools, woods, pastures and farmlands with alpacas, pigs, chicken and llamas. The highlights are the Edith and Robert Graham Otter Pond and the playground where kids befriend a variety of animals. This center organizes events like maple sugar and harvest festivals, farmers' markets, astronomy projects, wildlife camps, antique car shows and wine tastings.
Named after the fraternal brotherhood, the Knights of Columbus museum is one of the finest religiously themed museums in America. Situated beside the Supreme Council office, the museum strives to put the various activities of the Knights of Columbus fraternity into the forefront of the world. The numerous material sources and artifacts pertaining to the fraternity are on show in this Columbus Plaza museum.
Marsh Botanical Garden is situated within the precincts of Yale University. Its name pays tribute to Othniel Charles Marsh, who bestowed this property upon the university. Beatrix Farrand planned the landscape of the garden that houses a wide variety of plant species. Faculty, students, nature lovers, researchers and many other visitors head to this botanical gardens that has four greenhouses, perennial beds, seasonal plants and much more.
Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is home to the indigenous flora and fauna of Southwest New England. Sprawled over 91 acres (36.82 hectares), it comprises of natural and semi-natural habitats that interest botanists. Visit the Magnolia Collection to view beautiful pink, purple and white blossoms, the Pollarded Tree Display for spectacular deciduous trees and the Conifer Garden to observe pines, junipers, firs, yews and spruces. The Mehlquist Garden houses exotic flowers from Europe, Korea and Japan, while the Nut Tree Collection is home to pecan, chestnut, hazelnut and walnut trees. Numerous trails take you to the Red Maple Wetland, the Woodland Pond with arrow arum and lilies, a magnificent tea garden and meadows dotted with wildflowers. Bartlett Arboretum conducts several educational camps throughout the year for both adults and children.
Encompassing a historic mansion, natural history museum, and a Planetarium with a 60-feet (18.28 meters) domed Sky Theater, the Vanderbilt is a Suffolk County attraction well worth the drive. Take a "living history" tour through the 24-room mansion, view the specimens and exhibits of the museum, and round out the day with a show as big as the sky - the Planetarium features educational explorations of outer space throughout the year and several times each day. At night, however, the show turns musical: Laser showings of classic Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin songs draw fans of all ages for an unbeatable experience.
Connecticut Air and Space Center is located in Stratford, Connecticut. It was founded by George Gunther in the year 1998. It features displays which speak about the history of the Stratford Army Engine Plant, and there are 14 aircrafts on display and eight engines that were built at the plant. The space center is spread on eight acres (3.2 hectares) of land and has six buildings out of which two are operational. Only visitors above the age of 18 are allowed inside the space center.
Most kids love a hands-on approach to education and at the Long Island Explorium in Port Jefferson, they have the perfect opportunity to do just that, whilst also learning about Long Island's rich maritime history. You can wander through a lovingly recreated ship's store, Pirate's Cove (a great storytelling area) or hop aboard the Big Ship, and learn about how to load cargo, or steer the ship. The excellent displays and the hands-on approach mean that the Maritime Museum is a great destination for kids of all ages. Call ahead for admission prices and opening hours.
Since its inception in 1931, Greenwich Historical Society has been showcasing the vibrant history and culture of Greenwich. Storing most of its historic artifacts at the Bush-Holley Historic Site, which also serves as a museum, visitors are taken through the life and times in Greenwich and are also offered a glimpse of its evolution. Extensive collection of literature and archives offer brilliant research material and detailed accounts of significant events and also of prominent personalities of this little town. A number of camps and excursions for kids, as well as tours and exhibitions are also conducted on site.
Once the residence of the Lockwood Family, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum now serves as a window to the Victorian age and culture. A Second Empire style country house, the structure brilliantly showcases the unique architecture that was prevalent in the 1800s and is also a great example of fine craftsmanship of the era. Visitors are taken back to the Victorian age through displays of original items that have survived the test of time and present themselves as evidence of the golden lifestyle and culture of the past.
The Greenwich Audubon Center in Greenwich aims to protect the native birds of Connecticut in their natural habitat. Spread over an area of 686 acres (277.6 hectares), the center features a network of trails that wind through its picturesque environs, offering glimpses of the avian species that have made it their abode. It is also home to the Kimberlin Nature Education Center, where families and especially children can walk through educational exhibits and learn more about the local ecology through puppet shows, interactive programs, story sessions, and a wildlife observation window.
Spend an idyllic day in the lap of nature with a visit to Bruce Park. Featuring beautiful, tranquil ponds surrounded by lush green grass and towering trees, the park is a spectacular recreational attraction for the entire family. Take a leisurely stroll around the pond, explore the winding paths that meander through the verdure, offering lovely views of Long Island Sound. Apart from its natural beauty, Bruce Park also features sprawling picnic areas with gazebos, tables, grills and restrooms, along with tennis courts.