Top Rated Attractions in Fairfield

The Hopkins School in New Haven is one of the nation's oldest continuously-run preparatory school in the United States. The school was founded by Edward Hopkins, a governor of the Connecticut Colony, who left the land to the Colony to found the school in 1660. Grades at this day school go from 7th to 12 grades. This liberal arts school thrives on academics, the arts and athletics, so there are always events open to students and campus visitors to showcase the school's special talents.

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.

Boasting a permanent collection which contains over 40,000 artifacts from the 18th century through the present day (including almost 200 carriages), the Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages is an inspiring location to visit and explore the regional heritage. The impressive collections are used for school and after-school educational programming, as a basis for special events, and to foster appreciation of local history. Gardens and historic structures dot the grounds, welcoming visitors on summer days. Guided tours or maps are available.

Home of one of USA’s founding father, John Jay, the John Jay Homestead State Historic Site is located in Katonah, just off State Route 22. The beautiful estate is well preserved and open for guided tours throughout the year. Explore the house and catch a glimpse of Jay’s life here. Refurbished to replicate the Jay stayed here, the house has many of the original furnishings and furniture. Tour the beautifully landscaped gardens, nature trails and outer buildings and have a small family picnic in the grounds. The facility hosts many cultural and educational programs around the year. More information about upcoming events is available on their website.

The Sweetbriar Nature Center's mission is to provide Long Island residents with natural science education services and programs to further the preservation of local wildlife and ecosystems. Visitors can explore their local habitats and plant communities through the center while exploring the 54 acres that Sweetbriar is located on. The Center is a non-profit organization but donations are encouraged.

The spectacular gardens at PepsiCo’s headquarters in Purchase, the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens are a splendid mix of nature and art. Also known as the PepsiCo Gardens, the 168-acres of greens are beautifully landscaped with over 45 pieces of contemporary art, ponds, and flower beds scattered over it grounds. With installations by artists like Henry Moore, Alberto Giacometti, Auguste Rodin, and other renowned sculptors of the twentieth century, the lawn itself is a work of art. Open for public on weekends around the year, you can visit the facility free of charge.