26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Bridgeport (CT)

Bridgeport is a city nestled at the edge of the Pequonnock River on the east side of Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States.

It is recognized as the largest city in Connecticut State with a population of one hundred and forty-eight thousand, six hundred and fifty-four after the 2020 census.

If your next plan for a vacation is in Connecticut, visit Bridgeport and explore all it has to offer.

There are many places to visit here, starting from the countless parks, museums, beaches, festivals, shopping malls, theaters, galleries, memorial sites, and more.

Are you planning an exploration of Bridgeport? Here are the top things to do in Bridgeport, CT.

Things to Do in Bridgeport

1. Visit Seaside Park

Do you want to go outdoors for an adventure? Then, add a visit to Seaside Park to your bucket list of things to do in Bridgeport, CT.

Seaside Park is an actualization of one of the projects of P.T. Barnum, and it has become a popular waterfront spot in the city.

This park extends for three hundred and twenty five acres featuring beautiful fields and lawns, including beaches.

 You get to explore a wildlife nature reserve that features a lighthouse active from 1823 to 1932.

Seaside Park offers amazing waterfront views and is a fantastic location for different outdoor activities and events.

You can go hiking, play games, hang out on the beach, and have a picnic with friends and family while enjoying the scenery.

Address: 1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

2. Discovery Museum and Planetarium

If you’re traveling with kids, add a visit to the Discovery Museum and Planetarium to your list of things to do in Bridgeport, CT.

Discovery Museum and Planetarium is an educational center dedicated to informing the public through more exciting means.

The center adopts fun means to arouse the public’s interest by combining entertainment and learning.

Numerous hands-on activities here are intriguing and fun, all targeted at increasing people’s passion for science and technology.

Discovery Museum and Planetarium feature attractive rotational galleries, exhibits, various events, and more.

The Museum is open to children as low as three years old and offers guided tours that last about two hours.

Address: 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

3. Mountain Grove Cemetery and Mausoleum

Mountain Grove Cemetery and Mausoleum is another intriguing historic site and a final resting place for many distinguished figures.

This cemetery was established in 1950, making it the first in Connecticut State, and it is tagged as one of the biggest and most beautiful cemeteries in the state.

The burial ground was designed in a Gothic architectural style featuring a committal chapel consisting of three burial areas.

Mountain Grove Cemetery and Mausoleum organize committal services in the chapel, which can carry at least eighty persons.

For those who would like to make the cemetery the final resting place for their loved ones, you will be allowed to choose your style of cemetery services and more. 

Address: 2675 North Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604,United States 

4. Barnum Museum

Here is a museum built in honor of Circus giant P.T Barnum, in case you have never heard of him, visiting the Barnum Museum is one of the best things to do in Bridgeport, CT.

Circus resided in the city for forty years, during which he also served as the mayor of the town, the building where the museum is housed was designed by Circus.

It is a beautifully designed terra cotta building constructed in the 19th century, it is considered a piece of art.

Barnum Museum showcases captivating artifacts throughout the three-story structure, including a miniature circus, an elephant, and so on.

You are also allowed to visit his grave so you can pay your last respect before leaving the city, and there is a statue of him across the street.

The museum underwent some renovation to restore its former beauty, and it is open from Thursday to Saturday from 11am-3pm (closed on Sunday and Wednesday).

Address: 820 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

5. Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses

Why not join a guided tour of Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses?

Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses were constructed by Mary and Eliza Freeman, two African-American sisters in the 19th century.

As business women, they give up the houses for rentals though they were built to change the narrative about colored women during that era.

The houses are now evacuated but remains an important tourist location as they get insights into the past and the lifestyle of people of color in the 19th century in the United States.

Address: 358-60 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

6. Beardsley Zoo

Beardsley Zoo is the only certified zoo in Connecticut and a highly cherished fun center for almost everyone, especially children.

The zoo features five sections: Alligator Alley, south Predators, Hoofstock, predators, and the New England farmyard.

This is home to various wildlife, from leopards, bald eagles, tigers, prairie dogs, black swans, and more.

Beardsley Zoo offers scooters to those who wouldn’t like to walk for a long time, and it is provided on a first come, first serve policy.

Address: 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, United States

7. Downtown Cabaret Theatre

Downtown Cabaret Theatre originates from the Sacred Heart University Cabaret, offering a wide range of entertainment.

The theatre consists of three major stages: The Main Stage Theater specifically for theatre presentations, the Main Stage Concert for music shows, and the children’s theatre for only children’s shows.

The theater was designed in a table & chair style with a BYOB scene, so just get ready to have a great time watching the entertaining shows.

 Downtown Cabaret Theatre also allows you to watch the best of the best such as Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and A Rasin in the Sun.

There are kiddies shows for families coming with children featuring several favorite and fascinating fairy tales.

Address: 263 Golden Hill St #3, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

8. Bridgeport Bluefish

Bridgeport Bluefish is the city of Bridgeport’s baseball team as a professional American minor baseball team.

This baseball team was a unit of the Liberty Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball though it is not connected with Major League Baseball.

You have to go see any of their matches whenever you visit Bridgeport, and it is held at the at Harbor yard in the Ballpark.

As you get the opportunity to watch major league games, you’re guaranteed an extraordinary experience as a spectator.

The stadium is moderate in size, offering you great views of the field from any point where you’re seated.

There are concessions where you can enjoy some snacks and drinks with great tastes for an affordable price. 

To the north of Connecticut is  Massachusetts. Here is our list of things to do in Newburyport, things to do in Chatham, and things to do in Great Barrington,  for a fun vacation

9. Harborview

Are you looking for a place to purchase the best farm produce?

Harborview is a unique shopping location that has been in existence dating back to the 1800s, during the period when Swedish goods were sold.

The market went through enormous stages of renovations offering a diverse range of dining options.

Here, you can purchase everything from bakery items, freshly made coffee or tea, breakfast, and lunch meals while enjoying the live music. 

This market is a lifesaver, especially for travelers, as they get to stop and have a delicious meal before they continue their journey.

Address: Harborview Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605, United States 

10. Bank Arena

Bank Arena is a renowned entertainment complex in Bridgeport and a popular place for sports lovers who wants nothing but fun.

It is home to Fairfield University’s NCAA basketball team for women and men and the AHL Sound Tigers Hockey team.

The stage of the complex is usually graced by over one hundred different entertainment artists every year.

Bank Arena is open all year round and continuously offers visitors and locals an amazing entertainment experience.

If you’re seeking a concert or WWE event and anything else, make sure you visit Bank Arena with your friends and family.

Address: 600 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

11. Captain’s Cove Seaport

For decades, Captain’s Cove Seaport has been an excellent place to have fun during the summer season in Bridgeport. 

Captain’s Cove Seaport is a family-owned and operated company that combines the boardwalk, restaurant, marina, and bar.

They offer a lively and comfortable environment to have fun with your family and friends through the services provided.

Their Marina is packed with boats for those who want to get off the dry land, and visitors get to enjoy delectable meals and drinks at the restaurant and bar.

The boardwalk is filled with many local merchants, a sailing school, the maritime museum, and more. You gain entrance into the facility with no fee; make sure you come with your little ones.

Address: 1 Bostwick Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605, United States 

12. The Adventure Park

If you’re in the mood for something uniquely exhilarating than visiting museums, add a visit to the Adventure Park to your bucket list of things to do in Bridgeport, CT.

The Adventure Park sits on five acres of land filled with many trees and other natural amenities, offering visitors the kind of thrills they need.

The park consists of eleven trails that offer different challenges and difficulties for different skill levels.

You will find 161 challenging bridges and 21 zip lines, making this park the largest park for forest climbing in New England.

The Adventure Park ensures that their guests are safe while they have fun by giving them safety gear and offering detailed information before beginning.

The park is a host to Glow in the Dark trail, which involves the best Starlit skies and lighted trails for an incredible experience.

The Adventure Park is open from Sunday to Thursday from 9am-8pm, and Friday & Saturday from 9am-10pm.

Address: 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

13. St. Margaret’s Shrine

St. Margaret’s Shrine is one of the most distinguished religious locations in Bridgeport, which is held in high esteem.

If you need a comforting and soothing place where you can escape from all the noise in the world.

There is a large green lawn which is a great place to hang out alone or with friends and family.

St. Margaret’s Shrine offers you a chance to loosen up, meditate, confess and pray, as well as attend masses.

Address: 2523 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

14. Black Rock Farmers Market

Black Rock Farmers Market is a public Farmers market in Bridgeport that is open on Sunday mornings only.

The market offers locals nothing but the best products, from farm produce to craft works and clothing.

The shopping center is filled with trustworthy merchants dedicated to serving locals with only the best products.

 Black Rock Farmers Market offers patrons everything from freshly cut flowers, meats, herbs, vegetables, honey, and more.

You can also shop for beauty products, dairy items, traditional meals, freshly pressed juices, artwork, etc.

The market also offers many activities, music performances, live presentations, food tastings, and more.

Address: Field at 481 Brewster St Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States

15. 305 Knowlton

After visiting the Housatonic Museum, an art paradise, the next place to visit in Bridgeport is the 305 Knowlton.

For a more exceptional art experience, add a visit to 305 Knowlton to your list of places to visit in Bridgeport, CT.

305 Knowlton is considered an art community as it features a gallery where you can check out some beautiful local artworks.

This art community is a venue for several exciting shows, performances, and other educational and cultural activities, including artists’ talk shows.

You will find a large art collection that consists of paintings, photography, sculptures, drawings, and other artwork from locals.

Address: 305 Knowlton Street Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States

Planning a road trip in Connecticut? explore this list of things to do in Stamford for a memorable road trip.

16. Ola Latin Kitchen

Oh, now is something for the foodies who are craving delicious meals, dining at Ola Latin Kitchen.

Ola Latin Kitchen features beautiful decor with many vibrant and animated colors focused on providing a homey and comfortable ambiance.

They are known for serving sumptuous American dishes with a prominent touch of Latin style as you have never had before.

Ola Latin Kitchen offers a wide variety of cocktails, including delicious jalapeno Margarita, pomegranate, mango martini, and fruit mojito.

The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 4pm to 10:30pm, Friday & Saturday from 4pm-11:30pm, and Sunday from 4pm-9:30pm (closed on Monday).

Address: 694 Brooklawn Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

17. Wonderland of Ice

How about skating at Wonderland of Ice for those in need of an activity that will make you breathe and laugh hard?

Wonderland of Ice is owned and operated by the city of Bridgeport, featuring one of the largest skating rinks in the state.

This skating canter is open to everyone regardless of their skill level; it doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur or professional.

 Many teams in the city use this center as a rehearsal site, although it is open to the public at designated times where visitors can come in and have fun.

Wonderland of Ice offers several lessons that help visitors test and master their skills in hockey, skating, and curling.

Address: 123 Glenwood Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, United States

18. Tongue Point

One of the top things to do in Bridgeport is a visit to Tongue Point, which features a lighthouse constructed in the late 1800s.

The lighthouse extends for about 30 feet, and it is also known as The Bug, which was built with the main aim of protecting vessels from a rocky area.

An electric gong signal was first tested here in 1897 during the early days of electricity, although the experiment was not entirely successful. 

The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located on a land space leading into the large waters.

Why not go on a boat ride and enjoy the most picturesque views of the lighthouse since it is more easily accessible by water than by road.

Address: Bridgeport, CT 06607, United States

19. Pleasure Beach

Pleasure Beach is a historic site founded in 1892 as a gorgeous Victorian beach park in Bridgeport.

The Park is where you get to spend quality time with your loved ones while having tremendous fun.

Explore the carousel, roller coaster and play carnival games here; the park was founded to serve the public.

Pleasure Beach was deserted for a long time before funds were allocated for its revival and restoration to regain its historical value.

Address: Bridgeport, Connecticut, 06607, United States

20. Bijou Theatre

Bijou Theatre is a theater in Bridgeport that can accommodate up to two hundred persons at once, designed as a semi-movie and dining theater.

They provide a clean environment with highly comfortable seats where guests can watch musicals, comedies, and several cultural shows.

This theatre has existed since the 1900s and became popular for the silent films and Cabaret shows displayed.

Bijou Theatre features a large stage and great sound system, which offers visitors an amazing entertainment moment.

There is a concession and a bar where delicious meals are served, plus a wide variety of beverages that you can enjoy while watching the shows.

Address: 275 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

21. Housatonic Museum of Art

When you visit the city of Bridgeport, get ready to be blown away by the enormous artworks which are beautiful and captivating.

If you’re an art fanatic, don’t hesitate to add the Housatonic Museum of Art to your list of things to do in Bridgeport ,CT.

Housatonic Museum of Art houses an extensive collection featuring timeless pieces dating back to the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s.

The Museum features numerous significant pieces relating to the cultures of different communities from Africa, Latin America, and Oceania.

 The exhibits showcased are usually rotated, ensuring visitors who come in regularly have something new and fresh to enjoy.

Housatonic Museum of Art features eminent artworks by renowned artists like Chagail, Picasso, Mattisse, and Rodin.

The Museum is open from Monday to Wednesday, Friday from 8:30am-9:00pm, Thursday from 8:30am-7pm, and Saturday from 9am-4pm.

Address: Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

22. Arcade Mall

Are you going on a shopping trip? Your list of fun things to do in Bridgeport, CT, wouldn’t be complete without shopping at Arcade Mall.

One thing that stands out about Arcade Mall is the fact that it is one of the first and few indoor shopping malls in the United States with a beautiful steeped glass designed in Victorian style.

Arcade Mall was renovated in 2008 to restore its old charm with numerous new showrooms featuring many outstanding brands.

There are several outlets offering a wide variety of options, including cafes, clothing stores, restaurants, and more.

Arcade Mall is open from Monday to Friday from 9am-7pm, Saturday from 10am-7pm, and Sunday from 11am-6pm.

Address: 993 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States 

23. Azul Bar

Azul Bar is an eclectic and lively destination in Bridgeport and an excellent place for lovers of nightlife where they can groove throughout.

So, whenever you feel like taking a break to either have fun or relax, one of the cool things things to do in Bridgeport, CT, is a visit to Azul Bar.

This local joint is open from 9am to 1am, consisting of all it takes to make every visitor here have a great time.

Azul Bar offers various drinks for customers to choose from and enjoy; they offer free drinks during the early hours of the day until 11am.

You also get to enjoy great live music by professional DJs, bringing out your partying spirit.

Address: 920 Madison Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06606, United States

24. Klein Memorial Auditorium

Are you a diehard music lover? If yes, you wouldn’t want to miss Klein Memorial Auditorium.

Klein Memorial Auditorium has a seating capacity of nearly one thousand, five hundred persons offering them an amazing experience.

This is the home of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras, All Stars Project of Bridgeport, and New England Ballet Company.

The stage is also graced by the Fairfield County Children’s Choir, the Lincoln Center Jazz Ensemble, and the Vienna Boys choir.

Klein Memorial Auditorium also offers other shows aside from music shows, including dance and comedy shows.

Address: 910 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605, United States

25. Evolution Sports Bar and Lounge

Evolution Sports Bar and Lounge is one of the most popular party locations in the city of Bridgeport, where you can party all through.

The cozy and elegant bar here will help you relax and calm down while offering an extensive list of drinks to pick from.

The moment you walk into the building, you will be engulfed in the beautiful lights and energy of the staff and locals.

Are you ready to party? If yes, visiting Evolution Sports Bar and Lounge is one of the best things to do in Bridgeport, CT, with your friends.

Evolution Sports Bar and Lounge is open from Friday to Saturday from 8pm-2am, and Thursday & Sunday from 5pm-1am.

Address: 1279 North Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States 

26. Asylum Distillery

 A place that offers the best spirits that tickle tastebuds, Asylum Distillery, is known as the first distillery in the County of Fairfield and Bridgeport.

Asylum Distillery has existed for ninety-six years with the main aim of producing delightful spirits using organic ingredients.

The distillery specializes in only locally grown grains from Connecticut, and they partnered with local farmers to get the best products.

The distillery offers a wide variety of handcrafted vodka gin, whiskey, specialty spirits, and gin of great tastes and uniqueness. 

Address: 259 Asylum St, Bridgeport, CT 06610, United States

Planning a Connecticut road trip? Here is a guide on fun things to do in Norwalk,  things to do in Milford, things to do in Danbury, and things to do in Hartford for a fun trip.

Plan a Trip to Bridgeport

Some things that stand out about the city of Bridgeport are its divine beauty contributed by nature’s blessings and the people’s cultures.

In Bridgeport, you will take on several exciting journeys in just one location without going long distances.

Start planning your trip to Bridgeport.