28 Best & Fun Things to Do in Stamford (CT)

Stamford is an amazing city, nestled exactly 30 miles from Manhattan in the Southwest region of Connecticut, United States.

Known as the fourth most populous city in Connecticut, it has a population of one hundred and thirty thousand, fifty-seven people.

Stamford is widely proclaimed a “Working City” due to the abundance of infrastructures and attractions that keep the city on the map.

Some of the popular places in the city include Cove Island Park, Captain John’s Tiki Tours, Mianus River Park, Columbus Park Trattoria, Stamford’s Veterans Memorial Park, Mianus River Park, Stamford Historical Society, and more.

Why not visit a city that offers all the exposure, fun, and comfortability you desire. Here are the top things to do in Stamford, CT.

Things to Do in Stamford, CT

1. Cove Island Park

Cove Island Park
Credits: Pit Stock / Shutterstock
Cove Island Park

Are you ready to have immense fun? Then, add a visit to Cove Island Park to your list of fun things to do in Stamford, CT with your friends.

Cove Island Park has fantastic recreational facilities and a unique combination of a large recreational area and a beach summing up to eighty-three acre park.

When you visit the park, you get a chance to explore two beautiful sand beaches and a 1 mile running or walking trail.

Cove Island Park is a refuge for various species of birds since it consists of a salt marsh, making it a great place for sightseeing or bird watching.

You will also find a state-of-the-art natural facility displaying fascinating exhibits with large green lawns perfect for flying kites and picnics.

Address: 363 Weed Ave, Stamford, CT 06902 United States

2. Cummings Park

Cummings Park
Credits: James Andrews1 / Shutterstock
Cummings Park

Cummings Park is a gorgeous eighty-acre park that offers visitors an amazing experience by providing exciting facilities.

Named after a former Stamford mayor, Homer Stille Cummings, who later became Attorney General and was known to take quiet walks by the shore.

The park is home to several sports facilities, including basketball and tennis courts with four softball fields.

Explore the boat launch, fishing pier, and public marina with a boardwalk and pavilions open to the public, both locals and visitors.

Cummings Park features a snack bar where you can enjoy delicious foods, snacks, and drinks, you don’t have to bother about bringing snacks.

Address: EShippan Ave, Stamford, CT 06902, United States

3. Chelsea Piers Connecticut

Chelsea Piers Connecticut
Credits: zieusin / Shutterstock

Chelsea Piers Connecticut, is an enormous sports plaza in Stamford of 465, 000 square feet featuring countless sports amenities.

If you are an athlete or a lover of sports, visiting Chelsea Piers Connecticut is surely one of the best things to do in Stamford, CT.

There are athletic fields, a top-notch ice skating rink, and a standard fitness center and clubhouse of 65, 000 Square feet.

Chelsea Piers Connecticut features batting cages, a ballet institute, volleyball courts, a gymnasium, and basketball courts.

The aquatic center consists of three separate swimming pools of different sizes and offers a variety of water related programs.

There is a special athletes area for the youngsters, tennis courts, a splash pad, sports leagues, instructional lessons, and classes for everyone.

Address: 1 Blachley Rd, Stamford, CT 06902, United States

4. Fort Stamford Park

Fort Stamford Park
Credits: Magicpiano [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
Fort Stamford Park
One of the places to visit in Stamford, CT is visiting Fort Stamford Park with your family and friends and be assured of an amazing experience.

Fort Stamford Park is located just next to the remains of the Fort Stamford Revolutionary War Outpost, and it was formerly owned by Marcus Goodbody, a New York financier.

Due to lack of maintenance, the gardens were in a horrible state until it was restored by the Glenbrook Garden club and Stanford garden club.

Fort Stamford Park features beautiful and soothing gardens consisting of native fauna and flora, with large green lawns open for picnics.

Address: Stamford, CT 06902 United States

5. Bedford Street

Bedford Street
Credits: Injustifiiable [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
Bedford Street
Strolling down Bedford Street is an essential addition to your list of top things to do in Stamford, CT, a place that offers the authentic feeling of the city’s buzz.

Bedford Street is a place every tourist must explore whenever they visit Stamford, where they are integrated into the bustling and rush of the region.

The individuals here are welcoming and show great hospitality, which is a key factor that attracts citizens and tourists.

Walking down the street, you will find fantastic restaurants, including Ocha Thai and Japanese cuisine, Bedford Thai, and Lucky’s Classic burger & malt shop.

Remember to check out Latham Park, a small beautiful park, and the wonderful Avon Theatre on Bedford Street.

Address: Bedford St, Stamford, CT, United States

6. Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Credits: John_from_CT / Flickr
Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a mind-blowing attraction and one of the best places to start your exploration in Stamford.

The museum is exclusively concerned with the city’s history, agriculture, art, and nature. Stamford Museum & Nature Center occupies a whopping one hundred and eighteen acres of sweeping landscapes.

 This unique facility features a museum that sits on a working farm of ten-acre, a giant planetarium, an engaging nature Center, and an observatory of a four-story building containing a telescope for research.

 Stamford Museum showcases family-related exhibits and intriguing displays while also offering educational children’s programs, volunteer opportunities, and summer camping.

The center consists of many outdoor trails of 80 acres, and a huge playground outside the museum for children.

What else can you possibly be asking for? Add this attraction to your schedule of fun things to do in Stamford, CT.

Address: 39 Scofieldtown Rd, Stamford, CT 06903, United States

7. The Ferguson Library

The Ferguson Library
Credits: Paul Sableman / Flickr
The Ferguson Library

If you enjoy reading or simply want to do some research, don’t forget to add a visit to Ferguson Library to your list of fun places to visit in Stamford, CT.

The Ferguson Library is a public library in the city that offers both citizens and visitors a space where they can enjoy literature better.

This community library offers the public many magazines, books, multi-media, and other related materials.

The library offers several educational kids programs such as Family story time, baby time, preschool story time, toddler time, book discussions, and more.

The Ferguson Library also provides teen programs, including booklists, teen reads, book discussions, summer reading club, and other holiday programs and events.

Address: 1 Public Library Plaza, Stamford, CT 06901, United States

8. Ukrainian Museum and Library

Ukrainian Museum and Library
Credits: Unuchko Veronika / Shutterstock

Visiting the Ukrainian Museum and Library is an excellent addition to your list of things to do in Stamford, CT, especially if you want to learn about the history of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Museum and Library is focused on collecting, showcasing, and preserving artifacts and other reference materials to Ukraine’s heritage and culture.

This museum is the oldest of its kind, founded in North America by Ukrainians in 1933 and officially opened in 1935.

The Ukrainian Museum and Library was relocated to a place, which was once the St. Basil Preparatory School in a bid for a bigger space, having started with two huge rooms.

You can browse through a massive collection of folk art, literature, fine arts, and religious art when you visit the museum.

9. The Palace Theatre

Palace Theatre
Credits: John9474 [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Palace Theatre
Are you confused about which entertainment center to visit? Then, add a visit to the Palace Theatre to your list of fun things to do in Stamford, CT.

The Palace Theatre owns two venues: the nicely refurbished Palace Theatre and the Rich Forum.

The various venues host several events such as dance recitals, music concerts, and plays. The Palace Theatre is an iconic theater that can accommodate over one thousand, five hundred people, and it is located in a home designed in 1927 by Thomas W. Lamb.

Later on, after many years, the beauty and elegance of the house were lost, and it was abandoned. Finally, in 1983, it was converted into a theatre after a series of renovations.

Address: 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT 06901, United States

10. Deadlocked Escape Room

Deadlocked Escape Room
Credits: Reddogs / Shutterstock

Deadlocked Escape Room officially opened its doors in 2017, and it was established by Lindsey Waggaman in Stamford.

The fun center was founded from her passion for solving problems and puzzles and was later renamed Panic Room.

The rooms are well designed and themed like a real-life situation to challenge and immerse the players in the game.

Deadlocked Escape Room offers players 60 minutes to search for secret clues and ideas, and solve puzzles and riddles to help them escape in time.

The games can be played by a group of two to thirty-two persons, who must be from the age of eighteen and above.

Deadlocked Escape Room is open from Tuesday to Friday from 5-11pm, Saturday from 10am-11pm, and Sunday from 10am-8pm (closed on Monday).

Address: 1000 Hope St, Stamford, CT 06907, United States

11. Stamford’s Veterans Memorial Park

Add a visit to Stamford’s Veterans Memorial Park to your list of things to do in Stamford, CT, a place where you can relax and reflect.

Stamford’s Veterans Memorial Park was built to provide a center for culture and education and for children and adults to come and reflect on the struggles of their local vets who lost their lives while fighting for the city.

The Park commemorates the roles played by locals dating back to the early pioneers. You will see the memorial wall with names of citizens who fought for their country in 1754 against the Indian and French.

Stamford’s Veterans Memorial Park features a Blue Star Monument which honors the families whose loved ones were harmed or killed and a statue that pays tributes to Homer Lee Wise.

Stop by the park and pay your respect to the natives and also reflect on the significance of being a patriotic citizen.

Address:130 Atlantic St Stamford, CT 06901 United States

12. Bartlett Arboretum

Bartlett Arboretum
Credits: Gail Frederick / Flickr
Bartlett Arboretum

For lovers of nature, a visit to Bartlett Arboretum should be on your list of fun things to do in Stamford, CT.

This is an incredibly manicured park of ninety-three acre characterized by natural landscapes and beautiful gardens which features various kinds of fauna and flora sourced from the Southwest side of New England.

Bartlett Arboretum is open every day of the week from dawn to dusk throughout the year, and it features more than three thousand five hundred samples from different parts of the world.

The Mehlquist garden features a distinct selection of rhododendrons and azaleas, and the Conifer garden is packed with conifers.

Also, check out the Pollarded tree display, the Theaceae collection, the Nut Tree Collection, and the magnolia collection consisting of stewartias, camellias, gorgonians, and franklinias.

Bartlett Arboretum is home to a variety of innovative programs, art classes during summer camps, clinics, and yoga hikes coupled with many events all year round.

Address: 151 Brookdale Rd, Stamford, CT 06903, United States

13. Columbus Park Trattoria

Columbus Park Trattoria
Credits: Columbus Park Trattoria / Facebook
Columbus Park Trattoria

Columbus Park Trattoria is a family-owned and operated establishment in Stamford that opened its doors in 1985.

It is owned by the Marchetti Family and has flourished from a small restaurant into three various restaurants scattered all over the Fairfield County.

You get to dine in a homey, friendly restaurant with a large space and nicely designed room called the Columbus Park Upstairs.

The private section features bathrooms, a kitchen, and a bar used for celebration and special dining events and can seat up to sixty-five people for dining, but for cocktails, it can seat up to one hundred.

Columbus Park Trattoria serves fresh and quality grilled meats, Italian meals, Unique desserts, seafood, and more.

Address: 205 Main St, Stamford, CT 06901, United States

14. Captain John’s Tiki Tours

Captain John's Tiki Tours
Credits: Captain John’s Tiki Tours / Facebook
Captain John’s Tiki Tours

A company that offers tourists an amazing experience, Captain John’s Tiki Tours offers exceptional guided tours in Stamford.

Captain John’s Tiki Tours officially opened in 2018, the tours offered are family-oriented, with picturesque skyscrapers and magnificent yachts.

The company takes visitors to view nature preserves, regional wildlife, and scenic landscapes.

During the tour, tourists enjoy amazing music and drinks with an opportunity to take beautiful on-ship pictures and a Tiki Lounge.

Address: 4 Star Point, Stamford, CT 06902, United States

15. Mianus River Park

Mianus River Park
Credits: James R. Zygmont / Shutterstock
Mianus River Park

Mianus River Park, located in the heart of Greenwich and Stamford, as a gorgeous park of four hundred acres.

This urban forest features spectacular landscapes of stream branches, green wetlands, a wildflower garden, a scenic cave, amazing rock formations, and hiking trails.

The park is home to the Mianus River of 20.3 miles and is one of the several conservation regions of the Mianus Greenway.

These conservation regions were created to preserve the river and the watershed being an important supporter to the supply of water to the region.

Mianus River Park offers an amazing scenery clearly seen from any of the several trails along the edge of the river.

Address: Merribrook Lane, Stamford, CT 06902 United States

Address: 161 Glenbrook Rd, Stamford, CT 06902, United States

16. Stamford Historical Society

Stamford Historical Society
Credits: KForce [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
Stamford Historical Society
The Stamford Historical Society was founded in 1901 as an innovative and research establishment in Stamford.

The institution is dedicated to collecting, interpreting, preserving, and promoting materials focused on Stamford.

It was formed to primarily preserve and showcase the region’s history as an effective way to educate the locals about their community.

The Stamford Historical Society is housed in Hoyt Barnum House, built in 1699. It houses a wide variety of artifacts and also offers educational classes, lectures, presentations, and private events. In addition, visitors can take guided tours of the house and the exhibits on display.

Address: 1508 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06903, United States

17. Half Full Brewery

Credits: S_Photo / Shutterstock

A locally owned and operated brewery, Half Full Brewery manufactures several kinds of craft brews with great taste.

Half Full Brewery also consists of a tasting room, and some of the drinks produced include onward APA, Bright Ale, Toasted Amber, Pursuit IPA, and many more.

The classic tasting room provides a welcoming and comfortable environment for customers to meet and try out about twelve samples of brews on tap, such as limited release, the core series, Csa project series, and more.

Visitors are offered a large selection of glassware, hats, hoodies, and t-shirts, as well as flights and pints offered by the brewery.

A good number of food trucks are available in the brewery, which serve nice meals, and Half Full Brewery hosts numerous night events all year round.

Address: 43 Homestead Ave, Stamford, CT 06902, United States

18. Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church
Credits: Jerry Dougherty [CC BY-SA 2.5], Wikimedia Commons
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Whether you are a Christian or not, do well to add a visit to Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church to your list of things to do in Stamford, CT, its unique architecture will marvel you.

Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church is located in the center of downtown Stamford; it was initially a movement of St. John Church Stamford.

The church is a historical Catholic Parish officially ordained in 1861, and its building was designed by Browne and Rogers, a New York architectural firm.

Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church consists of a presbytery, a monastery, and a parish hall built with grey stones.

 Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church contains a stunning bell tower erected in 1930 with lovely red doors decorated with a wooden fish which stands for Saint Andrew, a fisherman who was the church’s patron.

Address: 1231 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06902, United States

19. Cafe Silvium

Cafe Silvium
Credits: Cafe Silvium / Facebook
Cafe Silvium

A perfect place for foodies, Cafe Silvium is an Italian restaurant established in 2001 by Vicenzo and Nick Petrafesa, two brothers.

Cafe Silvium is known for serving the people of Stamford with an impressive selection of traditional dishes made with modified southern culinary styles.

The restaurant offers mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and delicious seafood, including salads, lasagna, antipasti, and more.

Each meal search is followed by an outstanding drink menu featuring international and Italian wines, cocktails, and craft beers.

Cafe Silvium is usually open from Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, but Saturdays are only for dinner.

Address: 371 Shippan Ave, Stamford, CT 06902, United States

20. First Presbyterian Church of Stamford

First Presbyterian Church of Stamford
Credits: FluffyCreature / Flickr
First Presbyterian Church of Stamford

The First Presbyterian Church of Stamford was designed by Wallace K. Harrison, a distinguished architect. The church became very popular for its distinct architectural style.

Locals usually refer to the church as Fish Church; it is regarded as an architectural landmark because of its majestic architecture.

There is a tower of 260 feet high known as Mauire Memorial, which houses a 56-bell Carilion formerly called the Nestle Carillon when it contained thirty-six bells.

The shape of the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford is described as a fish and which was a Christianity symbol used in the early days.

The church features massive stained glass windows in a separate section featuring over twenty thousand pieces of glass.

Address: 1101 Bedford St, Stamford, CT 06905, United States

21. Brasitas

Brasitas
Credits: Brasitas of Stamford / Facebook
Brasitas

For a remarkable dining experience, add a visit to Brasitas to your list of fun things to do in Stamford, CT; it was established in 1999.

Brasitas was one of the earliest Nuevo Latino restaurants founded in the city, offering the most Latin cuisines.

The eatery has a beautifully decorated interior, offering a relaxed and comforting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.

They serve delicious meals like chorizo, arroz con pollo with chicken, black beans, tart citrus cabbage relish, fried sweet plantains, Jasmine rice, green peas, and more

Brasitas also offers a large appetizer menu featuring flatbreads, camrons con torta de choclo, salads, and more. There is a variety of the best cocktails and many delicious beverages to go with the drinks.

The owners and staff are friendly and receptive, they treat everyone that walks into the restaurant as family, not strangers.

Address: 954 East Main Street, Stamford, CT 6902, United States

22. Colony Grill

Colony Grill
Credits: Colony Grill – Stamford / Facebook
Colony Grill

Are you in the spirit of celebration or just want to eat out with your family? Dining at Colony Grill is one of the best things to do in Stamford, CT.

Colony Grill was started in 1935 as an exceptional tavern and local spot that serves delicious pizzas with their brand hot oil topping.

The restaurant is owned by Irish-Americans in a district of Irish immigrants in Stamford; they also feature East European and Italian chefs.

The full-service bar offers a wide variety of craft beers and classic wines with pizzas topped with flavorful and spicy innovation known as “hot oil.”

Colony Grill staff are welcoming and polite when attending to visitors, putting great effort into ensuring they are satisfied.

Address: 172 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, CT 06902, United States

23. Avery & Dash Collections

Avery & Dash Collections
Credits: Light7X8 / Shutterstock

Whenever you want to purchase unique gifts for your loved ones, visiting Avery & Dash Collections is a top thing to do in Stamford.

Avery & Dash Collections have existed since 1999 and has become a major location for individuals who want to shop for the best materials.

This is a one-of-a-kind store which offers different kinds of furnishings and beautiful accessories from different centuries.

There many outstanding brands here from different parts of the world, including Japan, the United Kingdom, China, and Europe.

Avery & Dash Collections offers the highest quality items such as furniture, fine art, clocks, jewelry, pottery, textiles, silver, and more.

Address: 101 Jefferson St, Stamford, CT 06902, United States

24. Curtain Call, Inc.

Curtain Call, Inc
Credits: Curtain Call (Kweskin Theatre/Dressing Room Theatre) / Facebook
Curtain Call, Inc

You will experience nothing but great fun when you visit the oldest community theater in Stamford; Curtain Call, Inc is a wonderful theater establishment in the city.

Curtain Call, Inc operates two separate locations offering a full-year calendar stating the different kinds of productions. The two theatres include the Dressing room theater in a cabaret style with a seating of 100 and Kweskin Theatre (184-seating).

It was founded with the main purpose of providing an entertainment center for the entire society to also facilitate individual participation.

Several innovative programs are available here, including Acting for Kids, Shakespeare Theatre, Young Actors Workshops, Acting Workshop, Teens comedy, and many more.

Address: 1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905, United States

25. Massage Envy

Massage Envy
Credits: Yuriy Maksymiv / Shutterstock

Take your body on a wonderful treat in Stamford when you book an appointment with Massage Envy, a place solely concerned with your body and health.

Massage Envy provides the best services, and they sure know how to pamper their clients and ensure they feel more refreshed.

They offer professional skin care services and massages that improve the health and well-being of individuals.

Massage Envy is open from Monday to Friday from 10am-9pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10am-8pm.

All therapists here are certified professionals who know what is suitable for their clients.

Address: 1014 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT 06905, United States

26. Trap Escape Room Adventures

Trap Escape Room Adventures
Credits: WillemijnB / Shutterstock

Trap Escape Room Adventures is a popular attraction in Stamford, CT, and the city’s first top-tier Escape Room. The Escape room is open to the public.

It is a family-owned and operated escape room. It was established after the family obtained many experiences from visiting different escape rooms around the globe.

The Escape Room was built to provide players with an immersive and thrilling experience using innovative and traditional puzzles, clues, and locks that will test people’s cognitive skills and encourage teamwork amongst players.

Their theme rooms are quite different from what is expected. They embody fascinating and profound stories to create suspense and entertainment within 60 minutes.

Address: 76 Progress Dr #262, Stamford, CT 06902, United States

27. Mill River Park

Mill River Park
Credits: Kelly Verdeck/ Flickr
Mill River Park

One of the best places to visit in Stamford, CT, if you are looking forward to having a great time with your loved ones and friends, is Mill River Park. It promises a fun and memorable experience.

Mill River Park is open to the entire public. It is a 12-acre top-class park with many fun attractions and entertainment to keep you engaged throughout your visit. 

Part of the main highlights of Mill River Park is its playground which was established in 2006 through the efforts of 1,500 volunteers. Plans and ideas are in place to renovate the playground in the Park and give it a more splendid look.

Since the Park is located in the central area of Stamford, it is readily accessible from anywhere. It is a perfect place to host community events, birthday parties, and other special events.

Address: 1010 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT 06901, United States

28. Stamford Twin Rinks

Stamford Twin Rinks
Credits: Sergey Zaykov / Shutterstock

Stamford Twin Rinks, for more than 20 years, has been a prime skating destination in Lower Fairfield County.

Over the years, they have been dedicated to offering their guests the best skating and hockey lessons, challenging tournaments, and entertainment activities for everyone, regardless of age and skill level.

Their instructors are the best, which is evident in their students who have persistently participated in International, national, Division I colleges, and prep school level competitions.

The Twin Rinks features ultra-modern facilities, two NHL standard-size rinks, a fitness center, a health center, 12 locker rooms, party rooms, a ballet studio, restaurants, a well-equipped pro shop, and others.

All of these facilities and more make the Twin Rinks outstanding from the other Rinks in Fairfield County.

Address: 1063 Hope St, Stamford, CT 06907, 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 Stamford

Stamford is a beautiful city, and it is challenging to pick out the best attraction from the countless attractions in the city.

Endeavor to explore all the items mentioned on the list, especially with your family and friends, and be sure of having an unforgettable experience in Stamford.