Introduction
Bridgeport is a city with something for everyone. With so much to do in such a small city, we’ve put together this list of 21 fun things to do in Bridgeport Connecticut. So if you’re looking for something to do while visiting or living here, look no further than this blog post!
1. Beardsley Zoo
The Beardsley Zoo is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It’s a great place for kids and adults alike to visit.
The zoo has about 70 acres of land which make it the largest city-owned zoo in the state. If you’re looking for something fun to do with your family or friends, this should be at the top of your list!
In addition to all that space, some amazing animals live at the zoo: pandas (which you can see from afar), elephants (who love being petted), tigers (also known as “big cats”), gorillas (one of them even likes picking up his poop!), polar bears…the list goes on! Plus I heard they’re planning on getting more animals soon so keep checking back if one catches your eye 🙂
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday; 10 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday Cost:$14 per person over age 2 Children under age 2 are free (*with an adult) What To Bring/Wear: Comfortable clothing appropriate for temperatures outside since we’ll be outdoors most of our time here Toiletries if needed because bathrooms aren’t available inside but water fountains will be available once inside Parking Tips: Parking is free and plentiful across from entrance near the building where tickets are sold so no need worry about finding somewhere else first before coming inside Food & Drinks Available At This Location? No food or drink is allowed inside due to safety reasons but vending machines do exist outside near the entrance area where visitors enter onto grounds
2. The Barnum Museum
The Barnum Museum is located in Bridgeport Connecticut. It’s a museum that features the life and times of P.T. Barnum, who was born in this city in 1810. The museum also includes a collection of artifacts from the circus era, including posters and advertising materials, as well as a replica of his original American Museum building on Broadway in New York City.
The museum is open year-round and it’s free to visit!
3. St Marys by the Sea
St Marys by the Sea is a Catholic Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It was built in 1856 and has since been designated as one of the oldest churches in Bridgeport, CT. The church is located on Long Beach Island and serves a large number of parishioners, who visit St Marys by the Sea to attend mass at least once a week. However, this church is also popular among tourists who come to Connecticut to visit LBI and other places nearby such as Seaside Heights, NJ (which has an amusement park named Casino Pier).
4. Discovery Museum
The Discovery Museum is a children’s museum in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It was founded in 1951 by the Bridgeport Board of Education and is located at 1088 Highland Avenue. The museum provides hands-on activities for kids to explore science, technology, and other areas of interest.
The museum has several permanent exhibits including “Open Season,” which allows visitors to create their animated films; the “Discovery Den” where they can make music; and “Magic Tree House,” where they can solve puzzles that take them on an adventure through time and space. Visitors can also attend special events throughout the year such as holiday parties or summer camps with themes like superheroes or sports heroes.
5. Webster Bank Arena
Take in a Sound Tigers hockey game at the Webster Bank Arena. The arena is home to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League (AHL), who play their home games there during the season. It can seat up to 7,000 spectators and hosts many other events year-round as well.
6. Downtown Cabaret Theatre
The Downtown Cabaret Theatre is a venue for live music, comedy, and dance. It’s located in downtown Bridgeport and can host up to 500 people. The theatre is home to the International Festival of Arts, which takes place each summer.
7. St. Margaret’s Shrine
St. Margaret’s Shrine is a Roman Catholic church in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It was founded in 1873 by a group of French immigrants who came to the area to work at the Colt gun factory. The church has undergone many changes since its founding, including a renovation in 1997 that added stained glass windows and new marble floors that were imported from Italy.
8. Seaside Park
Seaside Park is a public park located in Bridgeport, Connecticut that is maintained by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. It is located on the shore of Long Island Sound and contains several attractions, including:
- The Seaside Park Carousel: The carousel was built in 1917 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) and was originally located at Luna Park. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993;
- McLevy Ice Rink: This rink has been open since 1922 and offers public skating sessions throughout the week;
- The Wampum Rock Lighthouse Light: A replica of an early 19th-century lighthouse that was moved from New London Harbor to its current location within Seaside Park;
9. Fifth State Distillery
Fifth State Distillery
Location: 39 Water Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Hours: Open daily from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone Number: (203) 893-8181
The Distillery’s tasting room will give you a taste of America’s history. They have been collecting antique bottles and telling the stories behind them for decades. You can learn about their process for making whiskey and see how they use old-fashioned tools and equipment to make their product in small batches. The staff is knowledgeable about what makes good whiskey and will be happy to answer any questions you may have while you enjoy a tasting flight or bottle purchase. Donate some money to charity while you visit Fifth State by purchasing one of their limited edition bottles that benefit local organizations like Bridgeport Schools Inc., Operation Home Front Connecticut, or Friends of Fairfield County Humane Society!
10. Fayerweather Island Light
Fayerweather Island Light is a lighthouse on Fayerweather Island in the Long Island Sound, off the coast of Fairfield, Connecticut. The lighthouse was built in 1858 and is still in operation today.
While visiting this gorgeous island, make sure to stop by the nearby Bennett’s Point Lighthouse which has been abandoned since 1914 and can be seen from any point on Fayerweather Island (or even from land).
The journey to get there is an adventure itself: you’ll have to take a ferry from Bridgeport or New Canaan (depending on where you’re starting your trip) to reach the island!
11. The Klein Memorial Auditorium
The Klein Memorial Auditorium is a performing arts center located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The building was originally built in 1927 as the Bridgeport Municipal Auditorium. Throughout its history, it has been used for many different events including concerts, sports games, and political rallies.
In addition to being an entertainment venue that presents local artists, the building also holds art exhibits throughout the year which are open to the public.
13. Bridgeport Public Library
The Bridgeport Public Library is located in the heart of downtown, making it easy for you to stop by and pick up a book. It’s open to the public, so you can enjoy all of its offerings whether you’re a resident or visiting town. The library offers a variety of services including free wifi, books and e-books, DVDs and CDs, local history archives, and resources on genealogy. You’ll also find various events and programs offered throughout the year including children’s story times, technology workshops for adults who want to learn how to use their computer or smartphone more efficiently (or just get up to speed), games for all ages as well as art classes taught by local artists who offer their expertise through these classes at no cost!
14. Bridgeport to Port Jefferson Steamboat Company
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Long Island Sound is by taking a boat ride. One company that offers these adventures is Bridgeport to Port Jefferson Steamboat Company. The company offers multiple types of cruises, including dinner cruises and private charters. If you’re looking for something more romantic, they also offer weddings aboard their boats!
15. Housatonic Museum of Art
- Address: 1 James St, Bridgeport, CT 06604
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm
- Cost: $5 for non-members and $3 for members
16. McLevy Green
McLevy Green is a park in Bridgeport, Connecticut that was named after James McLevy. James McLevy was mayor of Bridgeport from 1881 to 1883 and he lived on Congress Street for most of his adult life. He started working when he was 14 years old and by the time he died in 1907, he had amassed quite a fortune for himself.
McLevy Green is located at the corner of Main Street and Congress Street, where there are many events held including concerts, festivals, and farmer’s markets. If you are planning on visiting this park during your trip to Connecticut then make sure that you check out these fun activities while you’re there!
17. Tongue In Chique
Tongue In Chique is a restaurant and bar located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It is a fun place to eat, drink, and hang out with friends. They have an impressive variety of delicious food and drinks for people of all tastes. The atmosphere is warm during the day and night because the lighting inside this establishment is dimmed so it’s not too bright or dark at any time of day. This location also has a patio where you can enjoy your meal outside while listening to live music performances from local artists.
18. The Bijou Theater
The Bijou Theater is a historic theater in downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut. It was built in 1926 as a movie palace and operated as such until the 1970s.
It is now a venue for theatrical performances, concerts, and other events. The building was designed by architect Eugene DeRudio who also designed the Palace Theater in Hartford and many other theaters across New England between 1907 and 1946. The Bijou has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2007; it was nominated to be preserved as an example of 1920s architecture with Art Deco details on its interior murals, lighting fixtures, and plasterwork inside
19. Tongue Point Light
Tongue Point Light is a lighthouse on the west side of the entrance to the Thimble Islands in Stony Creek, Connecticut. It was built in 1871 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
20. Ursa Gallery
Ursa Gallery is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This non-profit art gallery has been serving the community since 1973. Ursa Gallery is open to the public and serves as an outlet for artists to display and sell their work at affordable prices. The gallery features an array of exhibits, including photography, sculpture, and paintings.
The gallery also offers educational programs including art classes for adults as well as children’s workshops. These programs are designed to introduce new audiences such as young families or children who may not be familiar with contemporary art into this world of visual expression through hands-on activities such as drawing or painting techniques.
21. The Adventure Park at The Discovery Museum
If you’re looking for something to do with the kids or just something fun and exciting, then the Adventure Park at The Discovery Museum is a great place to take them. The park offers more than 30 different obstacles for all ages, skill levels, and groups of all sizes. It’s also good for adults too!
The fun doesn’t stop there! Many other activities at The Discovery Museum will keep everyone entertained including Planetarium shows; laser tag; a climbing wall; an archery range and more!
Takeaway
If you haven’t been to Bridgeport, Connecticut before, it’s time to get your feet wet. There are lots of things to do in Bridgeport that are perfect for people who don’t have much time and don’t want to be bored by museums and art galleries. Here are some ideas:
- Zoo: The Beardsley Zoo is a great place for kids and adults alike! The zoo has over 600 animals on display from all over the world. It also has a butterfly garden, and an aquarium with sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. There’s a petting zoo where kids can hold baby goats or rabbits if they want (and parents will probably want). There’s even an aviary where you can see flamingos up close! And there’s no charge because this is a non-profit organization – so check them out at www.*beardsleyzoo*.org
- Museum: If you love art then check out the Mark Twain House & Museum which features artwork by famous artists such as Norman Rockwell who did paintings based on Mark Twain novels like Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn.*marktwainhouse*.org
- Theater: You should also plan on visiting one of our local theaters while here in town like Center Stage Theatre Company which has shows running year-round featuring Broadway favorites like Les Miserables (*centerstagect*.com) or Dramatists Play Service which offers plays written by local authors such as John Gallagher Jr.*dramatistssocietyofamerica*.org
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this list of fun things to do in Bridgeport. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, some history lessons, and delicious food!
