TravelpediaonlineBest Things To Do In Danbury (Connecticut) – Danbury, Connecticut is only around 50 miles northeast of New York City. This small city is recognized by the United States as one of the most dynamic and lively locations in the country, therefore there are plenty of exciting things to do in Danbury (Connecticut).
This city is most known for being the setting for the train station in one of Alfred Hitchcock’s films. But there’s more to this city; it’s home to Candlewood Lake, a stunning natural body of water, as well as specially designated natural areas where you can hike, fish, horseback ride, and boating.
Take advantage of the thrills of Escape Room 101, the beauty of Squantz Pond State Park and Ives Concert Park, fun and games at Jumpz Trampoline Sports, and much more during your stay in Danbury.
Danbury is a small community at the southern shore of the posh Candlewood Lake, only 50 miles northeast of New York City, and was recently named one of the most loveable places in America by USA Today. You’ll be in the Berkshire Mountains’ southern foothills, where peaks rise to 300 meters beneath a covering of hardwood and softwood forest.
Disclosure: Due to new safety regulations, some of the information regarding the attractions and sites listed below may have changed. For the most up-to-date information, please contact the location.
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What Are The Best Things To Do In Danbury (Connecticut)?
Danbury, Connecticut is most famous for one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most famous films. It combines New England beauty with contemporary global appeal, and there is much to keep visitors entertained.
This attractive atmosphere, combined with the almost unlimited amount of things to try, makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking for adventure and fun.
In and around Danbury, there are a slew of parks and protected natural areas where you can go hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, or simply relax in the sun on a hot summer day. Danbury also features a professional ice hockey club, a place where you can pick your own apples as well as pumpkins in the fall, and one of New England’s most upscale malls.
To help plan your trip, here are the best things to do in Danbury (Connecticut):
1. Tarrywile Park & Mansion
Tarrywile Park is often regarded as the state’s largest park, spanning over 700 acres of land. The park is owned by the city and is rich in magnificent characteristics such as trees, rocky hills, and meadows, all of which combine to create a stunning sight, making it one of the best things to do in Danbury (Connecticut).
You’ll also love the hiking trails, which stretch for nearly 20 miles and may be biked or walked with your family. The park has a lot to offer visitors. Yes, there is a lovely lake in the forest, and the attractive and varied natural terrain enchants the eyes. Picnic sites are also available for you to enjoy with your family and friends.
Aside from these, the park is home to a number of historic structures. There are some further outbuildings and a gatehouse on a Shingle Style mansion (constructed on a 12 acre plot of land). You’ll also come upon the 19th-century Hearthstone Castle. Visitors are allowed access only by appointment.
Address: 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury, CT 06810
2. Jumpz Trampoline Sports Danbury
If you’re looking for a location to exhaust the kids out with exciting activities while also getting in on the action, then Jumpz Trampoline Sports Danbury is the place to go.
This is an indoor fun facility with a variety of activities to keep everyone occupied with one sport or another. Some of the activities available include laser tag, wall to wall trampoline, foam pits, dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, swing, super slide, and much more.
Its laser tag arena can hold up to 25 players at once, and players can participate in a variety of game types such as Zombie Infection, Team Deathmatch, Free-For-All, and more. Jumpz Trampoline Sports Danbury is sure to be a blast, so add it to your list of best things to do in Danbury (Connecticut) while you’re there.
3. Squantz Pond State Park
Squantz Pond State Park is a wonderful place near the west coast of Candlewood Lake, about 9 miles north of Danbury. This 270-acre water body was formed in the 1920s as a result of reservoir filling.
It’s especially lovely in the summer, when you may enjoy sports such as motorboating, fishing, and swimming. Kayaks and canoes can be rented to enjoy the water, all of which makes it one of the best things to do in Danbury (Connecticut).
There is also a picnic area in the park, as well as sights from the nature park. You can also go for a walk on the trails. A trail leads to the Pootatuck State Forest on the west, while the blue trails lead to the picturesque beauty of Candlewood Lake and beyond.
4. Danbury Museum & Historical Society
The Danbury Museum & Historical Society puts everything you need to know about Danbury’s past on a platter for anyone interested. The museum is made up of five different historic buildings and is located on Main Street. The John Dodd Hat Shop (1790), the John Rider House (1785), the Little Red Schoolhouse (18th century), the Marian Anderson Studio, and finally the Huntington Hall (1963) are among the historic structures.
Huntington Hall, the final structure, was constructed to house the library, offices, and gift shop. The hall is where you’ll find the majority of the exhibitions and displays. There, you can learn about Danbury’s culture, customs, and history.
In addition, the Marian Anderson studio was constructed in her memory of Marian Anderson (1897-1993). She was a world renowned American operatic contralto who lived in Danbury for more than 50 years. She sang a wide variety of songs, ranging from spirituals to classical music. She performed with renowned orchestras both in and outside of the United States.
“Driving Danbury Forward,” a popular exhibition held in 2019, was one of the most popular. The display demonstrated how automobiles and other modes of transportation influenced city life and activities. There’s also an open bar with live music and delicious food. It’s a good idea to show up in the spring, summer, or autumn.
Address: 43 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810
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5. Danbury Fair Mall
The Danbury Fair Mall stands right at the top, with one of the largest (specifically, the fifth largest) shopping malls in all of New England and the second-largest in Connecticut. The mall, which is located off I-84 and across from Danbury Municipal Airport, was first opened in 1986. This location is a historic fairground with a total area of about 1.2 million square feet.
The mall has around 200 stores and provides a variety of services. Michael Kors, H&M, Macy’s, L.L. Banana Republic, Sears, Bean. JCPenny, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Gap are among the well-known upmarket and massive stores found there. The mall also has a number of fine dining restaurants.
As part of their commitment to preserving history, they also sponsor the SummerStage event, which includes arts and crafts, outdoor performances, as well as the raising of donations for children. This event, which takes place in July and August, rekindles that feeling. Enjoy the food court and carnivals while you’re there.
Address: 7 Backus Ave, Danbury, CT 06810
6. Danbury Railway Museum
One of the best things to do in Danbury (Connecticut) is a visit to the Danbury Railway Museum. It is the historic Union Station of the Metro-North Railroad, which operated from 1903 until 1993, when it was replaced by a new station.
The Danbury Railway Museum, meanwhile, was constructed to preserve the story of how railroads fared in Danbury and its surroundings. The structure is designed in the Richardson Romanesque style and features model railway layouts. If you are a train fan, you will be drawn to the station and the railyard event (about 6 acres).
The historic equipment in the area (about 70 pieces) and some antiquities provide even more excitement. The Boston & Maine 1455 Steam Engine, as well as more recent train sets, would be noticeable. A collection of old photographs can be found in the museum. Take a train ride to add to your excitement; it’ll take approximately half an hour!
Address: 120 White St, Danbury, CT 06810
7. Danbury Ice Arena
The Danbury Ice Arena, which opened in 1999, has a seating capacity of 3000 and offers a variety of skating programs and public sessions. Following its establishment in 2004, it saw a huge expansion. The skating lessons that are offered throughout the year cater to people of all ages.
Students who take classes during the semester get free entrance to public skate sessions. Their professional trainers brush up on puck-handling and skating skills, as well as youth league organization.
Over the last two decades, this arena has hosted a few professional teams and games. The Danbury Whalers were based in Hartford for a period (during their NHL tenure) and until 2015. They were here for five years and had a great time. Other recreational activities for you include fun DJ skate nights and personal hockey coaching, making this a great place to visit in Danbury for sports lovers.
Address: 1 Independence Way, Danbury, CT 06810
8. Danbury Sports Dome
The Danbury Sports Dome is one of the best things to do in Danbury (Connecticut) for sports lovers. It is the East Coast’s largest dome structure. Throughout the year, this venue hosts a variety of events and activities. Drop-in soccer, pick-up lacrosse, and lawn bowling are among the activities available to visitors.
The indoor fields are still available for rent, and so are the battle balls. At the nearby concession stand, you can get some delicious food and drinks. Special events, such as birthday parties, are also accommodated for.
Address: 25 Shelter Rock Ln, Danbury, CT 06810, Phone: 203-778-3663
9. Bear Mountain Reservation
The Bear Mountain Reservation, located in the northern part of the city, is a 140-acre site with various fascinating trails for your delight. These trails are looping and connect to one another elegantly. They can be easy to hike through, while others can be challenging.
The Orange Trail, on the other hand, is steep and leads to Candlewood Lake’s shore. You’d love the beautiful water views and the 1.7-mile Red Trail, which is the longest of the area’s color-coded trails. There are also some shady picnic places where you may relax, and a parking lot is available.
Address: 17 Bear Mountain Rd, Danbury, CT 06811
10. Ives Concert Park
Charles Ives, a well-known modernist composer, was honored with the name Ives Concert Park (1874-1954). At the time, he lived in the city. It’s a lovely 40-acre pond-side park that functions more like an amphitheater and hosts a variety of events. The beauty of this park is enhanced by beautiful gardens and trees.
Year round, there are music concerts and theater shows. Shakespeare plays, country harvest hoedowns, classical performances, and reggae concerts are all popular. Other interesting events, such as sip nights and auto shows, are sometimes hosted here. It is actually recommended that you pay a visit to the park during your visit.
Address: 43 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury, CT 06811
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11. Wooster Mountain State Park
This park, which is situated within the city boundaries, was built in 1920. It has 444 acres and focuses on hunting as its primary activity. The Park’s shooting range also allows you to practice target, trap, and skeet shooting.
The Ives Trails and Greenway cross through Wooster Mountain State Park, making it a great place to go hiking. It is completely free to visit, so take advantage of this opportunity.
Address: 30 Sugar Hollow Rd, Danbury, CT 06810
12. Shelter Rock Winery
This is Connecticut’s first urban winery, according to records. The Shelter Rock Winery is unique in that it is a club that allows members to make their own wine according to their preferences. The atmosphere is highly social and welcoming, which makes it one of the best things to do in Danbury (Connecticut).
The grapes used in the production are sourced from up California. And because the owner, an Italian, has extensive knowledge in the winemaking industry, members have the option of selecting their preferred grape varietals. The winery has a lot to offer tourists, and those who can’t make it (due to time constraints) can take advantage of the dinners, tours, and wine tastings.
Address: 5 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury, CT 06810
13. Lakeside Watersports
Lakeside Watersports is a boating company owned and managed by two friends who are avid watersports enthusiasts. They give classes to interested people using Candlewood Lake, despite the fact that they are still a small company.
A wide range of water activities are available to participate in. Water skiing, wakeboarding, and knee boarding are all accessible to try out, and all necessary equipment is readily available. The time of the operation varies depending on the season.
There is enough room on board for the entire family, since there is enough space for the driver, instructor, and an additional 9 people. You’d enjoy the waves, so make plans to spend some time with Lakeside Watersports.
Address: 16 Forty Acre Mountain Rd, Danbury, CT 06811
14. Monster Mini Golf
The Monster Mini Golf is an 18-hole golf course developed with entertainment and enjoyable activities for your delight and the enjoyment for your family. The course is lit up with black lights, and there were plenty of glow-in-the-dark components and even some animated monsters to add to the immersion.
A laser tag course is also available. It’s a 2500-square-foot space that may be used for both individual and team contests. You can have your birthday party in any of the arena’s sections (mini or laser tag) and have a wonderful time.
Address: 13 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel, CT 06801
15. Veterans Walkway of Honor
The Veterans Walkway of Honor was built in 2012 to honor those who have served the country in the American military. The Danbury War Memorial is where you’ll find it. This pathway is artistically built with bricks, and the names, service areas, and ranks of these soldiers are written on the bricks.
The pictures of these gentle men and women can be found on the website. The profits are used to support veteran-related events and charity.
Address: 1 Memorial Dr, Danbury, CT 06810
16. Richter Park Golf Course
This is another superb golf course that is widely regarded as Danbury’s best. The public golf course was created by golf architect Edward Ryder and is located on the West Lake Reservoir’s shoreline. It contains 18 holes with a par of 71. But it’s a challenging one, and 14 of them have water features, with the green being well-protected by 49 bunkers.
Although the course is available to the public, admission requires full golf clothing which can be rented there. They also provide private instruction for players of all skill levels, as well as access to two practice greens where you may polish your skills.
Address: 100 Aunt Hack Rd, Danbury, CT 06811
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17. Escape 101
Escape 101 delivers the thrills of an escape room to Danbury, where you’ll be locked in a room with a variety of riddles to solve in order to escape. This is a form of entertainment in which friends, families, and teams of four to ten people enter a themed room filled with puzzles, which is then locked and a timer set to 60 minutes.
This offers players enough time to collect clues inside the room and complete a sequence of riddles that lead to the discovery of a key to unlock the room. You can participate in this exciting activity with friends and family members at Escape 101. The rooms are deliberately constructed with the goal of providing a thrilling experience with an unexpected twist. It’s time to think outside the box; schedule a visit to Escape 101 during your visit to Danbury, and you’ll have a great time.
18. Candlewood Lake
This is one natural body in Danbury that you can’t miss. Candlewood Lake was formed in the 1920s when a hydroelectric dam was built near the confluence of the Rocky and Housatonic rivers. This lake, which spans over 5,300 acres and is bordered on the north by Danbury, is the largest in Connecticut.
The lake is a magnificent body, and its beauty has drawn some of the most valuable estates to settle along its shores. Golf courses, marinas, and beaches are everywhere along the waterfront for tourists. And, as we’ve already mentioned, Candlewood Town Park is located to the south of the shore and offers a variety of activities.
19. Hemlock Hills
The Hemlock Hills are a stunning landscape that runs from east to west, passing through Bennett’s Pond State Park, Pine Mountain, and the Wooster Mountain State Park Preserve. They’re connected together in a natural way. Just at the base of the Berkshire Mountains, this area has a wooded landscape with peaks over 300 meters.
The Red Trail and Yellow Trail connect the Pine Mountain and Hemlock Hills parks. Despite their steepness, they are both quite welcoming for you to enjoy with your family. At the base of the hills, you may go mountain hiking and fishing.
20. Blue Jay Orchards
Are you a lover of orchards? We assume you do. Blue Jay Orchards, on the other hand, is a one-of-a-kind fruit orchard. Galas, sweet Braeburn, and Granny Smith are among the 15 species grown on the farm. The orchard spans 140 acres, and you could spend the entire day selecting your own apples.
The tasty apples are ready for picking between September and late October, and you can help choose from any of the varieties. Check out their website to make the most of your visit.
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Final Thoughts
Danbury is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, that is consistently regarded as one of the best places to live in the country. It was created in 1685, and the area was famed for growing beans at the time, earning it the nickname Beanfield.
Hat City has been its nickname since the nineteenth century, when it became the epicenter of the American hat business in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. If you come to this city, you will find plenty of historical attractions to appreciate. There are also some fantastic outdoor places and entertaining attractions to explore, so you’re sure to find something to your preference.
Beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, museums, and theaters may all be found in Danbury, Connecticut. With so many outdoor activities to choose from, you may find yourself having a fantastic time while admiring nature’s wonders.
As you may have noticed, Danbury offers a wide range of enjoyable activities. Its landmarks, lakes, museums, sports centers, retail malls, pleasant parks, monumental sites, reserved areas, and many other attractions all seek to provide you with a good time. When it comes to amazing vacation places, a trip to Danbury should be on your list.
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