Connecticut's Fairfield region has fine state and local parks

Boothe Memorial Park & Museum

5774 Main Street Stratford, CT 06614 Phone: 203-381-2046

This 32-acre former homestead of the Boothe Family (1663-1949) offers with picnic facilities, rose garden, and wedding garden. Buildings on National Historic Landmark site with displays of early farm equipment, carriages and baskets; trolley history, toll booth exhibit.
Hours: Park grounds are open year-round, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Museums and displays are open June 1 through October 1, Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
Admission: Free

Indian Well State Park

Howe Avenue Shelton, CT Phone: 203-735-4311

The park's scenic waterfalls and splash pool give this park its name, Indian Well. The lovely falls, and shaded picnic grove at the water's edge make this park a great place to spend a lazy summer day. Activities include boating, picnicking, field sports, hiking, river fishing, and swimming. Facilities: bathrooms, picnic shelter, and boat launch (trailered, open April through September, 203-735-4311). Park fees: Weekends, $14 for residents and $20 for non-residents; weekdays, $10 and $14. All days, $8 after 4 p.m.

Mill Hill Historic Park

Wall Street and East Avenue Norwalk, CT Phone: 203-846-0525

Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, Sundays 1 - 4 pm

Sites include the Governor Thomas Fitch Law Office, Cemetery, Schoolhouse, and Town House Museum. A donation is requested from visitors.

Sherwood Island State Park

Off I-95 at Exit 18 Westport, CT Phone: 203-226-6983

State park features a sandy beach, fishing areas, food concession, bathhouse, and swimming areas. Have a leisurely lunch in the picnic grove, swim in Long Island sound, or view marsh life from the observation platform. Because of the sharp rocks and shells at West Beach, swimmers are urged to use East Beach, which has lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The Nature Center open Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Surf and shore fishing are allowed outside of swimming areas. Facilities: bathrooms, food concession, picnic shelter, picnic tables, showers. Park fees: Weekends, $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents. Weekday fees are $14 and $20. Fee is $10 after 4 p.m.