Science and nature attractions in New Haven CT can enrich your vacation
10 Deerfield Lane
Ansonia, CT 06401
Phone: 203-736-1053
Once a small family-owned dairy farm, the park is laced with two and one-half miles of nature trails. The land encompasses 104 acres of wooded hills and grassy fields bisected by streams, a two acre pond, wet meadows, and an upland swamp. The site is a microcosm of a typical Connecticut landscape, providing sanctuary to many species of New England flora and fauna. A butterfly/hummingbird garden and an award-winning woodland wildflower and fern garden grace the visitor center. Also, soccer, baseball, and softball fields; several acres reserved for community gardening; and a large play scape for younger children.
Hours: Daily sunup to sundown; interpretive center open 9 a.m. t o 5 p.m. daily except on major holidays.
Admission: Free.
Connecticut Audobon Coastal Center
1 Milford Point Road
Milford, CT
Phone: 203-878-7440
Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm
Set on the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound, this natural haven is one of Connecticut's best bird-watching spots. Admission: $3 adults, $2 children under 13.
Eli Whitney Museum
915 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06517
Phone: 203-777-1833
Open: Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Other times, Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed major holidays.
Museum focusing on Eli Whitney's life, his inventions and his legacy. In addition to historic exhibits, the museum also holds a water learning lab and outdoor study areas. The barn, built in 1816, is the site of special events throughout the year. Admission: free; charge for programs.
1288 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
Phone: 203-245-2785
Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers over two miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf.
Activities include saltwater swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, fishing, paddling, bicycling, and camping. The Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors on a limited year round basis.
Facilities: Bathrooms, boardwalk, car top boat launch, concessions, nature center, picnic shelters, picnic tables, showers.
Park fees: Weekends, $20 for Connecticut residents and $30 for non-residents; weekday fees are $14 and $20. All days, $10 after 4 p.m.
Hammonasset offers over 550 grassy campsites. Open for the season from May 21 through October 30 (203-245-1817).
Lighthouse Point Park
Lighthouse Road
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-8005
Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, 6 pm - sunset
This 82 acre park on Long Island Sound features exhibits on natural history, swimming areas, nature trails, a bird sanctuary and an antique carousel. There is a parking fee.
Pardee Rose Gardens
180 Park Road
New Haven, CT 06517
Phone: 203-946-8025
These gardens include more than 15 different types of roses (peaking in June and July), annuals, perennials, and herbs. Picnic areas are available in this tranquil formal rose garden open free to the public. The garden is also available for weddings and special events.
Hours: Open mid-May to early September.
Peabody Museum of Natural History (Yale University)
170 Whitney Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511
Phone: 203-432-5050
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Closed major holidays.
Brontosaurus and Stegosaurus haunt the Great Hall of Dinosaurs, where Rudolph Zallinger's famous Age of Reptiles mural spans 108 feet. Live animals inhabit, exhibits on Native America, Ancient Egypt, human origins, birds, minerals, meteorites. Gift shop. Admission: Adults, $7; seniors, $6; students and children aged 3-18, $5; free admission Thursdays, 2-5 p.m. from September to June.
West Rock Nature Center
Wintergreen Avenue
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-8016
Open: Monday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm
Preserve set on 40 acres with live birds and animals. An exhibit area features information on area and regional wildlife. Free admission.
