[awt1972]

Originally Posted by Stylo

That's the first time I've heard someone say "Norwalk" and "vacation" in the same sentence that didn't involve leaving Norwalk.

My 7 year old thinks Norwalk is "cool"

OP - I'm sure the kids will love their mini-break. Save the trip further up the coast for when they are older, nothing worse than tired, hot kids and trying to squeeze too many activities into the day.....and then you have the longer drive home to contend with too!
My daughter is less thrilled about the children's museum, but LOVES the aquarium.

Another spot she raves about is the 101 ice-cream in Rowayton, which is a pretty little spot if you are driving around. And there's supposed to be some candy store she says is the "best ever" somewhere in SoNo, I think near the aquarium (altho of course you might want to be avoiding getting the kids on a sugar-high!). I haven't been to either myself, but get to hear all about them.
Have a fun trip!

[Stylo]

Yeah, if they're that young it does limit things. Mystic is a decent haul.

I will say that I REALLY enjoyed Mystic Seaport and Aquarium when I visited at age ~8-9. Pre-school, maybe not.

If you find yourselves wrapping up things early and/or looking for something to do, I'd recommend the Beardsley Zoo or Silver Sands State Park (free parking and great boardwalk to walk with kids - not too long and easy flat, and then they can play on beach). Both within 30 minutes drive.

The whole lighthouse/Oyster Shell thing might bore them out of their minds. Especially Oyster Shell Park. Just a fair warning.

[AntonioR]

Originally Posted by Stylo

That's the first time I've heard someone say "Norwalk" and "vacation" in the same sentence that didn't involve leaving Norwalk.

+1

Norwalk a vacation spot!

[Cambium]

Don't forget to book ahead in the busy tourist city of Norwalk. LOL

Start off early in the morning, take a bird watching cruise. Norwalk Seaport Association
After that get some breakfast somewhere.
After breakfast head to the Aquarium Welcome to The Maritime Aquarium
After that, drive around and be part of the traffic
After that, grab some lunch maybe bring it to one of Norwalk's beaches or parks
After that, go pay your parking ticket
After paying the ticket why not check out the shopping district on CT Avenue
After shopping, finish the day off at the lockwood mansion Welcome to the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum!
After that, you're done. Travel to another city or back home. lol

[Meglion]

Depending on what else your kids (or you) are "into," there's the SONO Baking Company by the water, which is a fun place to pick out a pastry, cupcake, or muffin. Also, the aquarium generally has a great IMAX film for kids (if "Born to Be Wild" is still there, I recommend it highly), and they're having a lorikeet exhibit where the birds can sit on the kids' wrists and eat from little cups. It's a fun and a manageable-sized aquarium.

[FILF]

FYI - The tower portion of the lighthouse at Sheffield Island is closed for renovation so keep that in mind if you plan on going. It's a nice quick boat ride, some ruins from the castle or whatever it was are there, a nature preserve and tons of room to have a picnic and the let kids run around.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Cambium

After paying the ticket why not check out the shopping district on CT Avenue

Oh, the majestic beauty of dumby strip malls.

[Comp625]

Have you thought about Playland in Rye? It might be more bustling and energetic than what you're looking for, but hey, adults need to have some fun, too.

Seems like many of the activities at Playland allow for super young kids to participate in (as long as a parent does the activity with them).

[Jeanette73]

Not a popular destination is a plus. I hate crowds.

I'm pretty flexible. If it gets boring we can pack up the car and head up the road. Maybe play land on the way back.

I have never been to Mystic, Essex or the attractions in/around New Haven where I've felt like it's crowded. There's a decent number of visitors, but never unmanageable crowds like you get at some NYC tourist attractions.

[Stylo]

Norwalk isn't a destination, but it's still a bit crowded. Although that's more of a traffic problem than pedestrians. Things get much quieter past New Haven on the CT shoreline.