Top 28 Things To Do In Bridgeport, Connecticut

1. Take your kids to The Discovery Museum and Planetarium

Head up to The Discovery Museum and Planetarium and combine the best of education and entertainment in one visit. This museum offers some pretty cool things to do for people interested in science and technology, captivating its visitors’ minds by making a fun use of interactive exhibits, galleries, and shows. While Out-in-Space planetarium runs fascinating shows for people of all age groups, PreSchool Power is for those aged up to three years. Don’t forget to go over to the Space Gallery and marvel at the replica of the Apollo 11 space suit. You can also book yourself on the two-hour long guided tour as well. Also, we strongly recommend you purchase your entry passes well in advance, else they may get entirely sold out!

The Discovery Museum and Planetarium

Address: 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: The Discovery Museum and Planetarium

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 8 - 11 USD

2. Overcome your fear of heights at The Adventure Park

Right behind the premises of The Discovery Museum is The Adventure Park, an aerial forest park which combines fun and learning in its own way. There’s 13 treetop trails and several other kinds of zip lining trails great for exploring nature as well as your threshold. Guests are harnessed with safety gear and are given a small orientation before they head along their explorative journey. If not zip lining or climbing, you can just enjoy gallivanting through the greenery or have a picnic on the grounds. On selected nights, the park also hosts its Glow in the Dark trail, which brings the best of starlit skies, LED-lit trails, and an overall special experience to you.

The Adventure Park

Address: 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: The Adventure Park

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 10pm

Price: 39 - 59 USD

3. Peek into the world of PT Barnum at Barnum Museum

Built to celebrate the “Great American Showman”, Phineas Taylor Barnum of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, is Barnum Museum, housed in a 19th-century, stone-and-terracotta building that is as much a visual delight as the items inside. A wide range of models, showcases, and personal belongings of Barnum himself make for an interesting sight for kids and adults alike. Head over to the Barnum’s World of Wonders exhibit to peek into the man’s life and have a look at his wedding top hat and the Tom Thumb suit that he wore for his meeting with Queen Victoria. The museum has sustained massive damage from several tornadoes over the years and the restoration work is in process so don’t be surprised if your visit is slightly impacted due to this.

Barnum Museum

Address: 820 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: Barnum Museum

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed from Sun - Wed)

Price: Free

4. Browse through Housatonic Museum of Art's huge collection

Prepare to be impressed with Housatonic Museum of Art’s diverse collection of art from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Ranging from culturally important works from Africa, Latin America, and the Oceania, the museum’s exhibits provide extensive insight into the local communities of these regions. Right from wood carvings of Nigeria to Incan artefacts to sculptures from China, every piece speaks volumes. Not just historical items, there’s also minor works of famous artists, such as Picasso, Matisse, Chagail, and Rodin, in the museum. Quite a candy world for art enthusiasts, this one.

Housatonic Museum of Art

Address: Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: Housatonic Museum of Art

Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm; Thu: 8:30am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

5. Have a fun day at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Boasting itself as Connecticut’s sole zoo is Beardsley Zoo, making for an engaging and fun outing for not just kids, but also older people. From bald eagles to black swans, leopards to anteaters, prairie dogs to the red fox, boa constrictors to tigers, there’s more than 300 species of North and South American species of animals here! The entire facility is divided into five sections – Alligator Alley, Predators, South American Rainforest, Hoofstock Trail, and New England Farmyard – so you can easily plan your trip around. If you’re worried about getting tired with all that walking around, you can also rent scooters! Although, it is a limited service and is offered on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Address: 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA

Website: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 12 - 16 USD

6. Catch a game at Webster Bank Arena

Don’t fret sports’ lovers, we have something for you as well. Bridgeport is home to an enthusiastic bunch of basketball and hockey supporters so if you want to partake in some of the local crowd’s excitement, head to Webster Bank Arena and catch a game. It is American Hockey League team Sound Tigers’ home stadium, but also hosts several games of the men and women’s NCAA basketball teams from Fairfield University. In addition, gymnastics, wrestling, and mixed martial arts events are also hosted here. If not a sports match, you can expect an entertainment show happening around here so do keep a tab on their online handle and keep yourself updated.

Webster Bank Arena

Address: 600 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: Webster Bank Arena

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

7. Spend time outdoors at Seaside Park

As the park’s name suggests, offering some formidable waterfront views amidst lovely American airs is Seaside Park. It is about a 4-km (2.5-mile) long stretch and is quite a popular spot for outdoor activities and local events. No matter which day or what time you visit, the place will be bustling with people hiking, enjoying picnics, playing games, lounging on the beach, or just admiring the natural beauty around. The designated spaces for each of the activities and great maintenance make it a real hit with the locals and tourists alike so do remember to head there at least once.

Seaside Park

Address: 1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 5 - 20 USD

8. Check out Tongue Point lighthouse

Easily one of Bridgeport’s cutest sights is “The Bug”, or the small lighthouse at the Tongue Point. Sitting on a piece of land extending into vast waters, the lighthouse is just about 9 m (30 ft) high! You can hitch boat rides and catch some of the best views of the lighthouse because accessing it via roads might be slightly tricky as it’s located within the premises of a power plant, which doesn’t have free entry.

Tongue Point

Address: Bridgeport, CT 06607, USA

9. Watch an entertaining show at Downtown Cabaret Theatre

If you’re into theatre performances, musical shows, or comedy dramas, there’s no way you should miss catching a show at Downtown Cabaret Theatre. Set up in a casual table-and-chair manner, the theatre has a BYOB scene so carry along whatever booze you prefer and enjoy it while watching the shows. The theatre has three main stage types. The Main Stage Theatre is where you can catch some superb theatre performances. Main Stage Concert is solely for musicals and Children’s Theatre for primarily kid-friendly shows. You’ll get to see some great live performances here so don’t forget to catch one.

Downtown Cabaret Theatre

Address: 263 Golden Hill St #3, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: Downtown Cabaret Theatre

10. Catch a performance at The Klein Memorial Auditorium

How can you be visiting Bridgeport and not heading to its most famous attraction, The Klein Memorial Auditorium. Staging some spectacular musical performances, the 1,500-seat auditorium is home to the New England Ballet Company, The Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras, and the Fairfield County Children’s Choir. Occasionally, even the Lincoln Center Jazz Ensemble perform there. If not music shows, there are also comedy and dance shows that are hosted here so keep a tab on their website for the latest line-up and book yourself tickets accordingly.

The Klein Memorial Auditorium

Address: 910 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605, USA

Website: The Klein Memorial Auditorium

11. Pay your respects at St. Margaret's Shrine

Visit St. Margaret’s Shrine and let the air of tranquility and calm pervade your being. The premises houses the All Saints Chapel and St. Anthony Chapel, and is also famous for the shrines of St. Margaret, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Padre Pio, and several others. You can engage in prayer, meditation, confession, or even attend lectures. Not just the shrines and the chapels, the sprawling, manicured lawns make for a great place to hang out. The shrine can quite easily get missed so look out and step in to experience an old-worldly charm that the place exudes.

St Margaret's Shrine

Address: 2523 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: St Margaret’s Shrine

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

12. Visit the historic sites of Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses

Originally owned in the 19th century by African-American sister duo, Mary and Eliza Freeman, the houses are emblematic of its owners’ resistance from falling prey to situations by realizing their worth in the world and pushing against what was generally the plight of other women of colour during the time. The houses were leased out as rented properties by the Freeman sisters, making both of them independent and successful businesswomen. Over the years, the houses earned them quite a fortune. Although now abandoned, the houses are a popular tourist sight and serve as a window into the past, at the lives of 19th-century communities of colour in USA. Entry inside the houses is restricted so you can only admire them from outside.

Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses

Address: 358-60 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses

13. Check out the local art scene at 305 Knowlton Street gallery

Located in the Washington Park Historic District on Bridgeport’s East Side, 305 Knowlton Street was once home to a manufacturing unit and now houses an interesting array of works by local artists and small businesses. It is spread across three floors and has many an attractions for body painting, photography, sculpture-making, painting, and drawing enthusiasts. The Armstrong Gallery is where live performances, artist lectures, and seasonal shows are hosted. You can check out their website for details about exhibits and showcases and head there accordingly.

305 Knowlton Street

Address: 305 Knowlton Street Bridgeport, Connecticut

Website: 305 Knowlton Street

14. Have a game of curling at Nutmeg Curling Club

Give your vacation a sporty twist and try curling at the Nutmeg Curling Club. The rink is quite spacious and attracts many Bridgeport locals who want to have a challenging yet fun time skating. Fetter not if you don’t know how–the instructors at the facility are great and assist you through the way. You don’t even need to worry about the gear as you’ll get all essential equipment at the club itself. This one will make for an entertaining activity for kids and adults alike so do give it a try.

Nutmeg Curling Club

Address: 123 Glenwood Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA

Website: Nutmeg Curling Club

15. Enjoy ice skating with friends at Wonderland of Ice

If you feel curling might get too much for you, you can go in for ice skating without having to travel elsewhere. Right within the same premises as Nutmeg Curling Club is Wonderland of Ice, offering indoor ice skating. Regardless of whether you’re a newbie or a pro, you’ll have tons of fun here. If you are a newbie, just ask for one of the instructors to assist – they’re professionally trained and are really friendly! Not just ice skating, you can also play ice hockey and go figure skating at the facility. Else, enroll for lessons for any one of these activities and return home with a new skill set!

Wonderland of Ice

Address: 123 Glenwood Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA

Website: Wonderland of Ice

Opening hours: Varies according to activity

Price: Varies according to activity

16. Play a round of golf at Park City Disc Golf Course

Not interested in skating? How about some golf? Park City Disc Golf Course is a city-owned facility within Veteran’s Park in Bridgeport. Sprawled amidst the park’s expansive greenery and well laid-out trails, the course makes for a pretty amazing space for golfers to enjoy their game.

Park City Disc Golf Course

Address: 4510 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06606, USA

Website: Park City Disc Golf Course

17. Hitch a ferry ride with The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company

Marvel at city skylines and Long Island Sound’s vast waters aboard The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company ferry that ply between Bridgeport and Long Island Village. Guests are allowed to dock their private vehicles (cars, two-wheelers, or even larger trucks) on the lower level of these dual-floor ferry vessels and enjoy themselves on the upper, main deck. While aboard, you can enjoy concessions from the open-floor snack bar while taking in the breeze. The sailing time is about an hour and 15 minutes long so keep aside that kind of time to avoid any rush. Check out their website for the latest sailing schedules and book your tickets either online or in-person at the ticketing kiosk. It is recommended that you purchase the tickets well ahead of time to avoid incurring additional fees.

The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company

Address: 1 Ferry Access Rd, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company

Price: 32 - 330 USD

18. Practice your target skills at Bridgeport Shooting Range

Committed to providing an entertaining yet enriching time to its guests is Bridgeport Shooting Range, which offers some of the best classes, events, and shooting experience in Bridgeport. They provide all the gear to prepare you for the session and even some beginner tips. You can even enroll yourselves in the shooting lessons they offer. Else, there’s all kinds of certification courses that you can also register for and earn.

Bridgeport Shooting Range

Address: 1918 Stratford Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06607, USA

Website: Bridgeport Shooting Range

Opening hours: Tue: 10am - 4pm; Wed - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 9am - 7pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 15 - 25 USD per hour

19. Catch one of the shows at Bijou Theatre

If all that exploration and activity is too much for you, just head over to this 200-seat theatre and sit comfortably to watch a comedy, musical, or any other cultural performance while munching on your favourite snacks. Bijou Theatre has been in Bridgeport since the early 1900s and was once famous for the cabaret shows and silent films that were shown there. Today, it is a popular place for a multitude of cultural performances and even movies. Setup in a semi-movie-hall- and semi-restaurant-style, the theatre’s ambience adds to the overall feel of the experience. There’s also a concessions stand and a bar for drinks so you don’t need to stick to non-alcoholic beverages, unlike the usual movie theatres. Just book yourself a ticket to your favourite show or movie and consider a few hours of your day sorted.

Bijou Theatre

Address: 275 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: Bijou Theatre

20. Laugh until you cry at The Stress Factory Comedy Club

By now, we know that Bridgeport is big on cultural events, such as comedy shows. While the Downtown Cabaret Theatre and The Klein Memorial Auditorium both offer comedy shows, they can become quite formal settings, unlike The Stress Factory Comedy Club, which has a casual ambience about it. Opened as recently as 2018, this club-cum-restaurant brings the best of laughter, liveliness, and lolling around under one roof. Owned by comedian Vinny Brand himself, the place is quite a hit. Remember to check out their latest line-up and head there for some rib-tickling times.

The Stress Factory Comedy Club

Address: 167 State St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: The Stress Factory Comedy Club

Opening hours: Tue: 10am - 5pm; Wed: 10am - 8:30pm; Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

21. Pamper your body at Cartier Beauty and Spa

Give your body some tender loving care and book an appointment at Cartier Beauty and Spa, offering some of the best massage and other treatment packages. Unplug from the hustle and bustle of daily life and plunge yourself into a world of relaxation as the specialists at the spa work on giving you body the best treatment. You’ll definitely return refreshed!

Cartier Beauty and Spa

Address: 2710 North Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: Cartier Beauty And Spa

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 7pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

22. Shop till you drop at Arcade Mall

How can a vacation be complete without shopping? Indulge in some retail therapy at Arcade Mall and satisfy the shopaholic in you. What’s even more special about this mall is that it was one of USA’s first few indoor shopping malls and had a stunning Victorian-style stepped glass roof. Although most part of the original building has now changed, the mall has an old-world charm. The Arcade Mall was revamped in 2008 and several new showrooms and bigger brands made it their home. Today, there’s plenty of stores selling almost anything and everything you’d look for in a mall – food joints, apparel stores, cafes – there’s everything.

Arcade Mall

Address: 993 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: Arcade Mall

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm

23. Buy local products from Black Rock Farmers Market

Mall shopping has got nothing on farmer-market shopping, we say. So, plan your Sunday morning for a trip to the Black Rock Farmers Market. Bringing the best of Bridgeport’s local products, flavours, and people together, this market offers an enjoyable experience. There’s plenty of stalls selling local food items, artisanal products, and fresh produce along with small eateries churning out some of the most lip-smacking dishes you could try – there’s everything here. There are also some fun activities, live demonstrations, musical performances, and food tastings so just go over and partake in some of the local fun!

Black Rock Farmers Market

Address: Field at 481 Brewster St Bridgeport, Connecticut

Website: Black Rock Farmers Market

Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 1pm (closed from Mon - Sat)

24. Relish some Latin American cuisine at Ola Latin Kitchen

How about some flavourful food with a side of zingy cocktails? Tempted? Just head over to Ola Latin Kitchen and satiate your craving for some yummy Latin American dishes. The restaurant’s decor is just as vibrant as the flavours of the dishes that come out of its kitchen, and the service is equally pleasing. Their interesting cocktails are also a must-try – pomegranate and spicy jalapeño margarita, passion fruit mojito, mango martini – all are equally delish! As for the food, give their paella, salmon on quinoa, and steak on coconut rice and plantains a try, you’ll love it! And, if you do happen to go on a Sunday, you’ll be able to buy wine bottles at half the price!

Ola Latin Kitchen

Address: 694 Brooklawn Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: Ola Latin Kitchen

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 10:30pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 11:30pm; Sun: 4pm - 9:30pm (closed on Mon)

25. Socialize at Harborview Market

Enjoy the best of Bridgeport’s local community, food, and music scene at Harborview Market. It is not the usual market you’d be thinking of, rather one of the city’s most loved restaurants. Spread across indoor as well as outdoor seating, Harborview Market is forever packed with regulars there to soak in the vibe and enjoy live musical gigs by local bands and artists. Not only is the ambience great but the food is also top-notch. Give one of their sandwiches, coffees, other loaded dishes, or bakery items a try and you’ll know what we’re talking about. The restaurant is located in the Black Rock neighbourhood so do remember to keep it on your must-visit list while in Bridgeport.

Harborview Market

Address: 3334, 218 Harborview Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605, United States

Website: Harborview Market

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 5pm; Sat: 6am - 4pm; Sun: 6:30am - 2pm

26. Gorge on some tasty seafood at Captain's Cove Seaport

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One of Bridgeport’s gems and a major tourist attraction is Captain’s Cove Seaport, lining the boardwalk and overlooking the waterfront. The seaport is not only an important maritime location but also one rife with cute, little shops and an eatery. Here is where you’ll find some of the best, heartiest, and tastiest seafood specialities in Bridgeport. Couple the food with some live entertainment activities around and you have yourself the makes of an entirely enjoyable day. Hand-battered fish and chips, crab cakes, and plenty of other yummy delights await you!

Captain's Cove Seaport

Address: 1 Bostwick Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605, USA

Website: Captain’s Cove Seaport

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am

27. Try some great cocktails at Azul Bar

Looking to let it out easy? Azul Bar is the place for you. It is open practically all day long and has all the makings of a great venue to have a fun time, sipping on some drinks, enjoying groovy music, and basking in a lively atmosphere. Ladies, if you’re really looking to start your day with some drinks, head on over here for some free drinks until 11am!

Azul Bar

Address: 920 Madison Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06606, USA

Website: Azul Bar

Opening hours: 9am - 1am (daily)

28. Hit the dance floor at Evolution Sport Bar and Lounge

Let your hair loose and trip the light fantastic at Evolution Sport Bar and Lounge, one of the best party places in Bridgeport. Not only is their music superb but the bar service is equally amazing. The servers are friendly, too. All this adds to giving the place an exciting vibe and guests never return unsatisfied.

Evolution Sport Bar and Lounge

Address: 1279 North Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

Website: Evolution Sport Bar and Lounge

Opening hours: Thu, Sun: 5pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 8pm - 2am (closed from Mon - Wed)

Just a stone's throw away

We weren’t kidding when we said you can couple a trip to Bridgeport with a trip to NYC – they’re literally just 86km (53.5 miles) apart! A train trip of about an hour or two by the Amtrak Northeast Regional is the quickest way to get there. Else, there’s always bus rides available. You can also follow the I-95 highway north and drive your way up there. And, if you do, don’t forget to carry along this list of things to do in Bridgeport, Connecticut.