Put Bridgeport on your list of things to visit if you're in Connecticut or have some extra time on your journey to New York City. This lively city, the fifth largest in the state, is an enjoyable day trip destination with a ton of things to do. It is located one hour and twelve minutes east of NYC via Metro-North.

Visitors can enjoy the beach at Seaside Park or stop by Captain's Cove Seaport for some fresh seafood after window shopping along the boardwalk. In the interior, visitors can visit the state's sole zoo or the Adventure Park, where they can zipline and climb through the trees. They can also get up up and personal with sloths.

Become cultured at the Housatonic Museum of Art, let your inner scientist go at the Science Museum and Planetarium, or discover the eclectic showman P.T. Barnum in a museum devoted to the circus tycoon. In this vibrant area, there are many options to fill a day with sightseeing.

Plan your day with our list of the top things to do in Bridgeport before your visit.

1. Join the Discovery Museum and Planetarium as a scientist.

It is simple to understand why Bridgeport locals consider the Discovery Museum and Planetarium to be among the top family-friendly attractions. This exciting museum is quite interactive and both entertains and educates visitors. Get your tickets in advance because it frequently sells out due to its popularity.

The Science in Flight section features exciting exhibits that let visitors conduct interactive experiments to become scientists. All ages of visitors can construct and launch their own rockets, as well as utilize a flight simulator.

There is also the Hall of Space, where visitors can use immersive equipment to journey through space and learn about the cosmos. Visitors are taken on a sensory voyage in the Sensational Senses area, where they learn about their body's incredible capabilities.

The Teddy Bear Triage portion is the most thrilling for young children. Visitors can learn teddy bear first aid here if they brought their favorite plush animals with them. Kids will learn how to do checks, apply bandages, and use splints in order to assist their fluffy pals.

The spectacular Henry B. duPont III Planetarium, popular with both children and adults, is located nearby as well. A full-dome theater with a huge 33-foot-diameter dome is where performances take place. They take people to a galaxy far, far away for around 30 minutes.

2. Visit the Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut to see a giant anteater.

Oh my, tigers, sloths, and spider monkeys. In the lovely Beardsley Zoo, a wide variety of animals can be seen. This small-scale tourist destination is packed with excitement and more than 300 animals, making it a suitable size for individuals who would prefer to spend a few hours rather than an entire day at a zoo.

The Walk-Through Aviary, Alligator Alley, Rainforest Building, Pampas Plains, and New England Farmyard are the five primary areas of Beardsley Zoo, which is the only zoo in the state.

Crawling through tunnels that lead inside the prairie dogs' domicile, visitors may get up close and personal with the animals. Visitors can smile while seeing the black panther and Amur leopard play together, and they can watch a bald eagle fly through a stream in its outdoor habitat.

When hunger strikes—which it inevitably does at the zoo—the Peacock Café provides the typical fare found at family-friendly attractions. The children's lunches come with a stuffed animal to take home, which is a kid-approved bonus. Take a spin on the carousel and pause in the greenhouse to see the enormous koi before you depart.

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Insider's advice: If you plan to visit the zoo, make sure to get your tickets online before you leave home.

3. Fly through the Trees at the Discovery Museum's Adventure Park

Next to the Discovery Museum and Planetarium are the state's largest aerial adventure park. This incredibly thrilling site, appropriately called The Adventure Park, is unquestionably among the greatest family-friendly things to do in Bridgeport.

Select from 13 treetop paths and 180 skill-level-divided challenges (think ladders, bridges, and moving stairs). All are located amid five tree-filled acres of lush vegetation. Each course offers numerous opportunities to zipline between sections, enhancing the enjoyment and adrenaline of the activity.

Never been climbing before? No issue. Before you enter the trees, helpful staff will walk you through a trial run on the mini course as an obligatory instructional video demonstrates how to do it.

After you've completed climbing, try off your abilities at the outdoor axe throwing range. Or step it up by going to the ropes courses at night to take advantage of Glow in the Park. The ziplines and pathways are lit up with LEDs, and the area is blasted with music to get you in the mood.

4. Visit Seaside Park's beach

Every summer, thousands of people from Bridgeport visit Seaside Park. The nicest waterfront location in the city, this is the ideal location for enjoying a swim in the Long Island Sound, a game of beach volleyball, a picnic on some grass, or learning to sail or kayak.

This 325-acre park has plenty of pristine beaches, walking and bicycling trails, sports areas, luscious lawns, and covered glens where you can catch a sea breeze. There is plenty of room to spread out in the park, which spans over three miles of coastline.

Fayerweather Island, a natural nature refuge that is close to the park's western border, is accessible by strolling across the breakwater's rocky terrain. This area is also the location of a charming lighthouse built in the early 1820s. One of Bridgeport's most tranquil locations, it is located close to Black Rock Harbor's entrance.

Insider's tip: If you're driving, you'll need a park sticker to enter. The Parks and Recreation Division, Beardsley Park, Seaside Park Arches, and Seaside Park West Beach all sell these. It's free to enter by bicycle or foot.

5. In Captain's Cove Seaport, grab a bite to eat.

On a beautiful, sunny day, Captain's Cove Seaport is the place to be. This enjoyable, family-run waterfront location has something for everyone: a marina, boardwalk, shops, a restaurant, and a fantastic (and windy) view of Black Rock Harbor. It should come as no surprise that it's one of Bridgeport's top summertime attractions.

This family-friendly destination has everything you could want and more, whether you want to cool off with a cool drink, chow down on some excellent fish and chips, or enjoy an evening of outdoor entertainment.

Visit Hidden Treasures to find your pirate moniker and get pictures that even Blackbeard would enjoy, peruse the vibrant stores on the Boardwalk, or get on a fishing charter for a day of adventure. Searching for additional amusement options? If you're looking for nautical and beach-themed presents, jewelry, or candy, Shore Thing is the place to go.

In 1965, Fred DeLuca acquired $1,000 from companion Peter Buck to begin "Pete's Super Submarines" in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and in the next year, they framed Doctor's Associates Inc. to direct activities of the eateries as the establishment extended. pic.twitter.com/QmfXfHWPZv

— gameingnow (@gameingnow1) April 19, 2021

To satisfy your sweet taste, save room for a treat from Tabitha's Ice Cream, a delicious location. Reminder: The Boardwalk shops open at 1pm Wednesday through Sunday, and the restaurant in the Seaport is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

6. Visit the Housatonic Museum of Art to learn more about culture

The Housatonic Museum of Art, a sizable 33,000 square foot facility with a varied collection of worldwide works from the 18th through the 21st centuries, is located on the campus of Housatonic Community College. The spacious and light-filled Burt Chernow Gallery are located inside.

Founded in 1967 by director emeritus and art professor Bert Chernow, the museum's clean walls are covered with more than 6,000 masterpieces. The galleries, which are on the first level of Lafayette Hall, host numerous exhibitions every year. Paintings by members of the Connecticut Silvermine Guild and Westport Arts Center, as well as works by Sylvia Stone, Jeff Koons, and Alex Katz, are among the treasures you'll find in this colorful room.

The museum occupies the first, second, and third levels of Beacon Hall. In addition to the Native American Gallery, Conservation Hall, and several locations with thematic installations, you may discover the student art gallery here.

The museum is accessible to the general public year-round and is free to enter. On weekends throughout the summer and on Sundays the rest of the year, the gallery is closed. Also, the museum and gallery follow the same schedule as Housatonic Community College, so if the college is closed , Likewise, the gallery is. Hence, before going, verify the timetable online.

7. Attend a sporting event at Webster Bank Arena

Trying to make things more exciting? Make your way to Webster Bank Arena. This is the city's must-see sports and entertainment arena, where residents and guests go to witness everything from hockey games to concerts to basketball games to gymnastics competitions.

The Fairfield Stags basketball team, the Sacred Heart hockey club, the AHL Sound Tigers, and the Bridgeport Islanders all call this place home, and professional athletes like the Harlem Globetrotters and gymnasts Simone Biles and Katelyn Ohashi have graced this court.

Not really your thing, sports? You're fortunate! All kinds of concerts are held at Webster Bank Arena, along with other exciting performances. Dude Perfect, a maestro of trick shots, has been in the entertaining lineup.

8. Check out a performance at Klein Memorial Auditorium

Visitors are greeted with a grand, columned entryway and an opulent Art Deco décor with marble and wood accents in this theater with over 1,500 seats.

The Klein Memorial Auditorium, Bridgeport's most premium performance venue and home to the Academy of New England Ballet Company, ConnectUS, Fairfield County Children's Choir, and Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras, was built in 1940 and features a spacious, "Broadway-sized" stage. We can assure you that the performances by these local groups are excellent.

Together with showcasing these local artists, other musical greats have entertained concertgoers in Bridgeport. The Vienna Boys Choir, Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Ensemble, and a Paul-Shaffer-hosted anniversary concert have all performed on this platform to enthusiastic applause. Bridgeport residents enjoy spending their evenings watching a show here.

9. Purchase a Special Item at the Monger's Market

The Mongers Market is fantastic if you enjoy quirky items. This unusual place is like an antiques market on steroids and is located within a sizable warehouse on Railroad Avenue.

This enormous establishment features industrial salvage items in addition to the usual china teacups, ceramic vases, antique rugs, and vintage clothing you'd expect to find in an antiques store. We're talking enormous fans, old high school lockers, brand-new slabs of wood, and everything you never knew you needed.

Here you'll find an eclectic mix of books, records, cookware, jewelry, lighting, furniture, and the craziest, most unusual things you never knew existed but would fall in love with right away.

Even while it's a fantastic place to just roam about for fun, you won't be dissatisfied if you come here to shop. At least a dozen amazing items are certain to spark your creativity and motivate you to design something original or include a cutting-edge addition to your home's décor.

Although there is a little entrance fee (around $3), kids are admitted free. Instead, go after 3 p.m. for free admission.

We advise taking your largest vehicle because you might be tempted to take something substantial with you.

10. At the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, take to the open seas.

If it's a wonderful, warm, sunny day, there is no better place to see Bridgeport than from the lake. For a beautiful voyage across the Long Island Sound, go to the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company and board their two-level ferry.

You're invited to take the trip and avoid the stress of traffic whether you're walking, bringing a bike, or driving. Night music cruises offer some atmosphere to the excursion, and the Steamboat Lounge makes it simple to eat throughout the 75-minute ride. The nicest views can be found on the upper deck. On the bottom level, cars and other vehicles are parked.

To guarantee a seat, we advise purchasing your tickets online in advance, especially during the busy summer season. All year long, kids ride for free.

11. Contemplate for a Minute at Saint Margaret's Shrine

Just off Park Avenue, in the heart of a residential area, is a charming and serene haven. While it may not seem like much from the road, as you park and start to make your way towards the main fountain, you'll realize the vast depth of this special haven. This beautiful location, known as the Saint Margaret Shrine, honors St. Margaret of Antioch.

This lovely area was appropriately termed a "oasis of prayer" and the colonial-style St. Margaret Church moved there in 1942. A grotto, a shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, a nine-foot marble figure of Christ the King, a nativity scene carved into a hillside, Our Lady of Fatima, as well as several statues and water features were later added. There is a life-size replica of Michelangelo's Pietà right outside the chapel.

At this serene location, it's simple to spend a lot of time reflecting, therefore the numerous benches and easy access to restrooms are really appreciated. Every year in June, the neighborhood is transformed into a wonderful amusement park with rides, delectable Italian food, entertainment, and music for the St. Anthony Feast.

12. Laugh your heart out at the Stress Factory Comedy Club

The Stress Factory Comedy Club will undoubtedly cure your ills or at the very least provide you with a well-earned reprieve from life's burdens. It goes without saying what amusement you'll find within this charming, old structure.

Local comedians and well-known hilarious men, such as Kevin Nealon from Saturday Night Live, Arnez J from Racially Motivated, and Michael Rapaport from Atypical, will perform for the audience, making them chuckle, giggle, and laugh out loud.

At this well-liked attraction, good food and good times abound. What more could you possibly want from a date? For those 16 and older, table seating is available. In addition to the usual grilled fare, there are also excellent mozzarella sticks, vegadillas (think of them as quesadillas without the meat), and brick oven pizzas.

13. Unwind in McLevy Park

Downtown is home to a modest inner-city park. This hidden gem is especially lovely at the height of fall, with its stone walls making ideal seating, benches, and tall, shade-giving trees.

Despite its excellent location between Main and State Streets, this small neighborhood provides guests with a peaceful retreat where they can unwind and people-watch in peace. So order delivery and take a seat for a while.

This tiny area, also known as McLevy Green, was named for the town's past mayor, Jasper McLevy, and it serves as the venue for entertaining civic events like the lighting ceremonies for the holiday tree and menorah and Bridgeport Arts Fest.

There are many restaurants and businesses nearby that will tickle your taste buds. The charming municipal structure from the early 1850s, McLevy Hall, is right next door. It dates back to that time period.

14. Spend a Time at the World War II Monument in Bridgeport

In the heart of the city, at the intersection of Broad and State streets, the Bridgeport World War II Memorial sits stoically. The 550 Bridgeport residents who died in World War II are remembered by this black granite monument, which was unveiled in 2009 to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

Plaques and memorials are scattered throughout an etched pavement made of terra cotta tiles. Two waterfalls flanked by combat scenes are located next to the primary World War II monument. A panel with the names of local heroes is located between these. Monuments honoring soldiers who lost their lives in the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts are also located in this charming square.

If you happen to be nearby and busy sightseeing, be sure to pause and appreciate the significance of this homage as it's easy to overlook this attractive monument.

15. Visit the Barnum Museum to Have Fun

The terra cotta facade of P.T. Barnum's self-designed museum, located in the center of Bridgeport, is unmistakable. This magnificent building, an intricate construction with a rounded front and a domed room, is worth a visit merely to marvel at the exterior. It's hardly shocking that it is on the National Register of Historic Sites.

The eccentric showman and creator of Barnum and Bailey Circus, known by his stage name the Barnum Museum, is one of the city's most well-known citizens. Within are several of P.T. Barnum's most well-known relics, including his top hat, an elephant that has been kept, a model circus from the 1930s, General Tom Thumb's tiny furnishings, a centaur skeleton, and a copy of the FeJee Mermaid. We assure you won't be disappointed!

Important information: The Barnum Museum is still under renovation, which is why it ranks so low on our ranking of Bridgeport's top attractions. When they reopen—hopefully soon—visitors may expect to see an extraordinarily bright, inventive, and artistic revitalization. The museum hopes to be able to welcome visitors once the scaffolding is put in place to restore the outside. In the interim, it's worthwhile to stroll around the exterior and take a few pictures.