Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Newtown, Connecticut

A small town in southwestern Connecticut’s Fairfield County, Newtown possesses a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. Originally, the land was acquired from the Pootatuck Native Americans by English colonists who had resided along the Housatonic River for centuries.

A notable point of interest I learned about Newtown is that the game of Scrabble originated here. It was adapted from an earlier board game and was produced by James Brunot (1902-1984), a resident, in the years following World War II.

Visitors can enjoy pick-your-own farms, a classic New England creamery, and a town hall that houses a cinema. Furthermore, there are opportunities for hiking along Blue-Blazed trails by the scenic lakes of the Housatonic River.

Let’s delve into the top attractions in Newtown:

1. Newtown Borough Historic District

In the original center of Newtown, I recommend taking some time to explore. A section of Main Street, stretching from Hawley Road to Academy Lane, has been preserved as a historic district.

This area is primarily residential but contains several public buildings interspersed throughout. The architecture here dates back to the 18th century, including sites such as the Caleb Baldwin Tavern (1763) located at 32 Main Street and the Matthew Curtiss House (1750), which serves as the local historical society at No. 44.

In the Colonial Revival style, Edmond Town Hall (1930) stands out, while the Glover House (1869) at No. 50 showcases the Second Empire style. This residence remained in multiple generations of the same prominent family until 1977.

The towering hardwood trees in the district contribute significant charm, alongside the Newtown Meeting House (1792). Now functioning as a wedding chapel, it is believed to be the only active meeting house in Connecticut still located at its original Colonial site.

2. EverWonder Children’s Museum

Source: EverWonder Children’s Museum / facebook

This beloved attraction for children was created by a group of local mothers eager to provide a children’s museum experience closer to home.

The museum was established in 2011 and has recently relocated to a new facility. EverWonder promotes engaging children’s minds with substantial scientific concepts through interactive experimentation.

The exhibits were designed in collaboration with several leading regional science museums, including the Rochester Museum & Science Center and the Sciencenter of Ithaca. These exhibits encompass a science lab/makerspace, weather displays, a theremin, a scale model of Newtown, Main Street, and more.

Additionally, there are live animal exhibits featuring a ball python, bearded dragons, and albino African clawed frogs. Other engaging activities include an iPad table, a LEGO table, a Digital Media Lab & Studio, Tinker Stations, a Magnet Wall, and an extensive array of other attractions.

3. Edmond Town Hall Theater

Source: Edmond Town Hall / facebook

The affluent Newtown resident Mary Elizabeth Hawley had a significant impact on the town upon her passing in 1930. She was instrumental in funding various amenities, including the public library and the remarkable Georgian Revival Edmond Town Hall.

This town hall is deeply integrated within its community. It accommodates municipal offices, function rooms, meeting spaces, and a gymnasium, all available for residents to rent.

Moreover, the venue acts as a cinema/performing arts space, showcasing classic films and first-run titles, alongside a variety of live music performances.

What particularly appealed to me was the pricing structure. During my visit, movie tickets were priced at just $3, making it the most affordable theater option in Connecticut.

4. Ferris Acres Creamery

Source: Ferris Acres Creamery / facebook

This farm has been operated by the same family since 1864 and has expanded into ice cream production over the past 30 years.

The creamery has achieved such success that producing sweet confections has become its primary business.

It is easy to appreciate the appeal, given the extensive menu featuring over 30 regularly offered flavors of ‘hard’ ice cream, alongside specials, sorbets, as well as sugar-free and vegan options.

To illustrate the decadence available, consider the Elvis Dream flavor, which combines vanilla with peanut butter, banana pieces, and dark chocolate. In contrast, my choice, Salty Cow, features salted caramel swirls and chocolate-covered pretzels.

The menu also includes seasonal flavors, milkshakes, sundaes, and ice cream sandwiches.

5. Blue Jay Orchards

Source: Blue Jay Orchards / facebook

During the autumn season, this local farm is bustling with activity as it opens to the public for a pick-your-own apple harvest and pumpkin selection.

Blue Jay Orchards cultivates 15 varieties of apples, which are available from early August through mid-October.

If you visit during the second week of September, you will find a wide assortment ripe for picking, including Jonagold, Ida Red, Red Delicious, Gala, Fuji, and Cortland.

During my visit, the farm market was irresistible, featuring honey, maple syrup, jams, jellies, as well as a wide range of baked goods from cookies and pies to apple cider donuts.

6. Collis P. Huntington State Park

Source: Emily Read / Flickr

In the 1920s, railroad heir Archer Milton Huntington acquired this land along with his wife, esteemed artist Anna Hyatt Huntington.

They relocated here in 1939, utilizing the property as a base for their respective passions: hers being realistic sculpture and his as a patron of the arts.

The property was presented to the state after Anna’s passing in the 1970s, leading to its designation as Collis P. Huntington State Park, named for Archer’s father.

A reminder of the Huntingtons’ legacy remains with the striking bear and wolf sculptures that welcome visitors at the entrance.

Efforts to preserve the wild character of the land have resulted in over 1,000 acres of fields, deep woodlands, and ponds for exploration. This park offers some of the finest mountain biking trails in Connecticut, with numerous miles of technical single-track paths.

7. Rowanwood Farm

Source: Rowanwood Farm / facebook

Unexpectedly, I found myself hiking with llamas in Newtown. This unique experience is offered at Rowanwood Farm, which features trails through pristine forest and woodland.

This establishment holds the distinction of being the only USDA-licensed and approved llama hiking adventure company in the state. Walking alongside these gentle, fluffy creatures is an unforgettable experience.

Participants begin with a llama handling orientation followed by an hour-long hike, allowing numerous opportunities to pause for photos along the way.

8. Newtown Arts Festival

Each September, the community unites for a three-day celebration dedicated to the arts. The Newtown Arts Festival provides a platform for diverse creative expressions.

Guests can enjoy live music, dance, visual arts, and a variety of other experiences at the Freeway-Activity Zone, which may include painting demonstrations, make-and-take workshops, and a knit-and-chat, all complemented by excellent food and beverages.

The EverWonder Children’s Museum also organizes a range of activities that merge art and science, featuring engaging endeavors such as salt painting and paper towel tie-dye in the year I wrote this article.

Across the three days, attendees can browse up to 80 artisan booths, showcasing a wide array of crafts from woodturning and sculpture to homemade delicacies including jams and jellies.

9. Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary

Source: Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary / facebook

The name Newtown is also associated with a tragic chapter in history—the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting of 2012. Among the 27 victims was six-year-old Catherine Violet Hubbard, who had a profound affection for animals and aspired to establish an animal sanctuary in her future.

To honor her memory, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation was established to create a sanctuary, envisioned as a “place of peace and compassion for individuals to come together and connect with animals and nature.” At the time of my visit, the foundation had successfully assisted in rehoming hundreds of animals through its programs.

In 2014, the foundation received a 34-acre parcel in the heart of Newtown from the State of Connecticut.

This beautiful expanse of rolling meadows, bordered by woodlands, is designated for the sanctuary, which will include a wildlife rehabilitation center, a refuge for farm animals, and an adoption center.

Currently, the property serves as a tranquil setting for reflection, welcoming the public while hosting a variety of seasonal events.

10. Paugussett State Forest

Source: Paula Stephens / shutterstock

On the west bank of the Housatonic River, there exists a Connecticut state forest comprising two separate locations, totaling approximately 2,000 acres of untamed wilderness waiting to be explored.

Each site features an impoundment of the river that forms Lake Lillinonah, the second-largest lake in the state, at the Upper Paugussett State Forest, and Lake Zoar at the Lower Paugussett State Forest, located a few miles downriver in Sandy Hook.

Hikers and cross-country skiers in winter can navigate two Blue-Blazed trails, one located in each section of the park.

The Lillinonah Trail in the upper region intersects at points with Newtown’s Al’s Trail. Along this route, visitors will encounter a boat launch and the remnants of long-forgotten homes, ultimately ascending to a peak of 492 feet.

The 6.5-mile Zoar Trail closely follows the tall ridge along the Housatonic/Lake Zoar, offering splendid views across the valley at various points along the trail.

11. Sticks & Stones Farm

This expansive local farm, which spans over 60 acres, opens its doors to provide visitors with relaxing outdoor activities featuring open fields and flourishing woodlands.

For those interested in an overnight stay, luxury cabins and houseboats are available for rent. Additionally, Sticks & Stones Farm is open to the public year-round for leisurely strolls through its rugged terrain with breathtaking views.

On warmer days, be sure to bring swimwear as there is a summit pond nourished by a cold spring. Naturally, it is considerate to leave a donation to assist with trail upkeep.

The farm offers a full calendar of events, many centered around holistic themes, ranging from monthly drum circles to shamanic rock readings.

12. Cyrenius H. Booth Library

Source: Cyrenius H. Booth Library / facebook

As you travel along Main Street, you might easily overlook Newtown’s public library. Constructed in the early 1930s, it was designed to harmonize with the surrounding historic architecture.

However, the building’s traditional exterior conceals how technologically advanced it was for its time, equipped with amenities such as a centralized vacuum system and an integrated humidification unit.

The library is fireproof and features sound-proof ceiling tiles and cork flooring to mitigate noise.

If you find yourself in Newtown and are a non-resident, the library is still worth a visit. The interior boasts a collection of furnishings and decorative arts belonging to its main benefactor, Mary Elizabeth Hawley (who also financed the town hall).

Wander into the cozy alcoves furnished with comfortable leather chairs, perfect for losing oneself in a book. An entire floor is dedicated to the children’s section.

Finally, during normal operating hours, temporary art exhibitions are showcased in the Olga Knoepke Memorial Room.

13. Town Players Little Theatre

Source: Little Town Players / facebook

For high-quality community theater, the Town Players Little Theatre has been a beloved institution in Newtown for nearly 80 years.

This troupe offers a diverse array of performances each season, all staged at a quaint hilltop venue with approximately five rows of seats.

When I compiled this list, the scheduled productions included Boeing Boeing, Moon Over Buffalo, and the powerful I Never Sang for My Father.

Seating operates on a first-come-first-served basis, so reservations are recommended for any show that piques your interest. Wine and soft drinks are available, served alongside complimentary snacks.

14. Kettletown State Park

Source: LBSimms Photography / shutterstock

Situated across the Housatonic River from the Lower Paugussett State Forest, Kettletown State Park encompasses over 600 acres of stunning waterfront scenery.

This land was historically inhabited by the Pootatuck Native Americans, who primarily engaged in agriculture, cultivating crops such as squash, apples, beans, and tobacco.

They also developed an advanced drum communication system, which enabled them to transmit messages across a distance of over 200 miles in just two hours.

Although arrowheads continue to be discovered on this land, the site of the Pootatuck village was submerged with the construction of the Stevenson Dam in 1919.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking opportunities. While there are designated beaches, swimming was suspended during my visit due to previous discoveries of blue-green algae.

15. Dickinson Memorial Park

This well-appointed local park provides amenities suited for individuals of all ages. It features two playgrounds tailored for younger and older children, in addition to a creative play area called Funspace. A recent enhancement, which was added when I compiled this article, includes an impressive zipline for young visitors.

Sport enthusiasts can enjoy a newly constructed basketball court, a skate park, five tennis courts, and a softball field.

The park also boasts a pavilion available for rent for special occasions. However, it is important to note that Dickinson Park is only accessible to Newtown residents, and a permit is required to utilize the parking facility.