Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Trumbull, CT

Located on the northern edge of Bridgeport, Trumbull is an affluent suburban town traversed by the Pequonnock River. This picturesque waterway flows through a series of parks, creating a lengthy green corridor.

Trumbull boasts more open space and recreational areas per capita than any other town in Connecticut.

Many of these parks are interconnected by the Pequonnock River Trail, which extends for 16 miles from Long Island Sound in Monroe.

Historically, the area was inhabited by the Native American Golden Hill Paugussett tribe until the 17th century. The tribe continues to maintain a reservation in the town.

Noteworthy attractions in Bridgeport, such as the Beardsley Zoo, are only a minute or two away from the Trumbull town line. Therefore, some nearby highlights will also be mentioned.

1. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Source: Photo by Shannon Calvert for Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo / facebook

Bridgeport seemed fated to have a zoo since P.T. Barnum served as mayor in the 1870s.

He would traverse the streets with his circus animals around the time Beardsley Park was being designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The zoo eventually opened in 1922 and comprises nine primary zones.

Notable features include the stunning Rainforest Building, which showcases habitats for a variety of South American species, such as golden lion tamarins, Hoffman’s two-toed sloths, Brazilian agoutis, Yacare caimans, and a red-tailed boa.

Along the Hoofstock Trail, visitors encounter animals native to America’s Great Plains, including bison, black-tailed prairie dogs, and pronghorn deer, while a pack of Mexican wolves resides in the W.O.L.F. exhibit.

If you’re seeking an additional burst of joy during the fall, aim to be there for Glow Wild. Launched in 2022, it features spectacular larger-than-life lanterns inspired by the natural world.

2. The Discovery Museum and Planetarium

Source: The Discovery Museum and Planetarium / facebook

This facility serves as both a venue for STEM education and a notable tourist destination. The Discovery Museum features over a hundred interactive exhibits, designed to provide an engaging blend of education and entertainment for children.

Space science is a consistent theme, as evidenced by exhibits such as the Science of Flight and Hall of Space. The latter features a remarkable collection of detailed model rockets, while children can explore the origins of the universe through the Stellar Playground.

The recently refurbished Henry B. duPont III Planetarium hosts presentations for audiences of all ages daily, utilizing a high-resolution Spitz 512 Projector on a 33-foot dome and a state-of-the-art sound system.

3. The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum

Source: The Adventure Park at The Discovery Museum / facebook

Following a visit to the Discovery Museum, you can engage in active outdoor fun in the surrounding woods.

The Adventure Park features numerous high ropes courses, comprising around 200 treetop platforms interconnected with zip-lines (38 total), cables, and various bridge configurations.

A comprehensive safety orientation is provided prior to participation. Additionally, participants are securely harnessed, ensuring constant safety through a system of carabiners.

The courses are color-coded by difficulty, ensuring a suitable experience for everyone aged five and older. Keeping abreast of the events occurring here is advisable. A popular event for families is Glow in the Park, during which the course is illuminated by LEDs.

4. Pequonnock River Trail

Source: kfcasper / Flickr

Trumbull is traversed by a 16-mile multi-use linear trail that follows the course of the Pequonnock River. It stretches from Long Island Sound at Seaside Park in Bridgeport to the Centennial Watershed Forest in Monroe.

In Trumbull alone, the trail meanders through nine parks, reserves, and wildlife areas, allowing for walking or cycling under a canopy of foliage for nearly the entire distance.

In the southern section lies the Pequonnock River Valley State Park, which features five miles of riverbanks. You can witness granite boulders deposited during the last Ice Age, along with areas of rapids and serene sections that barely seem to move.

Accessing the rail trail can be done from the Helen Plumb Building (Trumbull Chamber of Commerce). This path follows the former Housatonic Railroad bed, which is among my favorite sections.

This railroad was pivotal for the industry in the Pequonnock Valley starting in 1840 and became part of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad in the 1890s. The last train traveled through in 1935, and today the wide, flat path is popular among families.

5. Indian Ledge Park

Indian Ledge Park ranks as the most frequented green space in Trumbull, having served the community for decades.

This park is renowned for its BMX racing track, one of the finest in the state. In addition, various prominent acts, including Chicago, Creedence, and Hall & Oates, have performed at the amphitheater.

The park offers numerous facilities, including two multi-purpose fields, a floodlit softball field, a youth center for teenagers, bocce courts, a sledding hill for winter fun, and a playground complete with a picnic area.

Like many local parks, Indian Ledge Park restricts its parking to residents. Nevertheless, access to its stunning riverbanks is available via the Pequonnock River Trail.

6. Trumbull Historical Society

Source: Jack W. Pearce / Flickr

The historic Abraham Nichols Farm, located at 1856 Huntingdon Turnpike, serves as a museum chronicling Trumbull’s 300-year history.

Abraham Nichols is believed to be the first English settler in Trumbull, arriving around the turn of the 18th century.

This farm remained in the Nichols family until Florence Woods (née Nichols) passed away in 1973. Subsequently, the property was bequeathed to a local Methodist church and then sold to Trumbull a year later.

The museum operates with limited hours, open on the first and third Sundays of the month from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. However, making an effort to visit will be worthwhile.

The collection encompasses historical costumes, original photographs of Trumbull, decorative arts, and intriguing insights into the town’s development. Seasonal events, such as the holiday house tour in December, are also very enjoyable.

7. Old Mine Park

Source: photo by Jack Farrell – Old Mine Park / facebook

For approximately a century, the area surrounding the Pequonnock River was home to the Hubbard Tungsten Mine, operational since 1828.

This mine was a significant source of over 60 other minerals and crystals, including tourmaline, topaz, opal, and beryl, until it closed due to a fire in the 1910s.

Subsequently, in 1937, the site was transformed into Old Mine Park, now serving as a space for leisurely pursuits.

The park features a walking trail that crosses the river via a picturesque footbridge, alongside a picnic area, two pavilions, and a multi-use field. It’s surrounded by tranquil mixed woodland, which is especially breathtaking during the fall.

8. Trumbull Town Hall Green

One of my preferred public spaces in Trumbull is the charming green area surrounding the town hall and library. Built in a Colonial Revival style, the town hall is more modern than it appears, having been constructed in 1957.

On quiet summer days, this leafy landscape provides a great location to relax or enjoy a picnic. During warmer months, concerts are held at the gazebo on Tuesday evenings.

The highlight of the year is the Trumbull Arts Festival in September, which draws talented artists and craftspeople from across the nation. In addition to exhibitors, attendees can enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, and a creative center for children.

9. Trumbull Farmers’ Market

The Trumbull Farmers’ Market is conveniently located in a picturesque setting: Richard and Mary Moore Memorial Field, surrounded by hardwood forests and historical stone walls.

This market takes place on Thursday evenings from mid-May through October. The extensive range of stalls showcases the event’s stature, with at least 40 vendors participating most weeks.

Available products include local fruits and vegetables, seafood, dairy, grass-fed Angus beef, baked goods, flowers, honey, syrups, houseplants, and a variety of crafts.

Furthermore, it is an excellent venue for dining, featuring a minor food truck rally each week offering everything from pizza to gourmet burgers, complemented by live music for a pleasant dining experience.

10. Trumbull Mall

Source: jjbers / Flickr

The convenience of a mall can be unparalleled during a shopping trip, and Trumbull boasts a sizable one. This was the first enclosed shopping center in Connecticut, opened by the Frogue Corporation in 1964.

At my last visit, the anchors included Target, Macy’s, and J.C. Penney. Among the 150+ additional retailers, there’s something for everyone.

Popular stores include Michael Kors, Sephora, Hollister, Lush, Apple Store, H&M, Hot Topic, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, and Abercrombie & Fitch.

Regarding food options, a straightforward selection of chains is available, such as Panera Bread, Dunkin’, Popeyes, Taco Bell, and The Cheesecake Factory.

11. Twin Brooks Park

If you’re seeking a serene autumn walk, Twin Brooks Park in the heart of Trumbull is an excellent choice. At the time of writing this article, the park had recently undergone significant improvement efforts.

The renovations have effectively reduced the risk of flooding in the park. Additionally, the walking path has been relocated away from Twin Brooks Drive to enhance relaxation, allowing visitors to traverse between the park’s two parking lots without the disturbance of traffic.

The pond is delightful, and when sufficient snow falls, a sledding hill becomes available during winter. Perhaps the most picturesque feature is a covered bridge, adored by photographers.

12. Tashua Recreation Area

Situated in the northern part of Trumbull, this community park offers a diverse array of facilities. At the time of writing, it featured a public pool alongside a covered toddler pool, a children’s playground, and lighted tennis and basketball courts.

Tashua Recreation Area is also home to a highly-regarded public golf facility, Tashua Knolls, which comprises an 18-hole par 72 championship course and a 9-hole course.

These golfing facilities are set within a lush New England landscape characterized by mature trees, ancient stone walls, and a two-century-old church and cemetery. Golf enthusiasts can use the driving range and an exceptional short game area.

13. AMC Marquis 16

For an engaging date, family outing, or a night with friends, this multiplex cinema in Trumbull stands out as the premier venue for watching films in the Bridgeport area.

A significant contributor to its appeal is the large, plush reclining seats, installed in the late 2010s, ensuring comfort and convenience while watching a film.

Each seat is equipped with tray tables and a small bar area, allowing patrons to order refreshments alongside their popcorn. The transformed BTX auditorium is favored by movie aficionados, featuring a massive screen, 4K projection, and a 30,000-Watt sound system.

Shortly before my visit, this cinema was acquired by AMC from Bow Tie Cinemas.

14. Barnum Museum

Source: Aubrey Gough / shutterstock

P.T. Barnum, the renowned circus mogul (1810-1891), left an indelible mark on Bridgeport, serving as its mayor in 1875.

During his tenure, he initiated numerous projects, including the construction of this museum itself. Additionally, he established the city’s hospital, improved the water supply, and introduced gas lighting on the streets.

Barnum’s legacy is preserved within this museum, housed in an impressive Eclectic structure from 1893, notable for its Romanesque and Byzantine architectural influences.

The building suffered significant damage from a tornado and a series of storms in the early 2010s and was undergoing renovations during my last visit.

Once open, the museum offers insights into Barnum’s career, including information about Jumbo the elephant and a collection of artifacts related to Barnum.

The Hugh Jackman musical about Barnum, “The Greatest Showman” (2017), is also discussed, with knowledgeable guides clarifying what the film represented accurately and where it deviated.

15. Sky Zone Trumbull

Source: Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park – Trumbull / facebook

Parents with energetic children should consider this indoor trampoline park, part of a national chain with locations throughout the United States.

In a secure, padded environment, Trumbull’s Sky Zone offers an array of high-energy attractions, including a ninja course, foam pit, a basketball court where even young children can achieve dunks, a climbing wall, trapeze, and the main jumping area known as the Open Jump Arena.

Exclusive play areas for children under six years of age (Little Leapers) are available, while on Fridays and Saturdays, the park is illuminated with black lights and strobe lighting for a lively jumping event.

It is noteworthy that visitors will need to purchase a pair of SkySocks during their initial visit; however, these are reusable for future visits.