Things to do & places to visit in Danbury, Connecticut, United States

The strangers on Alfred Hitchcock's most famous train began their journey at Danbury, Connecticut's main station, along with thousands of other travelers over time. Now converted into the Danbury Railway Museum, the station and yards are open to visitors, with a collection of historic railroad cars and equipment. Just a few miles outside of the city's pretty historic center is Bear Mountain Reservation, a quiet forest parkland with hiking trails overlooking the calm waters of Candlewood Lake.

Danbury city in Connecticut, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 02, 2024, 2:31.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Danbury Museum & Historical Society (30 reviews)
- A fascinating trip into Danbury’s past
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

The Danbury Museum & Historical Society Authority acquires, preserves, exhibits, and interprets Danbury's past. Situated in downtown Danbury, the museum preserves the John and Mary rider House 9c.1785), the Dodd Hat Shop (c. 1790), the Marian Anderson Studio, the old King Street Schoolhouse, the Little Red Schoolhouse and the Charles Ives Birthplace. Huntington Hall, a modern exhibit building contains the museum offices and a research library. The Danbury Museum and Historical Society has evolved out of efforts to preserve endangered historic properties. One of the City's oldest structures, the Rider House on Main Street, would have been demolished in 1941 to make way for a gas station had it not been for the intervention of concerned citizens (including the Mary Wooster DAR Chapter). After raising money to purchase this property, these citizens found the Danbury Historical and Arts Center. A merger, in 1947, between the Scott-Fanton Museum and the Danbury Historical and Arts Center, saw the creation of the Danbury Scott Fanton Museum & Historical Society Inc. During the 1950's and 60's, the museum acquired the John Dodd Shop, the Ward House, the Charles Ives birthplace, two one room schoolhouses and erected Huntington Hall, where many of its exhibits have been displayed. In 2004, theMuseum was thrilled to add the Marian Anderson Studio to its collection. Famed opera singer Marian Anderson lived in danbury for over 50 years. It was moved to the Main Street campus of the museum in 1999. Restoration of the studio was completed in early 2004. 2006 saw the merger of the Danbury Scott Fanton Museum with the City of Danbury and a new entity was born on July 1, 2008 . . . the Danbury Museum and Historical Society Authority. Tours of the historic buildings on our Main Street campus are available on Saturdays only from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the winter season. Check our website regularly for updates, news and events or to sign up for our email newsletter. See more..
5.0 Xtreme Play (4 reviews)
- The best indoor sports / game facility in all Fairfield county
Game & Entertainment Centers

Loved this place. Have been to them all, overcrowded, careless staff and a food service that you know should be closed but you can’t with hungry little ones. Take all that and turn upside and that’s xtreme play. Super clean, food Station amazing with tons of kids and adult options. Games super fun, and they have different for all ages. Staff and manager helpful, caring, responsive and knowledgeable. I know sounds crazy, but NO JOKE. Went over presidents weekday with 3 teen boys, got there at 1:09 and had to beg them at 5:09 to go home. So pleasantly surprised and happy. Everyone should go. See more..
5.0 Cloud 9 Therapeutic Massage (2 reviews)
- Pain Management
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

Relax and feel great again at Cloud 9 Therapeutic Massage! I have 20 years experience helping my clients improve their health. Services I provide include: Assisted Stretching, Corporate Chair Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Indian Head Massage with Ayurvedic Essential Oils, Myoskeletal Alignment Technique, Pregnancy Massage, Swedish Massage, and much more. I have also provided massage for Boehringer Ingelheim, Danbury Hospital, Praxair, Waterworks, and many other companies. Featuring our made in Connecticut CBD-infused wellness products including my Refresh 1000mg CBD-infused massage oil. Products available in my office, or on my website. Free shipping with all online orders!! Multiple massage discount packages are available and flexible and health savings are accounts accepted. Some insurance accepted with an Rx. Open 7 days a week-by appointment only. Melt away your stress and tension today and get $25 off your 1st massage! See more..
5.0 Therapeutic Massage and Wellness (1 review)
- Amazing!
Spent 1-2 hours Spas

At Therapeutic Massage and Wellness in Danbury, CT we offer a wide range of massage services, yoga, Reiki, and guided meditation. See more..
4.5 Tarrywile Park & Mansion (177 reviews)
- My old stomping grounds❤️
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Parks • Hiking Trails

First, I'm biased having grown up on what used to be my family's property. I likely could be one of Tarrywile's worst critics, that said, it is a great place to hike, trail run, picnic, dog walk, etc. Tarrywile Mansion (once my Great-great Grandmother's home) is a perfect venue for a wedding or really any type of party, celebration, large get together. There's plenty of parking, either in the lower lots or up top behind the Mansion. The saddest waste of a perfect place is the collapse of Hearthstone Castle (once my Great Grandmother's home, whom I am named after), tragically the City of Danbury did not seize the opportunity to maintain this beautiful building despite having many chances to do so. Overall it is a beautiful property that I love and enjoy! See more..
4.5 Danbury Railway Museum (152 reviews)
- Good Journey Through History
Speciality Museums

Not only is it a good historical museum, but also provides an actual train ride on a restored steam powered unit. Conductors act very much in character and the entire staff is friendly. Highly Recommended. See more..
4.5 Richter Park Golf Course (48 reviews)
- Challenging course
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Golf Courses

This place compares to private clubs for a lot less money! Bring extra balls as water abounds! Cafe on the Green is awesome too! See more..
4.5 Bear Mountain Reservation (30 reviews)
- Really nice trails and great people
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

I retired last year and this is my 77th hike. I have traveled quite a bit and I have hiked A LOT. Today at Bear Mountain Reservation I saw the lake often. I saw a deer, a coyote, and some hikers told me of a momma bear and cub that was reported. AND - we got a photo of a bald eagle. So those who report nothing to see are not looking. Also, this is not something I am not able to say often, the hikers that I spoke to on the trails were AMAZING!!!! I cannot wait to return here. SERIOUSLY - a bald eagle. See more..
4.5 Danbury Duckpin Lanes (23 reviews)
- Great Duckpin Bowling
Bowling Alleys

Duckpin bowling is a form of bowling where anyone can just pick up a house ball and get an above-average score. In contrast, to excel in standard bowling one must have a reactive ball, a hook and knack for adjusting to different lane oil conditions or patterns. The softball-size balls do not have finger holes, so you can use any ball. The location was close enough for a day trip from NYC. The staff was friendly and eagerly explained how Duckpin bowling worked. They have about a dozen lanes, a family friendly atmosphere, refreshments and a party room for kids. The price was fair and charged by time on the lane, which is the trend among bowling alleys these days, as opposed to paying per game. You do the scoring yourself, which brings me back to my youth. In summary, this place was a great find in an accessible location for a great experience of an underrated sport. See more..
4.5 Escape 101 (19 reviews)
- So much fun!
Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Escape rooms are a relatively new type of entertainment, perfect for families, friends, and even corporate teams. In any given scenario, a team of players will enter a themed puzzle room which is then locked shut. There is only 1 mission - escape the room by solving puzzles. You have 60 minutes and 3 clues! See more..
4.5 Bounce Trampoline Sports (14 reviews)
- Jump for Joy
Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Bounce is an incredible destination...fun for the whole family. Slides, jumps..you name it. And the themed party rooms are magical with visitng celebrity characters. Bounce's lasar tag is state of the art...we had the most fun ever when we did a team building event there,, recently. See more..
4.5 Ives Concert Park (8 reviews)
- wedding event
Theaters
Tucked away in a lush oasis of natural beauty on Danbury’s west side, this outdoor amphitheater with a seating capacity of 5,500, is situated on 40 wooded acres with a pond, breath-taking gardens, and public hiking trails. Ives hosts a variety of world class performances. This extraordinary entertainment destination features a Celebrity Series, Fine Arts & Family Series, Shakespeare, the Ives Festival Orchestra, Jazz, Children’s Events, and Cultural Festivals. See more..
4.5 Charter Oak Brewing (3 reviews)
- What visiting a local brewery is all about
Breweries

What visiting a good local brewery is all about! Random visit. Awesome host. Great beer, offered tastings before ordering great tasting pints. History lesson on charter oak and offered a case and ice to keep my beer purchase cold. Highly recommend. See more..
4.0 Danbury Fair Mall (112 reviews)
- At&t has a superstar employee who needs recognition Henry
Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

I was very upset on my way to the At&t store at DanburyFair mall. I was on the phone with att for about 30 mins trying to get a transfer code, when i was advised to go to the att store. I was assisted by Henry who was very help and patient. He helped me until I was able to get that transfer pin. He gave such great customer service,even though he knew I wanted to leave att for another provider. You guys need more employees like Henry who put customers first. See more..
4.0 Danbury Ice Arena (18 reviews)
- nice venue, nice ice arena, and friendly and accommodating staff
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sports Complexes

good fun youth hockey league during the day. We had a great family experience watching the game, everything was reasonably priced. They were setting up for live music and an evening adult game. Been coming to this arena since opening day. Always a memory lane trip See more..
4.0 Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park (8 reviews)
- THE PLACE TO BE!
Game & Entertainment Centers

Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park in Danbury, Connecticut is the WORLD’S FIRST indoor wipeout-style action adventure park! Featuring harness-free adrenaline pumping obstacles, including 50ft zip lines, ninja courses, trampoline launch pads, rock climbing walls, and fan favorites giant spinning sweeper and epic rolling log obstacles where half the fun is watching your friends fall safely onto giant airbags. Other attractions include next generation laser tag, rotating virtual reality roller coaster ride, redemption arcade, axe throwing, Xbox/PS4/Nintendo Switch E-sports gaming lounge and MORE! Thrillz is Danbury’s hottest destination for birthday parties, groups and corporate team building events. See more..
4.0 Game of Rooms (8 reviews)
- Fun!
Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

You and your friends have one hour in a themed room to solve puzzles and escape! Check us out! See more..
4.0 Billy Bean's Cafe and Pub (4 reviews)
- Perfect!
Bars & Clubs
Very nice place to meet friends, to talk to them and listen to exellent music. Great staff and perfect service! These guys are really good! See more..
4.0 Danbury Sports Dome (4 reviews)
- This Place Has It All
Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes
We had an excellent birthday party here. The facility is state-of-the-art. Bob and his staff are very professional and accommodating. See more..
4.0 Candlewood Fencing Club (1 review)
- Cool, Sketchy at first
Thursday: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM Health Clubs
I went with my buddies to the Norwalk location and enjoyed a free class. I figured id double-dip at the other location with my wife before enrolling my son. We had a good time, same as Norwalk, brads a cool dude!! but the entrance is that of a tire shop- took a minute to figure out the center was up the stairs. See more..
4.0 The Holodeck (1 review)
- Great Experience
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Game & Entertainment Centers
Holodeck is a Virtual Reality experience. Great for young and old. It cost $15 for an half hour, which is enough time to play several games. It is not busy, which worries me a bit. They had one in the Palisades Mall, which closed. This place is not busy and I hope they will stay around. Never had any waiting time. Something new that you have to try. Some games gives you a great workout. See more..
3.5 Ives Trail Greenway (2 reviews)
- A relatively easy 20 mile hiking trail in Western Connecticut
Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails

The Ives Trail and Greenway is a 20-mile hiking trail in the Housatonic Valley Region. Its route connects Ridgefield, Danbury, Bethel and Redding. The Ives Trail is named after Charles Ives, a Danbury-born American modernist composer. We explored this trail last summer, following the basic route -- all pretty well developed although some sections could use some TLC. Parts are quite rugged so you need to be in pretty good shape to complete it in one day. Our route: The trail extends twenty miles, from Redding Open Space to Terre Haute in Bethel, northwesterly to Rogers Park in Danbury, past the Charles Ives Homestead, and then southerly thru Tarrywile Park. It then continues southwesterly across Route 7 and through Wooster Mountain State Park to the existing trail systems in Ridgefield’s Bennetts Pond Park and Pine Mountain Park. See more..
3.0 Wooster Mountain State Park (2 reviews)
- Walk on the wild side
State Parks
Took a visit here prior to a visit to Danbury Mall what a difference from the great outdoors to the great inside. See more..
2.5 Danbury Welcome Center (5 reviews)
- Somewhat Dated; Pretty Clean
Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

This is not like many state Welcome Centers that offer a great amount of information, large facilities and an impressive facility. More like a run of the mill rest area. Ok to stop for a bio break or rest, but does not provide the character of the state (at least I hope it doesn't). See more..
Kidz Klub (0 review)
Game & Entertainment Centers

All areas are large enough for worried or adventurous parents to crawl in after their energetic offspring. We encourage parents to climb through and play with their children in the mini Klub and mega Klub and more times than not you will see parents interacting with their children making it truly a family activity while creating those warm and fuzzy memories. See more..
Danbury Public Library (0 review)
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Libraries
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Saint Joseph Church (0 review)
Churches & Cathedrals
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First Congregational Church (0 review)
Churches & Cathedrals
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Veterans Walkway of Honor (0 review)
Monuments & Statues

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Long Ridge Library (0 review)
Thursday: Libraries

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