Norwalk is home to several museum, for those who enjoy the arts and interactive exhibits. The Stepping Stones Museum for Children (steppingstonesmuseum.org) offers exhibits, special programs and party rentals for families seeking something to do with their children. Exhibits are both educational and interactive. The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (lockwoodmathewsmansion.com) is located close by and offers visitors a tour of an authentic civil war mansion, owned by a financier and railroad man. The SoNo Switch Tower Museum gives visitors interested in the history of the railroad a glimpse into the past.
Because of Norwalk's location along a major body of water, some local activities have nautical themes. The Maritime Aquarium is home to numerous sea creatures, including sharks, turtles, fish and otters. Visitors can also experience some of the creatures firsthand, through the touch tank and ray touch pool. The Norwalk Seaport Association (seaport.org) features several boat cruises, including bird watching and sunset cruises on the Sound.
Other points of interest in the city include attractions for visitors to or inhabitants of Norwalk. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse (seaport.org) offers tours of the lighthouse, bird watching and clam bakes. A ferry transfers passengers from the city to the island, to participate in the events. The island is also home to a natural wildlife preserve and a hiking trail.
If shopping is an activity you enjoy, Norwalk offers a few options. Stew Leonard's (stewleonards.com) has some of the freshest meat, dairy and produce in the area. It is a farm store that sells mostly from its own crops and animals. Chocopologie (knipschildt.com) offers gourmet chocolates to customers with a sweet tooth. For those who enjoy the German knifeware made by Wusthof, the Wusthof Outlet (no website; 355 Wilson Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854; 203-295-3804) gives visitors the chance to purchase these knives at outlet prices.
