Brookfield, Connecticut, was originally a thriving New England town with iron works, mills and factories. Today it is more bucolic, a residential area near the shores of Candlewood Lake. Over 15,000 people make their home in this community with four schools and a historic district that has been named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Williams Park encompasses 20 acres of forested land. Activities here include fishing, hiking and picnicking. Most of the trails are easy enough for young children and have been maintained by local Boy Scouts, so they are well marked and clean. Tennis courts and two sand volleyball courts are available as well.
Williams Park
185 Whisconier Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
brookfield.org
Whalen Pond offers ice-skating in the winter--watch for the "Skating" sign to be posted. Whalen Pond is situated on nearly three acres and parking is available. During the summer, you can take the kids around the pond and show them the frogs and salamanders.
Whalen Pond
3 Broadview Rd.
Brookfield, CT 06804
brookfield.org
On Friday evenings during the summer, you can take your family to "Concerts in the Park." The program changes week-to-week and year-to-year. The first event is "Drive In Movie" night where you and the kids can enjoy a family-friendly movie at dusk on a 10-by-10-foot screen right on the lawn of the Bandstand.
Brookfield Bandstand
100 Pocono Rd.
Brookfield, CT 06804
brookfield.org
The Golf Quest Family Sport Center is open all year. Activities for kids include miniature golf, bumper boats and batting cages. The center also offers birthday parties, summer camp, after school programs and field trips.
Golf Quest Family Sport Center
One Sand Cut Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
203-775-3556
golfquestranges.com
The museum shares its collection of over 13,000 artifacts from the history of Brookfield and the surrounding area throughout the year. Most programs are geared towards families, such as the antique "Toys" exhibit and the "Trains" collection, which feature playthings from long ago. Some exhibits, such as the train collection, give kids a hands-on experience. Other offerings are a live blacksmithing exhibit and a craft festival. The museum also sponsors an annual strawberry festival and antique car show.
Brookfield Museum and Historical Society
165 Whisconier Rd
Brookfield, CT 06804
203-740-8140
brookfieldhistory.org
