Things to Do with Grandkids in New Canaan, CT — Grandkids Guide

New Canaan is a short drive from anywhere in Fairfield County, and it punches well above its size for grandkid destinations. Waveny Park is a 300-acre municipal park with playgrounds, sports fields, a pond, and some of the best open lawn space in the county. Grace Farms is a nationally acclaimed public space — a long, low sinuous building set on 80 acres of meadow, open to the public for walking, art, and a café. The two venues are five minutes apart and together make for an excellent full-day plan.

Quick Reference: Top New Canaan Venues

Venue	Category	Price	Rating	Best For
Waveny Park	Park	Free	4.8 ★	All ages
Grace Farms	Farm / Cultural	Free	4.8 ★	All ages
The Glass House	Historic Site	Paid	4.5 ★	Ages 10+
Mead Memorial Park	Park	Free	4.7 ★	All ages
Migoto Boba Cafe	Café / Drinks	Paid	4.9 ★	Ages 5+
Press Burger New Canaan	Restaurant	Paid	4.4 ★	All ages

Top Picks

Waveny Park

Three hundred acres of former estate land in the heart of New Canaan, now one of Connecticut’s finest municipal parks. The main draws for grandkids: a large adventure playground that’s one of the best in Fairfield County, an ice rink (seasonal), a dog park, and expansive lawns ideal for frisbee, kite flying, or simply running. The paths are mostly flat and accessible for strollers. Free to enter, free parking.

Waveny Park | 677 South Ave, New Canaan | 4.8 ★, 1,011 reviews

Grace Farms

An extraordinary public space that opened in 2015 — the River Building, designed by SANAA, is a sinuous glass and steel structure that winds across 80 acres of open meadow. The grounds are free to walk any day: meadow paths, a pond, and the building itself with a café serving locally sourced food. The art and programming inside rotate, and there are family events throughout the year. Grandkids who can appreciate architecture and open space (all ages, really) respond well to it. The café is excellent.

Arrive with comfortable shoes; the grounds are meant to be walked.

Grace Farms | 365 Lukes Wood Rd, New Canaan | 4.8 ★, 1,009 reviews

The Glass House

Philip Johnson’s modernist masterpiece — a glass house set on 49 acres of meadows and sculpture. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides; the architecture itself is the attraction. Better for grandkids 10 and up who can engage with a guided tour and appreciate the design context. Not a playground destination. Book tours in advance as they sell out, especially on weekends.

The Glass House | 199 Elm St, New Canaan | 4.5 ★, 317 reviews

Mead Memorial Park

A smaller park in New Canaan with a playground, sports courts, and picnic areas. Good secondary option or a quick stop if Waveny is crowded. Free, easy parking.

Mead Memorial Park | New Canaan | 4.7 ★, 282 reviews

Migoto Boba Cafe

New Canaan’s highest-rated café — 4.9 stars. Boba teas, specialty drinks, and light food. Grandkids who are boba fans will want to come here; it’s the natural stop before or after Waveny Park. Small, cozy space.

Migoto Boba Cafe | New Canaan | 4.9 ★, 262 reviews

Press Burger New Canaan

A well-reviewed burger spot in the village center. Good for a no-fuss lunch that grandkids reliably enjoy. The format is casual — order at the counter, find a table — and the quality is noticeably above standard fast casual. Convenient to Waveny Park.

Press Burger New Canaan | New Canaan | 4.4 ★, 276 reviews

Practical Notes

Parking: Free throughout New Canaan. Waveny Park has a large lot. Grace Farms has dedicated parking on-site.

Best full-day plan: Waveny Park playground (morning) → Press Burger (lunch) → Grace Farms walk and café (afternoon) → Migoto Boba Cafe.

Age range: Works for all ages. The Glass House is the only venue with an age-appropriateness caveat (10+).

Season: Waveny’s ice rink operates in winter; check the town’s parks & recreation site for seasonal hours.

Browse all New Canaan venues at grandkidsguide.com/fairfield-county-ct.