Bridgeport-New Haven – Things to do with your Team

If you and your team are heading to Bridgeport or New Haven for a tournament, there will be a lot of attractions you will want to check out.  Whether the tournament is in Bridgeport or New Haven doesn’t make much of a difference since the two cities are conveniently located just a half hour from each other.  Both Bridgeport and New Haven are Connecticut’s largest and second largest cities, respectively. That means they have a lot offer when your team has some downtime.

Bridgeport Attractions

Beardsley Zoo

Zoos are a great way to spend some quality time with your team when they aren’t playing a game.  Enjoyable for kids of all ages, Beardsley Zoo has a surprisingly large variety of animals to see.  Beardsley Zoo has five different animal classes on display.  Some animals of note that you can expect to see are Bald Eagles, Peacocks, Giant Anteaters, Leopards, various kinds of monkeys, and Red Pandas.  While at the zoo, you can check out one of the many daily events that they have going on.  Ranging from alligators to otters, you can watch as trainers feed the animals.  There are also multiple shows where trainers incorporate animals and educate the audience about them.  For all those animal lovers, Beardsley Zoo provides a fun, affordable, and educational experience. 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610

The Ballpark at Harbor Yard

Home of the Bridgeport Bluefish, The Ballpark at Harbor Yard is a great place to spend an afternoon or night with the team.  Relax, take in a minor league baseball game, and depending on when and what time you’re there, a firework show.  The Bluefish play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a highly talented and competitive league.  Rest assured that your time spent at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard will be full of great plays and memorable times.  An added bonus, Bluefish tickets are very affordable, and if you get a hankering for some peanuts or Cracker Jacks, The Ballpark at Harbor Yard has reasonable food and drink prices too. 500 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604

The Discovery Museum

A hands-on science museum and planetarium, The Discovery Museum has three floors of interactive exhibits for your team.  Lift teammates using levers, fly helicopters in a wind tunnel, learn about Nanoscience while playing with nanotechnology, and explore the depths of Space with their multiple Space exhibits.  Attached to The Discovery Museum is Henry B. Dupont III Planetarium.  This planetarium has two shows at 1 and 3pm during the week and three at 1, 2, and 3pm on the weekends.  All of the shows are Space themed and focus on different aspects like the sky, moon, and on a broader view, the universe itself.  The Discovery Museum has one exhibit that separates itself from other science museums in the surrounding area, the Challenger Learning Center.  The Challenger Learning Center is a mock mission control and spacecraft environment that allows kids to experience life like an astronaut.  They can go on space missions and collaborate to solve problems that they will inevitably encounter. 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604

The Adventure Park at The Discovery Museum

While technically attached to the Discovery Museum, The Adventure Park is definitely its own attraction.  Admire the views from one of the 180 platforms, or race down on one of the park’s 21 zip lines.  The Adventure Park has courses for all, from beginners to daredevils.  The park has courses divided up into six different levels of difficulty, and the staff is knowledgeable and will be able to steer you in the direction of a course you are comfortable with.  The Adventure Park recommends if you are coming with a group that you reserve your spot at least two weeks in advance.  They also offer group rates for groups of 10 or more.  A ticket will get you three hours to explore the park’s various courses and put your climbing skills to the test. 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604

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New Haven Attractions

Lighthouse Point Park

Being that you and your team are in New England, going to see a lighthouse is mandatory.  There’s plenty to choose from in Connecticut, but Lighthouse Point Park brings more to the table than just a lighthouse.  The New Haven Lighthouse was built in 1847 and guided ships for 73 years, before retiring its light.  If you are in New Haven, this lighthouse and park is a relaxing place to spend some time.  Adjacent to the lighthouse, the park also has a beach where your team can unwind after a game.  There are a few other attractions in the park like a Carousel and a series of fresh water fountains.  Lighthouse Point Park combines a piece of New Haven’s history with a beautiful beach view, warranting a visit while you’re there. 2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT 06512

David S. Ingalls Rink

Besides the New Haven Lighthouse, New Haven is home to something else that is fairly well-known, Yale University.  Yale boasts highly competitive, talented men and women’s ice hockey teams, and if you’re in the area why not check out a game?  David S. Ingalls Rink is home to both Yale’s men and women’s teams.  Ingalls Rink is widely known as one of the best hockey venues in the country.  Whether you are a big hockey fan or not, this rink is iconic in the hockey world and a great place to see while you and your team are in New Haven. 73 Sachem St, New Haven, CT 06511

East Rock Park

Shifting away from lighthouses and beaches, East Rock Park offers several trails that your team can take advantage of.  The park has a wonderful view overlooking New Haven and it’s very common to see Warblers and other wildlife while there.  Besides hiking trails, the grounds of East Rock Park has baseball, football, and soccer fields and basketball courts available to your team while they are there.  The best part about East Rock Park, it’s free! 41 Cold Spring St, New Haven, CT 06511

Escape New Haven

New Haven has a lot to offer your team in terms of physical activity, but what about some mental activity?  Escape New Haven provides an exciting and brain stumping challenge that your team is sure to love.  Can you work together and escape one of the four rooms within the 60 minute time limit, or will the escape room get the best of all of you?  Escape New Haven recommends that groups of eight or more book in advance to ensure that space is available. 103 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06510

Connecticut’s geography definitely works to your advantage while your team is playing a tournament there.  Its small size means you can travel to both Bridgeport and New Haven with ease when you have time off.  Both bustling cities bring a lot to the table and are sure to show your team a good time while they are there.