Maritime Aquarium and Sheffield Island Lighthouse Tour

Norwalk, Connecticut.  

One of my kiddo's must do trips of the summer was to go back to Sheffield Island with the Norwalk Seaport Association. 

This one was not hard to get last summer, but this year has risen in popularity. And for good reason, it's a great outing, I highly recommend it. 

I started trying to book it on July 1, but everything had filled up for the first couple of weeks already. Ended up booking it for a day I couldn't see on the 10 day weather forecast and hoped for the best.

Things to know: 

1. This is a rain or shine event, but they will cancel for severe weather. We ended up going on an iffy weather day and were told that if we cancelled, it was non-refundable/exchangeable but if THEY cancelled, you could get a refund/change your date. 
2. You can only go once a season.
3. Sunscreen, bug spray, hat, and sunglasses. You need them all. They do have extra sunscreen and bug spray on Sheffield Island if you need it. 
4. Parking is first come, first serve at 4 Water Street. It is a public lot by the dock. It is paid parking; you pay by the hour and the kiosk takes cash or cards. (From here it is a walkable distance to the Aquarium, so if that is your plan go ahead and pay for the extra time and save yourself the headache of looking for parking in the garage.)
5. You can bring a cooler, there is a covered pavilion with picnic tables on the island. 
6. There are 2 tours of the lighthouse offered during your stay. You don't get to go into the lantern room, but it was interesting. 
7. There is a hiking trail on the island, broken down on the map by three sections. View trail map here.

While you're in Norwalk, you definitely should visit the Maritime Aquarium. The entrance is just right around the corner from the parking lot.