Stamford, Connecticut, is beautiful slice of New England, a vibrant metropolitan city surrounded by quaint small townships. These 5 free and family friendly things to do can help you have an affordable family vacation in Stamford.

1. Cove Island Park --- Park on the street and walk in for free access to Cove Island Park. Take a train ride around the park, which also has two beaches, grills, volleyball courts, a jogging track and a big lawn for kite flying or soccer.

2. Sound Waters Aquarium --- Free for first time visitors, however there is a suggested donation box. There is an aquarium and historical society with exhibits on maritime history. This includes local sea life such as terrapins, seahorses, and a touch tank full of crabs and starfish.

3. Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens --- A greenhouse filled with exotic plants and trees and trails for hiking. Free on Wednesdays.

4. Twin Meadows Boundless Playground --- This is a special outdoor adventure experience for all children, even ones with disabilities such as paraplegia and blindness. Built at the Still Meadow School as part of a mission to bring regular and handicapped families together. Free for everyone from dawn until dusk.

5. Friday Films at Ferguson Library —Each Friday there is a new feature-length film, some classics mixed in with recent releases. This summer all of the films have a spy or superhero theme. On Thursday recent releases of Hollywood blockbusters are shown for audiences of teens or adults. The library also hosts a variety of other events including cartooning classes, book clubs and playgroups.
Maddie Ward is an intern for TravelingMom.com.