The small town of Bethel is located in northern Fairfield County, Connecticut. Only sixty miles northeast of New York City, and fifty miles southwest of Hartford, Bethel is the perfect place to live if you want to experience a little bit of everything. Bethel is home to more than 18,000 within their 17 square miles. Bethel has a full time police force, two volunteer fire departments, and the David W. Deakin Educational Park, which contains five schools and sports fields on one campus.

Bethel offers many charming and historical sites in the community. In the center of town you will find Greenwood Avenue, which houses a number of shops, cafes, and delis. Located here are also the library and many restaurants. And if you are looking for a flashback, Sycamore’s Drive-In Restaurant is a favorite get together for good times and great car hop service.

Bethel History

By 1759 many families in Connecticut had settled in the area now known as Danbury. Because there were so many people and not enough room in their one house of worship, many parishioners living in the Eastern area of Danbury petitioned to have their portion set off into their own parish. The General Assembly agreed and by November of that year, the First Ecclesiastical Society of Bethel was formed. By 1855, the parish of Bethel officially became Connecticut’s 154th town.

Bethel Parks & Recreation

There are many activities and resources to utilize that Bethel has to offer. Here in Bethel, there is something exciting to do for every one of all ages. There are many benefits offered to the citizens through the Parks and Recreation Department, including teaching vital life skills, building family unity, reducing stress, providing safe places to play, building self-esteem, and more.

Bethel’s youth sports programs are very popular. They include soccer, baseball, softball, BMX bike racing, basketball, and lacrosse. There are also programs for ballet, tap, art, and tennis. Bethel also is home to the largest chapter of the National Youth Sports Coaches Association in Connecticut.

View a List of Bethel Parks
View More Information on the Bethel Teen Center

Bethel Attractions

Bethel offers many entertaining things to do whether it is relaxing in a coffee shop on Greenwood Avenue or visiting one of the town parks. At the Bethel Municipal Center you can often find during the summertime concerts on the lawn and many activities for children and seniors inside throughout the year.

Bethel Cinema and Café
Featuring six films at a time, the Bethel Cinema is the place where the whole family can have a good time. They offer popular, foreign, and indie films suitable for everyone. The Bethel Café is adjacent to the cinema and offers a unique dining experience complete with breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and a selection of wine and beer.

Stepping Stones Children’s Museum
Located in Norwalk, this interactive museum is sure to keep you and your children entertained for hours. Complete with a water room for water play, bubble land, jungle, and wheels, bars, and car room, nothing is more exciting than a day here. The exhibits and educational programs will expand your child’s world in a way you never imagined. There are four main galleries, a toddlers-only gallery, and over 100 hands-on activities.

Beardsley Zoo
The Beardsley Zoo has been Connecticut’s only zoo for over 80 years. They are an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and are a participant in its Species Survival Plan. The Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to the preservation of endangered animals and their habitats. They are open year round and features almost 300 animal exhibits, including tigers and bears.

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