Bridgeport and ?
 

My two year old son and I are going to Bridgeport CT for about a week in mid July to visit my college roommate and her twins. I know we will be going to the beach a couple of times and probably into NYC one day but I'm debating whether to go early and go somewhere else for a few days. Mystic is probably the most logical but I've also thought about Newport though Newport doesn't seem too kid friendly. No Cape Cod, we will do that in a few summers. Any other places I should consider?

I think a two year old is too young for Mystic Seaport but there is an aquarium there.

I think there are other places to visit in the area, maybe an amusement park? Petting zoo?

Is he old enough for a boat ride over to Port Jefferson, LI?

Take him to Yale, get him used to the layout. It's never too early.
Some of America's best pizza in New Haven as well.

Yeah, I thought about the pizza, but you know, maybe a little too young!

Also thought about the trolley museum in Branford, but again, five years from now, a great place. Now, not so much.

I can definitely say no New Haven. We've been there and way to many food allergies to enjoy pizza.

What's in Port Jefferson?

google Port Jefferson, LI. There's some info there.

You could go to the Bronx Zoo via Metro North. For a smaller zoo, there is Beardsley Zoo right in Bridgeport. 2 different experiences.

We went to the Beardsley zoo last summer don't know if it is on the agenda this summer but there has been talk of maybe going to the Central Park zoo. The Bronx zoo is a great suggestion and I'll add it to the list of potential things to do.

We might go do the Essex railroad . I was really looking for someplace for just the two of us before we go to Bridgeport and stay with our friends.

The train is fun and if they are doing the train up to Haddam with the option of taking the boat back down the river that might be fun too.

Beardsley Zoo would be great for a two year old, as would the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, the Stamford Nature Center, the Stepping Stones Chilren's Museum in Norwalk & the train/boat in Essex

I agree with the Essex railroad combined with the boat ride. It would be a lot of fun.