As the crocuses are popping up and days are getting warmer, it is time to start planning for what to do in Greenwich this summer. Greenwich offers a variety of local activities and places for all age ranges that will guarantee fun for everyone. Below are some of the best and most popular local places or events.
There are many opportunities for fun this summer, however, having a Greenwich Beach Pass opens up a world of BBQ beach days and splashing in the Long Island Sound. With a Beach Pass, Greenwich residents can gain access to Byram Park (including the pool area), Greenwich Point (which includes kayak, paddleboard, and sailboat rentals), Island Beach, and Captains Island. In addition, ferry rates to Captain’s Island and Island Beach are reduced. Guest pool passes can also be acquired with a Beach Card, and Single Entry Passes are available to anyone, including non-residents.
In order to apply for a Greenwich Beach Pass, you will first need to verify your residency- for more information on how to do so, click here. Once that is complete, you have the option to submit your application online or by mail. When your Beach Pass is approved, you will have access to all the above listed amenities, just be sure to have your card available when visiting the beaches. In addition, the cards will need to be renewed annually, except for senior citizens, whose cards only have to be renewed every three years.
As well as beaches, Greenwich has much to offer its community. The most well known event is the Greenwich Town Party, in which residents can purchase tickets to a night of live music, delicious food, and other activities. In previous years, bouncy castles, face paint, and fun carnival games have been available in the afternoon for younger kids before the main event. Past live performances have included Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, and a number of other widely recognized artists and bands. While in past years the event has been held in late May, this year's Town Party has been pushed back to September 4th due to Covid-19 restrictions. To learn more about the event, click here.
The Greenwich Polo Club is another summer activity that is perfect for friends and families. With 10 games scheduled for this summer, polo matches are always on Sunday afternoons. There is a game weekly during the months of June and July, as well as a handful of games during August and September. Polo matches are a fantastic way to spend Father’s Day, as there is even a game scheduled for June 20th. There are multiple different levels of tickets one can buy, ranging from bleacher seats to a private tent area. For more information on tickets and the event, click here.
In addition , the town organizes events perfect for young children. The Sandblast is a family-friendly sand castle contest that is usually held at Tod’s Point. For one day, the beach is overrun with sand sculptures for everyone’s viewing. The winners get to take home a medal and bragging rights. The Kite Flying Festival is another event made specifically for kids in the area. As the name suggests, this day is dedicated to flying kites in the park with fellow Greenwich residents. The dates and locations for each of these events are TBD, however, the town’s Department of Parks and Recreation website, linked here, will provide all updates and information.
There are a variety of camps for all age groups scattered around Greenwich. Popular choices include Kamp Kairphree and Adventure Camp. In addition, The Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich offers 3 summer programs- Clubhouse Camp, Camp Simmons, and the Teen Camp. The Clubhouse Camp is a day camp offered for ages 6-12 and is located at the Boys and Girls Club on Horseneck Lane. Each week has a unique theme, and campers can participate in activities such as arts and crafts, swim lessons, and a variety of other sports. For more information or to reserve a spot, click here. Camp Simmons is also a day camp offered for ages 6-12, however, it is located in backcountry Greenwich on 77 acres. Activities range from weekly fishing derbies to archery. To learn more or reserve a spot, click here. Finally, the Teen Camp is located at the local Boys and Girls Club and is offered for ages 13-15. As well as access to the indoor pool, gameroom, outdoor turf field, and multi-sport court at the Clubhouse, campers also spend time participating in special activities, such as yoga classes or excursions to Greenwich Avenue. If you would like more information or want to reserve a spot, click here.
ESF at Greenwich Catholic School also has multiple camps this summer for rising preschoolers all the way to rising sophomores in highschool. ESF camps are mainly geared towards sports, however, they also provide specialized camps that are week-long intensive programs. A few specialized programs for the summer of 2021 include a movie making program, a NASA blast-off lab, and many others. For more information on the ESF camp programs, click here. If you want your child enrolled in a more specialized sports program, Camp Soundwaters offers a week-long sailing camp for elementary and middle school students. There is also a more intensive camp that requires a five-week commitment for advanced middle school sailors. To learn more, click here.
Greenwich boasts about 15 golf courses, 10 local parks, and over 600 tennis courts, meaning there is room for everyone to get some exercise in this summer, or simply enjoy a nice outing with friends or family. Tennis courts are usually located at parks, such as Bruce Park or Binney Park, and courts attached to schools are open to the public over summer break. Griffith Golf, or the ‘Griff’, is the town golf course and offers an expansive 18 hole course open to the public. For more information on Griffith Golf or to reserve a “Tee Time”, click here. Croquet courts are also available in Greenwich. Most notably, Bruce Park is home to the Greenwich Croquet Club, in which players can join to play croquet leisurely against fellow members or compete in championships.
Overall, there is much to do and see in Greenwich this summer for all ages, ranging from catching a Sunday Polo Game to swimming in the Sound at Tod’s Point. For any additional information or updates on the various listed events, the Greenwich town website has an extensive page that should answer any remaining questions, as well as any of the linked sources.
