Waveny Park New Canaan
A 250-acre public park featuring a historic mansion, formal gardens, walking trails, and open lawns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Stunning fall foliage
Waveny Park New Canaan
Best Time
Stunning fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 250-acre public park featuring a historic mansion, formal gardens, walking trails, and open lawns.
"Waveny Park is the crown jewel of New Canaan — a stunning estate turned public park."
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during golden hour for breathtaking photos, especially with fall foliage.
stroller-friendly paths
Paved trails are perfect for strollers and infant walks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Waveny House
Park's heart
Historic Tudor-style mansion, a picturesque centerpiece surrounded by immaculate lawns and gardens.
Formal Gardens
Near Waveny House
Vibrant flora and meticulously maintained gardens offer a peaceful escape and stunning photo opportunities.
Great Lawn
Central area
Expansive open space perfect for picnics, playing sports, or simply relaxing and enjoying the scenic views.
Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Peaceful, shaded trails wind through woods and meadows, ideal for walks, runs, and stroller-friendly exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Photography & Events
Navigating Waveny Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during golden hour for breathtaking photos, especially with fall foliage.
stroller-friendly paths
Paved trails are perfect for strollers and infant walks.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Waveny Park welcomes dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🚗 Event Parking
Plenty of parking available for events like concerts and car shows.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during golden hour for breathtaking photos, especially with fall foliage.
stroller-friendly paths
Paved trails are perfect for strollers and infant walks.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Waveny Park welcomes dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🚗 Event Parking
Plenty of parking available for events like concerts and car shows.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Vast open lawns are ideal for picnics and outdoor games.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Waveny Park is widely praised as the 'crown jewel' of New Canaan, offering a stunning 300-acre estate with a masterful blend of open meadows, formal gardens, and shaded trails. Visitors love its dog-friendly nature, beautiful scenery, and suitability for various activities from quiet walks to attending events like concerts and car shows. It's considered a timeless, restorative place deeply woven into community life.
"A stunning park right off the Merritt with tons of space, numerous gardens, very dog friendly, and a great place to hang out on a warm day.
Will definitely be back."
Dave Capra
"Waveny Park is the crown jewel of New Canaan — a stunning 300-acre estate turned public park right off the Merritt Parkway. I find myself here almost every Thursday, whether for the Rotary Club, Caffeine & Carburetors, or a quiet walk through the woods. The landscape is a masterful blend of open meadows, formal gardens, and shaded trails that wind past Waveny House, the historic Tudor-style mansion at the park’s heart.
It’s one of those rare places that offers something for everyone — from dog owners and families to car enthusiasts and art lovers. The trails are peaceful, the lawns immaculate, and the gardens vibrant throughout the seasons. It’s where New Canaan gathers to celebrate, reflect, and recharge.
There’s simply no better place to spend a warm afternoon, sip coffee with friends, or catch the golden light settling over the great lawn. Waveny Park is timeless, restorative, and deeply woven into the rhythm of community life here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Always worth the visit, and somehow different every time."
John Engel
"Absolutely stunning walk/running trails. Highly recommend walking through the gardens and taking in the nature, so peaceful and quiet."
Emma Swan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waveny Park is conveniently located right off the Merritt Parkway in New Canaan, CT. It's easily accessible by car. Parking is generally plentiful, especially outside of major event times.
While direct public transport to the park itself might be limited, you can typically reach New Canaan town center via train and then arrange for a taxi or rideshare to Waveny Park. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
If coming from the Merritt Parkway (CT-15), take Exit 35 for Route 106 towards New Canaan. Follow Route 106 for a short distance, and Waveny Park will be clearly signposted.
Yes, Waveny Park offers ample parking throughout the grounds, with designated areas for various attractions and events.
Depending on your starting point in downtown New Canaan, it might be a pleasant walk, though it's a considerable distance. Many visitors prefer to drive or take a short taxi ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Waveny Park is a public park and generally offers free admission, making it an accessible destination for everyone.
Waveny Park is typically open from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities like the pool or sports courts may have separate operating hours. It's always a good idea to check the official New Canaan Parks and Recreation website for the most current information.
For most community events like free concerts or gatherings, tickets are not required. However, for specific ticketed events or performances at the performing arts center, booking in advance is recommended.
As a public park, entry is generally open. However, certain areas might have specific rules, and it's important to respect park regulations regarding pets, littering, and noise levels.
Waveny Park is usually open on holidays, offering a great opportunity for outdoor recreation. Check the town's official calendar for any special holiday hours or events.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Waveny Park offers a wide range of activities including walking, running, picnicking, playing sports on open lawns, exploring gardens, and enjoying the historic Waveny House. There are also sports courts and a pool. +1
Yes, Waveny Park features paved walking trails that are excellent for strollers and infant walks, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Absolutely! Waveny Park is a photographer's dream with its diverse landscapes, historic mansion, vibrant gardens, and beautiful natural light, especially during fall. +2
Yes, Waveny Park is very dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their canine companions along for walks and outdoor fun.
Beyond Waveny House, you'll find stunning formal gardens, expansive green lawns, a serene lake/river, wooded trails, and various sports facilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Waveny Park itself does not have on-site restaurants. However, the nearby town of New Canaan offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity at Waveny Park. There are large open lawns perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a meal.
During special events like Caffeine & Carburetors or concerts, food vendors may be present, offering a selection of snacks and meals.
New Canaan town center, a short drive away, boasts numerous eateries. You can find everything from quick bites to fine dining experiences.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy within the park. Remember to clean up after yourself.
📸 📸 Photography
Waveny House, the formal gardens, the great lawn, and the wooded trails all offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The lake/river area behind the mansion is also stunning.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – provide the most beautiful, soft light for photography. Fall foliage also makes for spectacular shots.
Yes, Waveny Park is a popular location for professional photoshoots, including family portraits, engagement sessions, and even weddings.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to check with the New Canaan Parks and Recreation department for any specific permits or guidelines.
You'll find a diverse range of scenery, from the grand architecture of Waveny House to the natural beauty of gardens, meadows, and forests, offering varied backdrops for any photoshoot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for community events like summer concerts or gatherings, which can be fun for the whole family. The park's natural beauty and open spaces encourage outdoor play and exploration, making it a great spot for a family day out.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to always keep your dog leashed where required and clean up after them to ensure the park remains enjoyable for everyone. The vastness of the park provides plenty of room for dogs to explore and get their exercise.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Visiting during the golden hour will enhance your shots with beautiful light. The park is a popular spot for family photoshoots and engagement sessions, so consider booking mini-sessions if available.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gardens and Waveny House
At the heart of the park stands Waveny House, a magnificent Tudor-style mansion. While access inside may be limited to specific events or tours, its exterior and the surrounding immaculate lawns are a picturesque sight. The mansion itself is a testament to the estate's rich history and adds a grand architectural element to the park's natural beauty.
Visitors often praise the park's ability to offer both manicured beauty and natural landscapes. Whether you're admiring the vibrant blooms in the gardens or the stately presence of Waveny House, the park provides a visually rich experience.
Activities and Recreation
Beyond walking, the park features open grassy fields ideal for sports, games, or simply relaxing with a picnic. For those seeking more structured activities, there are indoor and outdoor sports courts available. The park also hosts community events, including free music concerts during the summer evenings, which are a popular draw.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk, a place for the kids to play, or to catch a local event, Waveny Park caters to a wide range of interests, making it a versatile destination for all ages.
+1Photography Opportunities
+1The formal gardens are another prime spot, with their colorful blooms and intricate designs creating picturesque scenes. The expansive lawns and wooded trails offer natural beauty, while the lake or river behind the mansion adds a serene water element. Photographers often highlight the park's ability to capture timeless moments, making it ideal for family portraits, engagement shoots, and even wedding photography.
Visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset can elevate your photography, bathing the park in warm, soft light. The changing seasons, particularly autumn, transform the park into a breathtaking canvas of colors, making it a sought-after location for seasonal photography.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit