While not the most scenic of places and certainly not the best...it's not the worst either.
I think you will be safe at the Holiday Inn. It really isn't that far from the Arena and if you go from the Arena back to the hotel, you'll be fine.
I've been to Beardsley Zoo quite a few times and just recently took my son there this summer...It costs about $7 for adults and children 4 and under are FREE...so you'll just make it under the wire there
...It's a cute way to spend the afternoon...the animals are pretty close to you...you get to see your standard wolves...My son called the Timberwolf...Justin...Get it!! Justin Timberwolf
ANYWHO...there's also tigers, bears, deer and the like...a small rainforest exhibit which was kinda cool (nothing like the Rainforest exhibit in Central Park which I love)...and they have a beautiful carousel for the kiddies too!!
The Barnum Museum and Discovery Museum is more hands on stuff...Kids are free at Barnum (I believe) and a small fee for kids applies at Discovery.
I believe Seaside Park/Captain's Cove is the same thing...Maybe other fellow CT Ledgies can help me on this...there is some historical boat there...shops and resturants...craft shops and a boardwalk.
Norwalk IS 20 minutes away and they have the Maritime Aquarium there...it's a bit more pricier than the zoo...but still a fun time...they have sharks and seals and otters and all that kinda stuff...Interactive and hands-on demos and stuff.
Hope you have a wonderful time!!!