13 Great Beach Day Trips in Connecticut

Submitted by Sherry Pardy on

As a lifelong resident of Connecticut, the list of my state's redeeming qualities is lengthy.  Among many of the attributes of living in the Nutmeg State, one is our close proximity to water. No matter where in Connecticut you find yourself, you're likely within an hour's drive of a beach!  And, in the summer, with anxious, energetic kiddos, the less time spent in the car the better. So, we've compiled a list of 13 great beach day trips within or near Connecticut. Make sure to check out our list of 8 Affordable Connecticut Beaches too. And for more summer fun check out our CT Summer Fun Guide.

Free Water Fun: Splash Pads and Sprinklers at Philly Area Parks

Maureen Rayburn's picture Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on

“If they’re crabby, put them in water.” The poem, How to Really Love a Child, offers these words of wisdom to parents of small children, and in the summer heat this couldn't be more true! But thankfully in Philadelphia, kids don’t have to be cranky to love a good splash in the summertime. In addition to being home to more public pools than any other city in the country, new spraygrounds and splash pads seem to pop up every year. These city spaces are a great way to cool off the little ones, get some exercise, and make the most of the hot weather without committing to a pool membership or water park passes. Here are a few of our favorite spots (new and old) in the Philadelphia area, many of which are already open for the season. Go ahead, jump in and prevent those crabby moments from creeping in!

Brooklyn Restaurants with Kid-Friendly Backyards and Patios

Submitted by Diana Kim on

Brooklyn boasts its share of restaurants with sidewalk tables, but those of us with kids enjoy those eateries with more spacious outdoor dining. A backyard, picnic tables, roof decks, or sometimes even a bit of grass? We're sold!

Just in time for summer, we've rounded up of our favorite spots from across Brooklyn that feature ample outdoor space, serve delicious food, and welcome families with children. If you're in the mood for variety, we've included a mix of cuisines: Japanese, Mexican, Cuban, Southern comfort and, of course, pizza, BBQ, and New American.

Headed to Brooklyn from a surrounding area? Browse our Brooklyn Kids Guide to take full advantage of the borough while you're there, or peruse our NYC Restaurant Guide for more family-friendly eats.

14 Reasons To Visit the Getty Center with a Preschooler

Submitted by Li Starr on

Maybe you and your preschooler have squeezed every last drop of fun from Travel Town or have soldiered through every stroller-friendly hike within driving distance. You're itching for a dose of culture that doesn't include a kiddie museum, stuffed animals, or squeaky toys (not that there's anything wrong with them); but at the same time a real museum seems daunting. Should you brave LA's iconic Getty Museum with the under-five set? Short answer? You definitely should. 

Visiting Stony Brook: New England Charm in Suffolk County

Submitted by Thien August on

For some, Stony Brook is synonymous with the sprawling campus of Long Island's largest state university. For others, it is is a quaint North Shore village that is home to historic sites, a beautiful harbor with a bustling village center, and plenty of family-friendly events and festivals all year round.

Known to locals as Stony Brook Village, it is technically a hamlet that is part of the Three Village area, along with Setauket and Old Field.  It is a coveted Suffolk County school district and a desirable area to live and work with its well-tended homes tucked back into groves of maple trees. It is also an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. 

The Money-Saving Dental Care Hack Every Parent Should Know

Jessica Laird's picture Submitted by Jessica Laird on

Insurance or no insurance, pediatric dental care can cost a pretty penny — and if you've ever been faced with a toddler's chipped tooth or a tween's serious overbite, then you probably don't need the reminder! But, there's a way to save money on all those fillings and lost retainers that you might not have thought of, and it doesn't involve fighting with anybody's billing department. Did you know you can usually get as much as half off your care by heading to a nearby dental school instead of your usual dentist's office? Never even crossed my mind...

Memorial Day Weekend for LA Kids: Greeks, Scots, Star Wars, and Fireworks

Submitted by Toby B on

First and foremost, Memorial Day is about the members of the armed forces who gave their lives in our nation’s service. Their sacrifice is unimaginable, our debt to them beyond measure. To those lost, and to those who serve our nation and all it stands for, we salute you.

The weekend is not all somber reflection: Memorial Day also means a long weekend, and the unofficial start of summer. Festival is the word of the day: throughout the Southland folks gather to enjoy yummies and wild art, and to celebrate different cultures (including Greek, Scottish, and Topangan). Discovery Cube  opens a new exhibit that's so colossal, it needs both its locations to contain it.

And, of course, Memorial Day weekend closes with tributes to our fallen heroes. Ceremonies are being held at the Nixon Presidential Library, in Burbank and Canoga Park, and at Woodlawn and Forest Lawn Cemeteries.

Read on for some of our favorite picks for this three-day holiday weekend...

Memorial Day Weekend Fun for Boston Kids: May 26-28

Lucie T's picture Submitted by Lucie T on

While so many families leave the city for Memorial Day Weekend, not to worry - those of us sticking around still have plenty of family-friendly options to choose from. Appreciate all that embodies Memorial Day at the Garden of Flags on the Common, and storm the fort on George's Island. There are also several musical ways to celebrate the start of summer from Boston Calling to a special campfire, the always active lawn games scene, and a musical garden party. 

25 Things to Do This Memorial Day Weekend in Connecticut

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on

At long last we have reached the very precipice of summer: Memorial Day weekend! I have dug the beach chairs out of the garage, taken the grill out for a test run, and I can't wait to plant my feet in the sand and perhaps even in the Sound. There's all kinds of non-beachy fun to be had this weekend too from fairs and carnivals to animal encounters, special concerts, and more.

Whatever your plans, the significance of Memorial Day should not be forgotten. If you're looking for an educational way to honor the men and women who died in service to our nation, our Event Calendar features many kid-friendly parades and ceremonies, including the Revolutionary War Encampment in Wethersfield, the Decoration Day event at Mystic Seaport, or even the screening of Saving Private Ryan in Bridgeport. To keep up with everything going on in CT, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Wishing you the very best Memorial Day weekend!

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