Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids |

4th of July Fireworks in Connecticut

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 10:34pm

Who doesn't love fireworks—especially after a sandy day at the beach like the celebration in East Haven? Here in Connecticut, fireworks season starts before July 4th and continues afterward, too. Kick off summer with a bang with our roundup of more than 40 (!) CT pyrotechnic displays in honor of Independence Day. As always before heading out, check the weather forecast and parking restrictions, especially at beaches. Some venues allow nonresidents to pay for parking on-site, but others require that passes be purchased in advance at a separate location.

A Visit to Action Wildlife Foundation in Goshen, CT

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 9:06pm

Llamas, zebra and reindeer! Tucked in the northwest corner of the state, Action Wildlife Foundation is really a hidden little gem of a place, and one of the top animal attractions in Connecticut.

50 Things To Do in Newport, RI with Kids

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 1:04pm

Newport, Rhode Island has a reputation as a summer playground for the elite, but in truth it makes for a great family vacation. Yes, you will see fabulous Gilded Age mansions and expensive sailing yachts in the harbor. But coastal Newport is an egalitarian town that can even be a bargain during the off-season.

In summer there are lots of low-cost public boating opportunities, free beaches, a rich line up of outdoor concerts, and easy hikes that exploit the area’s natural beauty. In winter months the public skating rink, free holiday festivities and the annual Winter Festival provide cold weather fun. There are casual restaurants and hotels that cater to families. Newport’s manageable size makes it a wonderful walking town, so if you don’t have a car, keep this in mind.

See our Rhode Island Fun Guide for more Rhode Island family activity ideas. Here's what to do, where to eat and stay in Newport for families:

Free Outdoor Movies for Long Island Kids This Summer

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 12:30pm

This summer when the sun goes down, chances are a free, family-friendly movie will be playing outdoors somewhere on Long Island. It’s an ideal way to spend family time under the stars. So spread a blanket, bring a few lawn chairs, pack some snacks or perhaps a picnic dinner, and enjoy the show.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is best to arrive early. And be sure to check each venue’s website for up-to-date information on weather-related cancelations.

For more outdoor family activities, check out our roundups of the best places for a family picnic and the best beaches for families on Long Island. Plus, our Event Calendar and Summer Fun Guide are loaded with ideas for more seasonal fun for your family. Happy summer.

Best Beaches Near NYC for a Dreamy Family Daycation

Submitted by Anna Fader on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 12:15pm

Summertime means beach time, but while there are lots of shores near and even in NYC, some are more family friendly than others. After packing up your gear and schlepping the kids by car, train, bus, or ferry, the last thing you want to find out is that your chosen beach has no bathroom or that bathing suits are optional. Skip the guesswork with our roundup of these seven beaches for NYC families, including detailed info on attractions, food, bathrooms, and hidden costs. Most are within two hours of Manhattan by car and are easily accessible via public transportation as well, so you can plot a great staycation for your brood.

Find more beach fun in our Beaches, Pools, and Water Playgrounds Guide, or check out these summer day trip ideas.

Best Pick-Your-Own Blueberry Farms and Festivals for NJ Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 12:00pm

Blueberry picking is a perfect summer activity for the whole family: the bushes are low, the berries pop off the plants easily, and your family can literally pick hundreds without breaking the bank—or your back hauling them home. Lucky for us, blueberries are the official state fruit of New Jersey, and they are plentiful throughout the Garden State. We’ve assembled a list of some of the best pick-your-own farms and blueberry festivals NJ has to offer for kids. Happy picking!

This Weekend's Fun for LA Kids: Shakespeare, Sound of Music, Summerfest, and Seal Day

Submitted by Toby B on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 5:20am

Hoo boy. In case you missed it, it's officially summer (as of June 21), functionally summer (kids out of school), and happy fun times summer—in that a good many of our summer standards have begun. You can catch the free Shakespeare in Griffith Park, the LevittLA free concerts, tons and tons o' summer movies (free, worth the ticket price, indoors, outdoors, you name it, we got it), and tons and tons o' summer concerts (free, worth the ticket price, indoors, outdoors, you name it, we got it). You can chill at Dodger Stadium or the Hollywood Bowl, and—kaboom!

Sorry, got a little distracted by the red, white, and blue in the sky. July 4th may be nearly two weeks away, but the fireworks are already starting. (Another sure sign of summer!) Don't panic if you haven't got your June/July/August plans in place; we can take it together, day by day, looking ahead for fun, free, and just darn fabulous ways to fill your days. It's what we do.

Keep reading for our most summerific picks for this weekend...

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Food, Nature, Balloons, June 24-25

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 06/21/2017 - 9:30pm

Now that summer has arrived and the days are longer, the race begins to fill the time with fantastic family fun. Thankfully, this weekend's options do not disappoint Philly parents as our event calendar is overflowing with excitement to please the most diverse tribe.

Begin the weekend with food! Start with delicious blueberry pies and jellies or sweet raspberry creations. Indulge in mouth-watering ice cream and then burn off the extra calories with a nature walk or colorful 5K. Celebrate summer with an arts festival, a midsommarfest, or an old-fashioned baseball game. Appreciate nature with an overnight campout, bug hunt, or boat ride. Be sure to carve out time to experience the Chester County Balloon Festival and appreciate the beauty of hot air balloons, the fun of remote controlled airplanes, and the excitement of the Kids' Zone.

Continue reading for additional top picks for this summer weekend. Make it a great one!

Weekend Fun for Boston Kids: Block Parties, Strawberries, and a Family Fun Day; June 24-25

Submitted by Lucie T on Wed, 06/21/2017 - 7:00pm

With so many kids getting out of school this week, this last weekend in June really feels like the official start to summer. Kids can rejoice in this new found freedom by heading to an awesome block party, celebrating the wonders of the world, partying with some furry friends, or enjoying a family fun day.

There's also still several strawberry festivals rounding out this berry's picking season, not to mention butterflies and dragonflies to discover, and even an event for little car buffs.

Also on Mommy Poppins this week:

We found the best mini golf courses in the area for families.
These Boston swimming pools are free (or nearly free) for families.
Family resorts with camp for the kids? Yes, please!
Hit the waves in under an hour from Boston.
See what free outdoor movies and concerts to go to all summer long.

Need more family fun ideas? Check out our full events calendar.

Weekend Fun for CT Kids: Camping, Festivals, and Fireworks, June 24-25

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Wed, 06/21/2017 - 5:00pm

It is officially summer so we've dusted off our beach chairs and stocked up on a supply of sunscreen. We're ready for some adventures! This weekend, we might hit a beach party with fireworks in East Haven, catch the kickoff of one of our favorite summer concert series with a performance by the McLovins at Bayley Beach in picturesque Rowayton, or spend the night at the New Canaan Nature Center, a fun and easy camping experience for even very young children.

Believe it or not, fireworks season begins this weekend with displays in Danbury, Branford, Hebron, Coventry, and Bridgeport, to name just a few. As we count down to the July 4th holiday, families can find a little historical context at the 17th Century Encampment at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum.

As always, for the latest and greatest happenings across the state, check out our Event Calendar, which is constantly updated with new listings. To keep up with everything going on in CT, subscribe to our free newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Have a fabulous weekend!