Middletown was once a historic port town and industrial center but has now become a hopping and eclectic place to bring your family for food and entertainment. Moms and Dads love Middletown for its simultaneous city/town feel and the variety of options available for entertainment such as KidCity and Middletown Roller Rink.  You don't have to go far in in this town to find a great cultural restaurant, something to do with the kids, or places to shop and play.

After spending a pretty penny on vacation destinations, summer camps, and amusement park passes, parents might be interested in enjoying some free activities this summer. Whether you are looking to relax at the movies, dance to live music, or take in a ballet performance, we have you covered. Not only do we have a list of free things to do in the Central Connecticut area, but plenty of fun and free events in the Hartford area will keep money in your pocket and your family busy in the months to come. Check out our suggestions below.

Here's your insider's go-to list with day activities for the entire family to do in (and nearby) Litchfield County this summer. For all sorts of fun check out our CT Summer Fun Guide.

1. Spend the day rafting down the scenic Housatonic River with Clarke Outdoor River Guides.
2. Go on a drive-through safari where you may drive your vehicle through a 50 acre fenced in exotic wildlife park at Action Wildlife. Keep an eye out for zebras and buffalos.
3. Go on horseback trail ride or pony ride at Lee’s Riding Stables in Litchfield.
4. Race go-karts and play phazerball at the family entertainment center R&B Sportsworld in Winsted.

It’s coming, it’s coming, it’s coming... Mother’s Day! The one day a year when children are required by law, tradition, expectation, whatever, to treat us moms like queens. And just in case the kids haven’t been preparing for the big day with the same fervor that you have, we’ve compiled a list of activities in Fairfield County that will make Mother’s Day 2017 one to remember!

History museums can be dry toast for kids—or a favorite destination, if there’s a good interactive component.  The Fairfield Museum and History Center may not be big on square footage dedicated to kids, but it tells Fairfield’s history with cool artifacts, dress up, and climb-on displays that kids adore.  After the kids fall in love with this little gem of a museum, check out the other popular museums for kids in Connecticut and other fun neighborhood activities in Fairfield.

While there are plenty of great cooking classes for kids in New York City, the League of Kitchens offers a special experience in which the learning goes beyond culinary education.

These classes, aimed at ages 13 and older, teach teens how to cook. But perhaps more importantly, young people discover other cultures by taking classes in the homes of immigrants. It's a genius idea, even in this diverse city, where we often don't take advantage of chances to learn from our neighbors. 

Houston families, hold onto your hats - and crayons - one of the country's most colorful museums is coming to Texas, and we couldn't be more excited.

The Crayola Experience will open a location in Plano in 2018 making it the fourth location of its kind in the country. While Plano is about a four-hour drive from Houston, it's just north of Dallas where there is plenty to do, so you don't need much of an excuse to make this a weekend trip.

Whether you're looking to host a pool birthday party in May or December, these indoor pools in Houston are great options year-round. You can arrange a two-hour party of free play in the water, or get adventurous and make it a SCUBA party. And if you need more birthday party inspiration for your kiddo, check out our Houston party guide with ideas on how to plan the best bash ever.