Connecticut

Weekday Picks: Animals, Yoga, and Bubble Mania, July 24-28, 2017

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Sun, 07/23/2017 - 11:36am

We are officially at the halfway point in our summer: my kids head back to school in six weeks. I'm not going to sugar coat it: some of the days have been loooooong, but I'm taking stock of our summer bucket list goals, and I'm making plans. Lots of plans. This week, we're planning to take in a little bubble magic at either the Otis Library on Monday or the Ivoryton Playhouse on Friday, and we're going to chill out with a little yoga in Greenwich, before enjoying some animal encounters in Coventry and New Canaan.

For more options, be sure to check our events calendar, which we update constantly with the latest and greatest local fun, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram so that you don't miss a thing. Have a great week!

10 Great Beach Day Trips in Connecticut

Submitted by Sherry Pardy on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 7:00pm

As a lifelong resident of Connecticut, the list of my state's redeeming qualities is lengthy. Among the attributes of living in the Nutmeg State, 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 10 great beach day trips within Connecticut. There's sure to be one close to you! 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.

Roller Coasters and Water Play at Quassy Amusement Park

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Thu, 07/20/2017 - 3:01pm

More than 100 years ago, Quassy Amusement & Water Park opened in Middlebury, Connecticut along the shoreline of Lake Quassapaug. For years, the lakeside amusement park has drawn families from all over the state as a staple in Connecticut entertainment. Today, Quassy is a New England treasure that has remained a family favorite for generations.

Wondrous, Wild Waterfalls Waiting for You in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Thu, 07/20/2017 - 9:00am

Waterfalls are amazing creations of nature that astound even the hardiest hiker and outdoor lover. The water pounding on the rocks, the splash of the spray, and the shallow wading pools leave the kids with lasting memories. Connecticut is lucky to be home to hundreds of waterfalls; many of them are accessible with just short walks and a little effort for all ages. Of course, please exercise caution at all of these sites as rocks are slippery when wet! If you are looking for more outdoor adventures, go hiking at one of these Hartford area spots and check out our list of ropes courses in Connecticut!

Weekend Fun: Sunflowers, Outdoor Movies, and Fairy Tale Theater, July 22-23

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Wed, 07/19/2017 - 12:00pm

The temperatures this week made everyone in my house short-tempered and cranky--especially me--so I'm looking forward to a weekend with plenty of opportunities to cool off and chill out. Saturday's opening of Sunflowers for Wishes at Buttonwood Farm looks like just the thing to cheer us all up (in addition to the gorgeous sunflowers, did I mention there's homemade ice cream?). Some theatrical magic might also lift our spirits, with performances at the Summer Theatre of New Canaan or the last weekend of the Richter's Fairy Tale Theater (note the new performance location in Bethel).

If all else fails, there are plenty of outdoor movies on the calendar this weekend, from Secret Life of Pets at Shady Beach in Norwalk to Zootopia at Mill River Park in Stamford to Sing at Riverwalk in Shelton to The BFG at The Shoppes at Farmington Valley in Canton. For more ideas, check the Mommy Poppins events calendar and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Stay cool out there!

Providence WaterFire: Tips for an Amazing Outdoor Experience with Your Family

Submitted by Tara D on Tue, 07/18/2017 - 3:00pm

WaterFire just might be the greatest thing that’s ever happened to Providence, Rhode Island. In the 23 years since the first bonfires were lit on the rivers in Providence, the brilliant and moving art installation has helped to transform the city into a vibrant, family-friendly destination.

Part community festival and part art exhibition—complete with bonfires juxtaposed with water, music, arts and crafts vendors, boat rides, and live performances—WaterFire is held on various evenings from late April through early November. And spectators will tell you: It's an event not to be missed. But just like other wonderful, very popular events such as First Night Boston, getting the inside scoop on WaterFire can mean the difference between having a magical evening with the family and a really long night. Here are 25 things to look for and to know before you go—with wisdom learned (sometimes the hard way) from my family’s experience and from the very knowledgeable team at WaterFire.

Date (Night) Like a Pro in Fairfield County

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Tue, 07/18/2017 - 8:57am

OMG Date night. That nocturnal necessity designed to keep parents as sane as possible. I don't know about you, but for me, a successful date night involves getting out the door before bedtime. Sure, it's mostly because that way I'm home before my bedtime, but also because once in a while it's really OK to let somebody else read just one more book...a dozen times. Once you've made your escape...now what? It's easy to forget how to fill leisure time when you're a parent. That's why I've rounded up some date night ideas that are more than just dinner and drinks in Fairfield County. This is precious time, use it to step a little outside your comfort zone for some adventure (and then when you're done maybe dinner and drinks...)! So bring on the babysitter, lace up your big kid shoes, and get out there for some well-deserved you time!

Weekday Picks: Live Music, Composting, and Farm Animals, July 17-21, 2017

Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on Sun, 07/16/2017 - 9:28am

Outdoor concerts, raspberry and blueberry picking, and beach days. You've just gotta love summer in Connecticut. This week you can teach the kids about composting, the upcoming solar eclipse, and enjoy live music and entertainment at a Street Fest. And when the rain showers come, there are plenty of indoor places for fun.

As always, the Event Calendar is continually updated with events so check back often and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to be sure you don't miss a thing.

25 Things to Do With Kids in the Lower Naugatuck Valley

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sat, 07/15/2017 - 10:10am

Tucked in between Fairfield and New Haven counties, the Lower Naugatuck Valley or just, 'The Valley,' is really a hidden bucolic paradise. From Shelton to Southbury, the valley offers plenty of New England backcountry to explore. Head to Derby for some of the best farmstead ice cream in the state or hike up Southford Falls for a panoramic view of sweeping hills and a killer sunset. Climb to the top of the towering Pease Place playscape and cool off in the lagoon at Indian Wells State Park. Here's our list of the top 25 things to do in the valley with your kiddos.

5 Reasons These Giant Blue Blocks Are a Birthday Party Must

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 07/13/2017 - 10:30am

Before you call in the clowns or hire another Elsa impersonator, there's a new way to keep kids entertained at your next birthday bash! Real Good Play brings a safe, structured, mobile play system and a trained play associate to your home or venue, encouraging hours of endless exploration for partygoers. The system features Imagination Playground's™ Big Blue Blocks, which come in seriously abstract shapes that can be creatively lined up, stacked, and connected, inspiring children to design their own inventions, environments, and activities. Conceived and designed by award-winning architect David Rockwell, the blocks are already a big hit at many of the finest Children's Museums worldwide, but Real Good Play is first to bring the fun to your own backyard (literally).