Connecticut

Target's Car Seat Trade-in Returns: Get the Details

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Sat, 04/21/2018 - 12:35pm

Is it time to toss or upgrade your child's car seat? Beginning on April 22, Target will recycle your goldfish-crusted and stained old one and help you to save on a new model through its popular car seat trade-in event. As if we needed another excuse to go to Target, right?

Whether you're expecting a new baby, or simply sizing up, read on for all the details on this year's trade-in program.

Have you Visited Connecticut's only National Park Site?

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 11:09am

Tucked in the bucolic countryside of Fairfield County, Weir Farm is the only in the National Park Service dedicated to the arts. Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Weir Farm has inspired generations of visitors on 60 acres of painterly pastoral paradise. You'll love the peace and serenity Weir Farm brings, your kids will love the pastels.

30 Things To Do in Austin, TX with Kids

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 9:00am

As a native Texan, I can quickly rattle off about 100 obscure things that make Austin an amazing place for a family getaway. But on a larger scale, Austin, Texas, is widely known for several major reasons. Hailed as the live music capital of the world, Austin is home to one of the nation's most notorious music festivals, SXSW (South by Southwest), as well as the Austin City Limits Festival, and many smaller permanent live music venues throughout the city. Austin is a college town, home to The University of Texas campus, the second largest university in the second largest state in the country. It's also the state's capital, which means it is rich with historical sites, museums, and iconic landmarks.

The city's popularity is booming thanks in part to the wide variety of culturally enriching activities available, especially for families. "Keep Austin Weird" is the city's unofficial mantra, and boy do they ever keep it weird...in the best way. This list of must-do family activities in the capital of the Lone Star State includes quirky toy shops, breathtaking outdoor sites, unique museums, and even a collection of old "junk" in one man's backyard. And don't forget, we also have awesome ideas for the best things to do with kids in other parts of Texas, including San Antonio and Houston.

Earth Day Weekend Fun for CT Kids: Kites, Cosplay, and Parties for the Planet

Submitted by Donald Eng on Wed, 04/18/2018 - 3:31pm

It's Earth Day weekend, and there are outdoor activities galore around Connecticut. Bring the family to historic Wooster Park in downtown New Haven for the 45th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. While you're there, double up on Elm City fun at the Yale Peabody Museum's annual Earth Day celebration. Earth Day celebrations are also taking place this weekend in Stamford, Bethel, and Simsbury. If you are in the southwestern part of the state, you can fly high at the annual Greenwich Kite Festival or check out the greatest show (and tell) on Earth at the Westport Makers Faire.

If you're still looking for more, check our frequently updated Events Calendar, sign up for our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

20 Reasons to LOVE Spring in Eastern Connecticut

Submitted by Sherry Pardy on Tue, 04/17/2018 - 1:49pm

For us here in Eastern Connecticut, we don't necessarily pay attention to the calendar to decide if the season has changed. We have our own barometers and signs that warmer weather is just around the corner! Check out some of these springtime rites of passage. And for more springtime fun make sure to check out our Mommy Poppins Spring Guide.

11 Spring Fairs & Festivals in Central Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 04/15/2018 - 12:00pm

April showers bring May flowers, and along with all the colorful blossoms come an array of springtime celebrations. The Hartford and New Haven areas are bursting with exciting outdoor family festivals in April, May, and June. These eleven events feature crafts, delicious treats, family-friendly activities, and boundless fun. So head outside with the children and enjoy all that spring in Central Connecticut has to offer.

You Can't Touch This: Babyproofing and Playroom Designers in Fairfield County

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 04/13/2018 - 9:57am

I remember receiving some electrical socket covers as a baby shower gift - the women around me were so excited, “You are going to need those” I heard several times. Then there was that time I texted a photo of my daughter rolling over and received a text from my mom stating something along the lines of “time to put up the baby gates”. “I’ve got time”, I thought to myself.

I realized I ran out of time when I shared some video of my daughter taking her first steps and the Internet responded with “now the fun starts!” Except, it wasn’t fun. All of a sudden my comfortable home became a deathtrap. I was sure that every edge of furniture would lead to my beautiful baby’s demise. Short of wrapping my baby girl in bubble tape, I knew it was time to call in the professionals. From fireplace guards to full blown playroom design, these local Fairfield County companies will ease your mind and provide a safe space for your child to develop and grow.

Spring Break Weekend Fun for CT Kids: Dinosaurs, Theater, and a Tea Party, April 14-15

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Wed, 04/11/2018 - 5:38pm

It's a bit of a funny weekend in Connecticut....many of us have been on spring break this week, and many others will be on spring break next week, but this weekend, at least, we're all in it together. It's a great opportunity to take in a show: The Pied Piper of Hamelin at the magical Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, The Lightning Thief at the Quick Center, How I Became a Pirate at the Westport Country Playhouse, or Annie at Curtain Call (many of the performances are sold out so make sure you check with the box office).

And if you're looking for something more interactive, do a bit of dinosaur hunting with Discover the Dinosaurs at the CT Convention Center, Dinosaurs in Your Backyard at the Children's Museum, and Dinosaur Discovery Week at the Mystic Aquarium.

Check our events calendar for even more activities, and we hope you'll follow Mommy Poppins Connecticut on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe to our newsletters to stay in the know. Have a wonderful weekend!

Step Into Harry Potter, The Magic Castle, and Narnia at Storyteller's Cottage

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 04/08/2018 - 9:05am

Storyteller's Cottage is the place for the book loving, imagination-driven, creative and inspired child. A one-of-a-kind destination for kids, the owners have taken a turn-of-the-century home and turned it into a place where children can dig deeply into their love for all things books. Love Harry Potter? Come to a class in the Magical Castle Common-room. Adore knights and swords? There's a special classroom for you behind the hidden door in the wall. Love Narnia? Yes. There is a wardrobe! And while you are in town check out the other cool things to do as well.

Visiting Van Gogh, Picasso and Monet at the Yale University Art Gallery

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sat, 04/07/2018 - 3:27am

Did you know you could visit Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet in the Elm City? Yup. Right on the corner of York and Chapel streets, you’ll find a collection of more than 200,000 works of art in the oldest art gallery in the western hemisphere. And yes, we know what you're thinking. Should you really take your four year old to a gallery? The answer is yes, you should. In fact, Yale offers a number of family-friendly guides and programs inviting you and your four year old to take a closer look at art.