Get snuggly and cuddly with the family and enjoy the top things to do in CT this weekend! Goat Snuggles photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
Sesame Street Live, Earth Day, and More Things To Do in CT This Weekend
Take a peek at all the fun things to do with kids in Connecticut for April 2024! Photo by Andrew Shirey for the National Park Service
Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids April 2024
Summer camps help kids learn new skills and make new friends
GUIDE
Connecticut Summer Camp Guide
Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens
Kids meet new friends as they jump, slide, and swing at the top indoor playgrounds and play spaces in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Romp N Roll in Wethersfield
20 Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Connecticut
Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
100 Things To Do in Connecticut Before Kids Grow Up
Don't sweat the weather, because the best indoor water parks in New England are waiting for year-round fun! Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
By land, by sea, by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
The pediatric health experts at Connecticut Children’s have you covered with answers to common children’s health questions.
Fever Facts, Ear Infections, and How to Identify Common Kids’ Illnesses
How To Throw a Taylor Swift Party
New England Family Travel Guide
Pediatric health experts at Connecticut Children’s share information on the most common health challenges around the holidays.
Help Keep Your Family Healthy This Holiday Season With These Expert Tips
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
Best Breakfast Restaurants in Connecticut
As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel
Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
GUIDE
Connecticut Guide to Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
GUIDE
Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut
Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers
Connecticut Children's has created an online parenting toolkit that addresses challenges like choosing appropriate apps and understanding parental controls.
Technology and Kids: Screen Time Limits, Social Media Safety, Cyberbullying, and More Expert Advice
Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
A Dozen Short Hikes in Connecticut for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
Top Attractions in Connecticut: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT
25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
Connecticut Childrens' latest Back to School Toolkit provides straight-forward, age-appropriate, expert advice to keep kids happy and healthy.
Expert Tips for Navigating Back to School Challenges and Tough Talks
Essex has genuine appeal for every family. Photo by Ally Noel.
Essex, Connecticut with Kids: Top 10 Things To See and Do
Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
Top Connecticut Playgrounds That Families Will Love
Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut
Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
Top Skate Parks in Connecticut
Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
  VIDEO
25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids
Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels
How to Plan a Kids' Birthday Party At Home
Explore The Wizard Realm, photo courtesy of Puzzle Theory
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
Make ponies the stars of your child's birthday party. Photo courtesy of The Little Party Ponies
Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT That Come To You
Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families
Learn some random fun facts that will leave your kids laughing. Photo by Sara Marentette
125 Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds
Find a new children's book to read today. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Kids' Books Every Child Should Read Before They Grow Up
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Photo courtesy of the Hartt School Community Division
Dance Classes for Connecticut Kids: 20 Studios for Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, and More
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Staff members are on hand to explain the historic aircraft. Photo courtesy of the New England Air Museum
A Visit to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut with Kids
Photo by Liz Baill
GUIDE
Crafts & Games Guide: 100s of Activities for Kids
With a working farm, plenty of trails to explore, and hands-on programming, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a family-friendly wonderland. Photo courtesy of Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Stamford Museum & Nature Center: 7 Family-Friendly Things To Do
The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
Best Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps to Learn Programming Skills
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Use recyclables and household objects to build a better bridge.
25 STEM Activities Easy Enough for Preschoolers
Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum
Free Museums in Connecticut To Visit with Kids

Channel Your Kiddo's Inner Martial Arts Master in Eastern CT

6/13/17 - By Sherry Pardy

The first time my son broke a board in Tae Kwon Do class, I nearly fainted.  His 3-year-old brain had trouble focusing on much of anything outside of class, but when he walked through the doors of the dojo a laser focus seemed to switch on. The Martial Arts offer fitness of the body and mind, something not found in many kid-friendly activities.  If you've considered enrolling your kiddo, here are some class options around Eastern Connecticut. And for even more after school fun check out our Classes and Activities Guide.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Gabrieles Martial Arts
Gabrieles offers karate classes for kids as young as two. Instructors focus on concentration and self-discipline while building motor skills and agility. Class discussions also include "stranger danger" and "when to call 911".  Gabrieles also offers a teen program featuring a more intense workout and realistic lessons in goal setting and bullying. Training is offered at locations in Groton, and Waterford.

1028 Poquonnock Road, Groton 860-405-8427

Yamashita Karate
Offering classes in Karatedo and Kobudo, Yamashita Karate accepts students as young as 4 at their school near the sub base in Groton. No need to sign a contract; students may opt out at any time. 

255 Route 12, Groton 860-448-0315

Black Dragon Martial Arts Academy
The entire family is welcome to take classes at Black Dragon!  From age 4 and up, all are invited to learn the art of Kempo Karate, as well as patience, self-confidence, and fitness. Black Dragon also offers a Kick Fit Boot Camp and private lessons, too. You're welcome to sign up for a free trial class. 

201 Salem Turnpike, Unit 2, Norwich 860-892-KICK

ABD Martial Arts
Kids' classes at ABD are a combination of kickboxing and karate, what they call "character-based karate". They welcome students starting at age 6 at their Norwich facility and offer teen/adult classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Krav Maga. 

433 West Main Street, Norwich 860-889-1818

Bushidokai Traditional Martial Arts 
Kids as young as 4 are welcome at Bushidokai Traditional Martial Arts in East Lyme, to learn the art of Kosho Shorei Ryu. Students learn traditional physical techniques, receive instruction in health, nutrition, and strategy, as part of a comprehensive martial arts education.

339 Flanders Road, Unit 107, East Lyme 860-739-5482

Photo credit: courtesy of bigstock.

 

Originally published 04.13.2013

Places featured in this article: