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Pick Your Own Berry Farms in Connecticut

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Mon, 06/04/2018 - 10:10pm

The abundance and availability of fresh food at this time of the year is a real treat. Being able to pick our own fruits and vegetables at local farms makes the bounty taste even sweeter. Not only is it a fun family activity, it's also a great way to teach children about where their food comes from, and to engage them in its preparation process.

For more pick-your-own options in Connecticut, check out our posts about strawberry picking in Connecticut and blueberry picking farms. Happy picking - and baking - and eating! For more summer fun check out our CT Summer Fun Guide.

10 One Mile or Less Hikes to Take with Your Preschooler in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 05/13/2018 - 7:48pm

While Connecticut has hundreds of hiking trails crisscrossing the state, the trails aren’t always suitable for little legs and little feet. So your preschooler may not be ready for Sleeping Giant’s blue trail or Southford Fall’s tower trail however, they will just love exploring the outdoors on these 10 kid-friendly hikes we’ve uncovered. Here are some 1-mile-or-less hikes that are just enough for the youngest of hikers - teaching the invaluable lesson that it is the journey, not the destination. And maybe they’ll catch a frog or two.

Kid Friendly Music Festivals in Connecticut

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Tue, 05/01/2018 - 10:00am

Navigating festivals with kids--much like doing anything at all with kids--is a completely different experience than just slathering on the sunscreen, finding a floppy hat, and heading out the door with friends. Most festivals these days are sympathetic to the idea that parents still want to rock out, too. Here is a roundup of some of Connecticut's music festivals and how to (or whether to) approach them with kids in tow.

Roadtrippin' to the Quiet Corner of Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Fri, 04/27/2018 - 3:36pm

Ah. Meandering scenic roads, sprawling farms with classic red barns, and plenty of quiet. Bordering Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Connecticut’s northeastern most point has been dubbed the “Quiet Corner.” But that doesn't mean there’s nothing to do. Check out all of the awesomeness tucked into the Quiet Corner this spring. And for more fun, check out our Mommy Poppins Spring Guide!

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.

Historical Places Fun to Visit With Kids in Eastern Connecticut

Submitted by Sherry Pardy on Sat, 04/07/2018 - 10:06pm

History runs deep in Eastern Connecticut. From the first settlements in the late 1600's, through the battles of the American Revolution, and into modern times, Eastern Connecticut bares the marks of those who made significant contributions in the arts, military, manufacturing and more! Just check out the amazing places you can experience a step back in time with your kiddos!

A Springtime Bucket List for Preschoolers in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Fri, 03/23/2018 - 5:59pm

Coming out of this seemingly endless stretch of winter has me especially stoked for all of the spring things. The daffodils and added daylight. Baseball and the opening of all those roadside ice cream stands. And you know who else is excited? My four year old. Here is her spring bucket list. I didn’t even help at all.

Easter Egg Hunts and Events in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Fri, 03/09/2018 - 1:52pm

Hippity Hoppity Easter's on its way! That's right folks, the Easter Bunny is coming to town. And, if you're like us and you can't wait any longer for Springtime, Cadbury Eggs and Easter bonnets, we've got you covered. With glow-in-the-dark egg hunts, train rides and bunny breakfasts and brunch, we have rounded up a seriously comprehensive list of bunny sightings and egg-stravaganzas across the state. Hint: March 24th seems to be a very popular date for Easter Egg hunting. Most of these events are geared towards preschoolers and younger elementary age children, so keep that in mind if you have older children. Also note that some events require pre-registration and/or prepayment. Have a hopping good time!

Five Great Connecticut Beaches for Toddlers

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 03/09/2018 - 7:00am

Beach life is the good life, right? Sure, your lazy days of summer spent lounging in the sun may seem like a thing of the past, but exploring the Connecticut coastline with a toddler in tow is a whole new kind of fun. Chances are you are just a quick trip away from one of these beaches & lakes to explore around the state. So, after you have thrown in the bathing suit, swim diaper, change of clothes, another change of clothes, sunscreen, more sunscreen, bug spray, a towel, another towel, sand toys, and a beach chair (you know, for all that sitting you are going to do), it’s time to hit the road and check out one of these toddler approved spots.

What makes these parks “toddler approved”. Well, for starters, all have bathrooms and concessions. They also have a little something else to occupy your wee one's sense of wanderlust. From nature centers, to splash pads, swimming pools and campgrounds - each one of these beaches should make planning a summer day feel like a breeze!