East

Easter Bunny Breakfasts and Brunches for Kids and Families in Connecticut

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 03/17/2019 - 9:26am

With spring in the air, it's time to polish up those dress shoes and think about a special Easter breakfast or brunch with kids. If your kiddo is keen be treated to a very special meal and maybe hunt for eggs or shake a paw, check out these Easter-themed meals at community centers and restaurants around the state. For more ideas to celebrate this gorgeous season in Connecticut, bookmark our spring fun guide.

St. Patrick's Day Parades and Events for Kids and Families in Connecticut

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Fri, 03/01/2019 - 5:04pm

It's March and you know what that means...St. Patrick's Day! While St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are often thought of as mostly adult-oriented (usually associated with pints of Guinness), there are many kid-friendly ways to celebrate the holiday with wee little ones in Connecticut. Check out our March GoList for more handpicked fun this month.

Free Museum Days in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 01/06/2019 - 6:00pm

Connecticut may be one of the nation’s smallest states, but what it lacks in square footage it makes up for in culture. Connecticut boasts hundreds of art museums, historical homesteads, science museums, children’s museums, and cultural centers across the state. If you want to take advantage of everything the Nutmeg State has to offer, but don’t love the price tag that comes along with it, then this list of family-friendly cultural attractions featuring free days for visitors is for you! From the Lyman AIlyn Art Museum in New London to the Wadsworth Antheneum in Hartford, there's something for every interest and age group. Still craving more? Check out our complete Connecticut museum guide.

Below is a list of free visiting hours in various museums and cultural centers around the state. Please confirm these free days and evenings with the museums before heading out. Sometimes, especially near a national or religious holiday, schedules may change. Also, keep in mind that teachers, veterans, or seniors may also receive extra discounts.

Things to Do on New Year's Day in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 12/25/2018 - 11:38am

Sure, you have amazing plans watching the clock strike midnight, but if your kids are anything like mine -- they will still be up at the crack of dawn on New Year's Day looking for something to do. Whether you choose to bundle up and head outdoors, or leave the coats at home and check out an indoor activity, there is plenty of excitement awaiting in every corner of the state. Spend a nice day with your family skating by the Sound, or take in the IMAX at the Maritime Aquarium. From First Day Hikes to the Connecticut cience Center, something on this list will ensure that everyone starts 2019 off right.

24 Family Friendly New Year's Eve Celebrations in Connecticut

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Fri, 12/21/2018 - 2:00pm

I have crossed over. Dreams of elegant parties and midnight champagne toasts have been replaced with longing for easy bedtimes and a good night's sleep. But it feels wrong not to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another without some sort of revelry. Happily, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate New Year's Eve together as a family: no baby sitter required! Whether you're interested in skating, swimming, or roller skating; there's something for everyone.

For more great ideas to finish up 2018 and make plans for 2019, be sure to check our frequently updated events calendar.

25 Fun and Free Things to Do with CT Kids Over Holiday Break

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 10:00am

The December holiday break from school gives most of us the chance to spend quality time together before the new year begins. Whether you're looking forward to visiting light shows or gingerbread displays, there are many activities happening throughout the state, and the best news is that many of them are completely free. Here' s a list of 25 things to do with the kids over holiday break. For more great ideas to keep the entire family entertained, check out the frequently updated Mommy Poppins Events Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.

Best Nutcrackers and Holiday Shows for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 11/04/2018 - 10:40am

From The Nutcracker to Charlie Brown Christmas, holiday musicals are some of our most beloved traditions this time of year. While we love the classic holiday shows, there are some pretty spectacular new performances happening across the state from the Cabaret Theater in Bridgeport to Warner Theater in Torrington. If you have a budding ballerina in your midst and Clara's story is on your "must see" list, don't worry: we also have you covered for performances of The Nutcracker. For more holiday traditions, check out the Mommy Poppins Holiday Guide for more suggestions for your family this holiday season, including some of the best places to visit with Santa.

Apples, Pumpkins, and Corn Mazes: 50 Fall Fairs in Connecticut You Can't Miss

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Fri, 09/07/2018 - 2:00pm

Fall is an amazing time to be in Connecticut, with wonderful fairs and festivals nearly every weekend, celebrating the many aspects of Nutmeg life, from apples to pumpkins and beyond. Most of these have free admission, but charge small fees for specific rides or activities so you'll want to confirm that before heading out. Check out our complete Fall Fun Guide too for more ideas on how to enjoy the season!

All Aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Wed, 08/15/2018 - 9:00am

These rattling, toot-tooting relics are truly treasures across New England landscapes. Each time those vintage diesel locomotives come to life, you can hear that pitter patter of those train-loving little souls of ours. Their dome-cars with padded seats offer the ultimate views for the leaf peeper in all of us and a stop at the pumpkin patch is sure to delight those littles in tow. Here is a roundup of historic Connecticut trains and trolleys to climb aboard this fall. And, for more autumn adventures, check out our CT Halloween Guide for Kids .

25 Things to do in Vernon

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 12:25pm

Past Manchester, heading into the Quiet Corner, Moms and Dads can find the bustling minitropolis of Vernon. There are many family friendly things to do in this town, especially for your pre-teens and teens. While you're in th area, make sure to check out some of our favorite road trips in the Quiet Corner and these other small Connecticut towns.