Stonington

Connecticut's Best Sunflower Patches and Places to Cut Your Own Flowers

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 08/02/2019 - 8:23pm

Forget grocery store posies—by mid-summer, Connecticut fields are bursting with sunflowers and other brightly colored flowers, and many farms allow you to cut your own bouquet to bring home. Sure, most kids like to pick their own berries, veggies and fruit, but many children also have a special fondness for selecting the most beautiful blooms to carefully arrange in vases, press into books, or weave into hair crowns. Bonus fun: One of these sunflower farms has a flower maze, too! Find your flower power at these Connecticut farms.

12 Amazing Playgrounds Worth Driving to Across Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 04/19/2019 - 8:14pm

Now that we have had a few 60 degree days on the books, it's time to pull out the water bottles and pile the kids in the car to hit some of the best playgrounds in Connecticut. All of these playgrounds are unique, fun, and are less than a 45-minute drive away from anywhere in the state. Also, don't forget to check out some of our favorite neighborhood playgrounds in the Hartford and Fairfield areas.

Our Favorite Connecticut Lighthouses to Visit

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Fri, 08/10/2018 - 9:24am

You don’t have to venture to Cape Elizabeth or Portland for classic New England lighthouse vistas because Connecticut has quite the maritime history. With the very first lighthouse museum in the nation, a half dozen lighthouse tours, and even some lighthouse hauntings, we've rounded up seven Connecticut lighthouses worth a visit with your kiddos.

Finders Keepers: Hunting for Seaglass along the Connecticut Shoreline

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 08/05/2018 - 7:47am

If you're lucky, you might find Coke-bottle aqua or Milk-of-Magnesia Blue. Maybe once in a lifetime you'll unearth rare ruby red. Most often you'll find beer-bottle-brown and wine-bottle-green. But if you ask my kids--it's all treasure no matter what color or size. My very favorite memories of summer were made walking the beach with my kids gathering up every glittering shard of beach glass we could find like a magical treasure hunt. Ground smooth by the ocean and transformed from transparent to translucent by the sand, these tiny bits of sea glass are found scattered (scarcely) on the beaches throughout the state. Here's our roundup of the best beaches to hunt for these precious pieces of treasure washed ashore.

Best Mountains to Climb With Kids in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Tue, 07/04/2017 - 12:01pm

Have you ever planned a perfect day of hiking with the kiddos only to hear whines ranging from “I’m bored,” to, “I have to go to the bathroom,” to, “Are we there yet?” I have definitely been there and feel your pain. You’ve packed the perfect picnic lunch to be enjoyed alongside a babbling brook after you’ve spent your morning becoming one with nature but your kids have lost interest after finishing their Nature Valley granola bar 10 minutes into the hike. Sigh.

Well, have you considered climbing a mountain? We have rounded up some hikes across the state that are sure to keep the kid’s interest as you scale mountain tops, discover giants, castles, and maybe a hobbit house or two.

Allergy Aware Bakeries in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 02/06/2017 - 2:50pm

There are so many great bakeries in every corner of Connecticut. But, like many of you, my daughter’s school is a nut free facility. For everyone’s safety, if we want to send in treats for celebrations and birthdays, they have to be store bought and in their original sealed containers. For really special celebrations, like birthdays and holidays, I like to bring in something a little more festive than a box of Oreo Cookies. Thankfully, Connecticut has a growing list of bakeries that can provide a fresh-baked treat that everyone can enjoy.

Nature and Science Summer Camps in New London County

Submitted by Sherry Pardy on Wed, 03/20/2013 - 9:55am

My son, at 6 years old, declared his intention to attend MIT after high school, class of 2027. He lives and breathes science, so most summer camps involving athletic activities don't appeal much to his interests. Sound familiar? If your little marine biologist or farmer need a fun camp experience this summer, New London county offers a wide range of camps just for them! Also check out our complete Summer Camps Guide!