Hartford

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.

Indoor Play Areas in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Sun, 11/25/2018 - 11:03am

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean that you and your family have to go into hibernation. There are some great indoor play spaces in the Hartford area where your active child can burn off excess energy by climbing, bouncing, running, and jumping. He or she might even take a nap for you later! We've also compiled a list of indoor play places specifically for big kids in Hartford County. For even more indoor fun check out our Connecticut Indoor Play Guide.

Connecticut's Christmas Light Displays

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Thu, 11/22/2018 - 11:17am

There is something magical about a holiday light display. Generation after generation have made a ritual of going to see the displays each season. I have so many fun memories of bundling up in the backseat and driving around town searching for the best Christmas lights in town. New Haven has its Fantasy of Lights, Fairfield has several houses that make the holidays special, and Hartford has a huge list of special places to visit.

Free Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 11/16/2018 - 10:18am

Christmas lights and festive holiday fun are popping up everywhere you look in Connecticut. And along with it, many families feel a strain in their wallets as they dole out the gifts (and seasonal tips). Read on for kid-friendly events and activities in Connecticut that won't cost you a cent, from lights festivals to arts and crafts to holiday light shows, and more. Join in on the jolly spirit at one of these free holiday events.

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.

Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner around Hartford, CT

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Sat, 10/20/2018 - 1:29pm

The thought of having to prepare a huge Thanksgiving meal for my family gives me nightmares worse than forgetting to turn in my senior thesis. I prefer to leave it to the professionals and enjoy family, friends, and football rather than shopping, cooking, and cleaning up. For a traditional feast with all the trimmings minus the stress, check out our list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in the Hartford area. Reservations are strongly recommended for all of the restaurants. Check out our posts about Thanksgiving Dinner Out in Fairfield County and Restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day in Litchfield County too.

Trunk or Treats In and Around the Hartford Area

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 10/19/2018 - 8:00am

We don't blame you if you really don't want to go out Trick Or Treating on Halloween night. Sometimes it's cold, sometimes it rains, and for the smallest kids, they only hit about four houses before their costume starts to fall apart. In that case, Trunk or Treats are perfect for your family! Families meet in an organized place where they can hand out candy from the trunks of their cars, while running around gathering candy from the other cars. Sounds very efficient to us! Enjoy trunk or treating at these events in the Hartford area.

Halloween Events in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 10/07/2018 - 3:41pm

Holy Howling Halloween! The spookiest time of the year is quickly approaching and families are planning the best way for their little ghouls to enjoy the season. If you live near the Hartford-area, there are many not-so-scary events to squeeeeze into your creepy calendar. And of course, don't forget to check out Mommy Poppins' Ultimate Fall Guide.

Pumpkin Patches in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Fri, 09/21/2018 - 5:00pm

The farm fields are brimming with bright orange pumpkins just waiting to be picked and painted, carved, or baked into scrumptious desserts. Pumpkin picking is one of the most beloved fall activities and there is no shortage of patches in the greater Hartford area. Head out on a crisp autumn day and find just the right pumpkin to decorate with your child. Don't forget to roast and enjoy the seeds! For even more fall fun, check out our CT Fall Fun and Halloween Guide.

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!