Hartford

End of Summer Checklist: 30Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids Before School Starts

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 08/04/2019 - 6:00pm

Before beach towels get stored away for another season and late summer nights are replaced by bedtime curfews, there's still plenty of time to embrace late-summer fun with Connecticut kids. Here are our favorite things to close out the summer vacation season as a family. Don't forget to check our list of must-do August activities, free August fun, and events calendar for even more ideas for making the most of summer's end.

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.

August GoList: The Best Things To Do With Connecticut Kids This Month

Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on Sun, 07/28/2019 - 5:00pm

With school looming, we all know that August is the time to pull out all the stops for summertime fun. We've curated a list of more than 30 of our favorite things to do with kids and families in Connecticut this month. Pick among fairs, festivals, carnivals, and even a sunflower maze to keep kids busy and entertained all August long.

Connecticut Farms with Homemade Ice Cream and Fun Activities for Kids and Families

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 07/14/2019 - 12:00pm

After a long, hot day at a Connecticut beach, pool, or summer camp, there's no better treat than creamy, cold ice cream. And best yet is homemade ice cream served at one of Connecticut's local farms. While some farms are best for picking berries, peaches, and other summer produce, others are even more famous for their delectable dairy products. Check out these family-friendly farms that offer delicious ice cream as well as rolling green hills, fields, and even animals to check out before or after your treat.

Free Splash Pads, Spraygrounds, and Fountains for Kids in Hartford County

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 10:00am

Just because Hartford County is centrally located in Connecticut doesn't mean that you have to venture very far to enjoy the water. Waves and beach sand are not in close proximity, there are still plenty of options to enjoy water play in lakes, pools, water parks, and splash pads. If you’re looking to cool down in the hot summer months, check out one of these fun locations. Best of all, like so many of our Mommy Poppins faves, they're free, so there's no need to bring your wallet (just towels and sunscreen)!

Make a Splash and Learn to Swim at Hartford Area Pools

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Tue, 07/02/2019 - 12:00pm

Get ready to make a splash. Several pools in the Hartford area offer open swim times and lessons to refresh you on a hot day or help you think sunny thoughts on a cold day. Some require town residency while others are open to nonresidents. It’s a great way to get the family some exercise even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Plus, swimming is a lifelong skill that enhances safety and increases opportunities for fun. For more enrichment and after school classes, check out our Classes and Activities Guide.

Farms to Pick Your Own Berries, Peaches, Plums, and More in Connecticut

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Fri, 06/28/2019 - 9:00am

Fresh summer fruit is treat enough, but when kids can pick their own berries, peaches, and plums themselves, dessert is all the sweeter. For more pick-your-own options in Connecticut, check out our berrylicious posts devoted to just strawberry picking and blueberry picking in Connecticut. Happy picking—and baking, and best of all, eating! For more summer fun, check out our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide.

Summer Day Trips in Connecticut for Families that are Fun for Kids

Submitted by Anna Fader on Sun, 06/23/2019 - 3:00pm

When you live in Connecticut and within a short drive of great beaches, state parks, and amuseument park rides, every summer weekend is an opportunity for a quick, easy family day trip with kids. Here, we've collected some outings that Connecticut kids will love, grouped by area so you can easily double up on attractions and create your own itinerary. Click through each link for more information and inspiration, whether you are looking to explore natural beauty, expand knowledge, or scream with delight on a water slide or roller coaster. Find even more summer activities in our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide.

Top Swimming Pools for Families Near and Around Hartford, CT

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 06/14/2019 - 9:00am

Kids plus swimming pools are what summer dreams are made of, and the Hartford area has plenty to offer. We've rounded up our favorite outdoor pools where you and the kids can take a refreshing dip during the summer months around the Hartford, Connecticut area.

Read through our list of Hartford swimming pools to find the one right for your family, whether that's the one with an adjacent playground or an inexpensive day pass. A number of these spots offer kiddie pools, but you can also check out our list of awesome splash pads in the area, too.

One thing's for sure: There are plenty of ways to get wet and stay cool this summer in Connecticut!

Music Classes for Children in Hartford County and Central Connecticut

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Mon, 06/10/2019 - 11:15am

Not only is music a wonderful source of creative expression, but the benefits of having music be a part of children's daily lives are endless. Music has been known to be critical for brain development, fostering self-esteem, improving language, and building many other great skills. If your child is interested in vocal or dance classes, there are many options to choose from in the Hartford area. Here is also an extensive list of schools that offer instrument lessons or other music class programs. For even more fun ideas, check out our After School Classes Guide.