Hartford

25 Free Things to Do In August

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 8:46am

It's the last month before summer break ends and all your kiddos head back to school. You want to have fun, but you don't want to go broke! After all, that school shopping list is looming over your head. Mommy Poppins has put together a fun list of FREE events happening in Connecticut - there's something for everyone. And of course, don't forget to close out your fun summer with our CT Summer Guide!

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

Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on Sun, 07/29/2018 - 5:58am

We've curated 34 of our favorite things to do in Connecticut this August. Fairs, festivals, sunflower mazes, and loads of fun events are occurring throughout the state. Take the kids to enjoy jazz on the lawn at Bushnell Park, to the Annual Easton Fireman's Carnival, or Pirates and the Sea Day in New London. Remember to check out our Summer Fun Guide to make the most out of this last month of summer. Have fun!

End of Summer Bucket List: 30Things To Do in CT Before School Starts

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Tue, 07/24/2018 - 10:00am

Before pool noodles and beach towels get stored away for another season, and late summer nights are replaced by bedtime curfews and homework, (at least) 30 must-do activities await in Connecticut, a great place to raise kids. So don't pack up the flip flops or exile the picnic basket to storage just yet. There are still a few weeks before school buses begin to line at the curb, allowing us to capitalize on the time left and give summer a proper send-off, making more memories sure to keep hearts warm in the cold days to come.

10 Charming Small Towns in Connecticut You Need to Explore with Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 10:15am

Some states are defined by their skyscrapers and sprawling metropolises, but Connecticut is distinguished from its 169 towns that dot the countryside, hills, and coastline. While you may come here to shop, enjoy a cup of coffee at a local cafe, or cruise the countryside - there is a lot of history hiding behind those white picket fences.

Make a Splash and Learn to Swim at Hartford Area Pools

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Mon, 07/02/2018 - 12:00pm

Several indoor pools in the Hartford are 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 Guide.

47 Summer Day Trips in Connecticut for Families

Submitted by Anna Fader on Mon, 07/02/2018 - 5:00am

Every summer weekend is an opportunity to create a mini family vacation, as easily as jumping in the car. They’re grouped by area so you can easily create your own itinerary. Click through each link for more information and inspiration. Find even more summer activities in our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide.

Music Classes for Children in Central Connecticut

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Sun, 06/10/2018 - 11:15am

Not only is music a wonderful source of creative expression, but the benefits of having music a part of your child’s daily life 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.

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.

Strawberry Picking with Kids in Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 05/06/2018 - 1:04pm

Soon, we will be picking strawberries....One of the healthiest and most delicious treats that warmer weather brings is the season of juicy red strawberries. Treat your children to a day at a local farm to see where this super fruit grows and watch the excitement on their faces as they hunt for the biggest berries. The strawberry season is short, usually lasting only from mid June to early July, so don’t miss out on abundant possibilities: homemade jam, strawberry shortcake, berry tarts, or simply enjoying the antioxidant-packed fruit in cereals, salads, or as ice cream topping. For more berry picking fun, check out Berry Farms in Connecticut.