Glastonbury

Pumpkin Patches in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Sun, 09/01/2019 - 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.

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.

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)!

45 Unmissable Things to do with Kids in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Fri, 04/12/2019 - 8:38pm

Smack in the middle of the state, Hartford County is a place you'll probably have lots of occasions to pass through even if you don't live nearby. Luckily, this county, the second most populous in Connecticut, is packed with museums, parks, and other attractions that are worth a stop for a morning or afternoon. While there are many more things to do with kids than this 50-item list shares, we have collected some unmissable places and events Connecticut has to share. Whether you and the brood are in the mood to learn, soak up nature, or get some exercise, this list has a family fun idea for you.

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.

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.

Spring Activities For You and the Kids in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Thu, 02/08/2018 - 10:24am

After a long winter, families are eager to get outside with their kids. While sledding and ice skating are fun, being stuck inside for four months is not, so springtime is always welcome for families with energetic little ones! So, when you're ready to kick off the snow boots and to lose a few layers of clothes, and get outside in Connecticut, check out a few of our top spring activities in the Hartford area. And for more springtime fun make sure to check out our Mommy Poppins spring fun guide.

20 Ways to Celebrate National Pumpkin Day in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 10/15/2017 - 9:05am

Pumpkins are the harbinger of the harvest season, appearing every year as the first sign of autumn from pumpkin patches, to pumpkin trains, to Trader Joe's. So, in honor of National Pumpkin Day on October 26th we have rounded up 20 ways to get your pumpkin on in Connecticut.

Get Lost... in a Corn Maze in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Thu, 09/14/2017 - 9:35am

Fall is a great time of year for families to spend time together outdoors enjoying the brisk weather and beautiful foliage in Hartford County. The autumn season is filled with so many activities like pumpkin picking, spooky Halloween events, fairs and you can’t forget corn mazes! Why not get together with another family and have a "Family Corn Maze Challenge"? Which family will get out of the maze fastest? Here's a list of places to do just that in the Hartford area.