Glastonbury

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.

Cornfest, Hay Day, and Parks Galore: 25 Things to Do This Fall in Hartford County

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Wed, 08/23/2017 - 12:38pm

Fall is my favorite season: there are so many fun activities available in the greater Hartford region in that short stretch of comfortable weather punctuated by New England foliage. Inevitably, by the time November rolls around, there are at least ten things that I wished I’d done but either I didn’t think of them, or I didn’t get around to them. To help you make the most of this fall season, we've compiled a list of fall favorites (including some indoor activities for those rainy days). If you get around to all of them, you’re my hero.

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

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 08/11/2017 - 5:23pm

One thing I always look for forward to is the blooming of tall, fresh-faced sunflowers, peering over me, bringing the sunshine a little bit closer to earth. My family loves to be surrounded by fresh flowers as well as bring them into our home, and there is nothing better than cutting your own (forget grocery store bouquets!). If flowers make your day like they do mine, then you will want to check out the great places you can dance amongst the daisies here in Connecticut. And, of course many of these places offer pick your own berries, veggies and fruit too.

Apple Picking Orchards in Hartford County, CT

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Wed, 08/02/2017 - 8:46pm

The nights are beginning to have a cool crisp breeze in the air, the leaves will soon be changing their colors, and the days are getting shorter….all signs of the start of my favorite season here in Hartford County. Fall marks the end of summer and with it comes many great things like fairs, breathtaking foliage, cozy sweaters, and especially apples! What better way to mark the start of fall harvest than to go apple picking with the kids. Many farms in the central Connecticut area offer pick-your-own fruit. While you’re there don’t forget to try a warm apple cider donut! For even more areas to go apple picking check out our CT Apple Picking Guide.

Pumpkin Patches in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Tue, 08/01/2017 - 9:00am

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.

Wondrous, Wild Waterfalls Waiting for You in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Thu, 07/20/2017 - 9:00am

Waterfalls are amazing creations of nature that astound even the hardiest hiker and outdoor lover. The water pounding on the rocks, the splash of the spray, and the shallow wading pools leave the kids with lasting memories. Connecticut is lucky to be home to hundreds of waterfalls; many of them are accessible with just short walks and a little effort for all ages. Of course, please exercise caution at all of these sites as rocks are slippery when wet! If you are looking for more outdoor adventures, go hiking at one of these Hartford area spots and check out our list of ropes courses in Connecticut!

Fall Fun at Rose's Berry Farm in Glastonbury

Submitted by Kimberly Ayala on Sat, 07/08/2017 - 9:00am

If you are looking for a fun fall activity to experience with the family, consider a trip to Rose’s Berry Farm in Glastonbury. This farm boasts a large pumpkin patch, an apple orchard, and on Sundays, a delicious breakfast with a view. The quaint New England farm has a lot to offer in a beautiful autumn setting.

Paint Your Own Pottery Places for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Thu, 06/29/2017 - 3:13pm

Now and then you need just a really good, crafty indoor activity with the kiddos. In winter, after we’ve skated indoors and outdoors, sledded, and tried winter sports, we are ready to head inside. The same is true for summer days! After hours of fishing, kayaking and hiking, my kids are ready for some good hands-on craft time. Even with a list of great indoor play places, sometimes the kids need an activity that's a little more relaxing. For this, any of the numerous paint your own pottery studios in the Hartford area or Fairfield County area fit the bill.

Building Character at Acting Classes for Kids in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Fri, 06/09/2017 - 9:40pm

If you have an aspiring thespian in the house, then sign them up for acting classes. It could be a fun way to inspire their creativity and hone their skills. The following list of places in the Hartford area should be able to guide you in the right direction. For more fun after school classes, check out our After School Classes Guide.

Horse Riding in the Greater Hartford Area

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Sun, 06/04/2017 - 12:23pm

My now 6-year old daughter has been a horse-lover ever since her first pony ride at a town fair. After several casual rides she began begging me for “real” horseback riding lessons. Luckily, we live in a state that has the highest density of horses in the country, and the greater Hartford area has no shortage of options! Many of these locations offer private and group lessons as well as pony rides and birthday parties. Check out more equestrian camps in the Litchfield County area too.