Hartford

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.

Kid Friendly Music Festivals in Connecticut

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Tue, 05/01/2018 - 10:00am

Navigating festivals with kids--much like doing anything at all with kids--is a completely different experience than just slathering on the sunscreen, finding a floppy hat, and heading out the door with friends. Most festivals these days are sympathetic to the idea that parents still want to rock out, too. Here is a roundup of some of Connecticut's music festivals and how to (or whether to) approach them with kids in tow.

A Springtime Bucket List for Preschoolers in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Fri, 03/23/2018 - 5:59pm

Coming out of this seemingly endless stretch of winter has me especially stoked for all of the spring things. The daffodils and added daylight. Baseball and the opening of all those roadside ice cream stands. And you know who else is excited? My four year old. Here is her spring bucket list. I didn’t even help at all.

St. Patrick's Day Events in Connecticut

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Sat, 03/03/2018 - 10:00am

It's March and you know what that means...St. Patrick's Day! While St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are often thought of as mostly adult-oriented (usually associated with pints of Guinness), there are many kid-friendly ways to celebrate the holiday with wee little ones. Check out the following great family events to celebrate St. Patty's Day in Connecticut. Erin Go Bragh!

20 Family Friendly New Year's Eve Celebrations in Connecticut

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Sun, 12/24/2017 - 2:00pm

I have crossed over. Dreams of elegant parties and midnight champagne toasts have been replaced with longing for easy bedtimes and a good night's sleep. But it feels wrong not to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another without some sort of revelry. Happily, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate New Year's Eve together as a family: no baby sitter required! Whether you're interested in bowling or skating (ice or roller), museums or light shows, there's something for everyone. The First Night events in Hartford and Westport offer a little bit of everything including fireworks, music, and more.

For more great ideas to finish up 2017 and make plans for 2018, be sure to check our frequently updated events calendar and subscribe to our weekly newsletters. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram so that you won't miss a thing. Merry Christmas! See you next year!

Things to Do on New Year's Day in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 11:38am

Sure, you had amazing plans watching the clock strike midnight, but if your kids are anything like mine -- they will still be up at the crack of dawn on New Year's Day looking for something to do. Whether you choose to bundle up and head outdoors or leave the coats at home and check out an indoor activity, there is tons to do in every corner of the state. Spend a nice day with your family skating by the Sound, or take in the IMAX at the Maritime Aquarium. From First Day Hikes to the Science Center, there is something on this list to make sure everyone starts the New Year off right.

Free Museum Days in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 12/07/2017 - 8:00am

Connecticut may be one of the nation’s smallest states, but what it lacks in square footage it makes up for in culture. Connecticut is literally bursting at the seams with hundreds of art museums, historical homesteads, science museums, children’s museums, and cultural centers in every corner of the state. From the Lyman AIlyn in New London to the Wadsworth Antheneum in Hartford, if you want to take advantage of everything the Nutmeg State has to offer, but don’t love the price tag that comes along with it, then this list of museum free days is for you! And for more info on CT Museums check out our Museum Guide.

Below is a list of free museum hours around the state. Please confirm these free days/evenings with the museums. Sometimes, especially near a national or religious holiday, schedules may change. Also, keep in mind that teachers, veterans, or seniors may also receive extra discounts.

The Top 10 Things to do with Preschoolers this Holiday Season

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Tue, 11/14/2017 - 11:38am

From Pinterest-perfect teacher presents to waiting online for those coveted tickets, the Christmas season can be, well, stressful. There's the Christmas parties, the Christmas cards, and then the presents. And the shopping for the presents. We all seriously need a vacation by 5 p.m. on December 25th. But, when you see those little faces light up when they see the guy in red or when they come across an actual living, breathing reindeer, or when they hear that whistle blow. Every second is worth it. We've rounded up the top 10 things to do with your preschooler during the holidays. So get out there and embrace the magic of the season and make yourself some memories to last a lifetime. Be sure to check out our CT Holiday Guide for even more holiday fun.

Holiday Strolls and Tree Lighting Events in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Fri, 11/03/2017 - 12:47pm

One of the best things about living in Connecticut is the small-town feel our communities work so hard to capture. This sentiment can especially be felt around the holidays when people come together. So even if you don't live in these towns in Hartford County, you are welcome and encouraged to celebrate the season at these events. Check out our Holiday Guide and our list of Holiday Light Shows for even more tips on fun ways to celebrate the season.

Haunted Halloween Happenings for Everyone in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Mon, 09/04/2017 - 7:32am

There's something about fall that lends itself to haunted happenings. Maybe it's the first chill in the air or the rustle of dying leaves that stir up the spirit of the season. If your family is looking for some spooky (or not so spooky) fun in the Hartford Area, we have rounded the seasons best bets for kids of all ages. Read on and read carefully as some of these are really not intended for the smaller set.