New Britain

Free Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 11/16/2018 - 10:18am

Christmas lights and festive holiday fun are popping up everywhere you look in Connecticut. And along with it, many families feel a strain in their wallets as they dole out the gifts (and seasonal tips). Read on for kid-friendly events and activities in Connecticut that won't cost you a cent, from lights festivals to arts and crafts to holiday light shows, and more. Join in on the jolly spirit at one of these free holiday events.

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.

11 Spring Fairs & Festivals in Central Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 04/15/2018 - 12:00pm

April showers bring May flowers, and along with all the colorful blossoms come an array of springtime celebrations. The Hartford and New Haven areas are bursting with exciting outdoor family festivals in April, May, and June. These eleven events feature crafts, delicious treats, family-friendly activities, and boundless fun. So head outside with the children and enjoy all that spring in Central Connecticut has to offer.

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.

Youth Volunteer Opportunities in Hartford County, Connecticut

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 11:19pm

Looking for an effective way of teaching children the true meaning of generosity? Without a doubt, helping others feels good and kind gestures can have a rippling effect and strengthen communities. Volunteering can teach children that others may not be as fortunate to have a warm home, food, clothes, or good health. Though most begin volunteering in their teen years, even young ones can learn the value of giving when parents volunteer their time to help others. Following is a list of places in Hartford County where you and your family can volunteer and help to spread joy in every season. We've also written about opportunities in Litchfield County as well.

30 Unmissable Things to do with Kids in the Hartford area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Sun, 07/02/2017 - 10:38pm

I have a thing with lists…I love them! Grocery lists, bucket lists, to-do lists you name it I make it. When I was living in New York the Mommy Poppins 100 Things to do in NYC with your child before they grow was like my holy grail. So of course after moving to Hartford I deemed it necessary to come up with a similar list in my own area. While New Englanders may have some stiff competition against the endless amount of things to do in NYC, Connecticut does not disappoint us. There are plenty of things in our very own list of 110 Things to do in Connecticut that will help to form our children into the full-fledged Yankee Doodles that they will grow into.

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.

A Visit to the New Britain Museum of American Art

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Tue, 06/06/2017 - 9:00am

Something happens when you bring a child into a fine art museum. Their talking hushes and their eyes sparkle as they take in the colors and creations of the things all around them. Right here in the Hartford area, we have a terrific museum of American art that offers a variety of things for kids. Familiar names like Alexander Calder, Andrew Wyeth, and Ansel Adams grace the walls of this urban museum.

Water Fun in Hartford County: Splash Pads, Swimming Holes, Pools, and Water Parks

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Wed, 05/24/2017 - 11:25am

Just because Hartford County is centrally located doesn't mean that you have to venture very far to enjoy the water. Even though 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.

Where to Eat, Play, Jump, and Make Soda in New Britain

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 04/30/2017 - 12:26pm

Located in the center of Connecticut, New Britain is a city rooted in manufacturing and industry, leaving some to wonder what family-friendly activities can be found in this Hartford area community. However, with a little exploring, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all it has to offer. A variety of kid-friendly spots waiting to be explored include places to play and enjoy nature, opportunities to discover and create art, try out some old-fashioned soda, and gaze at the stars.