Simsbury

Top Swimming Pools for Families Near and Around Hartford, CT

Jennifer Coe's picture Submitted by Jennifer Coe on

Kids plus swimming pools are what summer dreams are made of, and the Hartford area has plenty to offer. We've rounded up our favorite outdoor pools where you and the kids can take a refreshing dip during the summer months around the Hartford, Connecticut area.

Read through our list of Hartford swimming pools to find the one right for your family, whether that's the one with an adjacent playground or an inexpensive day pass. A number of these spots offer kiddie pools, but you can also check out our list of awesome splash pads in the area, too. 

One thing's for sure: There are plenty of ways to get wet and stay cool this summer in Connecticut!

Top 12 Playgrounds and Parks for Family Fun in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on

Sometimes we get so busy with our regular routines that we forget to do one of the most important and healthy things with our children: get outside! Spending time in the sunshine and among the trees is so healthy for kids (and parents) physically, mentally, and even emotionally. With nicer weather upon us, everyone’s itching to escape the house, and if you live anywhere near the Greater Hartford area, you're downright spoiled with outdoor options to choose from. Here are a dozen of our favorite parks and playgrounds to spend time as a family. 

45 Unmissable Things to do with Kids in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on

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.

24 Family Friendly New Year's Eve Celebrations in Connecticut

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on

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 skating, swimming, or roller skating; there's something for everyone.

For more great ideas to finish up 2018 and make plans for 2019, be sure to check our frequently updated events calendar.

Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner around Hartford, CT

Pam Hegner's picture Submitted by Pam Hegner on

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. 

10 One Mile or Less Hikes to Take with Your Preschooler in Connecticut

Makayla O'Keefe's picture Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on

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.

Step Into Harry Potter, The Magic Castle, and Narnia at Storyteller's Cottage

Jennifer Coe's picture Submitted by Jennifer Coe on

Storyteller's Cottage is the place for the book loving, imagination-driven, creative and inspired child. A one-of-a-kind destination for kids, the owners have taken a turn-of-the-century home and turned it into a place where children can dig deeply into their love for all things books. Love Harry Potter? Come to a class in the Magical Castle Common-room. Adore knights and swords? There's a special classroom for you behind the hidden door in the wall. Love Narnia? Yes. There is a wardrobe! And while you are in town check out the other cool things to do as well.

Haunted Halloween Happenings for Everyone in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on

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. 

Horse Riding in the Greater Hartford Area

Erin McNamee's picture Submitted by Erin McNamee on

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.

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