Southington

Pumpkin Picking Patches in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Fri, 09/27/2019 - 10:00am

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!

If you live in southwest Connecticut, see our picks for Fairfield pumpkin patches. For even more seasonal activities, check out our Connecticut Fall Fun and Halloween Guide.

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.

Easter Egg Hunts and Bunny Trains for Kids in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 03/24/2019 - 1:52pm

Hippity hoppity hooray—Easter is on its way! If you're like us and you can't wait any longer for springtime, Cadbury Eggs and cute bonnets, we've got you covered. With everything from glow-in-the-dark egg hunts to egg decorating workshops to Easter train rides, we have rounded up a list of bunny sightings and egg-stravaganzas across the state. Most of these events are geared towards preschoolers and younger elementary age children, so keep that in mind if you have older kids. Also note that some events require pre-registration and are dependent on decent weather, so be sure to check updates before heading out. Have a hopping good time...and check out our post about Easter breakfasts and brunches for even more bunny-themed fun.

St. Patrick's Day Parades and Events for Kids and Families in Connecticut

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Fri, 03/01/2019 - 5:04pm

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 in Connecticut. Check out our March GoList for more handpicked fun this month.

Nostalgic Places to Take your Kids this Summer

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sat, 06/16/2018 - 2:40pm

School is out and summer is finally in full swing. And while Facebook and Instagram feeds are forever inspiring us to craft carwash drive-thrus out of pool noodles and homemade slime, why not give your kids a little different kind of summer? A throwback summer. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to take your kids this summer in Connecticut for a blast from the past. The nostalgia, as always, is free.

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.

Indulge at the Southington Apple Harvest Festival

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Mon, 09/18/2017 - 10:00am

If you’re looking for a small-town fair big on entertainment, mouth-watering foods, and scrumptious desserts, the Southington Apple Harvest Festival, celebrating its 49th year and mentioned in our 30 Fun Things to Do This Fall in Connecticut is sure to deliver. Nestled around the charming Southington Town Green, this family-oriented event attracts about 100,000 visitors annually. Add free admission and free parking to the fact that purchases benefit local community organizations and businesses, and you have an all-around feel good experience.

Let's Go Apple Picking at Karabin Farms in Southington

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Sun, 09/03/2017 - 12:19pm

Fall is definitely my favorite time of the year! How can you not love all the perks that come with this great season? Things like cool evening breezes, beautiful leaves changing colors, hiking to enjoy the amazing New England scenery, sipping pumpkin coffee and apple cider….and of course apple picking! Going to a local orchard to pick the seasons fruit is such a fun tradition to start with your family. In New England there are so many apple orchards to choose from that it can be overwhelming. In the Hartford area, conveniently located right in Southington, is a family-owned spot called Karabin Farms. I took my daughter and we had a lovely time.

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.

Shake a Tail Feather at These Dance Classes in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Mon, 07/03/2017 - 9:36am

We all know the adage that tells us to dance like there's nobody watching. One of the (many) amazing things about kids is their propensity to do just that. If you've got a tiny mover and shaker on your hands, why not harness that unabashed creativity and sign them up for some dance classes. And if they have siblings who'd rather do anything but dance, not to worry. We've got them covered, too in our Classes and Activities Guide.