West Hartford

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.

24 Family Friendly New Year's Eve Celebrations in Connecticut

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Fri, 12/21/2018 - 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 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.

Indoor Play Areas in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Sun, 11/25/2018 - 11:03am

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean that you and your family have to go into hibernation. There are some great indoor play spaces in the Hartford area where your active child can burn off excess energy by climbing, bouncing, running, and jumping. He or she might even take a nap for you later! We've also compiled a list of indoor play places specifically for big kids in Hartford County. For even more indoor fun check out our Connecticut Indoor Play Guide.

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.

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

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 05/13/2018 - 7:48pm

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.

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.

St. Patrick's Day Events in Connecticut

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

Winter Break Fun in CT

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 02/16/2018 - 7:16pm

This winter break stay busy with one (or all) of the following activity ideas in your area. There are so many fun options to choose from that you'll be sure to find one that you and your family will enjoy.

Also don't forget to check out our Winter Guide of Activities.

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.