West Hartford

Best Hartford-Area Halloween Events: Trunk or Treat, Parades, and More

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 10/06/2019 - 11:17am

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 Hartford, there are tons of not-too-terrifying events to squeeze into your creepy calendar, from trunk or treat events to costume parades to pumpkin festivals.

Our Connecticut Halloween Guide has you covered with more ideas for spooky and sweet seasonal fun across the state, but don't forget to keep tabs on our event calendar: New Halloween-inspired events are being added daily.

Free Splash Pads, Spraygrounds, and Fountains for Kids in Hartford County

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 10:00am

Just because Hartford County is centrally located in Connecticut doesn't mean that you have to venture very far to enjoy the water. 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. Best of all, like so many of our Mommy Poppins faves, they're free, so there's no need to bring your wallet (just towels and sunscreen)!

Top Swimming Pools for Families Near and Around Hartford, CT

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 06/14/2019 - 9:00am

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 Fri, 05/03/2019 - 11:20am

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 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.

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.

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.