West Hartford

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

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. Check out the following great family events to celebrate St. Patty's Day in Connecticut. Erin Go Bragh!

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.

Indoor Play Areas in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Wed, 01/03/2018 - 11:03am

Just because it's winter 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! Also, check out the list we've compiled of indoor play places specifically for big kids in Hartford County. For even more indoor fun check out our Connecticut Indoor Play Guide.

20 Family Friendly New Year's Eve Celebrations in Connecticut

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Sun, 12/24/2017 - 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 bowling or skating (ice or roller), museums or light shows, there's something for everyone. The First Night events in Hartford and Westport offer a little bit of everything including fireworks, music, and more.

For more great ideas to finish up 2017 and make plans for 2018, be sure to check our frequently updated events calendar and subscribe to our weekly newsletters. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram so that you won't miss a thing. Merry Christmas! See you next year!

Holiday Strolls and Tree Lighting Events in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Fri, 11/03/2017 - 12:47pm

One of the best things about living in Connecticut is the small-town feel our communities work so hard to capture. This sentiment can especially be felt around the holidays when people come together. So even if you don't live in these towns in Hartford County, you are welcome and encouraged to celebrate the season at these events. Check out our Holiday Guide and our list of Holiday Light Shows for even more tips on fun ways to celebrate the season.

Jonathon's Dream Reimagined: Accessible Playground Open Again

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Mon, 10/09/2017 - 11:14am

Originally built in 1996, 'Jonathon's Dream', was a playground created as a place where children of differing abilities could come and play together. But, it was also built as a way that the family of little Jonathon Peter Barzach, who passed away prior to his first birthday, could grieve his sad loss. Barzach had a degenerative muscular disease and his family lost him at just 9 months. "When Jonathon's diagnosis became terminal, a counselor suggested the family dedicate a project in his memory," said Ronit Shoham, a co-founder of the Miracle League of Connecticut. Shoham and many, many others (mostly volunteers) have been working hard to make a new Jonathon's Dream playground a reality. Be sure to check out some of the other boundless playgrounds in Fairfield and Hartford.

Haunted Halloween Happenings for Everyone in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Mon, 09/04/2017 - 7:32am

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.