Litchfield

A Visit to the Torrington Christmas Village

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 12/02/2018 - 9:57am

There are some Christmas traditions that sustain over generations. The Christmas Village in Torrington is one of them. Families have been coming to visit Santa's amazing playground for decades. Started by Carl Bozenski, former Parks and Recreation Direction circa 1948, the Christmas Village began with a 3-week run and has come back for years since. Every year the opening festivities begin with a parade that draws thousands of holiday lovers. Santa and Mrs. Claus have even arrived in a helicopter!

Connecticut's Christmas Light Displays

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Thu, 11/22/2018 - 11:17am

There is something magical about a holiday light display. Generation after generation have made a ritual of going to see the displays each season. I have so many fun memories of bundling up in the backseat and driving around town searching for the best Christmas lights in town. New Haven has its Fantasy of Lights, Fairfield has several houses that make the holidays special, and Hartford has a huge list of special places to visit.

10 Family Ski Resorts In and Near Connecticut: The Lowdown

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sat, 11/10/2018 - 5:57am

If your winter does not allow for snowy escapes to Vermont or New Hampshire, fear not. Connecticut ski resorts - though obviously not as vertically exhilarating - offer plenty of thrills for easier-to-manage day trips, and let's face it: the coldest season is much more fun if you stay active and enjoy the outdoors. The Mommy Poppins Winter Fun Guide highlights plenty of ways to help you do just that! Below is an overview of some of the area's best family-friendly ski resorts, whether you love zooming down slopes on skis or in the comfort of a snow tube. Tip: if you want to avoid lines, head to any of these mountains early in the morning and be pleasantly surprised. Going on a weekday always helps, too. If cross-country skiing is more your thing, check out these recommendations in Hartford and Fairfield counties. For even more skiing and snow sports ideas, browse our Ski and Snow Sports Guide.

Best Nutcrackers and Holiday Shows for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 11/04/2018 - 10:40am

From The Nutcracker to Charlie Brown Christmas, holiday musicals are some of our most beloved traditions this time of year. While we love the classic holiday shows, there are some pretty spectacular new performances happening across the state from the Cabaret Theater in Bridgeport to Warner Theater in Torrington. If you have a budding ballerina in your midst and Clara's story is on your "must see" list, don't worry: we also have you covered for performances of The Nutcracker. For more holiday traditions, check out the Mommy Poppins Holiday Guide for more suggestions for your family this holiday season, including some of the best places to visit with Santa.

Apples, Pumpkins, and Corn Mazes: 50 Fall Fairs in Connecticut You Can't Miss

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Fri, 09/07/2018 - 2:00pm

Fall is an amazing time to be in Connecticut, with wonderful fairs and festivals nearly every weekend, celebrating the many aspects of Nutmeg life, from apples to pumpkins and beyond. Most of these have free admission, but charge small fees for specific rides or activities so you'll want to confirm that before heading out. Check out our complete Fall Fun Guide too for more ideas on how to enjoy the season!

All Aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Wed, 08/15/2018 - 9:00am

These rattling, toot-tooting relics are truly treasures across New England landscapes. Each time those vintage diesel locomotives come to life, you can hear that pitter patter of those train-loving little souls of ours. Their dome-cars with padded seats offer the ultimate views for the leaf peeper in all of us and a stop at the pumpkin patch is sure to delight those littles in tow. Here is a roundup of historic Connecticut trains and trolleys to climb aboard this fall. And, for more autumn adventures, check out our CT Halloween Guide for Kids .

25 Free Things to Do In August

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 8:46am

It's the last month before summer break ends and all your kiddos head back to school. You want to have fun, but you don't want to go broke! After all, that school shopping list is looming over your head. Mommy Poppins has put together a fun list of FREE events happening in Connecticut - there's something for everyone. And of course, don't forget to close out your fun summer with our CT Summer Guide!

13 Fun Fall Activities to do with Kids in Litchfield County, Connecticut

Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on Mon, 07/30/2018 - 1:59am

There are so many opportunities for fall fun in Litchfield County. Apple picking, hiking, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches always hit the mark. Enjoy this list of fun things to do in Litchfield County and for even more fall fun, check out our CT Fall Fun and Halloween Guide.

August GoList: The Best Things To Do With CT Kids This Month

Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on Sun, 07/29/2018 - 5:58am

We've curated 34 of our favorite things to do in Connecticut this August. Fairs, festivals, sunflower mazes, and loads of fun events are occurring throughout the state. Take the kids to enjoy jazz on the lawn at Bushnell Park, to the Annual Easton Fireman's Carnival, or Pirates and the Sea Day in New London. Remember to check out our Summer Fun Guide to make the most out of this last month of summer. Have fun!

Unbearable Cuteness Among the Alpacas of Morris, Connecticut

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Fri, 07/27/2018 - 8:24pm

What do you call it when alpacas take over the world? The Alpacalypse! What did the alpaca say to the blade of grass? Nice gnawing you! What do you call it when alpacas sing? Alpacapella...I could go on all day! But I won't. Instead I'm going to encourage you to grab the fam, hop in the car, and visit Southwind Farms in Morris where you can meet and greet...wait for it...alpacas! Ooh, road trip? Alpaca my bags! (Sorry, sorry).