Connecticut

100 Awesome Kids Crafts for Creative At-Home Fun

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 07/30/2018 - 10:00am

Did you know that plastic milk jugs make awesome fairy houses, or that sugar cubes are a fun substitute for Lego bricks? Sometimes we all need a little push to get the creative juices flowing. Here is a mega list of 100 art projects that you can do with your kids in the comfort of your own home. From paper crafts to slime, from STEM activities to boredom busters, this list has something for everyone.

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).

Weekend Fun for CT Kids: Forest Forensics, Rock the Summer, and a Tournament of Nations, July 28-29

Submitted by Donald Eng on Wed, 07/25/2018 - 10:17am

Connecticut is one of the most heavily wooded states in the country, but how much do you know about the furry and scaly critters that lurk just yards from your house? Learn to be a nature sleuth with the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation's Forensic Forest program this weekend.

If the Great Outdoors isn't your thing, perhaps you love the arts? Head down to the Valley for a Rock the Summer family benefit concert to support musical education featuring NRBQ. Into sports? Go see live world class women's soccer as four of the top international teams come to Connecticut. Team USA takes on Australia and Japan battles Brazil at the Tournament of Nations.

For even more options, check out our event calendar, which we update throughout the week with new listings from across the state. To keep up with everything going on in CT, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Have a great weekend!

End of Summer Bucket List: 30Things To Do in CT Before School Starts

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Tue, 07/24/2018 - 10:00am

Before pool noodles and beach towels get stored away for another season, and late summer nights are replaced by bedtime curfews and homework, (at least) 30 must-do activities await in Connecticut, a great place to raise kids. So don't pack up the flip flops or exile the picnic basket to storage just yet. There are still a few weeks before school buses begin to line at the curb, allowing us to capitalize on the time left and give summer a proper send-off, making more memories sure to keep hearts warm in the cold days to come.

10 Connecticut Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While You Eat (And Relax)

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 07/22/2018 - 11:00am

We've all been there. You've only been seated for three and a half minutes in your booth (we only go to restaurants with our children that have booths) and you're already playing referee between who gets the blue crayon and who gets the yellow. Two minutes later and a cup of ice water is knocked over into your lap. And then there are the tears. And you think quietly to yourself, why did we even leave the house?

Well believe it or not, there are actually some pretty wonderful seafood restaurants, pizza joints and posh cafes where us parents can enjoy delectable food (while it’s still hot) and the kids play (and not just stack up the sugar packets and silverware.) Yup. You’ve heard us. There are places that have thought this whole thing through and have created spaces for children right inside their restaurants be it a movie screen, playground, or selection of lawn games. It’s a win for everyone (especially for the parents.) Here’s our list of 10 family-friendly restaurants in Connecticut where your kids can play while you eat. Bon Appetit.

Why You Might Enjoy a Disney Cruise to Europe As Much As Your Kids

Submitted by Li Starr on Sat, 07/21/2018 - 12:05pm

When my husband suggested a Disney cruise as a way to introduce our kids to Europe, I was doubtful. Our girls had yet to take a plane ride, and we were going to tackle the great cities of Rome, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, and others with them? Couldn't we just hit a theme park instead? Ultimately, though, I gave in, even as I imagined dragging a reluctant kindergartener through scenic city streets as she begged to watch "DuckTales" instead.

50 Things to Do in Stamford With or Without Kids!

Submitted by Brandee Gilmore on Thu, 07/19/2018 - 7:26pm

With its close proximity to both New York City (only 30 miles to Manhattan) and Long Island Sound, Stamford offers the best of both worlds. Here you can take advantage of the waterfront perks like crabbing, fishing and swimming at Cove Island and Cummings Park, hop on the adorable Harbor Point Trolley and check out the city or visit the Heckscher Farm babies at the Stamford Nature Center. There's certainly no shortage of things to do in Connecticut's third largest city.

In fact, we've rounded up 50 ideas for you and your crew to check off, whether you live and work in Stamford, or just wanna play for the day. For fun happenings about Fairfield County check out our neighborhood guide and our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide.

Weekend Fun for CT Kids: Shakespeare, an Aquarium Celebration, and a Lavender Farm, July 21-22

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Wed, 07/18/2018 - 4:15pm

It is not an exaggeration to say that I can't imagine my parenting life in Connecticut without the Maritime Aquarium. We've enjoyed all kinds of programs in all kinds of weather: summer camps, educational cruises, and even overnights. If you haven't had a chance to visit or are just looking for an opportunity to go back, this weekend's 30th anniversary celebration is a great excuse, with deeply discounted "throwback" pricing all weekend long and special activities planned for Saturday.

But that's just some of the fun to be had this weekend! Don't miss the chance to explore the blooming lavender fields or to ride the Lavender Express tram around the gorgeous Lavender Pond Farm property or to wander among the sunflowers at Buttonwood Farms for the brief but spectacular Sunflowers for Wishes fundraiser for the Make-a-Wish foundation.