Connecticut

15 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Fun to Visit with Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 04/21/2019 - 8:05pm

Some of Connecticut's best treasures are anchored in natural beauty, no matter the season. The Nutmeg State is home to 110 state parks, which means there's a lot of outdoor adventure to be had. We've compiled a list of favorite spots to visit with children, taking into consideration terrain, views, access to restrooms, and other amenities or attractions associated with each destination. Bonus: in 2018, entry to Connecticut state parks became free to residents, so enjoy the bargain.

For wee ones, consider our suggestions for 1-Mile Hikes and 10 Fantastic Stroller Hikes, or challenge older children to a trek up a mountain. Grab your hiking shoes, pack snacks, and enjoy the views and fresh air.

Orlando with Teens: Top 15 Things to Do at the Theme Parks and Beyond

Submitted by Anna Fader on Sat, 04/20/2019 - 1:32pm

I used to think of Orlando as a destination for little kids, but I discovered Orlando is even better with teens. Amusement parks are so much more fun when you can go on all the rides and don’t have to worry about the dreaded “theme park meltdowns.” My big kids were also able to pack in lots of other adventures and hipster shopping areas as we explored all the fun there is in Orlando beyond the theme parks.

We spent our recent spring break in Orlando with two teens and had a blast.

12 Amazing Playgrounds Worth Driving to Across Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 04/19/2019 - 8:14pm

Now that we have had a few 60 degree days on the books, it's time to pull out the water bottles and pile the kids in the car to hit some of the best playgrounds in Connecticut. All of these playgrounds are unique, fun, and are less than a 45-minute drive away from anywhere in the state. Also, don't forget to check out some of our favorite neighborhood playgrounds in the Hartford and Fairfield areas.

Easter Weekend Fun: Sweets, Passover, and the Music Man

Submitted by Donald Eng on Wed, 04/17/2019 - 8:11pm

Considering that the events of Passover and Easter are inextricably linked, the dates of the two religious holidays don't coincide as often as you might think. This year they do, which makes for an extra exciting weekend of holiday fun for families. If you're looking for a hearty Easter brunch or egg hunt , there are plenty to choose from, including events in Canton, Fairfield, and Simsbury. For Passover, traditionally celebrated at night, try the Community Seder in West Hartford.

Or maybe you're just looking for some kid-friendly opportunities to get outside for some fresh spring air. This weekend features Mystic's Spring Fever celebration, ice cream and mini golf in Farmington, and kite-flying in Greenwich. For indoor fun, you can learn about the the history of people and dogs, have a free afternoon at a museum, or see a classic American musical on stage.

See National Parks for Free in 2019 on These Free Entrance Days

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Mon, 04/15/2019 - 11:35am

A trip to one of our nation's incredible national parks may already be on your family travel to-do list for 2019. Whether it is or not, you may want to check out the FREE admission days at some of the country's largest parks. Courtesy of the National Park Service, there are five FREE days in 2019, which all take place on easy-for-planning weekends or holiday Mondays, at national parks that typically charge an admission fee.

While many parks have free admission every day of the year, more than 100 of them, including some of the most popular destinations, charge $15 per person or more. Those waiving admission for these holidays include some of those iconic, bucket list spots like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Acadia, Zion, Shenandoah, Joshua Tree, Glacier National Park, Death Valley, and the Cape Cod Seashore. The freebies also extend to a few historical sites under the National Park Service's purview, like the New York home of celebrated American president Franklin D. Roosevelt and national historic parks like Morristown National Historic Park, the scene of an American Revolutionary War battle.

25 Things to Do on a Rainy Day with Kids in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 04/14/2019 - 8:56pm

Just because the weather calls for rain, your day doesn't need to be dreary, too. From free museums to indoor playgrounds to tasty treat spots, here are 25 ways to keep kids active and entertained when showers put a damper on outdoor plans. For even more things to do, check out our indoor fun guide; and don't forget to keep tabs on our events calendar, which is packed with plenty of fun activities—inside and out—for every day of the week.

Why Legoland Is My Favorite SoCal Theme Park

Submitted by Roberta B on Sat, 04/13/2019 - 3:41pm

Southern California is blessed with some of the world's most famous theme parks; families travel from all over to experience Disneyland and the original Universal Studios Hollywood (including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter)—but just 90 miles to the south, in the San Diego suburb of Carlsbad, is a park that has at least as much to offer as the mouse and the wizard. There is a whole lot more to Legoland California than bricks, and truth be told I prefer a day there to any other major theme park.

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.

Weekend Fun: Bunnies, Fairies, and Egg Hunts; April 13-14

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 04/10/2019 - 8:18pm

There have been widespread sightings of a certain bunny hopping around Connecticut! The Easter Bunny sure is making his rounds! Just about everywhere has a brunch, breakfast, train, or hunt this weekend. Now that the weather has warmed up a bit, you can get the whole family outside and explore more. Our Spring Guide is loaded with seasonal fun from fairy signings in Putnam to Spring Play Dates in Greenwich.

This weekend also kicks off Spring Break for many public schools in the Nutmeg State. If the kids are home from school, make sure to check out our 20 Fun Spring Break Events and Family Day Trip Ideas. We update our Events Calendar frequently so be sure to check back for even more great suggestions. To keep up with the latest family-friendly events and activities, sign up for our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram. Have a fantastic weekend!

These STEM Summer Camps Are Creating a Generation of Inventors

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Mon, 04/08/2019 - 10:34am

Curiosity, critical thinking, and a collaborative attitude might be three attributes all parents aspire to see in their children. These are also traits fostered at STEM summer camps where the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math are turned into hands-on group and individual projects. Whether your teen is itching to found the next hot tech startup or she’s just into robots or maybe biology, summer camp offers kids a great place to explore these subjects in-depth, away from the pressures of the classroom.

We’ve put together a list of some of the top science and tech camps that offer sessions in multiple cities and states across the country. Some offer programs for kids as young as 6; some are more focused on coding and computer science, while others include “STEAM” programming with design, music, writing, and other creative pursuits on the roster. All emphasize hands-on collaboration aimed at creating the next generation of engineers and inventors. In many camps, kids will also gain presentation skills, leadership traits, and most likely, the confidence to stick with these sometimes difficult subjects and tasks...even when they fail.