The fun is springing up all over Connecticut this weekend with the top things to do with kids! Earth Day photo courtesy of Canva
Sesame Street Live, Earth Day, and More Things To Do in CT This Weekend
Take a peek at all the fun things to do with kids in Connecticut for April 2024! Photo by Andrew Shirey for the National Park Service
Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids April 2024
Summer camps help kids learn new skills and make new friends
GUIDE
Connecticut Summer Camp Guide
Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens
Kids meet new friends as they jump, slide, and swing at the top indoor playgrounds and play spaces in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Romp N Roll in Wethersfield
20 Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Connecticut
Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
100 Things To Do in Connecticut Before Kids Grow Up
Don't sweat the weather, because the best indoor water parks in New England are waiting for year-round fun! Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
By land, by sea, by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
The pediatric health experts at Connecticut Children’s have you covered with answers to common children’s health questions.
Fever Facts, Ear Infections, and How to Identify Common Kids’ Illnesses
How To Throw a Taylor Swift Party
New England Family Travel Guide
Pediatric health experts at Connecticut Children’s share information on the most common health challenges around the holidays.
Help Keep Your Family Healthy This Holiday Season With These Expert Tips
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
Best Breakfast Restaurants in Connecticut
As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel
Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
GUIDE
Connecticut Guide to Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
GUIDE
Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut
Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers
Connecticut Children's has created an online parenting toolkit that addresses challenges like choosing appropriate apps and understanding parental controls.
Technology and Kids: Screen Time Limits, Social Media Safety, Cyberbullying, and More Expert Advice
Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
A Dozen Short Hikes in Connecticut for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
Top Attractions in Connecticut: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT
25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
Connecticut Childrens' latest Back to School Toolkit provides straight-forward, age-appropriate, expert advice to keep kids happy and healthy.
Expert Tips for Navigating Back to School Challenges and Tough Talks
Essex has genuine appeal for every family. Photo by Ally Noel.
Essex, Connecticut with Kids: Top 10 Things To See and Do
Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
Top Connecticut Playgrounds That Families Will Love
Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut
Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
Top Skate Parks in Connecticut
Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
  VIDEO
25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids
Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels
How to Plan a Kids' Birthday Party At Home
Explore The Wizard Realm, photo courtesy of Puzzle Theory
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
Make ponies the stars of your child's birthday party. Photo courtesy of The Little Party Ponies
Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT That Come To You
Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families
Learn some random fun facts that will leave your kids laughing. Photo by Sara Marentette
125 Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds
Find a new children's book to read today. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Kids' Books Every Child Should Read Before They Grow Up
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Photo courtesy of the Hartt School Community Division
Dance Classes for Connecticut Kids: 20 Studios for Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, and More
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Staff members are on hand to explain the historic aircraft. Photo courtesy of the New England Air Museum
A Visit to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut with Kids
Photo by Liz Baill
GUIDE
Crafts & Games Guide: 100s of Activities for Kids
With a working farm, plenty of trails to explore, and hands-on programming, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a family-friendly wonderland. Photo courtesy of Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Stamford Museum & Nature Center: 7 Family-Friendly Things To Do
The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
Best Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps to Learn Programming Skills
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Use recyclables and household objects to build a better bridge.
25 STEM Activities Easy Enough for Preschoolers
Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum
Free Museums in Connecticut To Visit with Kids

2017 Connecticut Bestie Guide: Best Parenting Resources

3/11/17 - By Clementina Verge

We asked all of you—our awesome Connecticut parents—to vote for the best family businesses and resources in 23 categories. By choosing from 10 nominees in each category (two voters were picked at random to enjoy great prizes from our sponsors!), you have enabled us to assemble the Connecticut Bestie Guide.

We have grouped the results into three winning categories: Best Places for Family Fun, Enrichment Programs, and Parenting Resources.

Here's your chance to learn a bit more about each winner of the 2017 Connecticut Besties!

Best Places for Family Fun | Best Enrichment Programs 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Parenting Resources 

Best Place to Throw a Party: Enchanted Garden Studios

Is your little boy a knight, a pirate, or super hero? Is your little girl a mermaid, princess, or gymnast? Themed parties with customized activities for ages 1-7 will ensure a memorable day for your child, while experienced party staff takes care of setup, cleanup, and paper goods. Children ages 7-13 will enjoy being rock stars at their own Recording Studio Party.

The face is painted on; the smile is from within. Photo courtesy of Enchanted Garden Studios.

Best Local Kids' Dentist or Group: Commerce Park Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics

For more than 30 years, the doctors and hygienists at Commerce Park Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics have been brightening little smiles in a big way. The office looks like a place-space, therapy dogs are on hand (optional) to provide affection and comfort, and whether a child needs a routine cleaning, a filling, aligners, or braces, the staff is ready to deliver customized treatment in a comfortable environment.

Best Birthday Party Entertainer - BringtheHoopla

Don’t feel guilty about that extra slice of cake! Invite BringtheHoopla to your party and have the time of your life learning basic hooping, dance choreography, and age-appropriate games. The hoops are custom-made and the birthday boy or girl gets to keep one as a gift.

Put the fun in fitness and make it a day to remember. Photo courtesy of BringtheHoopla.

Best Place to Shop for Kids' Clothes and Baby Gear: The Silly Sprout

Whether you're shopping for unique toys, books, clothing, or art projects, The Silly Sprout features five rooms filled with something for everyone. Children will enjoy a fun and safe playroom, while adults will appreciate the complimentary coffee and snacks in the book nook. Even if you're not in the market for new shoes, stop in with the kids anytime during business hours and enjoy quality time at self-serve fun stations. 

Best Place to Shop for Books and Toys: Toy Chest

Shop for meaningful books, a large Melissa and Doug collection, unique board games and puzzles, and many more engaging toys. Located in West Hartford Center since 1956, the Toy Chest also offers a large selection of furniture, bedding, and baby gear. 

Best Places for Family Fun | Best Enrichment Programs