Maple Sugaring with Connecticut Kids: Maple Syrup Festivals and Sugar House Tours

Jennifer Coe's picture Submitted by Jennifer Coe on

February means it's time to go maple sugaring with Connecticut kids, where tree-tapping yields a sweet reward! Photo courtesy of the Stamford Nature Center

From Fairfield County to Greater Hartford and New Haven, it's time to go maple sugaring with Connecticut kids! Warm days and cool nights start the sweet maple syrup season. Every year, families look forward to harvesting or stocking up on delicious maple syrup, one of Connecticut's best local products. The traditional maple sugaring season extends from late February until late March, depending on the year. Here, we share the latest information on maple sugaring in Connecticut with activities and activities that families will love.

Our Connecticut Winter Activity Guide is full of wonderful family activities like maple sugaring. Make the most of a winter day by visiting one of the Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Connecticut for Kids and Families. When the family has had enough outdoor time, explore our list of Free Museums in Connecticut to Visit with Kids.

Visiting Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC with Kids

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The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in DC in 2016. Photo by Alan Karchmer

Since its 2016 opening on DC's National Mall, Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture has been a hot ticket—and for good reason. Housing more than 40,000 artifacts (with over 3,000 of them on display), it's the only national museum dedicated exclusively to documenting African American life, history, and culture. The massive museum features exhibits on the civil rights movement, slavery and freedom, famous African Americans including athletes and musicians, and so much more. And with its unique and breathtaking design, it wows visitors even before they enter.

The best part? Like all of the Smithsonian institutions and other museums in DC, entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture is absolutely free. But is it appropriate for kids? My family and I visited several months ago when my twin boys were 10 and my daughter was 7, and I will say that the answer is a resounding YES! My kids were interested and engaged throughout our entire four-hour visit, and they can't wait to go back.

Read on for all of my tips on visiting Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture with kids. Then check out our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Washington, DC for more great museums to check out.

Visiting Central Florida Zoo Like a Local: Top Things To Do and See With Kids

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Giraffe got your tongue? Nah, it's just another fun day at the Central Florida Zoo!

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens makes the perfect outing in Orlando for any family. The Central Florida Zoo is located about 20 miles north of Orlando in beautiful Sanford, Florida, on the shores of Lake Monroe. A Central Florida attraction dating back to the 1920s, this small zoo is home to over 350 animals, as well as a splash pad, ropes course, playground, and more. There is something for all ages to enjoy at this Orlando zoo!

Best Breakfast on Long Island: Top Family-Friendly Restaurants

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Get homemade, farm-fresh breakfasts at the Flour Shoppe.

Looking for the best breakfast restaurants on Long Island? Read on for our top picks. 

Many say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why not take it easy and leave the cooking to someone else? The Long Island restaurant scene is full of fun diners and restaurants with extensive morning menus and many kid-friendly options.

Since little ones are often early risers, it’s a no-brainer. Get the family together and check out these family-friendly restaurants that are sure to please.

Find our post on the best Long Island brunch spots and other family-friendly restaurant ideas in our Long Island Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide. 

Where To Go Maple Sugaring in New Jersey With Kids

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Find out how maples are tapped and try a sample of sweet maple sugar at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center. Photo courtesy of the center

Looking for the best places to go maple sugaring in New Jersey? Read on for our guide. 

February is a sweet month in New Jersey. Not only do we have Valentine's Day to look forward to—it's also the start of maple sugaring season. Visitors of all ages flock to New Jersey farms and nature centers to learn about the process of maple sugaring, from tapping the maple trees to boiling the sap into delicious syrup. Some events even offer a sweet taste of the end product.

For even more outdoor winter fun, check out our post on where to play outside in NJ, plus find additional seasonal entertainment in our Winter Fun Guide.

10 Best Florida Beach Vacations for Families

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Florida boasts plenty of white-sand beaches with crystal-clear water. Photo courtesy of South Seas Island Resort

There's a reason so many families from the east coast and beyond flock to Florida, especially in winter. The Sunshine State offers year-round warm weather, hundreds of miles of sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and plenty of things to do with kids. That means there are so many places for families to take some fabulous Florida beach vacations. Luckily, we have several writers and editors here at Mommy Poppins who are familiar with the state to help you choose the best places for your upcomingIFlorida beach vacations.

From Amelia Island on northern Florida's Atlantic coast to Sanibel Island on the Gulf Coast and all the way down to the Florida Keys, here are the 10 best Florida beach vacations for families. Check out our complete Florida Family Vacation Guide and our list of warm and sunny family vacation spots for even more warm-weather escapes.

Visiting Every Park at Walt Disney World with Kids: A 5-Day Itinerary

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Get ready to pack your five-day Disney World itinerary full of fun!

Spending five days at Walt Disney World with kids is a marathon, not a sprint. A Disney vacation that hits all four Orlando parks--Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios--inevitably meets our four Es: exciting, exhausting, entertaining, and Excedrin (or whatever your preferred pain medicine brand). Creating a five day itinerary for Walt Disney World is crucial for getting the biggest bang for your buck and planning is key. Hopefully you're reading this article before your scheduled Disney World trip so you can book in-demand activity and restaurant reservations, but if not, go with the flow—Disney is always a magical place for kids and adults.

This five-day Disney itinerary was created with the idea of visiting all four of the Walt Disney World parks; however, if you or your kids love one or two specific parks, spend multiple days there. Buying and using MagicBands+ (like a Disney smartwatch) make life easier when it comes to attraction entrances, meal payments, etc, plus they light up with different choreographed colors at various parts in the park and during fireworks and evening shows. And if you visit during the warmer months, don't forget about the Disney water parks!

Best Indoor Birthday Party Spots for Kids in Atlanta

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Be a star for the day at Dazzle Me Parties!

Indoor birthday party plans are awesome ways to enhance a child's big day. Those in charge of indoor birthday parties in Atlanta can take care of the organization, clean-up, and details of planning a birthday party. And when someone else is running the show, parents can relax and actually enjoy the fun with their kids!

Read on for our full list of indoor party venues in Atlanta, and don't miss these posts on Indoor Playground Spaces for Kids in Atlanta and Atlanta Restaurants with Play Spaces.

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