22 Most Affordable and Free Summer Camps in Connecticut

Make new friends at Camp Foxfire. ​Photo courtesy of Camp Foxfire

Most kids look forward to getting outside and playing at summer camps in Connecticut. Budding athletes can sign up for sports summer camps in Connecticut, and kids who crave connection with nature can attend summer camp at the beach or summer camp at Connecticut parks. Some kids may want to learn a foreign language, while others may be interested in all of the above. We've rounded up the most affordable and even free summer camps in Connecticut for kids, hitting all of those marks without breaking the bank.

For more summer camps in Connecticut, including picks for Sleepaway Summer Camps and the best STEM summer camps, be sure to bookmark our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town. 

Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids this Spring

Celebrate Holi at Navy Pier this spring in Chicago. Photo by James Richards IV, courtesy of Navy Pier

Is it officially spring yet? No one knows for sure if the last snow of the season is officially behind us in Chicago, but we do know that plenty of fun events await as kids approach spring break and the end of the school year. Flower shows are back in full force with Chicago Botanic Gardens showing off its orchids, Garfield Park Conservatory offering up playful plant-themed knock-knock jokes, and Lincoln Park Conservatory standing tall with its pillars of spring. Dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals are another popular theme of Chicago's spring events, with the Field Museum giving kids a chance to Doze with the Dinos, Kid Works Children's Museum hosting a weeklong Dino Works event, and Brookfield Zoo following up its Dinos Everywhere show with an animatronic Ice Age Giants exhibit. And plays and music based on books and fairy tales ignite the minds of kids throughout the city: Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents Jack and the Beanstalk; Chicago Children's Theater is putting on Carmela Full of Wishes based on a recent picture book, and Chicago Kids Theatre acts out modern versions of Rapunzel and the The Ugly Duckling.

Mexico's Velas Vallarta All-Inclusive Family Resort is Eco-Friendly Earth Check Certified

All-inclusive resorts are popular with family travelers because they make life so easy, but all those options can also take a big environmental toll. An all-inclusive resort may create tons of food waste on a daily basis, not to mention loads of electricity for air conditioning and water for washing pool and bath towels. Nobody wants to feel guilty while trying to enjoy a relaxing getaway, so a resort that meets the needs of families and the environment too seems like a real dream vacation. 

Velas Vallarta, a family friendly all-inclusive resort with 10 acres of oceanfront in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, has an impressive green initiative that goes beyond the typical superficial hat-tip to eco-friendliness. Their efforts have been recognized by EarthCheck, the world's leading organization in certifying sustainable tourism, with gold and silver status for the resort. Plus, the all-suite resort, with kitchens in every room and a free bottomless mini-bar, offers an affordably luxurious all-inclusive experience. 

The Best Anaheim Hotels near Disneyland for Families

Twsit, turn, then plunge into refreshing waters with a wild ride down the water slide at Disney Paradise Piers Hotel.

Most family trips to Anaheim mean enjoying a couple or more days with the mouse at the happiest place on Earth, the Disneyland Resort. Therefore, finding the perfect place to stay either on Disneyland property, within walking distance, or a short shuttle ride away is essential. We've compiled a list of 10 great Anaheim hotels near Disneyland that will comfortably help you rest those tired feet between rides, enjoy some pool time with the kids, and perhaps even take in a hotel-balcony fireworks show after a long, memory-filled day at Disneyland with your family.

Be sure to check out our Guide to Orange County for all of our local recommendations, from 25 Things To Do in Anaheim With Kids to Great Family-Friendly Restaurants Near Disneyland, and even a guide to visiting Disneyland with your baby.

St. Patrick's Day 2022: Kid-Friendly Events and Parades in Chicago

St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Chicago,  photo courtesy of U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, (CC BY 2.0)

St. Patrick’s Day parades in Chicago are among some of the best in the country. From the famous Chicago River dyeing to local St. Patrick's Day parades on every side of the city and suburbs, we’ve rounded up some of the best St. Patrick’s Day parades and events for kids. While many of the usual festivities took a break over the past two years, almost all the staple events are back this year, and even some new additions for the wee ones. 

For more fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with kids check out our Funny Leprechaun Tricks and Trap Ideas for Kids as well as our list of the Best Things to do in March with Kids.

Texas Hill Country with Kids: Where to Go, Eat, and Stay

See the prized Texas Longhorn cattle at Lyndon B. Johnson Historical Park. Photo courtesy of the park.

We love how easy it is to push our stroller along the flat path of Houston, but sometimes it's great to explore somewhere with a few hills and beautiful scenery! The Texas Hill Country is one of Texas's most popular regions to visit, and with the drive only 3 or so hours from Houston, it's doable as a weekend destination. The area combines natural attractions, historical towns, swimming spots, and great food. Favored by German settlers, the Texas Hill Country includes some authentic German bakeries and restaurants. There are plenty of great accommodation options as well, from remote cabins in State Parks to luxurious resorts. There are lots of things to do in the Texas Hill Country with kids, so check out our guide, which includes family-friendly top attractions and suggestions for places to stay and eat.

 

Soar Over NYC at RiseNY's New Sky-High Times Square Attraction

The soaring, immersive ride at RiseNY is just one of the exhibits at this exciting new attraction. Photo courtesy of  RiseNY

A brand new experience has opened close to Times Square that takes visitors on a breathtaking simulated aerial tour of New York City. With your feet dangling from the full-motion seats, you soar and swoop through the city, its landmarks, and all its seasons in RiseNY’s awe-inspiring love letter to the Big Apple.

RiseNY combines this flying theater with engaging galleries that tell the city’s cultural story all the while highlighting many of New York City's top attractions.

Zipping Across the Best Atlanta Zipline and Ropes Courses

Every step matters at TreeTop Adventure & Ziplines at Callaway Gardens. Photo by Bill Leffler

Looking for a great family activity to get you out of your comfort zone? Imagine soaring among a tree canopy on an Atlanta zipline or ropes course. Everyone will get a good workout and have fun while improving gross motor skills, balance, and concentration. An added benefit of the ropes course and zipline is the adrenaline rush and boost of self-confidence that completing an Atlanta zipline or ropes course provides.

Whether your family consists of novices or experienced thrill seekers, check out our list of Atlanta ziplines and ropes courses in the area. (Don't worry if the weather isn’t cooperative, we’ve included several indoor places as well.) Book reservations to ensure availability and make sure your group meets any age, height, or weight requirements. Wear sturdy sneakers and save time by completing waivers online.

For more fun ideas this spring, check out our Spring Fun Guide, as well as our Outdoor Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids

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