It's berry season in Texas, and Blessington Farms is officially open for picking. Berry picking has been high on our spring activity priority list, and we took full advantage the first Friday morning we had available. We lucked out with clear blue skies, cool temperatures and an empty farm, which - I'm sure every parent can agree - is pretty much the ideal situation when you show up to pick berries with two 3-year-old boys.

Connecticut has more than 100 certified CT Grown Farmers' Markets in the state to check out this summer, so it is easy to take the family out for a fun day of shopping for fresh, local produce. Many of the markets are mini destinations where children can be entertained while learning about the importance and nutrition of locally grown food. We love to pick our own berries when they are in season, too, so check out our list of our favorite Pick Your Own Farms in CT.

Here are suggestions on kid-friendly markets, so get out there, eat some healthy food, have fun, and explore! 

I tried every meal kit, and it wasn't at all what I expected.

I am a meal planning fanatic (yes, spreadsheets and all). So I was curious to try out the new trend of meal kit delivery services to see if they really make family dinnertime with kids easier. And because I’m completely compulsive, I signed up for every single meal kit option out there, so that my family ate only meal kits for five weeks. Want to know how it went? 

After cooking dozens of meal kits, here’s my obsessive, totally non-sponsored rundown of the best and worst. If I didn’t answer your question here, feel free to check out my meal kit review videos on Facebook and leave a question there. 

The word is that if you want to visit the popular national parks like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon you have to plan a year in advance because the accommodations get booked up.

When we decided to take a last minute cross country drive last summer, I thought we might have to skip Yellowstone. In a panic, I started looking into how to get accommodations about a week before our arrival. Sure enough, all the rooms were booked for the two nights we wanted to stay in the park. But, in the end, it all worked out and we had an amazing stay. It was definitely worth it. Read on for my best tips for booking last minute accommodations at Yellowstone and other national parks.

Middletown was once a historic port town and industrial center but has now become a hopping and eclectic place to bring your family for food and entertainment. Moms and Dads love Middletown for its simultaneous city/town feel and the variety of options available for entertainment such as KidCity and Middletown Roller Rink.  You don't have to go far in in this town to find a great cultural restaurant, something to do with the kids, or places to shop and play.

After spending a pretty penny on vacation destinations, summer camps, and amusement park passes, parents might be interested in enjoying some free activities this summer. Whether you are looking to relax at the movies, dance to live music, or take in a ballet performance, we have you covered. Not only do we have a list of free things to do in the Central Connecticut area, but plenty of fun and free events in the Hartford area will keep money in your pocket and your family busy in the months to come. Check out our suggestions below.

Here's your insider's go-to list with day activities for the entire family to do in (and nearby) Litchfield County this summer. For all sorts of fun check out our CT Summer Fun Guide.

1. Spend the day rafting down the scenic Housatonic River with Clarke Outdoor River Guides.
2. Go on a drive-through safari where you may drive your vehicle through a 50 acre fenced in exotic wildlife park at Action Wildlife. Keep an eye out for zebras and buffalos.
3. Go on horseback trail ride or pony ride at Lee’s Riding Stables in Litchfield.
4. Race go-karts and play phazerball at the family entertainment center R&B Sportsworld in Winsted.

It’s coming, it’s coming, it’s coming... Mother’s Day! The one day a year when children are required by law, tradition, expectation, whatever, to treat us moms like queens. And just in case the kids haven’t been preparing for the big day with the same fervor that you have, we’ve compiled a list of activities in Fairfield County that will make Mother’s Day 2017 one to remember!