Best STEM Summer Camps in Connecticut for Science, Coding, and Engineering

Submitted by Ally Noel on

With coding, experiments, and more, STEM summer camps in Connecticut are calling all scientists! Photo courtesy of Empow Studios

From Stamford to Hartford and beyond, Connecticut is home to fantastic STEM summer camps. Some kids love sports and some kids love art, but then there are the other kids who love STEM. These are Connecticut's future computer programmers, engineers, mathematicians and scientists. If you child would love to spend his or her summer immersed in these subjects, there is a camp near you that will make them happy!

Check out these STEM summer camps across the state, or take a look at our extensive Connecticut Summer Camp Guide and Summer Camp Directory for tons of options to fit any interest. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

Sleepaway Camps in New England with Short Sessions for First-Timers

Kelley Heyworth's picture Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on

First time campers can learn the ropes at some amazing sleep away camps with short sessions! Joseph Conrad Overnight Sailing Camp photo courtesy of Mystic Seaport

Going to sleepaway camp is a rite of passage for many kids in Boston, Connecticut, and the rest of New England. However, the idea of being away from home for more than a couple of weeks can be a deal breaker for many kids. This is especially true if they're on the younger side or have separation anxiety. Fortunately, many overnight camps offer one- or two-week (some even even shorter) sessions. These are designed to introduce children to the independence and kid-bonding of sleepaway without forcing them to "stick it out" for longer than they may be ready to handle.

Established on shorelines and lakefronts across six states, we've rounded up popular overnight summer camps. These sleepaway camps have first-timer-focused starter sessions for children 6 to 12 years old. The only catch may be if you're unsure you can part with your kiddo for more than a night. (Trust us—you can!)

Look to our complete camp directory for more ideas on summer enrichment for kids in Boston and Connecticut.

Best STEM and Science Summer Camps for Atlanta Kids

Submitted by Dana Shemesh on

The projects at STREM Summer Camp can get highly innovative! Photo courtesy of STREM HQ

STEM or science camp allow Atlanta kids to have loads of fun with opportunities to launch rockets, develop game apps, build robots, make slime, play in the dirt, and more! The benefits of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and science camps are numerous. Kids learn better with hands-on activities in a relaxed environment and they gain confidence by developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Aside from all the technological fun, these summer camps require collaboration, which provides socialization opportunities for campers as well.

Who knows? Your child may become the next Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Jacques Cousteau, or Bill Gates!

For more camp opportunities, refer to our Atlanta Summer Camp Guide, which includes preschool, sports, and overnight camps. And if you don't want to miss out on exciting Atlanta happenings, subscribe to our free Mommy Poppins newsletter.

Visit SeaWorld Orlando Like a Local with These Insider Secrets

Submitted by Charlotte B on

SeaWorld Orlando offers families a chance to discover the beauty and majesty of sea creatures, as well as thrilling rides, fun shows, and more!

SeaWorld Orlando is one of the best theme parks in Central Florida for families of all ages and interests —from amazing animal exhibits and shows, to roller coasters and kiddie rides, SeaWorld Orlando has it all!

As an Orlando native, our family has had SeaWorld passes for many years now, and my kids (ranging in age from 4-12) have loved visiting SeaWorld Orlando at every age. And to top it off, we learn something new about the incredible resident marine animals at each visit! Read on for everything you need to know about visiting SeaWorld Orlando with kids.

Plan your Orlando vacation with the help of our Orlando Theme Park and Water Park Guide. Be sure to also bookmark our Florida Family Travel Guide for more fun ideas around the Sunshine State.

Best Summer Camps in the Hudson Valley, NY

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

Camp Ramaquois is one of many standout summer camps in the Hudson Valley. Photo courtesy of the camp

The Hudson Valley's mountainous landscapes, natural swimming lakes, and open spaces make it the ideal location for kids' summer camps. Whether you are looking for a traditional summer day camp for your preschooler, sleepaway camp for your kid, or an adventure camp for your teen, we've found the best camps throughout the Hudson Valley. Our picks in the Hudson Valley include sports and STEM camps, a special needs summer camp, and even a summer wolf camp for kids. 

For more summer camps in the Hudson Valley, including affordable summer camps, dance summer camps, and sports camps, be sure to bookmark our Westchester Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town. 

Best Nature Centers on Long Island for Families to Explore

Submitted by Thien August on

Visit with the piggies at Suffolk County Farm and Education Center. Photo courtesy of the center

Long Island has an abundance of nature centers to explore that help us learn about and appreciate the region's natural wonders, like its world-class beaches and woodlands. Many of these destinations offer indoor and outdoor nature-based activities for children and caregivers.

When it's time to unplug and spend some quality time together, there's nothing like taking in some fresh air and connecting with nature and each other. So, next time you need a change of scenery, consider visiting one of these 13 nature centers on Long Island.

If you're looking for other alfresco activities on Long Island, like a roundup of the best hiking trails, be sure to check out our Guide to Outdoor Activities.  

24 Best Things To Do in Norwalk, CT with Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on

Find something to smile about with the best things to do in Norwalk, CT with kids!

The top things to do in Norwalk cater to tourists and locals alike, with a family-friendly eclectic mix of urban, coastal, and charming neighborhood experiences.  Norwalk highlights include two of Connecticut's most popular attractions: The Maritime Aquarium and Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Norwalk’s proximity to the Long Island Sound provides visitors with access to the coastline at Calf Pasture Beach and Sheffield Island and its dedication to diversity can be tasted and seen through its thriving restaurant and arts scene.

Perhaps most importantly, Norwalk is the place that I have called home for just about a dozen years, and it is the place where I choose to raise my family. We have all grown up in this town. We celebrated the last days of school and birthdays at Mr. Frosty's. We said farewell to Summer at the Oyster Fest, spent way too many early baby mornings at Stepping Stones, and developed a close friendship with the seals at the Maritime. Norwalk is our home, and I am so happy to share it with you. 

You can follow along with all my adventures by following along on Instagram.

Providence with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in Providence, RI

Kelley Heyworth's picture Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on

There are lots of interactive exhibits at the Providence Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

From the history of Benefit Street to the food on Federal Hill, there are so many things to do in Providence with kids. Tucked on the southern New England coast between New York and Boston, Providence sometimes gets overlooked as a family travel destination. But the self-proclaimed "Creative Capital" is a hive of kid-friendly art, American history, and waterfront fun. It's a lot less crowded and touristy than other urban centers, which helps when you have kids in tow. What's more, Providence is a short drive from some truly stunning beaches, allowing for a surf-and-turf mix of activities over the course of a warm weekend. Here's a checklist of can't-go-wrong activities for a visit.

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