Connecticut 2017 Bestie Guide: Best Places for Family Fun

Submitted by Clementina Verge on

Connecticut is an outstanding place to raise a family (no bias here, right?) and Mommy Poppins Connecticut readers are crème de la crème. That's some simple, reliable math. Best place to be + best readers and parents = insight into the absolute best places to visit with children. 

In January, we sought your expertise and asked all of you to help us choose our Besties: vote for the best museums, family businesses, entertainment venues, and other categories that add magic to childhood in Connecticut. You graciously answered our request and now the results are in. You chose from 10 nominees in 23 categories (and two voters were picked at random to enjoy great prizes from our wonderful sponsors). The contest is now over, but you can learn about it by browsing Besties FAQ.

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 Enrichment Programs | Best Parenting Resources

25 Things to Do With Kids in Shelton

Julia Tolstrup's picture Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on

Nestled in the southwest corner of the Naugatuck Valley, at the edge of Fairfield County, Shelton is a hidden gem. Forget for a moment that downtown is currently experiencing a major renaissance with small restaurants popping up all along the main streets, many of them sourcing from local farms and breweries. Shelton is also brimming with things to do with kids. There is something for every season, age, and interest from ice cream to ice skating, hiking to hula hoops. Be sure to tune into our Facebook Live event Saturday at noon to find out who the winners are in our first ever CT Besties Awards! A few of these Shelton area businesses are finalists!

Diggerland: A Construction-Themed Amusement Park in NJ

Submitted by Nataki Hewling on

There's a theme park in West Berlin, New Jersey that's not like anything you've ever seen before. That's because it's the first construction-themed amusement park in all of the US! Inspired by (but not affiliated with) the four Diggerland parks in the United Kingdom and located right next to popular indoor water park Sahara Sam's Oasis, Diggerland USA features a variety of rides made from real-life construction equipment. If your child is fascinated by construction sites, a trip to Diggerland is a no-brainer. But you don't need to be obsessed with bulldozers and tractors and dump trucks to have a blast at this unique theme park.

My two sons and I were invited to a media preview to experience what Diggerland USA has to offer families. And considering the older one is a typical hard-to-please tween, I can attest that Diggerland USA isn't just for preschoolers going through that inevitable Bob the Builder phase.

St. Patrick's Day Parades in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on

While the largest St. Patrick's Day parade in New York State may be held in Manhattan, Westchester and the Hudson Valley boast sizable marches as well.

Below we’ve rounded up the 2017 St. Patrick’s Day parades in our area, all of which, of course, are FREE. With options ranging from Saturday, March 11, through Sunday, March 19, the holiday becomes a nine-day affair. Read on, wear your green and Erin Go Bragh! 

Looking for St. Paddy's celebrations that extend beyond parades? We have those too! 

Spring is in Full Swing with these Delicious Philly Food Festivals

Submitted by Lindsay Li on

Warm weather is in the air, flowers are starting to bloom... spring is almost here! There's no better way to experience and celebrate the season than getting outdoors taking in the sights, scents, and smells of the fresh food festivals that pop up in Philadelphia and in the region.Take a deep dive and tempt your taste buds with fresh foods, some locally grown, and festivities that are great family-fun. Here's a round-up of spring food festivals you can sink your teeth into, including a few that feature pick-your-own opportunities.

Best Movie Theaters for Kids Around Boston

Elyse Andrews's picture Submitted by Elyse Andrews on

Taking your kids to their first movie is a special rite of passage. So it’s only fitting that you’d want to take them to just the right movie theater for the perfect experience. Boston is home to dozens of movie houses, but some are more suited to young audiences than others.

14 St. Patrick's Day Activities in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on

Sound Shore St. Patrick's Day Parade

Looking for ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the kids? With the return of St. Patrick's Day parades to Westchester and the Hudson Valley, there is no shortage of possibilities this year. 

If parades are not your thing, no problem. There are plenty of events that give kids the opportunity to learn, be creative, and have fun—while honoring all things Irish. Whether your little lads and lassies would love to hear traditional Irish toe-tapping music, run for the gold in a 5K race, or simply make shamrock and rainbow crafts, we’ve rounded up activities that offer something for everyone. 

Looking for more events, holiday-related and otherwise? Check out our Events Calendar. And with spring coming, why not visit our guide to spring events in the area. 

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