Katie McKnight

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Beach and Swim Clubs for Kids in Connecticut

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Fri, 07/15/2022 - 10:03pm

Make some magical memories at the best beach and swim clubs in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Owenego Beach Club

Connecticut shores face Long Island Sound, so of course many of our kids have beach swimming as one of their essential summertime memories. But there are delightful places to swim all over our little state including pools, lakes, and swim clubs. Club membership brings with it access to many features such as outdoor pools, indoor pools, and lake swimming and boating, so why not give it a try? Read on for our guide to beach and swim clubs for kids in Connecticut!

If you're still looking for that perfect beach experience, see Mommy Poppins Summer Beach List. If you're up for some swimming but want to skip the sand, check out the Top 15 Swimming Pools for Families in Connecticut. And check out our Summer Fun Guide for lots of great activities around Connecticut.

Springtime Visits to Baby Farm Animals in Fairfield County

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Thu, 02/10/2022 - 8:00am

Head out this spring and see baby farm animals in Connecticut!

Pretty much everything farm related makes me sneeze. And itch. And cough. But in spite of my immune system's obvious distaste for all things farm related, I cannot help it…I love visiting area farms this time of year to see all the new, ADORABLE, animals that have been born. And I'm guessing I'm not the only one! Pick a beautiful day, and head out to visit some of Fairfield County’s newest -- and furriest -- residents at some of the following locations. And for more springtime fun check out our Mommy Poppins Spring Guide.

Summer Camps for Preschoolers around Fairfield, CT

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Mon, 04/05/2021 - 7:00pm

Children explore nature in Darien. Photo by Julia Arstorp Photography courtesy of Darien Nature Center

Summer camp is great prep for school. These well-established programs in Fairfield County know how to cater to preschoolers with fun water play, nature activities, sports, shorter sessions, hands-on summer learning, and, yes, plenty of hand holding.

Live in Central Connecticut? We've rounded up our favorite preschooler camps in the Hartford area, too. See our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide for more ideas, or search by age, interest, and town in our Connecticut camp directory.

Christmas Tree Farms in Fairfield County, CT

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Sun, 11/24/2019 - 2:22pm

Picking your own tree straight from the field is even more fun in the snow. Photo courtesy of Maple Row Farm

As a child, I went every year with my family to a local Christmas tree farm to cut down our tree. It was inevitably freezing cold, someone had forgotten their mittens, and epic arguments over tree size and shape would ensue. In short, it was magical! It’s time to introduce my own kids to that wonderful holiday tradition, and there are plenty of places in Fairfield County where you can cut your own tree or find a freshly cut fir, pine, or balsam beauty straight from the farm.

If you live to the northwest or central part of Connecticut, see our posts on Christmas tree farms in the Litchfield area and Christmas tree farms around Hartford. There are more yuletide celebrations at these Connecticut's tree lighting and holiday light ceremonies.

Boxing, Fencing, Sailing, Squash, and More Sports Classes Outside the Box in Fairfield County, CT

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Thu, 06/21/2018 - 12:03pm

At a recent lacrosse camp, one pigtailed and freckled little 7 year old informed me that she would be playing in Baltimore next week to “focus on my attack dodges.” This made me start thinking about the sports my kids are pursuing. Maybe it's time to go off the beaten path a little, and try a sport where a kid stands a better chance of standing out.

I've listed below some not-so-run-of-the-mill sport options that I've found for kids. For more options, check out our Classes and Enrichment Guide for Kids in Connecticut, or have fun digging into our Fairfield County Guide.

Soccer Summer Camps in Fairfield County

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 11:03pm

We just love soccer camp. Kids of all ages and skills can participate while getting lots of exercise and having loads of fun. Makes for some happy, tired kids and a happy, less tired Mom! Here are some soccer camps in Fairfield County, CT by town. And if you're in the area, we've also rounded up some soccer camps in Hartford County. And for loads more summer camp options in general, be sure to check out our CT Summer Camp Guide and our Summer Camp Directory.

10 Math and Science Summer Camps in Connecticut

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Fri, 01/05/2018 - 11:24am

Not having been a math/science kind of girl myself, it came as quite a surprise when I heard from my middle child’s teacher that math and science are her strengths. No doubt in reaction to the ensuing blank stare he received from me, he gently suggested that perhaps I look into some summer programs for her where she could develop her interest in STEM subjects. Phew. I’m not sure who is more relieved that her math and science tutelage will not be left to me this summer – her teacher or myself. Or possibly my child! For loads more info on great summer camps here in Connecticut check out our CT Summer Camp Guide and our post on STEM Camps in Hartford and New Haven Counties too.

Day Trip to Groton Long Point, CT: Bikes, Kids and Beaches

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Thu, 07/13/2017 - 5:30am

This summer we are planning to visit one of our favorite summer haunts – Groton Long Point. You can check out this day trip and others in our CT Day Trip Guide. Groton Long Point, a small residential community PERFECT for kids, is nestled in between Mystic and Groton. My 11 cousins and I spent our summers cruising the streets of GLP on our bikes – so I know every nook and cranny of the magical place!