The Best Pumpkin Patches in Connecticut Worth the Drive for 2025
Submitted by Ally Noel on
Fall fun awaits at the top pumpkin patches in CT for 2025!
Ally Noel
Ally Noel has lived in Connecticut for over two decades. Before becoming a parent, she worked as an Educational Technology Specialist, helping schools and teachers integrate technology into learning. Now, she’s all about discovering the best family-friendly adventures, activities, and hidden gems. Share your tips, questions, or just say hi at ally@mommypoppins.com, and follow along for family fun at @mommypoppinsct.
Latest posts by Ally
10 Cool Crafts for Teens & Tweens
Submitted by Ally Noel on
Crafts are an amazing way for tweens and teens to unplug from screens, express their creativity, and even make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
They’re perfect for fun, screen-free time with friends—and also make great activities for birthdays, sleepovers, or rainy days when you want something engaging and hands-on. I love seeing my own daughter get completely absorbed in a project, coming up with ideas I never would have thought of, and feeling proud of what she creates.
The best part? These crafts are actually cool, not “kiddy,” so kids will be excited to dive in and genuinely enjoy the process. On this list, you’ll find everything from trendy TikTok-inspired projects to hands-on art crafts that let them experiment, explore, and make something uniquely their own.
Try one of these projects this weekend and watch their creativity—and confidence—shine! For thousands more craft ideas for kids of all ages, check out our Crafts for Kids Guide. For your hard-to-please teens, we've also got a Teen & Tween Activities Guide, filled with ideas we've run by our kids to ensure they're teen-approved, not mom-lame.
Foliage Experiences in New England 2025: Fun Takes on Fall Foliage
Submitted by Ally Noel on
Explore 2025 foliage fun in Boston, Connecticut, and around New England!
31 Best Kids' Halloween Movies with Not-so-Scary Thrills and Chills
Submitted by Ally Noel on
These kids' Halloween movies bring all those witches, ghosts, and goblins to life in classic, not-too-scary movies that are perfect for a family-friendly Halloween movie night!
Whip up a seasonal batch of scarecrow snack mix (you'll find the recipe in our list of scary-easy Halloween party snack ideas) while you settle in for a cozy night on the couch with one of these kids' Halloween movies. With so many spooky films available to rent or stream, it can be hard to choose the right one for your family. From preschool to preteen, our list of the best kids' Halloween movies has something to put everyone in the right spirit.
For more Halloween fun, from Halloween jokes for kids to 75 fun Halloween activities for kids—and more—check out our Halloween Activities Guide for Families.
And for Halloween activities near you, check out our Local Halloween Fun & Activities Guide!
Best Fall Festivals in Connecticut 2025 for Harvest Family Fun
Submitted by Ally Noel on
Find family-friendly Fall festivals all over Connecticut for 2025.
Finding Connection at Miraval Berkshires
Submitted by Ally Noel on
See what Family Connection Week at Miraval is all about!
42 Things To Do in Connecticut Before School Starts 2025
Submitted by Ally Noel on
End summer 2025 with a bang and fun things to do around CT before school starts!
19 Best School Supplies for 2025—According to a Veteran Teacher
Submitted by Ally Noel on
It's that time of year again – Back-to-School, which means it's time to go shopping for back-to-school supplies! There are plenty of boring back-to-school lists out there that have the typical pencil case, crayons, and a backpack. That's not what this list is.
This Back-to-School season, we've talked with a veteran teacher and several moms to come up with favorite lesser-known items that we think deserve a place in your Back-to-School shopping cart. From noise-canceling headphones to erasable pens that really work, we come up with a list of unique essentials.
Whether your little one is starting kindergarten or heading back to elementary school, we've got you covered with a list of cool back-to-school supplies that will make the upcoming school year a breeze. For more Back-to-School ideas, like lunches kids actually like or first day of school traditions, check out our Back-to-School Guide.
