Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: St. Patrick's Day Crafts, Maple Sugaring, Cardboard Sled Race, Theater

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 03/11/2020 - 9:00pm

Smell and see how maple syrup is made. Photo courtesy of Visit CT

Cheers to being halfway through March! We’ve survived the transition to daylight savings time and spring is right around the corner. Several St. Patrick's Day parades are canceled because of coronavirus, but there are other ways to celebrate the Irish holiday this weekend, including shamrock-themed cookie decorating in Norwalk and a pot-of-gold treasure hunt in Newtown. There’s also a fishing demonstration, fantastic live theatrical performances, and a few more maple festivals as well. The annual cardboard sled race is in Middlefield was on at press time!

Due to coronavirus, some activities planned for this weekend have been canceled, postponed, or modified. We will do our best to keep our weekend picks up-to-date with any changes made by event organizers. Stay well, everyone.

Science Experiments for Kids: How to Make Invisible Ink

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 02/27/2020 - 11:02am

Watch your sketch appear in this invisible ink science experiment!

This low-tech invisible ink science experiment lets kids send secret messages to friends and family. All they'll need is a little lemon juice or milk. We decided to try both versions of this invisible ink experiment to see if the results were any different.

Commonly found household items make up the ingredient list, including juice, milk, honey, and vinegar. At room temperature, these compound liquids are colorless, making them perfect for invisible ink fun. Put them in contact with heat and the oxidization process turns them various shades of brown, aka, the ink appears! Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to make invisible ink with your kids.

Find more science experiments for kids in our STEM Activities Guide.

Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Read Across America, Purim, Maple Sugaring

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 02/26/2020 - 8:09pm

Kids display their hamantaschen at the Zoo Purim Carnival in Stamford. Photo by Ally Noel

Thanks to Leap Day, we have a whole extra day of February to squeeze in all the fun to be had across Connecticut! This weekend is filled with an eclectic mix of outdoor fun, Read Across America Celebrations in Norwalk and New London, a Purim carnival, and even some Leap Day activities in Litchfield and Norwalk. But, any true Nutmegger knows there's a short period between winter and spring when a certain sticky and delicious substance flows through our trees. We are in the thick of Maple Sugar Season! Our calendar is filled with tons of maple sugar fun this weekend.

We update our Events Calendar frequently so be sure to check back for even more great suggestions. To keep up with the latest family-friendly events and activities, sign up for our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram. Have a fantastic weekend!

Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Groundhogs, Valentine Crafts, Owls

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 01/29/2020 - 5:30pm

Get crafty at the AR Workshop Valentine’s Make & Take. Photo by Ally Noel

For such a short month, February is loaded with celebrations for just about everyone, and the first weekend kicks everything off! From learning the science behind groundhog's shadows to making Valentine's Day crafts to appreciating owls, Connecticut kids have plenty of activities to pick from on Saturday and Sunday.

Also check out the full calendar and take advantage of all the fantastic "Take Your Child To the Library" festivities happening around the state. Is there anything better to do on a cold February day than snuggle in with a good book? Read on, friends!

Special Offers on Winter Family Vacations at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 01/16/2020 - 11:30am

No one does winter fun quite like the charming countryside of Northern Vermont. And if you’re looking for the perfect destination for a Vermont family winter getaway, Smugglers’ Notch brings quintessential activities like skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and plenty of free hot chocolate to kids and adults of all ages. Plus, special offers and a range of inclusive packages make that dream family vacation all the more accessible.

Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Disney on Ice, Family Skating, Eagle Viewing

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 12/31/2019 - 6:00pm

Stay warm with sock skating! Photo courtesy of Connecticut Science Center

Out with the old and in with the new! The first weekend of 2020 kicks off with the final weekend of some holiday favorites, and ushers in some fantastic new family events. While this weekend is your last chance to enjoy Winterfest at Bushnell Park and the Northern Lights at Mystic Aquarium, Shepaug's eagle viewing site and Earthplace are introducing some new winter programs.

Get some exercise with family-style ice skating in Hartford, Litchfield, or Washington, or "sock skate" indoors at the Connecticut Science Center. Our January GoList is stocked with even more ideas for making the most of the chilly weather. Enjoy your weekend!

How to Make Rock Candy with Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 12/30/2019 - 10:03am

Teach your kids how to make rock candy for an easy rainy day project. Photo courtesy of Wikivisuals

Teach kids how to make rock candy for an edible rainy day activity. Making rock candy is also part science experiment, allowing kids hands-on learning with a few simple ingredients and kitchen tools.

Our easy rock candy recipe lets kids observe the crystallization process firsthand while making some pretty delicious treats. Sugar, water, and few more items found at home are all you need to turn your kitchen into a rock candy laboratory.

Read on for how to make rock candy with kids.

CAMP SoNo Opens for Indoor Play and Shopping for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 12/03/2019 - 12:00pm

CAMP combines shopping and play into one kid-friendly experience.

Just in time for some holiday fun: CAMP, a favorite of our NYC readers, opened its first Connecticut location in the new shopping and entertainment center, The SoNo Collection. At first glance, CAMP may seem like your regular toy shop, but there's a secret world of art and adventure behind the cheery storefront. With free interactive play areas, arts and crafts programs, and even a canteen to satisfy kids' cravings, CAMP is a place where kids can have a blast while you sneak in some shopping.

For more ideas to keep kids busy when the weather is chilly, check out our guide to indoor play areas around Fairfield.

Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

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