Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally Noel

Ice Castles NH: A Gorgeous Winter Playground Entirely Made of Ice

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 02/06/2019 - 10:00am

From the moment we drove down the road and saw Ice Castles NH gleaming on the horizon, it was love at frost sight. The castles are a beautifully detailed work of art that is a frigid feast for all your senses and a perfect family winter weekend getaway.

Ice Castles is a completely immersive experience that is currently located in six cities throughout North America. Professional ice artists work tirelessly to hand-place hundreds of thousands of icicles into stunning formations. The end result is a labyrinth of twisting paths that open up into gorgeous ice canyons, grand archways, and a fun surprise or two.

35 Best Winter Activities for Kids (and Their Grown-ups)

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 01/21/2019 - 11:04am

It's finally winter, and you know what that means as a parent, right? Get ready for soggy snow pants, slurping cocoa, building snowmen, taking the kids sledding, and all things cozy for the family.

But if the thought of another long winter spent hibernating indoors with the kids swinging from rafters, leaves you shivering in fear, we want to help. Whether you're planning fun indoor activities for a school snow day at home, or just looking to entertain the kids on another winter weekend, we've rounded up nearly three dozen fun things to do.

These super simple ideas (many of them FREE) will come in handy when cabin fever strikes and make it easy to avoid the indoor entertainment pitfalls of more screen time and complaints about boredom of which we're all so familiar. Get ready to turn the long, dark days of winter into a season the whole family can enjoy.

25 Fun Things to Do in the Phoenix Area with Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 01/12/2019 - 2:04pm

At first glance, Phoenix might seem like just cactus and desert as far as the eye can see. But we found so many fun things to do in Phoenix. There is so much more to this western city than scorching heat and golf. Truly! Families will find fantastic Phoenix museums, unique attractions, such as a stunning desert botanical garden and a Butterfly Wonderland, as well as a fascinating history that makes this capital city come to life.

A trip to the Valley of the Sun makes a perfect winter getaway or spring break for sun-seekers. There are water parks, pools, hiking, spas for the grown-ups and plenty of resorts from which to choose. We've already explored neighboring Scottsdale, Arizona, and now we want to take you on a tour of the 25 top things to do in Phoenix for families with kids. Whether you stay at a five-star resort or spend your vacation with family and friends, this gem of the Grand Canyon State has a little something for everyone.

20 Fun Things to Do in Killington, Vermont Without Skis

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 01/05/2019 - 2:05pm

A family trip to Vermont in the winter months is like walking through a real-life winter wonderland. The natural beauty of the mountains and country terrain appeal to outdoor enthusiasts year-round, but when blanketed with a coat of snow, the Killington region really shines.

It isn't necessary to be an avid skier to enjoy this corner of New England come snowfall. The small villages and towns of central Vermont provide the perfect setting for winter activities for the kids and adults, both outdoor snow sports and even indoor arts and crafts. My family regularly visits the area, and though I hung up my skis some time ago, we're never bored.

Things to Do on New Year's Day in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 12/25/2018 - 11:38am

Sure, you have amazing plans watching the clock strike midnight, but if your kids are anything like mine -- they will still be up at the crack of dawn on New Year's Day looking for something to do. Whether you choose to bundle up and head outdoors, or leave the coats at home and check out an indoor activity, there is plenty of excitement awaiting in every corner of the state. Spend a nice day with your family skating by the Sound, or take in the IMAX at the Maritime Aquarium. From First Day Hikes to the Connecticut cience Center, something on this list will ensure that everyone starts 2019 off right.

New Spaces in Old Places - Fairfield County

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 12/22/2018 - 11:40am

There have been a lot of changes around Fairfield County over the past few months. In case you missed it, many of the most popular cultural institutions got a little bit of a face-lift. These new exhibits breathe fresh air into the tried-and-true family favorites. Their renovated spaces, new animals, expanded exhibition spaces all offer state-of -the-art programming for Fairfield County families.

Thanksgiving Weekend Fun for CT Kids: Turkey Trots, Cocoa with Horses, and More!

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 11/20/2018 - 11:00am

Mommy Poppins would like to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving! Hopefully, you will have a chance to enjoy the company of friends and family and have safe and easy travels if you are on the road this holiday weekend.

Traditionally, this weekend unofficially marks the start of the Holiday Season- and Connecticut does not disappoint. Nutmeggers won't have to look for to find some festive fun. Every inch of this state is covered in holiday lights, outdoor fun, and a chance to visit with Santa in Greenwich, Bethel, Niantic, and more. As always, you can find our recommendations for kids of all ages in our event calendar, which is updated frequently this busy time of year. Make sure that you subscribe to our weekly newsletters and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram so that you won't miss out on any fun.

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Let's Taco Bout Tacos: A Taqueria Tour of Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 10/26/2018 - 11:02am

As far as I’m concerned, tacos aren’t just for Tuesdays. Connecticut has so many delicious taquerias, that it would be impossible to limit consuming them to just one day a week. These little folded circles of deliciousness are the perfect family friendly food. They contain simple and fresh ingredients that will satisfy even the pickiest of palettes. Thankfully, Nutmeggers love to get creative with their tacos! This list has everything from taco drive throughs to Kung Pao chicken and everything in between. For more dining inspiration, make sure to check out our Family Friendly Dining Guide.

Ally Noel

Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally Noel

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