Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

35 Summer Activities in Connecticut for Kids Before School Starts

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 08/05/2020 - 8:00pm

This summer is unusual for sure, but there are still plenty of fun things to do in Connecticut before kids are back at their desks (or Zoom rooms). From snuggling with goats to taking a lighthouse cruise, these end-of-summer activities will keep kids entertained, with safety and social distancing in mind.

Our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide has even more ideas for making the most of the shortest, but sweetest, season of the year.

12 Outdoor Restaurants in Connecticut that Are Great for Families

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 07/31/2020 - 11:07am

With exciting views and kid-friendly vibes, outdoor restaurants around Connecticut are always a good choice for family dining—and that's especially true this summer. Restaurants all around the Nutmeg State have been busy creating expanded outdoor seating on patios, porches, gardens, and sidewalks to accommodate diners safely per Connecticut reopening guidelines. From river docks to secret gardens, these outdoor restaurants are loved by local families.

Some of these great outdoor restaurants even made our list of places where kids can play while you relax, the ultimate combination for happy dining as a family. Check websites or call before heading out to find out each individual restaurant's policies about reservations and other safety guidelines, and then enjoy the refreshing pleasures of a meal outside your own—or any!—four walls.

The Least Messy Tie-Dye Project You'll Ever Do

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 07/30/2020 - 3:23pm

Has your kid been begging to tie-dye all summer? I know, I know: It's one of those messy projects on par with homemade slime. But, I've got a secret trick for how to tie-dye shirts, and all sorts of items, in a pretty mess-free way.

It's called ice tie-dye, and I have to say, tie-dye items always seem to bring that cool kid chic (what's old is new again, right?), but ice tie-dye brings cool to a whole new level. As the ice melts with the dye, it creates a unique watercolor effect. Also, the dye melts into a container, containing the mess and making it easy to toss. Read on for a fun new trick on how to tie-dye with the kids and create your own wearable works of art.

Family Fun Night: 10 Screen-Free Activities to Entertain Your Crew

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 07/26/2020 - 2:00pm

Family fun night doesn't have to revolve around ordering pizza cueing up a family-friendly movie. Whether your family is ultra-competitive and ready for a board game battle or wants to curl up and camp out under the living room lights, we've got 10 fresh family fun night theme ideas. All it takes is a little preparation—and inspiration—to build a memorable night at home. This list gets the kids to surrender their screens and join in on the action.

For more family fun inspiration, be sure to check out our Stay-at-Home Guide, which is packed with hundreds of boredom busters.

How to Make Ice Cream At Home in 5 Easy Steps

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 07/14/2020 - 11:05am

You don’t need a fancy ice cream machine to make delicious homemade ice cream. We can show you how to make ice cream at home in a plastic bag, or a mason jar if you want to be a little extra.

These two homemade ice cream recipes take just 5 to 10 minutes and in just a few steps. Homemade ice cream is one of our favorite edible science experiments for kids, and the perfect anytime activity in our humble opinions, but especially fun during the summer.

Use these recipes as a base to add other flavors and ingredients. Experiment with mint, chocolate chips, or fresh cut fruit like strawberries.

How to Make Summer Camp at Home Actually Fun (Free Printable)

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 07/12/2020 - 2:30pm

We all know that summer camp 2020 looks a little different, but the fun doesn't have to be canceled. If you're hosting "summer camp" for the kids at home or in your backyard this year—also sometimes known as mom-camp or dad-camp—we've got some hacks for you so everyone enjoys it and parents don't drive themselves mad.

Although it may look like all fun and games, the best summer camps allow time and the space for children to explore personal interests and build confidence while providing a loose routine. With a few simple guidelines, you can hack your way to a fun summer camp schedule with camp games, arts and crafts, and even a cool name for your brand-new camp.

And if you're still searching for a week or two of in-person or virtual summer camps in 2020, check out our chock-full Camp Guides.

50 Totally Free Printable Activities for Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 06/28/2020 - 1:00pm

It's time to close the laptop, put down that device, and step away from the screen. After months of homeschooling and remote learning, why not get hands-on with these printable activities for kids? We've rounded up 50 screen-free printables you can take with you just about anywhere. From mazes, printable coloring pages, and paper dolls to craft instructions and STEM-inspired fun, these screen-free activities provide hours of entertainment.

These FREE printable activities for kids keep them actively learning by developing fine-motor skills, working on critical thinking, and even inspire some gross motor play workouts. So, bookmark this list and come back to it anytime you hear the dreaded, "I'm bored," or "Can I have more screentime?" ring out.

Epic East Coast Road Trip Ideas for Summer 2020

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 06/26/2020 - 12:04pm

Pick your playlist, fill the cooler, and load up the trunk, it’s time to hit the road for an epic road trip this summer. Nothing says “family vacation” quite like piling everyone in the car and heading off for a classic family road trip. Quirky roadside attractions, beautiful scenery, and a ton of togetherness is the stuff that makes for enduring childhood memories.

Travel from Maine all the way to the Carolinas with these 15 East Coast road trip ideas that will keep your family cruising the coastline all summer long.

Don't forget to come prepped with these road trip games for kids and a device loaded up with podcasts.

Ally Noel

Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

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