Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

Preparing for Summer Camp and a (Printable) Camp Packing Checklist

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 04/27/2023 - 1:13pm

Pack together, so kids know where to find their stuff! Photo courtesy of Canva

We've got the ultimate summer camp packing list included below, plus 10 great tips for preparing your experienced or first-time camper for summer camp this year.

You’ve done your research and picked out the right summer camp for your kiddo. Whether it's a shorter camp for first-timers or a unique summer camp that fits their latest obsession, now is the time to start preparing your child for a quintessential childhood experience: going to an overnight camp. These tips will help make going away to a new sleepaway camp as easy as a summer’s breeze.

Looking for the best summer camp options in your city? Be sure to bookmark your local Summer Camp Guide and check out our Sleepaway Summer Camp Guide to the Best Overnight Camps in the US.

Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 04/21/2023 - 9:15am

When you take a child to petting zoos in Connecticut and farms with animals, it's as if the pictures in their little books come popping off the page. A real-live donkey, even a zebra, and all the farm animals whose sounds we teach them so early on are right there! There are lots of nurturing, healthy petting zoos, farms and rescues in Connecticut where families can visit all the furry creatures, big small!

In addition to getting up close and personal with these animals, many of these Connecticut Farms also offer a wide variety of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables. There is plenty of family fun to be had. Read on for our favorite Connecticut petting zoos and farms to visit. And don’t forget to visit your other four-legged friends at these Connecticut Zoos and Gardens.

24 Best Things To Do in Norwalk, CT with Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 03/12/2023 - 9:31am

Find something to smile about with the best things to do in Norwalk, CT with kids!

The top things to do in Norwalk cater to tourists and locals alike, with a family-friendly eclectic mix of urban, coastal, and charming neighborhood experiences. Norwalk highlights include two of Connecticut's most popular attractions: The Maritime Aquarium and Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Norwalk’s proximity to the Long Island Sound provides visitors with access to the coastline at Calf Pasture Beach and Sheffield Island and its dedication to diversity can be tasted and seen through its thriving restaurant and arts scene.

Perhaps most importantly, Norwalk is the place that I have called home for just about a dozen years, and it is the place where I choose to raise my family. We have all grown up in this town. We celebrated the last days of school and birthdays at Mr. Frosty's. We said farewell to Summer at the Oyster Fest, spent way too many early baby mornings at Stepping Stones, and developed a close friendship with the seals at the Maritime. Norwalk is our home, and I am so happy to share it with you.

You can follow along with all my adventures by following along on Instagram.

Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 02/17/2023 - 9:26pm

As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel

You weren't always looking for fun indoor places where your kids could hang out. It’s like you blink, and one day you have a teenager. Although there is always time for family time, sometimes teens and tweens need a little bit of freedom, and these spots are sure to do the trick. With a little spending money and a group of friends, these spots are Mommy Poppins-tested and teenager-approved! From Stamford to New Haven, and Hartford to Norwalk, there are a lot of family-friendly options for Connecticut families. But these spots truly go above and beyond to offer a little something extra for teens—even if it's just a good photo op.

Connecticut has so many fun indoor places to enjoy with the family. When it's a special celebration, regardless of the season, these fun indoor birthday party places for kids in Connecticut make a memorable day. And you can stretch those entertainment dollars with free museums in Connecticut to visit with kids.

Windham Mountain with Kids: 12 Best Things To Do on a Weekend Getaway

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 02/09/2023 - 12:56pm

Windham Mountain may be the main attraction in town, but there are plenty more things to do on a Windham getaway beyond the slopes.

Located in New York’s Catskills, Windham Mountain offers the perfect mix of fun adventures, stunning scenery, delicious food, and elevated accommodations for the entire family. Good food, fun activities, and a comfy bed are the perfect recipe for a fun family weekend getaway. After spending a lovely long weekend exploring Windham Mountain, we're here to share our highlights, which included skiing, tubing, cozy fire pits, delectable dining choices, family-friendly lodging, and tons of spots to get upstate and chill.

Read on for our top picks for the best things to do with kids at Windham Mountain and find more fun regional destinations to explore in our Adirondacks, Catskills, and Hudson Valley Guide and our Weekend Getaways Guide.

20 Valentine's Day Crafts and Recipes to Love Bomb Your Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 02/06/2023 - 10:10am

These Valentine's Day crafts and activities are great ways to spend time with kids and show them some love.

You will always be your kiddo’s first Valentine! Parents can show kids just how loved and adored they are by showering them with attention and extra special activities and treats. We rounded up our favorite Valentine’s Day crafts, treats, and other ways to celebrate together: Spend time together baking heart-shaped Valentine's Day treats, whipping up a batch of Valentine's Day crafts (we even found Valentine's Day STEM projects), and toasting your loves with a mocktail—every one of these ideas says “I love you!” loud and clear.

For more yummy sweet treats for your sweetie, check out our Easy Recipes Guide. And you'll find hundreds of ideas for crafts and activities for kids in our At-Home Guide for Families.

Mini Snowmobiles, Winter Ziplines, and More Snow Adventures for Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 01/17/2023 - 10:57am

What is this crazy kid doing in the snow? Ziplining, of course! Photo courtesy of Alpine Adventures NH via Facebook

Celebrate the beauty of each and every one of the four seasons - yes, even the bone-chilling cold of winter - with fun snow adventures for kids that go beyond skiing and snowboarding! One of the best ways to deal with the frosty weather is to find exciting ways to get outside and enjoy the winter wonderland of fun. Although some families love to spend the winter months zipping down the slopes, there are a ton of ways to have fun without ever strapping on a pair of skis.

There are popular winter activities like tubing and skating, but we have found a bunch more ways to get your winter thrills. From snowmobile tours to tobogganing tracks here are some of the most thrilling ways to enjoy the bitter cold of winter.

Indoor and Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids - Plus Cute Printables!

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 01/12/2023 - 10:30am

Grab your list and head out for a scavenger hunt with the kids!

A scavenger hunt for kids is one of those activities that's fun for the whole family. Scavenger hunts combat boredom and get everyone moving. Plus, while there are tons of scavenger hunt ideas that are great for the outdoors, a scavenger hunt is also one of our top indoor activities for kids on rainy days.

Here we've got ideas to help you plan a scavenger hunt, devise scavenger hunt clues, and everything else you need to get started. In fact, you can just print out one of our FREE printable scavenger hunts and go! The Indoor Scavenger Hunt will turn a dull afternoon into a treasure hunt, while the Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt will have everyone asking for "just one more" trip around the block. We've also included a fill-in-the-blank scavenger hunt printable, to create and customize the perfect scavenger hunt for your kids.

For more fun at home and in your neighborhood, we've got thousands of ideas from Exercise Games and Indoor Activities to Get Kids Moving to 100 Things To Do When Kids Are Bored in our Boredom Busters Guide.

Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

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