Thanksgiving celebrations may look different in 2020, but this holiday is still best spent gathered around a table with loved ones. If you're looking for places that will prepare a Thanksgiving meal for you—more appealing than ever, perhaps, this stressful year—look no further than these Connecticut restaurants offering turkey and all the trimmings for takeout or pickup dinner. Think roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, kid-friendly mac and cheese, and, of course, pies of all kids.

If you are in the mood to cook (and learn a little history), consider rounding up your little chefs to try these old-fashioned, "first" Thanksgiving recipes that you can make with kids. Our Connecticut holiday guide has even more ideas for making your time at home and with family more festive and meaningful than ever in 2020.

With its historic seaport district, renowned aquarium, and easy beach access, Mystic, Connecticut is bursting with New England charm and a ton of family fun. Tourists tend to flock to this coastal village in the summer, but Mystic truly shines all year round with rich traditions like the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade along the Mystic River, Northern Lights animal display at the Mystic Aquarium, and the annual "Pirate invasion" come fall.

Whether you are heading into town for a day trip or a long weekend, we have loads of recommendations for interactive museums, unique attractions, and delicious food (including, of course, pizza!) for grown-ups and kids to enjoy together. For more family getaway ideas, explore our Mommy Poppins U.S. Travel Guide.

There's more to Halloween than just trick-or-treating. Whether or not our kids go out collecting candy this year, Halloween costumes will be worn, and setting up some at-home Halloween games might be the best way to celebrate. Invite your kids' pod over to play these Halloween party games, make some spooky snacks, and watch your witches and monsters run off the extra energy dancing like zombies and limboing under a broomstick.

Be sure to consult with CDC guidelines to keep risks at a minimum; current recommendations are that a small gathering of trusted classmates is a better scenario than traditional trick-or-treating in 2020—as long as everyone wears a mask, of course. So pick a killer playlist from the games below and get the Halloween party started! 

Find more Halloween games, events, and activities in our Halloween Guide.