Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

Outdoor Kids' Birthday Party Ideas for Summer Babies

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 07/22/2019 - 11:06am

Throw an amazing kids' birthday party right in your own backyard or local park with these outdoor party ideas.

Take all the fun (and the mess) of party games for kids outside and add a little summertime twist for inspired themes, such as camping, sprinklers, outdoor movies, and lawn games. We put together a list of seven sizzling kids' birthday party themes for outdoor parties below, including activity suggestions, decoration ideas, and some memorable munchies that will make your kid's party the event of the summer season.

A Special Offer on Summer Family Vacations at Smugglers' Notch Resort in Vermont

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 07/11/2019 - 10:20am

You may think of this top Vermont ski resort as a winter vacation spot, but with 8 pools, 4 water slides, and 2 natural reservoirs, Smugglers' Notch Resort makes a terrific summer family vacation destination. And, right now, Mommy Poppins readers can save $350 on a Summer Family Vacation Package. We made a trip to the resort ourselves so we could give you the inside scoop on this family-friendly find and get more details on this great deal.

A Tiny House Hotel Vacation Means Big Fun for Families

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 07/06/2019 - 1:01pm

For traveling families, a tiny house rental can make the perfect hotel solution. It often comes with multiple beds without the cost of a pricey multiroom suite, as well as family-friendly amenities, such as stocked kitchens. It doesn't hurt that they're so very cute and often set among pretty landscapes, from beaches to forests and mountains.

Tiny houses have grown in popularity in recent years as many of us try to reduce our footprint and that means a tiny house getaway is all the more accessible. There are now villages of tiny houses available for American vacationers. Tiny home resorts have cropped up, too, while some campgrounds and even urban areas have added a handful of rentable tiny homes to their grounds.

So pack light and check out these seven tiny house resorts that allow you and the kids to try on tiny living for size.

50 Fun Things to Do on Cape Cod with Kids this Summer

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 06/29/2019 - 1:01pm

Looking for fun things to do in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with the kids? We're regulars to the beautiful Cape Cod area and are happy to share our favorite family attractions. Known for its pristine beaches, legendary seafood, charming main streets, and a seemingly endless supply of kids activities, the Cape makes an ideal family vacation destination.

Of course, a trip to Cape Cod usually means a focus on low-key activities to wipe the school-year stress away with those sea breezes. Don't fret. From the moment you cross over the Sagamore Bridge, you are on Cape Time. Say goodbye to schedules and uncomfortable shoes and hello to family-time and flip-flops. Spend the day splashing in the water or building sandcastles. Try out mini golf after a leisurely dinner feast of lobster rolls.

Great Connecticut Beaches for Toddlers: Gentle Surf, Playgrounds, and More

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 06/21/2019 - 4:00pm

Parenthood may have put an end to lazy lounging in the sun, but visiting a great Connecticut beach with a curious, playful toddler or preschooler in tow is a whole new kind of fun. What makes a good beach or lake experience with a little one? These tot- and mom-approved spots have features like bathrooms, concessions, gentle (or no) surf, tide pools, or spraygrounds that allow for more independent exploration with fewer meltdowns. Just pack some toys, sunscreen, and your patience, and your bound for a fun beach day.

24 Summer Camp Snacks for Kids That Aren't Boring

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 06/20/2019 - 11:04am

Packing for summer camp means gathering up the towels, swimsuits, water bottles—labeling everything!—and finally, ensuring your kid has a healthy snack to power them through an action-packed day.

After a year of making school lunches for kids, it might feel overwhelming to come up with creative summer camp snacks, especially if you have a picky eater who turns up their nose at the likes of a cheese stick or tube of yogurt. So we came up with two dozen camp snack foods to woo both kids and parents with cooling, energizing, and (mostly) healthy snacks.

We separated the list into four handy sections: high-protein snacks, fruit snacks, no-refrigeration required, and allergy-aware and nut-free snacks for kids. Some might be more suited to a post-camp nosh but most can be packed up and sent out the door to summer camp with your kid.

35 Fun Spring Break Activities and Events in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 03/29/2019 - 10:00am

Although Mother Nature sometimes has a few tricks up her sleeve, signs of spring are really and truly spreading across Connecticut. You know what that means? Spring Break is coming soon, and your kiddos will be home with you for a few days to a whole week or perhaps more. From Hartford to Greenwich to Middletown to Mystic, more sun means different things to do that will break up the routine and help you and the kids make some new memories.

Family-Friendly Farm Stays: Meet the Animals and Work the Farm

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 03/02/2019 - 1:17pm

Farm stays provide guests of all ages with a taste of farm life. Whether by milking cows and collecting eggs, or gathering fresh fruit from a pineapple plant for breakfast, families who choose to stay at a farm hotel, which might be cabin, house, or even a tent, will likely have more fun than Old MacDonald led you to believe is possible.

Time your farm stay with the kids for spring, summer, or even fall. Check out which seasonal activities might be going on before picking the dates of your farm vacation, as well as the location. We've rounded up 10 of our favorite farm "hotels" around the country, from Maine to Texas to California.

I've found that farmer-hosts have a strong desire to educate little farmers on how to live a more sustainable and balanced life. Unplug, relax, and enjoy the fruits of a hard day’s work around a campfire. Lessons learned on these farms will stay with you long after you return home.

Find more vacation ideas and weekend getaways in our Family Travel Guide, or check out your local Farm Fun Guide for local petting zoos, harvest festivals, and pick-your-own fun.

Ally Noel

Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

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