Ally Noel
Ally Noel has lived in Connecticut for over two decades. Before becoming a parent, she worked as an Educational Technology Specialist, helping schools and teachers integrate technology into learning. Now, she’s all about discovering the best family-friendly adventures, activities, and hidden gems. Share your tips, questions, or just say hi at ally@mommypoppins.com, and follow along for family fun at @mommypoppinsct.
Latest posts by Ally
Whether you have a special hot chocolate recipe you make from scratch or you grab a packet of cocoa from the pantry, there is nothing quite like cozying up with a nice cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s day. Hot chocolate makes any snow day magical, warms up cold cheeks after a day of sledding, and is simply the perfect sweet treat.
Here are 11 hot chocolate recipes to satisfy any sweet tooth, from hot chocolate bombs to Mexican hot chocolate. No snow? No problem! We’ve found a few recipes for those warmer days, too, including a frozen hot chocolate recipe. So grab your mugs and get mixing—it's time to stir up something delicious.
For more even more fun kitchen creations, check out our Guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.
Riddles for kids is the answer. The question is: What is the perfect way to keep children entertained and their brains engaged without using a screen?
Riddles for kids are a great way to fight boredom, keep the conversation flowing, and laugh at funny jokes. Plus, the family will bond as everyone works together to puzzle over the answers to these tricky questions. From funny riddles to math questions to classic brainteasers, here are 25 fun riddles for kids and families.
For more ways to ward off the dreaded whines of "I'm bored" when the family is stuck at home, check out our favorite jokes for kids and more LOL jokes, riddles, tongue twisters, and more in our Ultimate Collection of Riddles, Knock-Knocks, and More Jokes for Kids.
When winter weather turns into a day off from school it’s time to head for the hills—sledding hills, that is. We're lucky to have more than our fair share of awesome sledding hills here in Fairfield County, from gentle dips for toddlers and preschoolers to dramatic slopes that draw brave 'tweens and 'teens. Grab a thermos of cocoa, your warmest mittens, and yes—this year, at least—your face masks, of course.
Here is a list of some local favorite spots to spend a couple hours burning off that cabin fever. If you live in central Connecticut, check out these Hartford-area sledding hills, and for a little bit more of an adventure, visit our Connecticut Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing Guide.
The sweet spot on a family vacation is when you can adventure together as a family and have plenty of space for relaxing at the end of the day. Hunter Mountain in New York’s Catskills offers the perfect mix of activities for the entire family. With an itinerary of exploring, hiking, skiing, and lounging around our hotel’s fire, we were all very happy campers. There are so many things to do right on Hunter Mountain and in the surrounding area that appeals to parents and kids. Here are some highlights from our visit to Hunter Mountain, New York, including outdoor adventures, delectable dining choices, family-friendly lodging, and ample opportunities to chill out.
Find more things to do near Hunter Mountain on our list of 25 things to do in the Catskills with kids, and bookmark our Guide to Weekend Getaways and Day Trips for more family-friendly local travel spots.
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.
Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in New York's Hudson Valley is a crowd-pleaser any time of the year. This year-round, all-inclusive resort provides non-stop activities for all ages, including an indoor water park, horseback riding, snow tubing, skiing, and even babysitting, all of which add up to a memorable family getaway less than two hours from NYC.
Read on for our top picks for fun things to do at Rocking Horse Ranch, and our tips for planning your own Rocking Horse Ranch Resort getaway. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for more family-friendly travel destinations nearby.
Meal planning night after night for family dinner is, frankly, the worst. Maybe you're that rare meal magician whose kitchen is stocked with everything you need to whip up a healthy meal that your entire family will enjoy. But probably you're a mere mortal: the kind of parent who struggles at the very thought of coming up with one meal, let alone an entire weekly menu plan. I mean, ugh—why are these little humans always so hungry?!? We asked readers how they tackled the monumental task of meal planning family dinners everyone will eat, week after week. These tried and true tips from seasoned parents are amazing and help answer the never-ending question of what’s for dinner.
After you read these tips, peruse our 100 Top Easy Recipes for Kids and other kid-pleasing fare in our Guide to the Best Recipes for Kids.
No boat, no problem: at Lakeside Watersports, families can hit the water and wakeboard, water tube, and more.
If thrilling fun is your thing, then Lakeside Watersports is your go-to spot in Connecticut for just about any kind of adrenaline-pumping water-based activity. Lakeside Watersports is located in Candlewood Lake’s Echo Bay Marina in Brookfield, just 2 hours from New York. It’s Connecticut’s go-to spot if you want to learn how to wakeboard, tube, waterski, wakesurf, kneeboard, and so much more—all under the experienced eye of the Lakeside staff.
If you want to hit the water without a boat, check out the 10 Best Ponds and Swimming Lakes for Connecticut Kids and other ways to get wet and keep cool in our Connecticut Beaches and Water Fun Guide.
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