Clementina Verge

Latest posts by Clementina

10 Best Ponds and Swimming Lakes for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 06/10/2022 - 11:15am

Dive in, the water's fine! Photo by Christina Hupfer, from the Burr Pond State Park Facebook page

Connecticut is home to great water parks and gorgeous beaches, but some families are partial to the many ponds, lakes, and freshwater areas—some 3,000 across the state—where kids can swim in calm waters. Here are our recommendations for swimming lakes and ponds in Connecticut where families can cool off and enjoy beautiful vistas.

For more aquatic adventures, be sure to check out our Beaches and Water Fun Guide which has lists of the Best Beaches for Connecticut Families and also our Favorite Fishing Holes in Connecticut. We've also got you covered with the Top 15 Swimming Pools for Families in Connecticut.

A Visit to the New England Carousel Museum

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Wed, 06/08/2022 - 2:00pm

Most children love carousels and Connecticut features quite a few places where you can catch a ride on a merry-go-round. The New England Carousel Museum, a little-known gem in the Hartford area, goes beyond offering the opportunity for a whirl. Here you will find hundreds of carousel figurines on display, or being repaired and restored. Though it is small, the Bristol-based museum is still a fascinating place, geared toward older children and adults -- artists, historians, and carousel connoisseurs are sure to appreciate the fragile exhibits. Young children will enjoy feasting their eyes upon the colorful figurines, but without much opportunity for hands-on interaction, they could also lose interest quicker. Still, this is definitely one of the Fun Things To Do With Kids in Bristol and can be a quick stop on a day filled with other in-town adventures.

10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 04/10/2022 - 11:00am

Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the "Kids Club." Photo courtesy of Gurney's Newport

Travel season is picking up and families are on the hunt for kid-friendly escapes where parents can also relax and unwind. Moms and dads in the Nutmeg State needn't look too far...there are plenty of great hotels and spa resorts in Connecticut with family-friendly amenities. These places tick all the right boxes, including pools, entertainment, and nearby attractions. Adults can enjoy massages, hot tubs, and maybe most importantly, babysitting where available!

Planning a vacation can be stressful, but we've got lots of resources to help make the process feel easier. Find more family travel inspiration in our Connecticut Day Trips Guide, our New England Family Travel Guide, and our Guide to Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels.

10 Family Ski Resorts in or near Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 01/23/2022 - 9:26am

Kids can't get enough of the slopes at Mohawk Mountain. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel

Families need not flee to northern New England for snowy escapes. There are great family ski resorts in Connecticut or close by in Massachusetts and New York that offer plenty of thrills for easier-to-manage day trips. Below is an overview of some of the area's best kid-friendly ski resorts, whether you love zooming down the slopes on skis or from the comfort of a snow tube.

Let's face it: the coldest season is much more fun if you stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Our Mommy Poppins Connecticut Winter Fun Guide highlights plenty more ways to help you do just that! For even more winter sports in Connecticut, browse our Ski and Snow Sports Guide. And if you're looking for a family ski vacation well beyond the Nutmeg State, don't miss The Best Ski Resorts in the US.

25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 10/01/2021 - 8:05pm

From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT

The Nutmeg State is home to 110 state parks, which means there's a lot of outdoor adventure to be had from swimming to hiking and camping. We've compiled a list of favorite state parks to visit with children, taking into consideration terrain, views, access to restrooms, and other amenities or attractions associated with each destination. For wee ones, consider our suggestions for 1-mile hikes and fantastic stroller hikes. To challenge older children, plan a trek up a mountain. Grab your hiking shoes, pack snacks, and enjoy the park views and fresh air.

Where The Wild Things Are...Waiting for You: at Beardsley Zoo

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sat, 09/04/2021 - 11:53am

Where can you gaze into the eyes of Siberian tigers, watch the antics of a red panda or the graceful dance of a colorful peacock, admire the perfect stillness of a sloth or trace the movements of turtles, or be wowed by the size of a bison - all in one day? At Beardsley Zoo, of course. Listed at the top of our 120 Things to Do With Kids in Connecticut, our state's only zoological park has been harboring endangered species, promoting conservation, and delighting visitors of all ages for nearly 100 years.

Top Music Classes for Kids in Boston

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 08/27/2021 - 5:40pm

Music classes give Boston kids the chance to express themselves creatively, and focus on learning to do something they love. Photo courtesy of Powers Music School

Whether your child experiments with toy instruments or just hums favorite tunes in the back seat of the car, chances are music classes might be something they enjoy. Kids can enjoy music classes near Boston and far beyond, thanks to a large pool of well-trained musicians that live in the region. For parents looking for ways to inspire their kids to express musical creativity, develop vocal skills, or play piano, violin, guitar, ukulele, or other musical instruments, the choices for music classes and instruction appear endless. While we could never cover every one of these programs in one post, we've rounded up some of our favorites piano lessons, music classes, and more in and around Boston.

Explore other types of enrichment programs, including sports, art, and more, in our Boston Classes Guide.

Mommy and Me Baby and Toddler Classes near Fairfield, Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 08/15/2021 - 12:00pm

Kids learn through hands-on exploration in Tinkergarten. Photo courtesy of Tinkergarten

A great way to boost babies' motor and social skills while making some new friends yourself is by enrolling in various baby classes. From stroller hikes to mud pie making, Fairfield County offers no shortage of Mommy and Me classes. Pack up the diaper bag, grab a latte, and sign up for a session or two: These mommy and me classes are designed for new Fairfield County moms (and dads, and other caregivers, too) with their babies and toddlers.

Looking for more to do in Fairfield County? Explore our Classes and Activites Guide for Connecticut Kids.

Clementina Verge

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