Clementina Verge

Latest posts by Clementina

25 Summer Festivals You Don't Want to Miss

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 06/03/2018 - 10:26am

Sure, you've probably visited your fair share of pumpkin, apple, and strawberry festivals. But have you been to a Podunk Bluegrass festival? Or a Sailfest? Or perhaps a Potato and Corn fest? Summer may be short here in Connecticut but it sure is jammin' with festivals from June through Labor Day. Whether you're planning to indulge in some strawberry shortcake piled high with whipped cream, check out some really cool cars at an antique car show, or groove to some reggae, there are so many family-friendly festivals happening all summer long. Grab a picnic basket and a blanket, pack your camera, and have some fun at one of these Connecticut festivals. And, be sure to check out our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide to help plan some pretty epic adventures with the whole crew this summer.

Birdwatching with Kids in Hartford County

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sat, 05/26/2018 - 8:00am

Children look to the trees at Indian Rock Nature Preserve. Photo courtesy of Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut

Most children are fascinated by all creatures, whether they are furry, slimy, scaly, or prickly. With their colorful feathers, quirky personalities and ability to fly, birds are especially captivating. My young explorers love to grab their binoculars and pretend to be ornithologists. Of course, just venturing outside in a suburban backyard will lead to a bird sighting or two. But for a more exciting experience, try visiting one of Hartford County's many nature centers, which go the extra mile in welcoming and educating young bird enthusiasts.

Bird-watching is a great hobby for many reasons. Kids get the opportunity to engage in physical activity outdoors (usually for free!), sharpen their observation and listening skills, and increase their patience. It can also inspire other fun activities like making a bird feeder, collecting materials from nature and trying to replicate a nest, or creating art projects. So go ahead: follow the sounds of birdsong and visit one of the following places.

11 Spring Fairs & Festivals in Central Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 04/15/2018 - 12:00pm

April showers bring May flowers, and along with all the colorful blossoms come an array of springtime celebrations. The Hartford and New Haven areas are bursting with exciting outdoor family festivals in April, May, and June. These eleven events feature crafts, delicious treats, family-friendly activities, and boundless fun. So head outside with the children and enjoy all that spring in Central Connecticut has to offer.

Summer Fairs, Festivals, and Carnivals in the New Haven Area

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 04/06/2018 - 2:17am

Those "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" are just about here, and some of the most memorable moments are spent at festivals where the air is filled with laughter, the aroma of cotton candy, and the twinkling lights of carnival games.

Summer always seems to go by way too fast, so be sure to fill yours with adventure and fun before the chilly days descend upon us once more. Many towns across the New Haven area will bring your weekends to life with live music, exciting entertainment, traditional cuisine, thrilling rides, and plenty of fried dough.

Want more? We've got roundups of festivals and fairs in Eastern CT and Hartford County, too, as well as free concert series in Fairfield County.

Science and Nature Summer Camps in New Haven County

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Thu, 02/01/2018 - 11:09am

If you have little scientists at home, summer is the perfect time to stimulate and nourish their interest in science and nature at these summer camps. Long, warm days allow for exploration of forests, beaches, riverbeds, and clear skies. Whether it be paleontology, archeology, animals, or geology, Connecticut, though a small state, packs a plethora to choose from for any science buff. Take a look at these fantastic options available for kids in New Haven County and grant your children the gift of hands-on learning while acquiring new skills and expanding their circle of friends. Also, be sure to check out our CT Summer Camp Guide and our Summer Camp Directory.

Nature Camps in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sat, 01/06/2018 - 9:33pm

Summer camps bring to mind images of wilderness exploration, sitting by the campfire roasting marshmallows, being outside in the sun, and just enjoying nature. Many of us grew up experiencing such moments in our back yards, and today you can help to create the same memories for your children by sending them to one of these great Hartford County nature-themed camps. Also, be sure to check out our CT Summer Camp Guide and our Summer Camp Directory.

Inflatable Fun! A Visit to Bounce Town in Canton

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sat, 12/30/2017 - 11:59am

Too wet? Too cold? Too hot? No problem. The climate-controlled Bounce Town in Canton provides a great outing for children, no matter what the season or the reason. Oversized inflatables will entertain for hours: rush up the ladder of a fire truck, go under the sea on a Nemo-like adventure, chase each other through a Frozen bouncy house, giggle your way down the bumpy Kahuna slide (my daughter couldn’t get enough of this one), and challenge each other to a basketball shootout. Kids will leave exhausted, happy, and begging to return.

Silver Lights Festival Adds Sparkle to the Season

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sat, 12/02/2017 - 6:46pm

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, gorillas swung from trees, playful penguins surrounded an igloo, and a seal put on a rooftop show. Technically, the time is now, the land is the not-so-distant city of Meriden, and the adorable creatures are more than 300 characters featured during the Festival of Lights. This annual and very family-friendly holiday lights event in the New Haven area is not to be missed due to its charm, great photo opportunities, and affordable price tag (umm, it's free!).

Clementina Verge

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