Jennifer Coe

Latest posts by Jennifer Coe

Beat the Heat in Connecticut: Heat Wave Indoor Activities and Outdoor Cool Fun

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 07/24/2022 - 3:04pm

Hot summer days call for some cool fun! Photo by Ashton Bingham, via Unsplash.

With the temperatures climbing into the 90's there is no better time to find cool activities to do with kids. Families will love these places to go and get out for some fun while you beat the heat in Connecticut. If you prefer an indoor spot, you might swim or hit the mall. If you prefer somewhere outside, try a cruise or a summer concert!

For a full list of awesome summer ideas, take a look through Mommy Poppins' Summer Fun Guide.

Pick Your Own Farms in Connecticut: Berries, Cherries, Peaches and More

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 07/08/2022 - 10:30pm

Nothing is sweeter than pick-your-own fruit from Connecticut farms. Photo courtesy of Silverman's Farm

Sweet, tart, plump and juicy. There are so many types of delicious fruit and lots of places all over Connecticut for little hands to pluck it right right off a tree or bush. It's a great family activity, where kids get plenty of fresh air and exercise while learning about healthy food and our connection with nature. It's also a great way to support small farms and local businesses. Read on for our guide to pick your own farms in Connecticut!

Get picking right away for strawberries and then go again in July for blueberries and raspberries. If you decide to make jam with your pounds of pickin's, try this Homemade Pop Tart Recipe. And for more great summertime ideas, browse out Connecticut Summer Fun Guide.

Top 15 Swimming Pools for Families in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 07/03/2022 - 7:15pm

Dive into fun at the best Connecticut swimming pools. Photo courtesy of the Lakewood Trumbull YMCA

Kids plus swimming pools are what summer dreams are made of, and the Hartford area has plenty to offer. We've rounded up our favorite outdoor pools where you and the kids can take a refreshing dip during the summer months around Connecticut. So read on for the top 15 swimming pools for families in Connecticut.

Find the right swimming pool for your family, whether that's one with an adjacent playground or an inexpensive day pass. A number of these spots offer kiddie pools, but you can also check out our list of awesome splash pads in the area, too. We've also put together a guide to the 10 Best Ponds and Swimming Lakes for Connecticut Kids.

One thing's for sure: There are plenty of ways to get wet and stay cool this summer in Connecticut!

Exploring the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 06/26/2022 - 8:32pm

The Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center opens your eyes with curious perspectives. Photo by Jennifer Coe

Nestled in the woods of Southeastern Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center explores the histories of Native Americans in the region. Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, the museum wows visitors of all ages with traditional arts and crafts, videos, permanent and temporary exhibits, and amazing archaeological finds. The displays bring the rich history of Indigenous Peoples to life while openning windows into what Connecticut looked like thousands of years ago.

Do your kids love history? There are lots of ways to learn about Connecticut's history in New Haven, Fairfield and Hartford too! For more great educational activities, check out A Visti to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut with Kids and the Stamford Museum & Nature Center: 7 Family-Friendly Things To Do.

Sensory-Friendly Programs at Connecticut Museums and Attractions

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 06/17/2022 - 10:36am

On sensory-friendly days, kids can enjoy activities with a quieter, calmer touch. Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Science Center

In order to be more inclusive, many of Connecticut's top attractions for families have begun to offer special sensory-friendly programs or opening times for children on the Autism spectrum or who have sensory sensitivities. These sensory-friendly programs offer smaller crowds, dimmed lights, less loud noises, and other accommodations. In most cases, the whole family can participate and some programs even offer free or reduced admission.

Read on to discover great sensory-friendly programs for kids everywhere in Connecticut. For more Connecticut museums with free admission and other special programs, check out our Guide to Connecticut Museums for Kids and Families.

The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 05/06/2022 - 9:49am

Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook

There's no shortage of beautiful wineries in New England, and many of them are located right here in Connecticut. Families will find rolling hills, mountains, and vast acreage at these scenic locations that welcome children while parents enjoy a glass of vino. Aside from tastings, there are opportunities to tour vineyards, walk the rows with your family, and picnic outside together. Many vineyards in Connecticut have regular live music and also serve food.

Consider one of these kid-friendly wineries in Connecticut for a quick day trip, and be sure to check out our rundown of Family-Friendly Breweries in Connecticut.

20 Fun Things To Do on Mother's Day 2022 in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 04/29/2022 - 10:05am

Enjoy some time outdoors this Mother's Day. Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger, Unsplash

Mother's Day is a time to let Mom know how much you appreciate her with a special family meal or fun activity that will create lasting memories. We found the best things to do on Mother's Day in Connecticut, from brunch to arts and crafts to outdoor explorations that will make her feel all the love she deserves.

Bonding time is always the best gift, but for more ideas be sure to browse 50 Mother's Day Gifts Moms *Actually* Want. If you're looking for more fun ideas for things to do with kids in Connecticut, check out our Spring Activity Guide.

The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 04/22/2022 - 9:52am

A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures

Imagine this scene: the kids are anticipating a trip to a new playground and you're anticipating a few moments of peace and quiet, only to pull into the parking lot and see old swings, steep climbing towers, and unprotected play areas. Finding a great playground isn't always easy, and preschoolers need play spaces that are fun, safe, and age-appropriate. With that in mind, here's a list of the best toddler playgrounds in Connecticut for little ones to explore.

From castles and fire trucks to music installations and more, preschoolers will have a blast at these Connecticut tot lots. For more great outdoor spaces for kids, visit our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds in Connecticut.

Jennifer Coe

Latest posts by Jennifer Coe

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