Jennifer Coe

Latest posts by Jennifer Coe

Fire and Ice Festival and other Winter Fun in the Quiet Corner

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 02/04/2018 - 9:43am

Put on your parkas and gloves and head over to Putnam for the 8th Annual Fire and Ice Festival on Feb 10. This large-scale ice sculpture carving event attracts people from all over the country. Watch as several 300 lb. blocks of ice are transformed into a work of art - bring your Valentine or bring the whole family!

While you are at it, why not make a whole weekend of it? If you are already in the "quiet corner" of Connecticut, you may want to check out a few others things like the Conn. Audubon's programs, the Chocolate Festival, and the Textile Museum. And of course, don't forget to check our Mommy Poppins' Winter Guide for all things fun to do in winter!

25 Things to do in Waterbury: The Brass City

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 01/19/2018 - 4:17pm

Known as the "Brass City," Waterbury is the 9th largest city in New England. For families, the greater Waterbury-area is packed with things for kids to do. Whether you have a little conductor, bowler, ice cream lover or daredevil, there is something for everyone. But no matter what you come to Waterbury for, make sure you stop by Sultans Turkish Restaurant for some amazing food afterwards.

Riding the Trolleys at the CT Trolley Museum

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Mon, 10/16/2017 - 9:43am

One of our annual Autumn trips, since my boys were young, has been a trip to the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor. From an early age, my boys, like many boys, loved trains; and this local museum has been able to meet their needs many times over. We attended this year during their annual Pumpkin Train Ride but they offer a variety of events throughout the year. The museum has a small staff, and relies on their many, many volunteers to drive the trolleys on the fun but short jaunt from the museum.

Jonathon's Dream Reimagined: Accessible Playground Open Again

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Mon, 10/09/2017 - 11:14am

Originally built in 1996, 'Jonathon's Dream', was a playground created as a place where children of differing abilities could come and play together. But, it was also built as a way that the family of little Jonathon Peter Barzach, who passed away prior to his first birthday, could grieve his sad loss. Barzach had a degenerative muscular disease and his family lost him at just 9 months. "When Jonathon's diagnosis became terminal, a counselor suggested the family dedicate a project in his memory," said Ronit Shoham, a co-founder of the Miracle League of Connecticut. Shoham and many, many others (mostly volunteers) have been working hard to make a new Jonathon's Dream playground a reality. Be sure to check out some of the other boundless playgrounds in Fairfield and Hartford.

15 Fantastic Fall Things to do With Toddlers in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Tue, 09/26/2017 - 10:48am

Fall is officially here and it's a great time to make some lasting memories with your toddlers. You know..the pint-sized people in your house who eat one bite of apple and throw it away? The ones who are obsessed with dinosaurs (trains, ballerinas, kitties, puppies...)? This time of year preschoolers are extremely curious about the changing seasons and we have assembled an enjoyable list of great places you can take them to in the Hartford area. Come on, let's go! (But don't forget you-know-who's favorite stuffed animal!)

Best Things to Do in Connecticut's Coastal Town, Niantic

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Mon, 06/12/2017 - 11:18am

As you approach Niantic on the highway, you can begin to smell the fresh sea air. Niantic is one of several little sea towns in Connecticut that will make you wonder if you are still in the same state. Filled with history, cute little shops, places to eat, and places to play, including a great children's museum - it's a great day trip.

A Visit to the New Britain Museum of American Art

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Tue, 06/06/2017 - 9:00am

Something happens when you bring a child into a fine art museum. Their talking hushes and their eyes sparkle as they take in the colors and creations of the things all around them. Right here in the Hartford area, we have a terrific museum of American art that offers a variety of things for kids. Familiar names like Alexander Calder, Andrew Wyeth, and Ansel Adams grace the walls of this urban museum.

Our Visit to Kidcity in Middletown

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Thu, 05/18/2017 - 10:00am

Before you set foot in Kidcity, you'll most likely have already heard about it from moms who have gone or plan to go. Kidcity Children's Museum in Middletown is a one-of-a kind destination designed for little ones ages 7 and under to explore, socialize and probably learn something along the way. Director Jen Alexander, founder and creator behind Kidcity, wants little children to come and navigate their way through the three floors of fun and be free to experience it any way they like to - whether that is skipping from room to room or spending the entire time in one fascinating place.