Submitted by Jennifer Coe on
This winter break stay busy with one (or all) of the following activity ideas in your area. There are so many fun options to choose from that you'll be sure to find one that you and your family will enjoy.
Also don't forget to check out our Winter Guide of Activities.
Submitted by Jennifer Coe on
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!
Submitted by Jennifer Coe on
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.
Submitted by Jennifer Coe on
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.
Submitted by Jennifer Coe on
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.
Submitted by Jennifer Coe on
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!)
Submitted by Jennifer Coe on
Waterfalls are amazing creations of nature that astound even the hardiest hiker and outdoor lover. The water pounding on the rocks, the splash of the spray, and the shallow wading pools leave the kids with lasting memories. Connecticut is lucky to be home to hundreds of waterfalls; many of them are accessible with just short walks and a little effort for all ages. Of course, please exercise caution at all of these sites as rocks are slippery when wet! If you are looking for more outdoor adventures, go hiking at one of these Hartford area spots and check out our list of ropes courses in Connecticut!
Submitted by Jennifer Coe on
Feel like your kids are climbing the walls while on Summer vacation? How about letting them loose to climb and play in the trees? Mommy Poppins has assembled a great list of outdoor ropes courses that will both challenge and excite your kids (and CT has a lot of them!). While you're at it, you may want to check out these indoor ropes courses as well. Tip: Make sure to wear sneakers.
