Kelly Patino

Latest posts by Kelly

College Sports in Connecticut: Where To See Games with Kids

Submitted by Kelly Patino on Fri, 08/25/2023 - 8:04pm

College sports in Connecticut put family fun front and center! Photo by Stephen Slade, courtesy of the University of Connecticut Athletics

College sports in Connecticut—football, basketball, hockey, and more—are almost always in season. College sports provide a family fun outing with tons of entertainment, kid-friendly snacks, and photo opportunities with mascots. Many of our picks are indoors—perfect for family entertainment in any weather. Plus, Connecticut's college sports events are very affordable. And some Connecticut colleges offer a kids sports club with tons of perks, from free admission to meeting players. Whether it is Division I, II, or III, here is our list of Connecticut college sports to watch with kids from the crowd.

Kids love cheering on the home team, wearing college colors, and trying to get on the Jumbotron. If watching a sport live sparks interest in athletics, check out Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones for Connecticut Kids.

Kiawah Island with Kids: 40 Best Things To Do on Kiawah Island, SC

Submitted by Kelly Patino on Sat, 08/05/2023 - 12:00pm

Bask in the seaside charm of Kiawah Island.

Kiawah Island, SC is a southern oasis known for world-class golfing, 10 miles of pristine beaches, unbeatable hospitality, and tons of fun things to do with kids. The island centers around the Kiawah Island Golf Resort and its endless family activities, from swimming and water sports to biking and arts and crafts. Just 25 miles from Charleston, Kiawah Island is the perfect place for a relaxing, fun, and memorable family vacation.

From the luxurious Sanctuary Hotel to spacious villas, home rentals, and cottages, Kiawah Island offers a variety of accommodations to suit any family’s size and budget. Many of these are managed by Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which gives guests access to all of the resort's amenities.

Here are 40 of our favorite things to do on Kiawah Island, South Carolina with kids, including the best family-friendly restaurants. For more Southern family vacation ideas, take a look at our Southern States Vacation Guide, which includes more South Carolina locales like Columbia and Hilton Head.

Train Rides for Connecticut Kids: Fun on the Metro North-New Haven Line

Submitted by Kelly Patino on Fri, 07/21/2023 - 7:32am

Getting there is half the fun when you take kids for a ride on the Metro North New Haven Line, with family activities from New Haven to Greenwich!

Kids love train rides. In Connecticut, taking the Metro North-New Haven line usually means commuting to work or going to the city for the day. But riding on the train can be a short day trip to a new town or a fun activity near a local station. Either way, it’s fun for children to see all their train favorites like meeting a conductor, holding a ticket (get a paper one at your station!), and just looking out the window. And riding the train adds an element of fun to the destination. No car seats or traffic on this leisurely day out. Another perk is that kids under 5 ride free on the Metro North, and kids 5 - 11 years old are only $1 per trip with a paying adult—all aboard!

Here is a list of stations where you can hop off, with activities to do right off the train without needing a car. Head to your local station and start your next train adventure on Metro North’s New Haven Line. Choo-Choo! And check out our Connecticut Day Trips and Weekend Getaway Guide for more fun ways to explore Connecticut with kids.

20 Best Mini Golf Courses for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Kelly Patino on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 6:31pm

Mini golf is a family-friendly activity for all ages to enjoy. Photo provided by Kelly Patino

It's high season for visiting some of the best mini golf courses in Connecticut! Along with ice cream visits, fruit picking, and beach days, miniature golf is an essential family outing during the summer months. Mini golf is great for all ages. And a round of 18 holes is easy on the family budget. Many miniature golf courses offer all day or weekly pricing deals. Some even offer a chance at a free round with a hole in one. These Connecticut courses have entertaining obstacles and challenging terrains at every hole. Many places offer ice cream, food options, and additional recreational attractions to turn miniature golf into an all day adventure for the entire family.

Read on to find a mini golf course near you. You can make a mini golf outing part of an awesome summer day trip in Connecticut. And always check our Ultimate Kids Summer Vacation Guide for the latest from our summer fun experts!

Parent's Guide to Legoland New York Water Playground

Submitted by Kelly Patino on Thu, 06/01/2023 - 10:33am

Want to splash at the new Legoland New York Water Playground? You'll have to set the alarm to score a same-day reservation. Photo courtesy of Legoland New York

Legoland New York keeps adding to its attractions. In its third season of operation, the mega Hudson Valley theme park debuted its long-anticipated Water Playground and we got an early look at the wet-and-wild fun.

From how to nab coveted reservations, to all the other fun in store this season, here are our parent-and-kid-tested tips for visiting the Legoland New York Water Playground. Coming from afar? Consider pairing your theme park visit with an overnight at the on-site Legoland New York Hotel, too.

How To Handle Sibling Rivalry with a New Baby

Submitted by Kelly Patino on Thu, 05/04/2023 - 12:00pm

Help your child bond with a newborn by involving them in the baby's care. Photo provided by Kelly Patino

When a kid goes from being an only child to having a new baby brother or sister, sibling rivalry can kick in. Even kids who are excited to be a big sibling will need some time to adjust. They now have to share their parents' attention and time, their space, and even (someday) their toys. This transition period can lead to aggression, regression, jealousy, and sibling rivalry.

As you prepare for baby, you may be asking yourself: How can I stop sibling rivalry with a newborn? How long does it take for siblings to adjust to a new baby? Now take some deep breaths and remind yourself that every child with a new sibling goes through this. With a little patience and grace, your child and baby will be best buds before you know it.

To help ease this tough transition, we've got 25 tips on how to prepare your child for a new sibling, how to introduce your kiddo to the new baby, and how to prevent and stop sibling rivalry. For even more help preparing for baby, check out our Guide to the Best Baby and Kid Gear, Toys, and Hacks, including our lists of the best diaper subscriptions and great baby sleep aids.

Visiting the Stepping Stones Museum in CT with Kids: What To Know Before You Go

Submitted by Kelly Patino on Fri, 03/17/2023 - 4:38pm

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish! Let's go fishing in Tot Town. Photo by Kelly Patino

Stepping Stones Museum may just be the best hidden gem for kids in Fairfield County. The museum is a kid’s dream, offering a place to play, run, imagine, and have loads of fun. Completely kid-centric, Stepping Stones offers hands-on entertainment, such as riding on a school bus, digging for dinosaur fossils, and reporting the weather.

Families can enjoy weekly story reading, art, music, and fitness. Additionally, seasonal events for both kids and adults are offered. An award-winning museum, S Get ready for a solid outing for kids ranging from pre-crawlers to 10-year-olds at Norwalk's Stepping Stones Museum.

25 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas for Kids

Submitted by Kelly Patino on Tue, 02/21/2023 - 12:00pm

Random acts of kindness can begin at home with siblings, parents, and other loved ones.

"Random acts of kindness"... this phrase has been used a lot since the mid 90s, when the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was formed. Random acts of kindness are all about doing nice things for friends, family, and strangers—from simple acts like sharing a smile to larger endeavors such as volunteering at a charity—just for the sake of doing them. The idea is that spreading kindness brightens the day of both the giver and the receiver and encourages the receiver to perform their own random acts of kindness, creating a contagious wave of good deeds.

Of course, adults aren't the only ones who can benefit from random acts of kindness. Teaching kids kindness from a young age helps them learn good manners and respect, increases their own happiness and self-esteem, and helps them grow up to be kind adults.

Need some inspiration? Here are 25 random acts of kindness ideas to share with your children. The list includes random acts of kindness that kids of all ages can do at home, in the community, and at school. For more ways kids can show kindness to their loved ones and to the Earth, check out our list of 101 questions to ask grandparents about their lives and our ideas for how kids can help fight climate change.