Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

Socially Distant Santa Activities in Connecticut for Kids in 2020

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 12/04/2020 - 9:07am

Kathryn Burgess designed a Snow Globe for Santa which the SoNo Collection mall in Norwalk, Connecticut, will be using. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Burgess

Shopping mall Santas have been a beloved tradition since store owner James Edgar donned a red suit and snowy beard to entertain children in 1890. Even though many in-person holiday events are on hold this year, Connecticut kids can still have an audience with St. Nick this Christmas, as zoos, museums, farms, and, of course, malls are offering socially distant Santa activities in 2020.

For other ways to connect with Santa, make sure to check out our Safe Online Santa Visits and all our seasonal events in our Connecticut Holiday Fun Guide.

Best Sledding Hills in Fairfield County, Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 12/01/2020 - 1:44pm

When winter weather turns into a day off from school it’s time to head for the hills—sledding hills, that is. We're lucky to have more than our fair share of awesome sledding hills here in Fairfield County, from gentle dips for toddlers and preschoolers to dramatic slopes that draw brave 'tweens and 'teens. Grab a thermos of cocoa, your warmest mittens, and yes—this year, at least—your face masks, of course.

Here is a list of some local favorite spots to spend a couple hours burning off that cabin fever. If you live in central Connecticut, check out these Hartford-area sledding hills, and for a little bit more of an adventure, visit our Connecticut Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing Guide.

Thanksgiving Weekend Best Things To Do in Connecticut: Silver Lights, Reindeer Festival, Holiday Trains

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 11/24/2020 - 11:14am

It's the first weekend for the Festival of Silver Lights in Meriden. Photo by Clementina Verge

Thanksgiving week is finally here, and Connecticut families will be looking for things to do close to home. Kids can find turkeys on scavenger hunts and strolls, or turn their attention to all things reindeer: There's the annual Reindeer Festival in Greenwich and reindeer-themed train rides starting up in Essex. Holiday trains are leaving the station in East Windsor and East Haven, too. Christmas lights are turning on across the Nutmeg State; we'll be at Hubbard Park, which is all decked out for the fabulous Festival of Silver Lights.

Looking for even more seasonal fun to have with kids? It's time to plan that family ski trip at a local mountain or take advantage of the gorgeous crisp weather on a family-friendly hike. Get ahead on holiday plans by booking a holiday train ride with Santa or making a reservation to see a drive-thru Christmas light display. Just remember to bring your masks and practice social distancing whenever out and about with your family. If your snuggling in at home, make sure to check out our free November online events and classes to stream virtually. As always, keep tabs on our Connecticut events calendar for daily updates on local events and virtual opportunities to make memories with your kids.

Northeast Ski Mountains for Families

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 11/19/2020 - 10:40am

Waterville Valley is introducing a new parent-child learn-to-ski program. Photo courtesy of Waterville Valley

Think cool, fresh air against your cheeks, hot cocoa around the fire, and quality outdoor time with your kids: A trip to a Northeast ski mountain is the perfect cure for cabin fever and the winter doldrums in 2020 and 2021. Parents looking for a day trip or weekend escape will be excited to know that many nearby ski resorts are adopting capacity restrictions and social distancing plans to keep families safe while they hit the slopes. Here are some of our favorite ski areas where you can purchase lift tickets, make reservations, or even book ski or snowboard lessons now, including spots in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and even one gem in Virginia.

Read on for our family ski picks, as well as important information about interstate travel restrictions and other safety policies that may guide your choice. Be sure to check out our Snow Sports Guide for the scoop on more winter fun in the great (and safe) outdoors.

Turkey Takeout! Where To Order Thanksgiving Dinner in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 6:45pm

Enjoy a Thanksgiving turkey prepared by a chef. Photo by Karolina Grabowska/ Pexels

Thanksgiving celebrations may look different in 2020, but this holiday is still best spent gathered around a table with loved ones. If you're looking for places that will prepare a Thanksgiving meal for you—more appealing than ever, perhaps, this stressful year—look no further than these Connecticut restaurants offering turkey and all the trimmings for takeout or pickup dinner. Think roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, kid-friendly mac and cheese, and, of course, pies of all kids.

If you are in the mood to cook (and learn a little history), consider rounding up your little chefs to try these old-fashioned, "first" Thanksgiving recipes that you can make with kids. Our Connecticut holiday guide has even more ideas for making your time at home and with family more festive and meaningful than ever in 2020.

25 Things to Do With Kids in Litchfield County, CT

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 11/01/2020 - 3:46pm

There are plenty of rocks to scramble on within 205 acres of this wildlife preserve. Photo courtesy of Pratt Nature Center

With tons of open space and charming New England main streets, Litchfield County is day-trip heaven for Connecticut families. Although it’s the state’s largest county, the northwestern corner of Connecticut has the lowest population density in the state. This makes it an ideal location to plan a family “getaway” without spending hours on the road.

From farms and flowers to skiing and skating, Litchfield County is the perfect spot to take a deep breath, recharge your batteries, and make some family memories.

25 Fun Halloween Games for an At-Home Halloween Party

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 09/27/2020 - 1:15pm

There's more to Halloween than just trick-or-treating; Halloween parties packed with Halloween games allow for fun that doesn't (necessarily) involve candy! These at-home Halloween games are a great way to celebrate all season long, up to and including Halloween night. Invite your kids' friends over to play these Halloween party games, make some spooky snacks, and watch your witches and monsters run off the extra energy dancing like zombies and limboing under a broomstick.

For bigger kids, we've got 25 Halloween Party Game Ideas for Tweens and Teens and so many more Halloween crafts, treats, and activities in our Halloween Guide.

And for Halloween activities near you, check out our Local Halloween Fun & Activities Guide!

Things To Do in Connecticut This Weekend: Oktoberfest, Pumpkins, Firepit Fridays

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 09/23/2020 - 10:30am

The harvest has begun, so you can pick your perfect pumpkin. Photo courtesy of Angevine Farm

Pumpkins are ripe for picking and leaves are ready for peeping! Now that fall has officially arrived, the Nutmeg State is ready to play. Here are our top picks for in-person events for Connecticut kids and families this week and beyond, from Firepit Fridays to Oktoberfest at Quassy Park.

Looking for even more seasonal fun? It's high time to go apple picking, get lost in a corn maze, or visit animals and sample cider at a local farm. Just remember to bring your mask and practice social distancing. If more enriching activities are what you're after, our Back-to-School Fair is still going on; catch the last few free demo classes this week, including Atlantic Acting and Coucou French.

As always, keep tabs on our Connecticut events calendar for daily updates on reopenings at favorite spots, and more local and virtual opportunities for family fun.