Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Read Across America, Purim, Maple Sugaring

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 02/26/2020 - 8:09pm

Kids display their hamantaschen at the Zoo Purim Carnival in Stamford. Photo by Ally Noel

Thanks to Leap Day, we have a whole extra day of February to squeeze in all the fun to be had across Connecticut! This weekend is filled with an eclectic mix of outdoor fun, Read Across America Celebrations in Norwalk and New London, a Purim carnival, and even some Leap Day activities in Litchfield and Norwalk. But, any true Nutmegger knows there's a short period between winter and spring when a certain sticky and delicious substance flows through our trees. We are in the thick of Maple Sugar Season! Our calendar is filled with tons of maple sugar fun this weekend.

We update our Events Calendar frequently so be sure to check back for even more great suggestions. To keep up with the latest family-friendly events and activities, sign up for our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram. Have a fantastic weekend!

Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Groundhogs, Valentine Crafts, Owls

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 01/29/2020 - 5:30pm

Get crafty at the AR Workshop Valentine’s Make & Take. Photo by Ally Noel

For such a short month, February is loaded with celebrations for just about everyone, and the first weekend kicks everything off! From learning the science behind groundhog's shadows to making Valentine's Day crafts to appreciating owls, Connecticut kids have plenty of activities to pick from on Saturday and Sunday.

Also check out the full calendar and take advantage of all the fantastic "Take Your Child To the Library" festivities happening around the state. Is there anything better to do on a cold February day than snuggle in with a good book? Read on, friends!

Special Offers on Winter Family Vacations at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 01/16/2020 - 11:30am

No one does winter fun quite like the charming countryside of Northern Vermont. And if you’re looking for the perfect destination for a Vermont family winter getaway, Smugglers’ Notch brings quintessential activities like skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and plenty of free hot chocolate to kids and adults of all ages. Plus, special offers and a range of inclusive packages make that dream family vacation all the more accessible.

Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Disney on Ice, Family Skating, Eagle Viewing

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 12/31/2019 - 6:00pm

Stay warm with sock skating! Photo courtesy of Connecticut Science Center

Out with the old and in with the new! The first weekend of 2020 kicks off with the final weekend of some holiday favorites, and ushers in some fantastic new family events. While this weekend is your last chance to enjoy Winterfest at Bushnell Park and the Northern Lights at Mystic Aquarium, Shepaug's eagle viewing site and Earthplace are introducing some new winter programs.

Get some exercise with family-style ice skating in Hartford, Litchfield, or Washington, or "sock skate" indoors at the Connecticut Science Center. Our January GoList is stocked with even more ideas for making the most of the chilly weather. Enjoy your weekend!

How to Make Rock Candy with Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 12/30/2019 - 10:03am

Teach your kids how to make rock candy for an easy rainy day project. Photo courtesy of Wikivisuals

Teach kids how to make rock candy for an edible rainy day activity. Making rock candy is also part science experiment, allowing kids hands-on learning with a few simple ingredients and kitchen tools.

Our easy rock candy recipe lets kids observe the crystallization process firsthand while making some pretty delicious treats. Sugar, water, and few more items found at home are all you need to turn your kitchen into a rock candy laboratory.

Read on for how to make rock candy with kids.

CAMP SoNo Opens for Indoor Play and Shopping for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 12/03/2019 - 12:00pm

CAMP combines shopping and play into one kid-friendly experience.

Just in time for some holiday fun: CAMP, a favorite of our NYC readers, opened its first Connecticut location in the new shopping and entertainment center, The SoNo Collection. At first glance, CAMP may seem like your regular toy shop, but there's a secret world of art and adventure behind the cheery storefront. With free interactive play areas, arts and crafts programs, and even a canteen to satisfy kids' cravings, CAMP is a place where kids can have a blast while you sneak in some shopping.

For more ideas to keep kids busy when the weather is chilly, check out our guide to indoor play areas around Fairfield.

Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Enchanted Castle, Sea Scare, Scarecrows

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 10/23/2019 - 8:47pm

Build your own Scarecrow! Photo courtesy of Sam Bridge Nursery

Halloween falls on a Thursday this year, so we recommend painting the town orange this weekend when there is all kinds of spooky fun to be had, including a Hobgoblin Fair, Scarecrow Building, and even an Ick-fest! And just in case the forecast isn't boo-tiful, there's lots to do indoors at the Sea Scare, the Spooktacular Java Jam, or the Enchanted Castle in Fairfield.

Be sure to check our event calendar for late breaking Halloween news, and subscribe to our free weekly newsletters. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram so that you won't miss out on any fun. Have a spooktacular weekend!

10 Easy Halloween Treats for Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 10/14/2019 - 11:12am

These easy Halloween treats are perfect for those classroom parties.

Candy bars aren't the only Halloween treats to hand out this October 31. School kids across the country are getting ready to celebrate with Halloween parades and classroom parties, meaning you might be on the hook for homemade Halloween treats.

But there's no need to fear the sign-up email headed your way. I've planned more than a few Halloween parties and have put together a list of easy Halloween treats to help parents skip the last-minute scramble. These tried-and-true spooky snacks transform pretzel sticks into ghouls, mandarins into pumpkins, and make enough Monster Mash Brownies that will turn the entire class into sugar monsters.

For more Halloween fun, from Halloween jokes for kids to 75 fun Halloween activities for kids—and more—check out our Halloween Activities Guide for Families.

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