Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

12 Outstanding Outdoor Dining Spots for You and the Kids in Fairfield County

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 07/27/2016 - 12:16pm

There are two things that every child needs to thrive: fresh air and food. Sure, they also need unconditional love, education, support, etc, etc, etc, but lucky for us, fresh air and food are pretty easy to come by in Fairfield County.

Some of our first family dining experiences were at outdoor restaurants - the atmosphere just seemed a little bit more relaxed than being stuck inside with a screaming infant. Take advantage of the extra hours of light this summer by enjoying these outdoor dining experiences. From the traditional lobster roll, to the not-so-traditional walking nachos, to lakefront, to beachfront, Fairfield County has a little bit of everything. Make sure you check out the Facebook and Instagram accounts of these restaurants to take advantage of special events and menus. And read our post on fun restaurants across the state where kids can play while you eat and relax.

Ways to Prevent Summer Slide in Fairfield County

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 07/12/2016 - 2:10pm

Slides are fun in playgrounds, in pools, and maybe even in your own backyard. However, the notorious “summer slide” is nothing to joke about. According to the National Summer Learning Association, “numerous studies have confirmed that children experience learning losses in math and reading without continued opportunities for skill building over the summer.” The good news is, summer learning experiences surround us if you know where to look. Take advantage of all of our cultural institutions, nature centers, libraries, and museums by turning Fairfield County into a living classroom.

Some of my favorite “educational moments” happen way outside the classroom. Summer sets the perfect stage for exploration and adventures. Fairfield County offers engaging summer reading events at almost all the libraries, live theater performances, and hands on science and nature experiences. You can even take summer learning on the road and enjoy one of these Science, Machines, and Nature Museums in Fairfield County.

Montessori Preschools in Western Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 06/19/2016 - 10:59am

Is it just me, or does picking a preschool for your child feel like the most monumental decision you have ever been faced with? There are a seemingly endless amount of choices and methods to pick from! From creating your own preschool co-op to more affordable options, I have spent countless nights tossing and turning making my pros and cons lists.

Fun Spring Activities for Preschoolers in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 05/13/2016 - 11:00am

“Mommy, how do the flowers know it’s time to wake up?” Celebrating the change of seasons with preschoolers is so much fun! Experiencing life through their eyes is magical- everything is so fresh and new! One of the best parts about living in New England is we get to celebrate all four seasons, but nothing is more magical than the arrival of spring. Whether you want to enjoy the countryside of Litchfield County or hiking through Fairfield County, here are some more of our tried and true preschool activities for spring.

Spring Fairs in Fairfield County

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 04/28/2016 - 12:00pm

Aaaaah, spring is in the air! It’s like the entire world is waking up from a long winter’s nap and is ready to party. You and your family can join in on the fun with these festivals, fairs, and special events located around Fairfield County this season. If all that fresh air has awakened your sense of wanderlust, make sure you hop over to Westchester and check out some of their Spring Festivals too!

Winter Walks in Fairfield County

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 01/30/2016 - 8:57pm

When the seemingly endless cold and gray of Winter is giving you a case of cabin fever, it’s time to bundle up the family and head to one of your local parks. Winter brings its own magic to the local parks and preserves of Fairfield County. Less crowds means more peace and quiet to enjoy your natural surroundings. Take in a refreshing breath of cold air and see how many animal tracks you can find in the snow or just spend some time gathering materials to make an awesome Ice Suncatcher.

No snow? No problem! You don’t need snow shoes, skis, sleds to enjoy these parks and preserves - a pair of weatherproof boots and your winterwear should do the trick. So, disconnect from the screens and devices for an afternoon and reconnect with nature.

Our Trip to the Splash Zone at Chelsea Piers

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 01/23/2016 - 9:38am

“Mom. Is it time yet? Are we going to the Splash Zone today?” For the last week, these have been the first words out of my daughter’s mouth. On Saturday she walked into my bedroom at the crack of dawn wearing her swimsuit (over her pajamas of course) and goggles. Finally, Sunday arrived. Splash Zone Day at Chelsea Piers Connecticut! To say my four-year-old daughter was looking forward to this adventure would have been a bit of an understatement. Bonus points: she got to bring a friend!

Our Trip to My Back Yard Playspace

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 01/08/2016 - 2:44pm

When the shorter days and longer nights of Winter have my family bouncing off the walls we frequently turn to the Mommy Poppins guide of Indoor Play Spaces. Lucky for us in Fairfield County, there are quite a few to choose from. Having a fun, safe, clean, dependable indoor play area is crucial to surviving winter in Connecticut. For my family, that magical place is called “Our Back Yard”. You may not notice this expansive play space driving down the road in Fairfield. It’s tucked into a strip mall, above the Nutmeg Bowl Bowling Alley. Our Back Yard is in the same building as the bowling alley, but if you follow the driveway along the side of the building, you will reach the separate parking lot and entrance for the play space. Our Back Yard offers a “weather resistant” playscape. Even though we have been “bounced out” after about 60 minutes, I still feel like this is a tremendous bang for your buck.