Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 02/17/2023 - 9:26pm

As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel

You weren't always looking for fun indoor places where your kids could hang out. It’s like you blink, and one day you have a teenager. Although there is always time for family time, sometimes teens and tweens need a little bit of freedom, and these spots are sure to do the trick. With a little spending money and a group of friends, these spots are Mommy Poppins-tested and teenager-approved! From Stamford to New Haven, and Hartford to Norwalk, there are a lot of family-friendly options for Connecticut families. But these spots truly go above and beyond to offer a little something extra for teens—even if it's just a good photo op.

Connecticut has so many fun indoor places to enjoy with the family. When it's a special celebration, regardless of the season, these fun indoor birthday party places for kids in Connecticut make a memorable day. And you can stretch those entertainment dollars with free museums in Connecticut to visit with kids.

Presidents Day Weekend 2023: 17 Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 02/15/2023 - 10:14am

It's Presidents Day Weekend 2023, so grab a loved one and head out for the best things to do in Connecticut with kids! Christine's Critters photo by Ally Noel

Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut this Presidents Day weekend 2023? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

This Presidents Day weekend has a little bit of everything: in fact, there's so much to do, we're thankful for the extra day to pack it all in! Chill out at the Wintertide at Mystic Seaport or learn todraw classic Busytown characters in Fairfield. Celebrate First Responders at the Bridgeport Islanders Game.

With some extra time off, be sure to browse Fun Things To Do Over February Break in CT. Don't miss the Best Free and Fun Things To Do in February with Kids February 2023 and our Winter Fun Guide for more vacation inspiration.

Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 02/10/2023 - 10:40am

Changeable weather makes finding fun indoor birthday party places for kids in Connecticut extra important. Birthdays can be a bit of a challenge in a state like Connecticut where any season can bring rain or chilly days, making fun indoor party spaces for kids a year-round necessity. That's true from Hartford to New Haven, Stamford, and beyond. Thanks to these birthday party locations, winter babies have as many options as summer babies for awesome birthday celebrations. From sports, to trampolines to crafts, these Connecticut kids' party venues appeal to a wide range of interests and offer many amenities that make party making more fun for kids (and easier for parents too!).

We love getting creative with birthday outing ideas. You can find more locations at these indoor play spaces. We've also found luck planning a party at Connecticut's best pizza places and indoor swim places.

Windham Mountain with Kids: 12 Best Things To Do on a Weekend Getaway

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 02/09/2023 - 12:56pm

Windham Mountain may be the main attraction in town, but there are plenty more things to do on a Windham getaway beyond the slopes.

Located in New York’s Catskills, Windham Mountain offers the perfect mix of fun adventures, stunning scenery, delicious food, and elevated accommodations for the entire family. Good food, fun activities, and a comfy bed are the perfect recipe for a fun family weekend getaway. After spending a lovely long weekend exploring Windham Mountain, we're here to share our highlights, which included skiing, tubing, cozy fire pits, delectable dining choices, family-friendly lodging, and tons of spots to get upstate and chill.

Read on for our top picks for the best things to do with kids at Windham Mountain and find more fun regional destinations to explore in our Adirondacks, Catskills, and Hudson Valley Guide and our Weekend Getaways Guide.

20 Valentine's Day Crafts and Recipes to Love Bomb Your Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 02/06/2023 - 10:10am

These Valentine's Day crafts and activities are great ways to spend time with kids and show them some love.

You will always be your kiddo’s first Valentine! Parents can show kids just how loved and adored they are by showering them with attention and extra special activities and treats. We rounded up our favorite Valentine’s Day crafts, treats, and other ways to celebrate together: Spend time together baking heart-shaped Valentine's Day treats, whipping up a batch of Valentine's Day crafts (we even found Valentine's Day STEM projects), and toasting your loves with a mocktail—every one of these ideas says “I love you!” loud and clear.

For more yummy sweet treats for your sweetie, check out our Easy Recipes Guide. And you'll find hundreds of ideas for crafts and activities for kids in our At-Home Guide for Families.

Mini Snowmobiles, Winter Ziplines, and More Snow Adventures for Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 01/17/2023 - 10:57am

What is this crazy kid doing in the snow? Ziplining, of course! Photo courtesy of Alpine Adventures NH via Facebook

Celebrate the beauty of each and every one of the four seasons - yes, even the bone-chilling cold of winter - with fun snow adventures for kids that go beyond skiing and snowboarding! One of the best ways to deal with the frosty weather is to find exciting ways to get outside and enjoy the winter wonderland of fun. Although some families love to spend the winter months zipping down the slopes, there are a ton of ways to have fun without ever strapping on a pair of skis.

There are popular winter activities like tubing and skating, but we have found a bunch more ways to get your winter thrills. From snowmobile tours to tobogganing tracks here are some of the most thrilling ways to enjoy the bitter cold of winter.

Indoor and Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids - Plus Cute Printables!

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 01/12/2023 - 10:30am

Grab your list and head out for a scavenger hunt with the kids!

A scavenger hunt for kids is one of those activities that's fun for the whole family. Scavenger hunts combat boredom and get everyone moving. Plus, while there are tons of scavenger hunt ideas that are great for the outdoors, a scavenger hunt is also one of our top indoor activities for kids on rainy days.

Here we've got ideas to help you plan a scavenger hunt, devise scavenger hunt clues, and everything else you need to get started. In fact, you can just print out one of our FREE printable scavenger hunts and go! The Indoor Scavenger Hunt will turn a dull afternoon into a treasure hunt, while the Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt will have everyone asking for "just one more" trip around the block. We've also included a fill-in-the-blank scavenger hunt printable, to create and customize the perfect scavenger hunt for your kids.

For more fun at home and in your neighborhood, we've got thousands of ideas from Exercise Games and Indoor Activities to Get Kids Moving to 100 Things To Do When Kids Are Bored in our Boredom Busters Guide.

MLK Weekend 2023 in Connecticut: Service, Celebrations, Seals

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 01/11/2023 - 11:00am

MLK Weekend 2023 in Connecticut brings celebrations of diversity, justice, and service. Photo courtesy of the Yale Peabody Museum

Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

The theme this weekend is honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through the many programs taking place throughout the state, including MLK days of service. Connecticut families can find ways to participate in a day of service all around the state. Give back to local communities at Lachat Town Farm in Weston, or celebrate community in Fairfield or Hartford.

If you want more ideas for playing in the cold this weekend, check out our list of the Best Snow Tubing in Connecticut for Families and our complete Connecticut Winter Activities Guide. Or if you want to stay warm at home, we've got hundreds of activities for kids in our At-Home Guide for Families.