Clementina Verge

Latest posts by Clementina

14 Winter Day Trips to Take in Connecticut with Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 12/19/2021 - 11:00pm

Bundle up and head to this 62-acre sanctuary in Westport for an adventure. Photo courtesy of Earthplace

It’s all too easy to think the winter months mean an end to adventures outside the home, but it doesn’t have to be that way—these winter day trips in Connecticut will keep things exciting in January, February, and March. While bears may stick to the confines of their residence until spring, if you try to follow suit, it’s bound to lead to a serious case of cabin fever and some bearish moods. To keep that from happening, pack up the family and head out on one of these family-friendly winter day trips in Connecticut.

And for more cold-weather outings, see our roundup of Connecticut outdoor skating rinks and our favorite Northeast Ski Mountains for families.

25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 10/01/2021 - 8:05pm

From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT

The Nutmeg State is home to 110 state parks, which means there's a lot of outdoor adventure to be had from swimming to hiking and camping. We've compiled a list of favorite state parks to visit with children, taking into consideration terrain, views, access to restrooms, and other amenities or attractions associated with each destination. For wee ones, consider our suggestions for 1-mile hikes and fantastic stroller hikes. To challenge older children, plan a trek up a mountain. Grab your hiking shoes, pack snacks, and enjoy the park views and fresh air.

Top Music Classes for Kids in Boston

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 08/27/2021 - 5:40pm

Music classes give Boston kids the chance to express themselves creatively, and focus on learning to do something they love. Photo courtesy of Powers Music School

Whether your child experiments with toy instruments or just hums favorite tunes in the back seat of the car, chances are music classes might be something they enjoy. Kids can enjoy music classes near Boston and far beyond, thanks to a large pool of well-trained musicians that live in the region. For parents looking for ways to inspire their kids to express musical creativity, develop vocal skills, or play piano, violin, guitar, ukulele, or other musical instruments, the choices for music classes and instruction appear endless. While we could never cover every one of these programs in one post, we've rounded up some of our favorites piano lessons, music classes, and more in and around Boston.

Explore other types of enrichment programs, including sports, art, and more, in our Boston Classes Guide.

Mommy and Me Baby and Toddler Classes near Fairfield, Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 08/15/2021 - 12:00pm

Kids learn through hands-on exploration in Tinkergarten. Photo courtesy of Tinkergarten

A great way to boost babies' motor and social skills while making some new friends yourself is by enrolling in various baby classes. From stroller hikes to mud pie making, Fairfield County offers no shortage of Mommy and Me classes. Pack up the diaper bag, grab a latte, and sign up for a session or two: These mommy and me classes are designed for new Fairfield County moms (and dads, and other caregivers, too) with their babies and toddlers.

Looking for more to do in Fairfield County? Explore our Classes and Activites Guide for Connecticut Kids.

Top Swimming Lessons in Connecticut for Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 08/01/2021 - 3:46pm

The top swimming lessons in Connecticut teach kids valuable skills, boost confidence, and provide serious fun! Photo courtesy of Children of the Sound

When it's time to get your little ones toes wet, you want a trusted place to take swimming lessons. You may have a little fish or maybe a child who is scared around water. Either way, swimming lessons are important for teaching kids to be comfortable and safe at Connecticut's many pools, lakes, and beaches. There are many pools that offer Mommy and Me swim classes and ongoing skill-building lessons in the water.

Still looking for splishy-splashy fun? We also have a list of Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks and Water Playgrounds in Connecticut.

Top Summer Day Camps Near Hartford

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 04/18/2021 - 6:06pm

Try out tennis and more sports at Mandell JCC's summer camp. Photo courtesy the camp

Summer camps in the Hartford area offer kids outdoor and indoor options, time in nature, plenty of science, and summer memories of having fun with peers. Whether you sign up for a single week or the whole summer, you can trust your child is in good hands at these time-tested, parent-approved Hartford summer day camps

Our Connecticut Camp Guide is also a great resource for finding just the right summer activity for your Connecticut kid or check out our upcoming Online Camp Fair to explore options. Got an older child? Consider these sleepaway camps right here in Connecticut.

25 Great Things to Do Over February Break with DC Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 02/05/2021 - 12:40pm

Nearby Wisp Resort features snow tubing runs of 750 feet in length. Photo courtesy of the resort

We get it: February vacation week in DC will be a little different this year. With so many winter activities sacrificed to the pandemic, it might seem a daunting challenge to entertain little ones during the upcoming school vacation.

Fear not: We here at Mommy Poppins DC have the skinny on winter activities you can actually do in February 2021. There’s skating, skiing, snow tubing, and plenty more. This year we’ve even included a list of great virtual activities in case you’re anxious about heading outdoors.

Here is a just a sample of the possibilities for kids and families from Saturday, February 13 to Sunday, February 21, including special Capital District events on Presidents Day, Monday, February 15.

Best Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing Spots in Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 01/17/2021 - 11:33am

Rent cross country skis and hit the groomed paths of Winding Trails. Photo courtesy of Winding Trails

Not all snow sports come with an adrenaline rush. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are two fun, yet low-key winter activities that are easy for Connecticut kids to learn, offer the opportunity to experience beautiful surroundings, and make for a tranquil family outing or a fun, socially-distanced adventure with friends. There are several parks, trails, and winter sports centers in Connecticut where families can safely snowshoe or cross country ski, and some even rent out gear and offer lessons.

For more cold-weather thrills and chills, check out our favorite Connecticut snow tubing parks and family ski areas.