Clementina Verge

Latest posts by Clementina

Igloos, Greenhouses, and Heated Patios: Fun Outdoor Restaurants in Connecticut for Winter Family Dining

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Mon, 01/11/2021 - 8:08pm

Igloos make outdoor restaurants feel a bit like winter wonderlands. Photo by Ally Noel

It's not only safer to eat outside these days; it's more fun, too! As indoor dining in Connecticut remains limited, some restaurants have winterized their patios and deck spaces to include not only tents and heaters, but creative structures like igloos, greenhouses, and more. Because some of the best memories are still made around a dining table, consider the following family-friendly outdoor restaurants for a fun winter night out. Big appetites and cozy blankets are encouraged!

Make an afternoon of it by pairing a visit to one of these outdoor restaurants with a winter day trip to a local park or farm. Our Connecticut Winter Fun Guide includes more ideas for keeping kids safe, warm, and entertained in the coming months.

Indoor Play Spaces in Connecticut Open Now

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 01/08/2021 - 5:00pm

Mask up and jump in! Photo courtesy of Chelsea Piers CT

When chilly weather keeps kids inside in Connecticut, they don't necessarily need to stay home. Many indoor play spaces have reopened under state guidelines and will keep little ones climbing, bouncing, jumping, and giggling on cold or wet days. For 2021, facilities have implemented enhanced cleaning procedures, social distancing protocols, and advance registration requirements, ensuring not only a fun day trip but increased safety.

Look to our Connecticut Winter Fun Guide for more cabin fever cures, from snow tubing outings to dozens of outdoor winter activities to keep kids busy at home.

Best Sledding Hills in Hartford, Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Tue, 12/01/2020 - 8:03pm

The first storm of the season creates quite a stir for those of us who excitedly await a winter wonderland, and it's hard to match the thrill of holding tight to a sled while careening down one of these awesome sledding hills in the Hartford area. Winter lasts only about 12 weeks, so pack a thermos with hot chocolate, maybe grab an extra pair of mittens and socks, and embrace the snowy (and socially distant) adventures.

If you are looking to explore more winter activities, check out these Fairfield-Area sledding hills and our Connecticut Ski and Snow Sports Guide.

25 Things to Do in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Mon, 08/17/2020 - 12:30pm

Hiking is just one of many things to do in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, but it sure delivers great views!

Anchored by majestic mountains and charming small towns, the White Mountains region of New Hampshire offers family adventures year-round. Whether you want to chase waterfalls or cool off in crystalline lakes at the peak of summer, enjoy the spectacular fall foliage, or play in sparkling snow when the state morphs into a winter wonderland, this area of the Granite State features everything from countless hiking trails, to giggle-inducing amusement parks, relaxing campgrounds, and shopping outlets.

Below are 25 of our favorite things to do in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, as well as places to stay. Find more family travel in our Guide to New England.

Lakeside Getaway at Cathedral Pines Campground in Maine

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sat, 08/15/2020 - 8:07am

You'll be surrounded by woods at this Maine campground.

Far, far away (about 26 miles from the Canadian border), you will find an enchanted place anchored by towering pines, where a star-filled sky twinkles after dusk and the cry of loons, a pretty but feisty native water bird, is the only sound that breaks the night. Welcome to Cathedral Pines Campground in Eustis, Maine, where during the day, families hike or relax on a private lake beach, and children bike, play, and savor ice cream. The setting of this Maine campground is as idyllic as it sounds.

10 Swimming Lakes in the Northeast for a Super Summer Getaway

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Mon, 08/03/2020 - 1:06pm

Lake Harmony, a gorgeous lake in the Poconos, is accessible from Split Rock Resort and other private rentals.

Life is better at the lake, right? A summer getaway to a nearby swimming lake can be as relaxing or thrilling as you make it. Whether you nap on the shaded porch of a lakeside cabin rental or bounce over tranquil waters on jet skis, a lakes vacation is a great way to spend family time while slowing down a few days of summer.

We've put together our top 10 lakes near Northeast destinations, from the Pennsylvania Poconos to tranquil New England. Get ready for some incredible scenery, happy hiking, quaint towns, and plenty of adventure on the water.

17 Camping Games to Play with Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Thu, 07/16/2020 - 10:15am

Pack some paper and pencils in your backpack for a nature scavenger hunt. Photo by Melissa Hillier/Flickr

Camping is a great way to explore and enjoy nature with kids, especially in a summer when families want to maximize time outdoors. But when everyone returns to the campsite from the day's adventures, camping games can help keep children entertained (no screens needed!). Here are 17 camping activities for kids to play with parents or with one another, whether they're sheltering from the rain or settling in by the campfire for the evening.

For more old-fashioned games to pass the time, introduce kids to these outdoor games from the 70s and 80s.

Summer Camps for Preschoolers in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Mon, 04/20/2020 - 10:15am

Skill building includes time on the water at Campereenah. Photo courtesy of Mandell JCC

Before children enter preschool or kindergarten, parents often look for opportunities to help prepare them for the upcoming school year—and these Connecticut summer camps are a great option! Many great summer camps in the Hartford County area offer short sessions, indoor and outdoor options, and plenty of summer fun for preschoolers and toddlers.

Closer to Fairfield? You might want to see our post on camps for Fairfield County preschoolers instead. Also, be sure to check out our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide and our Summer Camp Directory.