Jennifer Coe

Latest posts by Jennifer Coe

Maple Sugaring with Connecticut Kids: Maple Syrup Festivals and Sugar House Tours

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 02/05/2023 - 10:02am

February means it's time to go maple sugaring with Connecticut kids, where tree-tapping yields a sweet reward! Photo courtesy of the Stamford Nature Center

From Fairfield County to Greater Hartford and New Haven, it's time to go maple sugaring with Connecticut kids! Warm days and cool nights start the sweet maple syrup season. Every year, families look forward to harvesting or stocking up on delicious maple syrup, one of Connecticut's best local products. The traditional maple sugaring season extends from late February until late March, depending on the year. Here, we share the latest information on maple sugaring in Connecticut with activities and activities that families will love.

Our Connecticut Winter Activity Guide is full of wonderful family activities like maple sugaring. Make the most of a winter day by visiting one of the Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Connecticut for Kids and Families. When the family has had enough outdoor time, explore our list of Free Museums in Connecticut to Visit with Kids.

Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids February 2023

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 01/29/2023 - 9:41am

Celebrate Black History Month at the Second Saturdays for Families. Photo courtesy of Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art

February is packed with things to do in Connecticut with kids. Just because it's still Winter doesn't mean you have to be shut inside. There's plenty for families to do in Connecticut, both free and fun!

Start off February 2023 by celebrating Black History Month. See a presentation about Harriet Tubman or visit the Wadsworth Atheneum on Second Saturday for a Black History Month observance. Are you craving nature or some time outdoors? There are opportunities to layer up to see live skiing at Jumpfest, enjoy the amazing Fire and Ice Festival, or learn all about maple sugaring.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

Best Baby Stores in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 01/22/2023 - 8:18pm

When mothers-to-be think about what their newborn will need, the best baby stores in Connecticut offer fabulous options for shopping. There are purchases that can be avoided (like, who really uses that wipes warmer, anyway?), but some things need to be researched and selected with care. Mommy Poppins knows there are times in our lives when it seems like everyone is having a baby at the same time too. You have to buy a lot of gifts, and you want each one to be special. We have collected a few really uncommon and distinctive stores to narrow down your shopping experience. Read on for the best baby stores in Connecticut!

Looking for more fun baby activities? Explore our calender or browse our dedicated baby guide loaded with lots of things to do. And, to stretch that baby-gear dollar, read our tips for How to Get Free Baby Stuff.

Best Baby Stores In Boston

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 01/22/2023 - 11:18am

The best baby stores in Boston a perfect when you need a gift and crucial when you're expecting. When a new baby is coming, you want to treat them extra-special. So, take the time to shop or to have a one-on-one consultation, because there are only so many times in your life that this will happen! In the Greater-Boston area, there are tons of unique, distinctive, and noteworthy stores where you can purchase everything from a stroller, to a carseat, to an adorable onesie with matching booties and hat. Here are our picks for the best baby stores in Boston and around the city.

For more awesome ideas, places to shop, and things to do with your baby, make sure to check out Mommy Poppins' Baby Guide or follow us on Instagram. And to stretch your baby-gear dollar, explore our tips on How To Get Free Baby Stuff for everything from formula to diapers.

Free Museums in Connecticut To Visit with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 01/13/2023 - 10:00pm

Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum

Free museums in Connecticut offer families great fun at the right price. When you're home with the kids and b-o-r-e-d, free museums days are the perfect solution! Connecticut has piles of history, and there's a museum for just about everything. From Indigenous culture to art and puppets, Connecticut museums have something for every kid. Even better, most of Connecticut's greatest museums offer families free admission for some, if not all, of their kids (and even some adults).

Looking for more information? Check out our complete Connecticut museum guide which offers many first-hand visits by staff, and our list of Connecticut museums with sensory-friendly hours.

Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids January 2023

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 12/30/2022 - 1:00pm

Kids enjoy the Forest of Illusions exhibit at the CT Science Center this January, free with admission! Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Science Center

After the holidays, life slows down considerably, but there's no need for Connecticut kids to feel bored. In January, there are opportunities to be get in some exercise like rollerskating, hiking and or even head outside and bird watch for Bald Eagles (just dress for cold temps). You can also test your visual perception at the Connecticut Science Center's Forest of Illusions exhibit. Kids who love live performances, will really dig Disney on Ice: Let's Celebrate, The Ugly Duckling and Cinderella.

We are always adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently or get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

Restaurants Open on Christmas in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 12/11/2022 - 11:00pm

While most restaurants close on Christmas Day, there are a few restaurants open on Christmas in Connecticut to serve customers a delicious holiday meal. Most of these restaurants require a reservation either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas. Service hours begin early in the afternoon, just after you've opened presents! Finding a restaurant open on Christmas in Connecticut is as easy as pie (apple? pumpkin?). Eating out on Christmas could be especially enjoyable for mom and dad—just leave the cooking, and the dishes, to these friendly establishments.

If you'd rather eat in the comfort of your own home, there's several wonderful locations offering Christmas takeout, too. Many of them will deliver holiday meals to your door. You never know, ordering Christmas dinner in might become one of your family's newest memory-making traditions!

And with all that spare time not preparing Christmas dinner, you can try some of these 101 Christmas Activities for Kids. If you're looking for fun seasonal experiences, explore the top holiday activities and Christmas events for Connecticut kids.

Spectacular Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 12/09/2022 - 8:00pm

Photo courtesy of Amarante's Winter Wonderland

The spectacular neighborhood holiday lights around Connecticut make this time of year extra special. So pile the kids in the car! If you are a fan of fun, glittering, music-synched light shows, Connecticut has plenty to see. These Christmas lights displays are an annual reminder of the joy and festivity of the season. Sure, there are plenty of impressive holiday light drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut. But seeing the investment of time and energy of regular holiday-lovers is pretty thrilling. Just a reminder: check all their websites for unplanned weather cancelations before you head out and always dress warmly and make sure to read if the light show is collection for a local charity, which most of them are.

For more ways to support the community during the holidays, read up on Holiday Volunteering Opportunities for Kids and Families in Connecticut. For more family activities this season, see our list of 20 Fre e Holiday and Christmas Events in Connecticut. And be sure to explore our Connecticut Holiday Fun Guide.