Jennifer Coe

Latest posts by Jennifer Coe

Fun Things To Do Over February Break in Connecticut with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 01/28/2022 - 9:30am

Lunarfest photo courtesy of New Haven Arts

February vacation for Connecticut schools might be a little shorter this year, but many districts still have at least a couple of days off. Besides all of the awesome winter activities that make this time of year so fun, options abound for events and activities over February break that let children switch gears and explore different areas of interest. Read on for the best ways to get creative, connect with nature, and burn off some energy while school's out.

Looking to turn the February break into a quick family getaway? Take advantage of the weather with a family ski trip, or ignore it altogether at one of these awesome indoor water parks. For more ideas to have fun all winter long, don't miss our Winter Activities Guide.

Kids Eat Free in Connecticut: Family-Friendly Restaurants With Free Kids' Meals

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 01/14/2022 - 12:18pm

Free burgers? Yes, please! Photo courtesy of Widow Brown's Cafe

It's Wednesday night, kids are hungry, you are tired from a long day and no one has an idea for dinner. Sound familiar? Well, not too far from you there is probably a place where kids eat free! Families can order out or eat in at many of these Connecticut restaurants and score free kids' meals, making this a not-too-expensive mid-week treat. Pair your free meal with an accompanying activity from our Free Things To Do Guide, and turn this into an affordable family outing.

Our Connecticut Restaurant Guide offers even more delicious ideas, from the Best Family-Friendly Breweries in Connecticut to Connecticut Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While You Eat—and much more!

25 Free Things To Do with Kids in Connecticut this Winter

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 01/02/2022 - 10:00pm

Winter is a great time for a trip to the Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins

After the holidays, when the decorations are all put away, the cookies have been eaten, and the new toys have lost their novelty, moms and dads start looking for fun things to do with their kids. But what if they could find something fun and FREE? Look no further, because we have done all the footwork to collect a wide-ranging list of things for you do with your little artists, astronomers, and historians this winter.

To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters—and discover all the free events and activities near you in our Connecticut Free Things To Do with Kids Guide.

What's Open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 12/17/2021 - 11:00pm

Ice skating is a great family activity on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. Photo courtesy of Winterfesthartford.com

If you are wondering what's open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve in Connecticut, there are light shows and fun things to do and see. When the "most wonderful" time of year is here, and decorations are up, menus are planned, and most gifts are wrapped, you may be thinking about some activities that will help you cherish family time. This list of 18 events happening on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Connecticut is sure to have something for everyone, from Christmas Eve skating and a reindeer festival to a much-loved free light show.

With media issues fixed and "It's a Wonderful Life" cued up, I'm ready for Christmas! No matter what you celebrate, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or a combination, have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy as much as you can with our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Families.

A Visit to Riverside Reptiles: Reptile Encounters for Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 10/03/2021 - 11:00am

Look through the glass, or get up close and personal with snakes, reptiles, turtles and more at Connecticut's new living reptile museum. Photo courtesy of the Riverside Reptile Education Center

A one-of-a-kind destination has opened in Northern Connecticut that is unlike anything else your kids have ever seen, offering reptile encounters and more. For kids who love reptiles, you can now find tropical slithering snakes, ambling turtles, and sauntering alligators all in one place. This serpentarium—a living reptile museum—offers exhibits, educational programming, live shows, and a chance to hold reptiles.

For more places to see animals up close, explore our list of petting zoos and farms.

Best Art Classes for Kids in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sat, 08/21/2021 - 12:00pm

Children love to express their creativity and Connecticut offers art classes for kids of all ages.

The arts are essential in stimulating creativity and confidence and developing innovative thinkers. Whether it’s through sculpting, drawing, painting, or crafting, children crave the opportunity to express themselves through art. Take advantage of some of the great classes for kids available all over Connecticut and avoid those messy "glitter-tastrophes" on your kitchen table.

For more kids programs, toddler classes, and after school activities, explore our updated Guide to Kids' Classes in Connecticut.

Sunflower Farms in Connecticut for Pick-Your-Own Flowers

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 07/18/2021 - 6:00am

Stroll a nearby sunflower farm in Connecticut. Photo by Ally Noel

Forget grocery store bouquets—by mid-summer, Connecticut fields are bursting with sunflowers and other brightly colored flowers, and many farms allow families to cut their own bouquets to bring home. Kids can enjoy selecting the most beautiful blooms to carefully arrange in vases, press into books, or weave into hair crowns. Bonus fun: One of these sunflower farms has a flower maze, too!

For more PYO fun, see our list of Connecticut farms where kids can pick berries, summer fruit, and veggies.

12 Connecticut Campgrounds That Are Extra Fun for Camping with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 07/16/2021 - 6:50am

Cozy up to private fire pits at Mystic KOA. Photo courtesy of the campground

A family camping trip is fun anytime, but a getaway to the great outdoors is especially appealing this summer. We have found several Connecticut campgrounds with fun weekend themes and great kid-friendly amenities for families to enjoy on a camping trip.

Don't forget to check out Mommy Poppins' Day Trip Guide for Connecticut, our list of short hiking trails and longer hiking trails, and our entire summer fun guide for more outdoor adventures.