Julia Tolstrup

Latest posts by Julia Tolstrup

BMX Tracks in Connecticut

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Wed, 05/10/2017 - 8:00am

Some kids like arts and crafts and some kids like to collect things. Other kids prefer soccer or perhaps horseback riding. And then there are the kids who want to strap on a helmet and fling themselves high into the air off dirt mounds and wheelie around asphalt track walls. I've got one of those.

When he was five, he arrived home one day and announced that he would like to try BMX thank you very much. I was pretty skeptical at first, I knew next to nothing about the sport and had visions of broken bones and concussions. I began asking around and soon found that the BMX scene in Connecticut is thriving. Not only that, it is one of the most inclusive sports I've ever seen.

Indulgent Mother's Day Brunches in Connecticut

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Mon, 04/24/2017 - 8:00am

What's not to love about brunch? A magical marriage of all the best things served up with a mimosa and a slice of cantaloupe, brunch is arguably the most indulgent meal right out of the gate. Maybe that's why it has become something of a tradition to spoil the ladies who work tirelessly making sure everyone is cared for by taking them out to these panoplies of decadence on Mother's Day. We are extra spoiled in Connecticut because of our epic food scene so finding a brunch fit for a queen isn't hard at all. So pick a spot, make a reservation, gussy up the fam and treat mom! She deserves it.

Preschooler Summer Camps in Central Connecticut

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Mon, 03/20/2017 - 11:22am

Ah! Summertime. Those long, lazy days, nothing for the kids to do but count the blades of grass, eat popsicles, and go completely insane with boredom by the end of vacation...whoa. Stop right there. Even the littlest little can get a bit stir crazy when preschool is out, and with the first day of spring upon us, the time is right for seeking out some summer boredom busters. While it may not be time for them to experience the freedom of sleepaway camp (if that's your thing) there are lots of excellent summer camp options for the smallest among us to get their adorable little feet wet when it comes to spending some quality time away from mom and dad this summer. If you're in central Connecticut, take a gander at these summer camp programs we've rounded up for you. You're sure to find something just right for your preschooler.

25 Things to Do With Kids in Shelton

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Fri, 03/10/2017 - 5:16pm

Nestled in the southwest corner of the Naugatuck Valley, at the edge of Fairfield County, Shelton is a hidden gem. Forget for a moment that downtown is currently experiencing a major renaissance with small restaurants popping up all along the main streets, many of them sourcing from local farms and breweries. Shelton is also brimming with things to do with kids. There is something for every season, age, and interest from ice cream to ice skating, hiking to hula hoops. Be sure to tune into our Facebook Live event Saturday at noon to find out who the winners are in our first ever CT Besties Awards! A few of these Shelton area businesses are finalists!

A Trip to Connecticut Children's Museum in West Hartford

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Tue, 02/21/2017 - 1:37pm

It's great to live in a state with plenty of museums aimed at kids of all ages. One such museum is Connecticut Children's Museum in West Hartford. This place has a little bit of everything, from wildlife to engineering, and can entertain a wide range of ages on a lot of different levels. The museum also boasts one of Connecticut's many Planetariums offering multiple shows daily for a small additional fee.

Heart Events in Connecticut

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Thu, 02/02/2017 - 9:00am

For many of us, when we think February we think hearts. Candy hearts and valentines, puppy love, and boxes of chocolate. But February is heart month for another reason too. Nearly one in 100 babies are born with congenital heart defects. That adds up to about 40,000 births a year. There are a number of different kinds of defects ranging from mild to severe and in some cases, babies and children who require invasive treatments in order to survive. Our family became one of many living with a congenital heart defect after the birth of my son. Despite inevitable setbacks along the way, thanks to advances in medicine today he is a strong and thriving little boy.

February is Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about congenital heart defects and to continue the important work being done to further understand what causes them and how better to treat them. You can get involved in many ways, whether by donating to an organization that supports research or kids facing tough battles, or participating in one of the many heart events around the state.

Indoor Birthday Party Venues in the New Haven Area

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Sat, 01/21/2017 - 8:30am

My oldest was born in January. That means that any dreams of a poolside party under the sun are, unfortunately, just dreams. Over the years we have become quite expert in the fine art of the indoor birthday party. Just because the weather may not be cooperative doesn't mean you can't have a ton of fun! There are gym parties, laser tag parties, and arts and crafts parties to name just a few. Here are some other options for indoor birthday super-fun. Be sure to check out our birthday party guide too, for just about every ounce of birthday fun imaginable.

Planetariums and Observatories in Connecticut

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Fri, 01/20/2017 - 6:40pm

Once upon a time, the night sky told us everything we needed to know. The season of the year, the time, which direction we were facing. These days it's easy to go weeks or even months on end without really giving the night sky any notice. Our cities and towns are so brightly lit that it can be hard to see the stars even on a clear night.