Pam Hegner

Pam has worked as a tv producer/writer at the local and national level for over 15 years. Covering events such as the World Series and Final Four fulfilled childhood dreams; as was taking a break from her career to stay home and raise her young son. She is a proud graduate of the Indiana University School of Journalism in Bloomington, Indiana. A long-time city dweller, (Atlanta and NYC) Pam now adores her home in central CT. She loves blogging about the beauty and culture the Nutmeg State offers for families.
You can also follow Pam on Google+.

Latest posts by Pam

98 Things To Do in Charlotte, NC with Kids

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Sat, 08/07/2021 - 3:44pm

Experience the Spectacle of Color Parade at Grand Carnivale, Carowinds' newest celebration. Photo courtesy of Carowinds.

With museums, parks, sports teams, racing, great restaurants, and shopping, there's tons of fun things to do in Charlotte, North Carolina, with kids. Whether you are a native Charlottean, one of the thousands of transplants, or just visiting, we hope you will love exploring the history, diversity, culture, and beauty of the Queen City. It's one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the southeast, so there are often exciting new openings and pop-up experiences, too.

If you somehow get bored in Charlotte, you can always head to nearby Asheville, North Carolina, or see all our city guides for more family adventures.

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Tue, 11/19/2019 - 7:17pm

If you usually have an artificial Christmas tree or head off to the nearest mega-store for your pre-cut Christmas tree, why not start a new holiday tradition by going out to one of Connecticut's many cut-your-own farms? The unmistakable smell of pine, the freshly made treats, and large decorative wreaths these homey places offer will definitely get you in a festive mood. We've also listed more Christmas Tree Farms in Litchfield County and in Fairfield County.

Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner for Families around Hartford, CT

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Fri, 10/25/2019 - 1:29pm

Seasons Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Avon Old Farms Hotel

The thought of having to prepare a huge Thanksgiving meal for my family gives me nightmares worse than forgetting to turn in my senior thesis. I prefer to leave it to the professionals and enjoy family, friends, and football rather than shopping, cooking, and cleaning up. For a traditional feast with all the trimmings and minus the stress, check out our list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in the Hartford area. Reservations are strongly recommended for all of the restaurants. Check out our posts about Thanksgiving Dinner Out in Fairfield County and Restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day in Litchfield County too.

Holiday Strolls and Tree Lighting Events in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Fri, 11/03/2017 - 12:47pm

One of the best things about living in Connecticut is the small-town feel our communities work so hard to capture. This sentiment can especially be felt around the holidays when people come together. So even if you don't live in these towns in Hartford County, you are welcome and encouraged to celebrate the season at these events. Check out our Holiday Guide and our list of Holiday Light Shows for even more tips on fun ways to celebrate the season.

Best Roller Skating Rinks in Connecticut for Families

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Sun, 01/01/2017 - 5:17pm

The thought of a roller rink transports me back to Jordache jeans, feathered hair and and KC and the Sunshine Band blaring on the turntable. Luckily, we've evolved from the 70's and 80's in many areas, but there are still working roller rinks in our fine state. Many have closed due to the popularity of ice rinks, but we did some research so you can introduce your children to the fun of roller skating if you haven't already!

Indoor Play Places for Big Kids in Hartford County

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Thu, 11/10/2016 - 12:57pm

As much as we love sledding, skiing, or playing in the snow with our kids, sometimes we just need a day off from slushy, mushy adventures, soggy mittens, and snow pants. Mommy Poppins has researched some great places to have some fun inside during those long winter months, especially with children ages 10 and up. Also check out our Indoor Play Guide for younger kids in Hartford County.

Here are some other suggestions for indoor activities and great places to have winter birthday parties in Hartford County.

Weekend Fun for CT Kids March 28-29: Egg Hunts, Passover, Fireside Stories & Curious George

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Wed, 03/25/2015 - 7:00pm

Spring is here and Passover and Easter are coming up soon. We've rounded up several celebrations, and you'll also want to check out our posts on Easter egg hunts in Central CT and Fairfield County.

While you are out enjoying the thaw, grab some dinner using our guide to family-friendly restaurants in Hartford County.

Summer is right around the corner, so plan ahead with our CT Summer Camp Guide.

Like us on Facebook (make sure Mommy Poppins CT shows up in your feed by including us in your "interests list." To put a page on your "interests list," hover over the "Like" button and you'll see a pull-down menu that offers an "add to your interests lists" choice). Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the weekend roundup every Thursday.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Pinterest in order to get updates on events, contests and giveaways. Our Event Calendar is constantly updated with the best activities around the state. Here are some suggestions for the weekend ahead!

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT This Weekend, March 14-15: St. Patrick's Day, Parades, Maple Fest, Theatre & More!

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Wed, 03/11/2015 - 4:00pm

You don't have to be Irish to appreciate St. Patrick's Day. The green clothes, crafts, decorations and treats will bring out the leprechaun in all of our lads and lasses. There are a ton of events happening this weekend around the March 17th holiday. Some of them are listed below, and check out our posts on Things to do for St. Patrick's Day in Fairfield County and Hartford County. Of course, not everything will revolve around St. Pat's and we've listed those events too.

Hartford will be busy this weekend with the St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Men's AAC Basketball Tournament in town, so plan your trips accordingly.

Summer will be here before you know it, and our Summer Camp Open House post is a valuable resource for planning ahead.

There will be rain all day Saturday so please check your venue before heading out to make sure that they haven't postponed or canceled their event.

Like us on Facebook (make sure Mommy Poppins CT shows up on your feed by including us in your "interests list." To put a page on your "interests list," hover over the "Like" button and you'll see a pull-down menu that offers an "add to your interests lists" choice). Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and be sure to get the weekend round up every Thursday.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Pinterest in order to get updates on events, contests and giveaways. Our event calendar is constantly updated with the best activities around the state.

Here are some suggestions for the weekend ahead!