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

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT This Weekend, January 11-12: Musicals, MLK Celebration, Skating and Pool Party

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Wed, 01/08/2014 - 10:57am

January can be a tough time for people, especially with how dangerously frigid it has been. You might be thinking ahead to spring and wishing for warmer weather. But we've put together our January Go List, The Best Things to Do with Kids this Month that gives you ideas, so you can plan ahead and have things to look forward to. If you are looking for a weekend getaway that doesn't involve skiing, take a look at our review of our Foxwoods Resort Adventure. It's not only a play place for adults!

If you do like to ski, we have our post on Six Family Ski Resorts in CT: The Lowdown. Our CT Winter Fun Guide is also full of skiing, snow tubing, indoor play places and more. To get the most out of the site, be sure to follow 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 in your inbox. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Pinterest in order to get updates on events, current contests and free giveaways. Our event calendar is updated constantly with fun activities around the state.

Here are some fun suggestions for the weekend.

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT This Weekend, December 28-29: Kwanzaa, Songs, Stories, Shows and Dancing

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Tue, 12/24/2013 - 10:35am

All of us here at Mommy Poppins CT wish you and your families joy and happiness during this holiday season, and heading into 2014. We want to thank all of our readers and subscribers who helped us grow the site by 45% and gain over 30,000 social media followers. We appreciate you trusting us as your top resource to find out about local, fun and mostly free events around the state.

Kwanzaa begins Thursday, December 26, and Charter Oak Cultural Center is holding Hartford's largest Kwanzaa Celebration. Learn the seven values of the holiday through story, song and dance. All ages are welcome to this free, community event.

If you need to purge the playroom of old toys after Santa arrives, consult our post on Where to Donate Toys in CT. Many children in need will be grateful!

Do you have plans for New Year's Eve? Check out our list of Family Friendly New Year's Events in Fairfield County. If you are in the Hartford area, you might want to try First Night Hartford. It is an alcohol-free, family celebration with several open venues, performers and fireworks.

Here are suggestions for events this weekend.

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT This Weekend, December 14-15: Remembering Sandy Hook, Light Shows, Santa Events

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Wed, 12/11/2013 - 9:08am

It is going to be a difficult weekend for many of us in Connecticut. Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. The town is not hosting any public memorials, and has requested all media outlets to stay away. Several faith communities are offering services, but if you don't plan on attending one it is best to give the people of Newtown privacy on this day.

If you plan to be in the greater Hartford area on Saturday, there will be a Run of Remembrance & Love event in West Hartford Center. This healing event, hosted by Kicking Asphalt Running Club and Lululemon, will be a 2.6 mile run/walk to remember those we lost and their families. Runners, walkers, strollers, dogs and spectators are all welcome to show support.

I know I will plan to hug and kiss my son A LOT in addition to praying for those who would give anything to have their children back. I also plan to brighten my spirits by taking advantage of the seasonal events happening this weekend. If you could use something to look forward to, please check out our CT Holiday Fun Guide, December Go List. Santa Pictures and Holiday Light Shows in Fairfield County and Hartford County, and Holiday Train Rides with Santa. Also check back often on our site. Our Mommy Poppins Holiday Giveaway begins this week and you won't want to miss out on all sorts of great prizes. Over $3,000 worth of prizes!! Enter our Biggest Holiday Giveaway for your chance to win some amazing gifts!

Here are some fun suggestions for this weekend.

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT This Weekend, November 16-17: Thanksgiving Events, Theater, Tea Parties

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Wed, 11/13/2013 - 10:42am

November is a wonderful time to teach kids about the importance of gratitude. It starts at home, so create some fun for them with Thanksgiving Crafts: Fun Projects That Help Kids Give Thanks. There are also numerous ways to celebrate turkey day, so you'll want to see our post on Thanksgiving Historic Meals, Races, Crafts and Stories in Hartford County.

I am a horrible cook, so the thought of making a Thanksgiving turkey is really overwhelming. Want a stress-free holiday? Thanksgiving Day: Dinner Out Anyone? is my kind of article. Reservations sound fantastic to me! Christmas starts earlier every year it seems, so check out our list of The Top 25 Santa Activities in CT. Many of these activities are very popular and sell out early, so jump on it!

Our Holiday Fun Guide, November CT Go List and events calendar are wonderful resources to make the most of your time. Here are some suggestions for fun this weekend!

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend November 2-3: Candy Drives, Santa's Workshop and Scavenger Hunts

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Tue, 10/29/2013 - 7:05pm

With so many sponsored events by towns, organizations and shopping centers, I'm starting to wonder if neighborhood trick-or-treating is dying out. If you live in an area where you are unsure if going door-to-door is safe, or the people on your street don't celebrate, there are still many options.

You'll want to read our guides on Best Places to Trick or Treat in Litchfield County and Southeastern CT. We also provide Halloween Happenings and Parades in Fairfield County and the CT Halloween and Fall Fun Guide.

Once the candy is gone, it is time to think about the next big holiday. Check out our early guide to Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving Day Races. As always, our events calendar is constantly updated with the latest happenings, and here are some suggestions for the first weekend of November.

Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving Day Races in Connecticut

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Fri, 10/18/2013 - 12:05pm

Americans love to run. And I don't just mean through Wal-Mart aisles on Black Friday. Running for exercise has soared in popularity over the past few decades. According to Running USA, 4.7 million people finished events in 1990, compared to 15.5 million In 2012! Great news for the sporting goods industry and your cardiologist.

Kids love to run, and moms love to burn calories. So how about starting your Thanksgiving Day with some family exercise in the crisp, fall air? The average American will eat 4,500 calories on this day, so you'll feel better indulging in your favorite holiday treats.

Here are some suggestions for events on Thursday, November 28. Races are popular, so be sure to sign up soon before they sell out. You'll also want to arrive early, as parking in most places will be limited. Have a great run! And for more turkey trot listings as well as other fun things to do on Thanksgiving day click here.

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend October 19-20: Fairs, Frights and an Enchanted Forest

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Wed, 10/16/2013 - 7:10pm

The only thing scarier than a haunted house or hayride is a bowl of tempting Halloween candy in my kitchen. Between that and my son's peanut allergy, I have to be very careful with treats. This year, I might start a new tradition. Check out our post on a No-Candy Halloween: Non-Edible Treats to Hand Out on October 31. It is a great way to keep the holiday safe for everyone.

There is no shortage of activities heading up to Halloween, and we've got you covered with the best events around the state in our October Go List . You'll want to read our guides to pumpkin picking in Eastern Connecticut, Halloween Happenings and Parades in Fairfield County and the CT Halloween and Fall Fun Guide. This weekend the leaves will be at peak. Enjoy some of these scenic Fall activities in Litchfield County. Our events calendar is always updated with the latest happenings, and here are suggestions for this weekend!

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend October 5-6: Apple Festival, Farm Days, Touch-A-Truck and Parades

Submitted by Pam Hegner on Wed, 10/02/2013 - 11:34am

October is a fantastic month in Connecticut, especially if you have kids. The activities are endless, and Mommy Poppins CT is your best resource. Our October Go List, Guide to Apple Picking and CT Halloween and Fall Fun Guide will help you make autumn a memorable season.

Most of our suggestions are free and inexpensive. However, if you aren't careful, this month can put a real strain on the budget. The National Retail Federation estimates Americans will spend $6.9 billion on Halloween, second only to Christmas spending. Decor, costumes, candy, and activities can be costly, so read our post on Halloween Costume Swaps for Kids; Where to Find Free, New-to-you Costumes to save some cash.

Our events calendar is always updated with the latest happenings, and here are suggestions for this weekend!