Ally Noel

Ally Noel has lived in Connecticut for over two decades. Before becoming a parent, she worked as an Educational Technology Specialist, helping schools and teachers integrate technology into learning. Now, she’s all about discovering the best family-friendly adventures, activities, and hidden gems. Share your tips, questions, or just say hi at ally@mommypoppins.com, and follow along for family fun at @mommypoppinsct.

Latest posts by Ally

Best Lobster Shacks in New England: Where to Get Lobster Rolls and Family-Friendly Fare

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 07/10/2022 - 9:50am

The best lobster shacks in New England await your family. Photo by Joe Shlabotnik, via flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Sunny skies, salty hair, sandy toes, and fresh seafood are the stuff that New England summer magic is made out of and nothing is quintessentially more New England than a lobster shack. Lobster Shacks are traditionally casual and serve up some of the best seafood in the country. While you are debating between a hot and cold lobster roll, your kids can pick from a variety of childhood favorites at each of these spots. We’ve compiled this list of the best lobster shacks in New England from reader recommendations and contributor favorites. Each of these spots serves something for everyone - including landlubbers, so your entire family can enjoy a meal together.

50 Easy Summer Desserts & Snack Recipes Kids Will Love

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 10:28am

Orange cream popsicles taste like childhood on a stick! Photo courtesy of jellytoastblog.com

These easy summer desserts, snacks, and drinks will keep kids fueled up for a summer filled with adventure. Whether you are rushing home from camp, lounging poolside, or just trying to satisfy the seemingly endless requests for snacks, this list is for you! From salty to sweet, this list has all the ingredients for perfect summer snacking that will keep kids full and your kitchen cool. While every one of these recipes are tried and tested, you really must try the magic of Jell-O grapes, Sun Butter soft serve, and Oreo sushi this summer. Your kids will think you're a genius.

For more kid-pleasing easy recipes, check out 100 Favorite Kid-Friendly Recipes for Every Meal and more family favorites in our Guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.

Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas for Kids' Birthday Parties in the Summer

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 06/09/2022 - 1:06pm

Take the party into the sunshine where kids can go wild and clean up is a snap. Photo courtesy of Kampus Productions, via Pexels

We put together a list of 11 sizzling kids' birthday party themes for outdoor party ideas, including activity suggestions, decoration ideas, and some memorable munchies that will make your kid's summer birthday party the event of the season.

Since many kids with a summer birthday don't get to celebrate during the school year and some friends may be out of town, we need to go all out with epic outdoor birthday party ideas sure to make the birthday child feel special. A kids' birthday party is all about creativity and we've got loads of inspired ideas that more than make up for missing cupcakes at school.

Take all the fun (and the mess) under the sun with these awesome outdoor birthday party ideas, all with a summertime twist, such as camping, fairy par-tea, outdoor movies, and lawn games. Get everything you need to complete your party, from the Perfect Kids' Birthday Cake Idea for Every Party to Birthday Party Favors that Go Beyond the Goody Bag at our Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

You know what else a birthday needs? Gifts! Get tried-and-tested favorite gift suggestions the Best First Birthday Gifts, and more in our Guide to Top Toys and Gear for Kids.

Father’s Day in Connecticut: 10 Fun Things To Do with Dad on Father's Day 2022

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 06/05/2022 - 11:25am

Any day dads spend with their kids is special, but these outings make Father's Day extra special!

Looking for the perfect Father's Day events and Father's Day activities this year?

It's time to treat dad like the superhero he is on Father's Day! There’s a little something on this list of things to do in Connecticut on Father's Day 2022 that should make each and every dad out there feel special. Go on a family adventure in a canoe or on a hike, explore his culinary side with a delicious meal, or cruise across the Long Island Sound taking in the sights. If dad would enjoy a lazy day by the water, take a trip to one of these awesome Connecticut area beaches.

To start dad's day with something sweetly homemade, check out our list of 15 Father's Day Crafts and Gifts That Kids Can Make, then keep him laughing all day with some corny dad jokes!

Visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA with Kids: What to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 05/21/2022 - 12:00pm

Kids of all ages will have a blast at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins

If you're looking for a vacation that will provide thrills and fun for everyone in the family, an amusement park is a great bet. Most of the 40 top amusement parks in the US for a family vacation offer rides, attractions, shows, and other activities for everyone from toddlers to teens and their grown-ups. My family recently visited one of these theme parks, Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia, and had an absolute blast.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a European-themed park that's been voted the World’s Most Beautiful Amusement Park by the National Amusement Park Historical Association for over 30 years. The massive park is broken into nine villages that center around six countries—Germany, France, Ireland, Scotland, England, and Italy. Many of the rides, attractions, performances, and foods are themed around those countries. There are also animal habitats to visit. While there's enough to do at Busch Gardens Williamsburg to make it your sole destination, its proximity to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and other historical sites can also make it one part of a larger family vacation.

Here's what to know about visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA with kids.

Eco Exploring at Beaches in Connecticut: Find Sea Glass, Tide Pools, and More

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 05/15/2022 - 9:47am

Walking the beaches in Connecticut can feel like a treasure hunt.

My very favorite memories of summer fun include walking the beaches in Connecticut and gathering up every glittering shard of beach glass and shell while exploring the coast. I could spend hours mining through rocks and sand, collecting all of the little treasures left behind by the tides. Fortunately, we can enjoy the unique ecosystem of the Long Island Sound on many of our Connecticut Beaches. Each of the beaches on this list offers the perfect setting for your budding marine life expert. Make sure you check out the tide charts before you hit the road.

For more ways to teach kids how to protect and connect with our natural environment, check out our Earth Kids Guide. For more stories like this sent straight to your inbox, sign up for newsletters.

Walk through Rows of Brilliant Blooms at Wicked Tulips Flower Farm

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 05/08/2022 - 10:00am

Rows and rows of tulips arranged into bands of colors fill the landscape at the Wicked Tulips Flower Farm. During their U-Pick event, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in a field of blooming bulbs and pick a bouquet (or two, or three…). Located in Preston, Connecticut (there's also a location about 25 miles away in Exeter, RI), Wicked Tulips is a feast for the eyes.

Tulip season is short and typically lasts just 2-3 bloom-filled weeks a year. Read on for the details about the annual u-pick tulip event and find more all-season farm fun in our Pick Your Own Guide to CT Farms .

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Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 04/17/2022 - 9:45am

There ain’t no party like a preschool party! Once your child reaches toddlerhood, they may have a more swinging social life than you do. Yes, your weekends might be filled with parties, but thankfully there are some pretty entertaining birthday party places in Connecticut for preschoolers. From ball pits to painting, and sundaes to splash pads, this list has all of our favorite spots for toddler birthday party places in CT that bring out the party animal in every guest.

Whether you're looking for the best Indoor Birthday Party Spaces in Connecticut for Kids or want the scoop on the best Birthday Freebies for Connecticut Kids, browse our Connecticut Kids' Birthday Party Guide.

Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

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