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
Farmington River Tubing is located in Satan's Kingdom State Recreation Area in New Hartford. Despite its rather unusual name, during the summer months, this park becomes a popular destination for river-tubing. Satan’s Kingdom is the launch spot of Farmington River Tubing - the only official vendor for a tubing journey down the river.
After ten long years of swimming lessons, my family was finally old enough to plan a trip up to New Hartford and enjoy a day floating on the Farmington River. This trip is fun–jaw-dropping, heart-racing, adrenaline-pumping fun! This is not your leisurely float down the river. Your family will never forget the trip down the Farmington River. It has enough rocks and rapids to keep everyone entertained.
For more fun on the water, see our list of the 10 Best Ponds and Swimming Lakes for Connecticut Kids. And check out our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide for all our favorite activities.
Everyone has their own idea of what the best Trader Joe's foods are, and while we all know about the magic of Trader Joe's Orange Chicken, the shelves at Trader Joe’s are lined with products that make meal time, snack time, and just about any other time more enjoyable. Eager to get some new easy dinner ideas, we asked readers what they think the best Trader Joe’s foods are. We were overwhelmed by the responses. Start this week's grocery list off with these best Trader Joe’s foods, from frozen treats to snacks to easy meal ideas. Meal planning just got a whole lot more fun!
If you need more meal inspirations, check out these 15 Easy Trader Joe's Recipes, and other favorite recipe ideas from taco recipes to sheet pan dinners kids love, in our Guide To Easy Recipes for Kids and Families.
You don't need fancy art supplies to make some fun crafts with kids. A simple household item like duct tape is an amazingly affordable and easy-to-use crafting material, and it comes in a variety of fun colors and designs. A duct tape wallet is the perfect starter project to learn how to use duct tape for designing and crafting. It's so easy, in fact, that it made it onto our ultimate summer bucket list! Once you get the hang of creating “duct tape fabric,” the possibilities are endless.
Read on to learn how to make a duct tape wallet with children. For more fun art projects for kids—some of which use duct tape as well—check out our lists of 21 rainbow crafts for kids and 100 awesome art projects for creative at-home fun.
With fresh lobsters, gorgeous landscapes, and lots of family fun, the New England islands sure know how to sparkle. Although similar in geographic region, these islands cover a vast array of terrain and vibes, from quaint coastal villages to the bustling streets of Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard in the summer. Instead of trying to figure out which of the New England islands to visit, why not use this guide to make a plan to visit them all?
Here are 10 New England islands to visit with kids. You don't have to pack them all into the summer—the islands can be great to visit in the off-season when the beaches, restaurants, and shops are less crowded. For more New England family fun, check out our list of 100 things to do in New England with kids before they grow up and our favorite New England hotels for families.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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