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
Believe it or not, 2021 wasn’t all pandemic and social distancing. As a testament to the human spirit, there was a ton to celebrate and embrace. From simple pleasures like enjoying nature and a movie night on the couch, to larger adventures such as taking in a Broadway show or heading to an amusement park, 2021 was a bit of an emotional roller coaster (and that might be the understatement of the century). We polled our readers, our staff, and our kids to come up with the things that kept us going this past year.
We've rounded up the best of 2021 for kids and families, including the best movies of 2021, the best books of 2021, and more. Our Best Recipes of 2021 list was too long to include here; be sure to check it out if you haven't yet. Enjoy working your way through this list of favorites, and here's to more "bests" in 2022!
Whoever said getting there was half the fun has clearly never sat in bumper-to-bumper holiday traffic in a minivan filled with bored kids. If you are heading out on a road trip with kids this holiday season, check out this list of tried and true backseat entertainment options, including fun car games, engaging audiobooks, and the best podcasts for kids. From verbal car games to printable games to play in the car (and even a few surprises), this list will surely keep the kids busy while you drive over the river and through the tunnel.
Want to get out of town, but you need some suggestions for where to go? Check out our Guide to Weekend Getaways and Day Trips near you.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see it. The red suit and snowy white beard which signal the arrival of the very symbol of joy and giving during the Christmas holidays: Santa Claus! Today the tradition is alive and well in many, many different kinds of places from train stations, farms, and even on the water! If you're looking to mix it up with a Santa outing that's a little bit different, we have rounded up our 45 favorite Santa activities across the state.
Some events are free and require no preregistration, but many of those that do require advanced tickets are very popular and can sell out early, so you'll want to buy tickets as soon as possible. Check websites for updated mask and COVID-19 requirements. For more holiday and Christmas activities, see our list of The 15 Best Holiday and Christmas Events and Activities and our Holiday Fun Guide for Connecticut Kids.
If you are a “set it and forget it” kind of chef, this list of 10 easy Crockpot recipes is calling your name. Between keeping tiny humans alive, extracurricular activities, sports, and jobs, sometimes the very act of turning on the stove can seem impossible. These easy Crockpot recipes require very little preparation—simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, go about your day, and return home to the delicious smell of a home-cooked meal waiting for your family. And with everything from Crockpot chicken recipes to gooey mac and cheese on this list, you'll find easy crockpot meals to please everyone in your family.
But these Crockpot meals are not the only way to save time on dinner. Check out our guide to easy recipes for kids, where you'll find everything from tasty Instant Pot recipes to quick sheet pan dinners that kids love. With so many simple and delicious options, you'll never have to worry about what's for dinner again.
Halloween is just around the corner which means it's just about costume o’clock! For many kids, the hardest part is choosing the perfect Halloween costume. For many parents, the hardest part is MacGyver-ing together kids' Halloween costumes at the last minute. If you are the DIY type, check out these Easy DIY Halloween Costumes. For the rest of us, this list of over 100 ideas will get your whole family excited to pick out, purchase, or put together the perfect Halloween costume. We’ve covered all your bases from family Halloween costumes to adorable baby Halloween costumes, too!
For more Halloween fun—from Halloween movies to easy pumpkin carving ideas and more—check out our Halloween Activities Guide for Families.
And for Halloween activities near you, check out our Local Halloween Fun & Activities Guide!
Connecticut kills it on Halloween: Kids and families are never far from a haunted house or ghost trail, a costume parade, or a trick-or-treat event. Towns and businesses get extra creative, planning spooky and sweet seasonal fun for families. Over the next few weeks, kids can experience walk-through haunted petting zoos, drive-thru Halloween events, and even some carving and costume parties to celebrate Halloween.
Be sure to browse our Connecticut Halloween Guide for more October fun, and our Fall Fun Guide for Families.
“New phone, who dis?” As they head back to school, your kids may have renewed their pleas for a cell phone. Of course they want one—cell phones and smartphones are omnipresent in our lives. While having a phone might be practical (and feel inescapable), many parents struggle to come up with rules that will not only keep their kids safe but will stop them from turning into zombies!
While experts all have their own opinions, I know that the best advice comes from the been-there done-that parents in the trenches. That’s why I turned to our readers and got their (your!) best tried and true tips and tricks for making sure your whole family is on the same page when it comes to those new cell phones.
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