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
Eager to beat the boredom and get kids back to learning, exercise, and expanding their horizons (safely), many Connecticut parents are looking for outdoor classes that meet in the fresh air. Luckily, many art, music, and nature programs are taking their classes outside to comply with COVID-19 safety standards, so kiddos get to have fun while keeping germs at bay. From backyard music with a seasoned teacher to a mommy-and-me farm program, these outdoor classes are sure to keep kids engaged while they enjoy sunshine and socializing.
For high-quality virtual classes that kids can enjoy at home, check out our Poppins@Home programming, all accessible online.
Whether your kids are returning to the classroom, distance learning, or following a hybrid model, back-to-school shopping looks a little different this year, including stocking up on school supplies. If you're still waiting for your school to send out an official school supply list, or just want to know how to set up the homeschool, we've put together a shortlist of essentials for the 2021-2022 school year.
Whatever your school plan is for this year, this list has all your bases covered. From face masks to at-home school supplies and organizational tools, we’ve rounded up all the things needed to have a happy and healthy school year. Find more ideas in our Back-to-School Guide.
Has your kid been begging to tie-dye all summer? I know, I know: It's one of those messy projects on par with homemade slime. But, I've got a secret trick for how to tie-dye shirts, and all sorts of items, in a pretty mess-free way.
It's called ice tie-dye, and I have to say, tie-dye items always seem to bring that cool kid chic (what's old is new again, right?), but ice tie-dye brings cool to a whole new level. As the ice melts with the dye, it creates a unique watercolor effect. Also, the dye melts into a container, containing the mess and making it easy to toss. Read on for a fun new trick on how to tie-dye with the kids and create your own wearable works of art.
Family fun night doesn't have to revolve around ordering pizza cueing up a family-friendly movie. Whether your family is ultra-competitive and ready for a board game battle or wants to curl up and camp out under the living room lights, we've got 10 fresh family fun night theme ideas. All it takes is a little preparation—and inspiration—to build a memorable night at home. This list gets the kids to surrender their screens and join in on the action.
For more family fun inspiration, be sure to check out our Stay-at-Home Guide, which is packed with hundreds of boredom busters.
We all know that summer camp 2020 looks a little different, but the fun doesn't have to be canceled. If you're hosting "summer camp" for the kids at home or in your backyard this year—also sometimes known as mom-camp or dad-camp—we've got some hacks for you so everyone enjoys it and parents don't drive themselves mad.
Although it may look like all fun and games, the best summer camps allow time and the space for children to explore personal interests and build confidence while providing a loose routine. With a few simple guidelines, you can hack your way to a fun summer camp schedule with camp games, arts and crafts, and even a cool name for your brand-new camp.
And if you're still searching for a week or two of in-person or virtual summer camps in 2020, check out our chock-full Camp Guides.
Pick your playlist, fill the cooler, and load up the trunk, it’s time to hit the road for an epic road trip this summer. Nothing says “family vacation” quite like piling everyone in the car and heading off for a classic family road trip. Quirky roadside attractions, beautiful scenery, and a ton of togetherness is the stuff that makes for enduring childhood memories.
Travel from Maine all the way to the Carolinas with these 15 East Coast road trip ideas that will keep your family cruising the coastline all summer long.
Don't forget to come prepped with these road trip games for kids and a device loaded up with podcasts.
When you live in Connecticut and within a short drive of great beaches, state parks, and amusement parks, every summer weekend is an opportunity for a quick, easy family day trip with kids. Here, we've collected ideas for outings to attractions that are open or operating in 2020, usually with some extra restrictions or precautions (in line with Connecticut's reopening plan) to keep visitors safe.
Click through each link for more information and inspiration—whether you are looking to explore Connecticut's natural beauty, historic treasures, or thrills and chills (courtesy of a water slide or roller coaster). Remember to bring your trusty face masks and hand sanitizer along with your sense of adventure. Find even more summer activities in our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide.
There is a ton of inflatable and pool fun to be had this summer right in your backyard. Climb, splash, and slide in these bounces houses, kiddie pools, and water slides. These inflatables will take backyard fun to the next level and provide hours of outdoor entertainment during a summer of mostly staying at home. And no, they haven't all sold out—yet!
For more backyard fun, check out these 25 Water Games for Kids to cool everyone down. Still need some summer activities? You'll never be bored if you keep handy our Ultimate Summer Bucket List Ideas with 100 (Mostly) Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids.
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