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
Cheers to being halfway through March! We’ve survived the transition to daylight savings time and spring is right around the corner. Several St. Patrick's Day parades are canceled because of coronavirus, but there are other ways to celebrate the Irish holiday this weekend, including shamrock-themed cookie decorating in Norwalk and a pot-of-gold treasure hunt in Newtown. There’s also a fishing demonstration, fantastic live theatrical performances, and a few more maple festivals as well. The annual cardboard sled race is in Middlefield was on at press time!
Due to coronavirus, some activities planned for this weekend have been canceled, postponed, or modified. We will do our best to keep our weekend picks up-to-date with any changes made by event organizers. Stay well, everyone.
This low-tech invisible ink science experiment lets kids send secret messages to friends and family. All they'll need is a little lemon juice or milk. We decided to try both versions of this invisible ink experiment to see if the results were any different.
Commonly found household items make up the ingredient list, including juice, milk, honey, and vinegar. At room temperature, these compound liquids are colorless, making them perfect for invisible ink fun. Put them in contact with heat and the oxidization process turns them various shades of brown, aka, the ink appears! Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to make invisible ink with your kids.
Find more science experiments for kids in our STEM Activities Guide.
Thanks to Leap Day, we have a whole extra day of February to squeeze in all the fun to be had across Connecticut! This weekend is filled with an eclectic mix of outdoor fun, Read Across America Celebrations in Norwalk and New London, a Purim carnival, and even some Leap Day activities in Litchfield and Norwalk. But, any true Nutmegger knows there's a short period between winter and spring when a certain sticky and delicious substance flows through our trees. We are in the thick of Maple Sugar Season! Our calendar is filled with tons of maple sugar fun this weekend.
We update our Events Calendar frequently so be sure to check back for even more great suggestions. To keep up with the latest family-friendly events and activities, sign up for our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram. Have a fantastic weekend!
For such a short month, February is loaded with celebrations for just about everyone, and the first weekend kicks everything off! From learning the science behind groundhog's shadows to making Valentine's Day crafts to appreciating owls, Connecticut kids have plenty of activities to pick from on Saturday and Sunday.
Also check out the full calendar and take advantage of all the fantastic "Take Your Child To the Library" festivities happening around the state. Is there anything better to do on a cold February day than snuggle in with a good book? Read on, friends!
No one does winter fun quite like the charming countryside of Northern Vermont. And if you’re looking for the perfect destination for a Vermont family winter getaway, Smugglers’ Notch brings quintessential activities like skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and plenty of free hot chocolate to kids and adults of all ages. Plus, special offers and a range of inclusive packages make that dream family vacation all the more accessible.
Teach kids how to make rock candy for an edible rainy day activity. Making rock candy is also part science experiment, allowing kids hands-on learning with a few simple ingredients and kitchen tools.
Our easy rock candy recipe lets kids observe the crystallization process firsthand while making some pretty delicious treats. Sugar, water, and few more items found at home are all you need to turn your kitchen into a rock candy laboratory.
Read on for how to make rock candy with kids.
Just in time for some holiday fun: CAMP, a favorite of our NYC readers, opened its first Connecticut location in the new shopping and entertainment center, The SoNo Collection. At first glance, CAMP may seem like your regular toy shop, but there's a secret world of art and adventure behind the cheery storefront. With free interactive play areas, arts and crafts programs, and even a canteen to satisfy kids' cravings, CAMP is a place where kids can have a blast while you sneak in some shopping.
For more ideas to keep kids busy when the weather is chilly, check out our guide to indoor play areas around Fairfield.
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