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
Your Connecticut license plate gets you more than the privilege to drive on our roads - it is also your FREE ticket to Connecticut’s State Parks as part of the “Passport to Parks” program. Located in Westport, Sherwood Island is Fairfield County’s only coastal state operated facility. With over 238 acres of shoreline to explore, swim, fish, hike, or relax in, it is no wonder that Sherwood Island is a gem of Fairfield County.
Summer is all about going to the beach, eating ice cream, exploring the outdoors, and having family-friendly fun—no "reading, writing, and arithmetic" allowed...Right? Well, it turns out that there's a whole world of educational fun to be had while your family enjoys summer, from exploring marine habitats at the beach to learning about science while making your own ice cream.
Whether your summer vacation takes you to the forests of Yosemite or the beaches of Mexico, here's a list of 25 ways to keep kids learning—while having fun—all through their school vacation.
It’s been a little while since a new family entertainment venue opened in lower Fairfield County. So, when I heard that RPM Raceway was opening their sixth location in Stamford, I knew we had to check it out! Located on West Avenue, Connecticut’s first location of RPM Raceway is filled with so much more than go-karts. It has a bowling alley, arcade, a full-service restaurant, virtual reality simulators, and more.
Some states are defined by their skyscrapers and sprawling metropolises, but Connecticut is distinguished from its 169 towns that dot the countryside, hills, and coastline. While you may come here to shop, enjoy a cup of coffee at a local cafe, or cruise the countryside - there is a lot of history hiding behind those white picket fences.
One of our favorite things about living in Fairfield County is our direct access to the Long Island Sound. On warm summer days, you can often find us with our toes in the water, staring longingly at the horizon, thinking “if only I had a boat.” Well, that is where the Maritime Aquarium’s “TGIF Cruises” come in.
There are few stories as ingrained into our collective memory as Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White’s classic novel of an unlikely friendship between a barn spider, a pig, and a young girl. Lucky for us, Old Sturbridge Village (already one of our favorite summer day trips) is breathing new life into White's story with The Charlotte’s Web Experience: a unique live production running from July 5th through August 26th. Kids are part of the act in this interactive re-telling of the timeless tale, which is staged on an actual farm and involves music, cute barn animals, and even delicious themed treats.
If you told me ten years ago that I would be walking through a serene landscape along the Mill River in Stamford, I would have laughed. But that’s exactly what my daughter and I found ourselves doing on this absolutely beautiful day. The landscape here has changed dramatically over the past decade - and I’m not just talking about the high-rise condos that have taken over Stamford. With the help of the Army Corps of Engineers and civic collaboration, Stamford now houses a “world-class park in the heart of downtown Stamford.”
Ahhh, summer—the sun rises early and sets late, and the day's pace is slower. There are countless hours to fill with excitement and relaxation, and our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide will help you plan some seriously awesome adventures. On those days not spent at the beach, Connecticut's many outdoor festivals and fairs will have your family feasting on cotton candy or dancing in your lawn chairs. Indulge in fresh strawberries, introduce the kids to poetry and jazz, show them how cool old cars can be, and listen to their screams of excitement coming from carnival rides. Grab a picnic basket and a blanket, pack your camera, and marvel at all the fun Connecticut’s festivals and fairs have to offer.
Want more? We've got guides on TONS of idea on how to get the MOST out of Summer! Check out our Theme & Water Parks Guide for ideas to stay cool, or peruse through our complete Summer Fun Guide. Click through to our listings for all the details, including address, time and prices.
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