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
Fairfield County provides one of the most enriching and diverse independent educational experiences in the country. There are so many opportunities available, it may be hard to choose the right match for your child. Although the school year may have just opened, it is the perfect time to start thinking about the 2017-18 academic year. Admissions season is just gearing up, so make sure to make note of open houses and admissions schedules.
All of the schools on this list provide a thoughtful educational experience for the youngest of learners, and are sure to set the stage for a lifelong love of learning. Most of these programs run for the academic year, from the hours of 9-3. Many provide enriching before and after school programs for parents who need to extend the school day.
The days may be getting shorter, but the cool, crisp, fresh air of fall is the perfect time to have a picnic. If you are looking for a picturesque country setting, Fairfield County offers some wonderful locations to park your basket and unroll your blanket. Picnics are a perfect way to take advantage of a sunny day and get together with family and friends.
Some of Fairfield County’s best parks and beaches are also great places to have a picnic. Whether you are a history buff, want a little adventure, or just want to enjoy the bucolic setting of Connecticut estates and lakes, there is something on this list for you.
There are two things that every child needs to thrive: fresh air and food. Sure, they also need unconditional love, education, support, etc, etc, etc, but lucky for us, fresh air and food are pretty easy to come by in Fairfield County.
Some of our first family dining experiences were at outdoor restaurants - the atmosphere just seemed a little bit more relaxed than being stuck inside with a screaming infant. Take advantage of the extra hours of light this summer by enjoying these outdoor dining experiences. From the traditional lobster roll, to the not-so-traditional walking nachos, to lakefront, to beachfront, Fairfield County has a little bit of everything. Make sure you check out the Facebook and Instagram accounts of these restaurants to take advantage of special events and menus. And read our post on fun restaurants across the state where kids can play while you eat and relax.
Slides are fun in playgrounds, in pools, and maybe even in your own backyard. However, the notorious “summer slide” is nothing to joke about. According to the National Summer Learning Association, “numerous studies have confirmed that children experience learning losses in math and reading without continued opportunities for skill building over the summer.” The good news is, summer learning experiences surround us if you know where to look. Take advantage of all of our cultural institutions, nature centers, libraries, and museums by turning Fairfield County into a living classroom.
Some of my favorite “educational moments” happen way outside the classroom. Summer sets the perfect stage for exploration and adventures. Fairfield County offers engaging summer reading events at almost all the libraries, live theater performances, and hands on science and nature experiences. You can even take summer learning on the road and enjoy one of these Science, Machines, and Nature Museums in Fairfield County.
Is it just me, or does picking a preschool for your child feel like the most monumental decision you have ever been faced with? There are a seemingly endless amount of choices and methods to pick from! From creating your own preschool co-op to more affordable options, I have spent countless nights tossing and turning making my pros and cons lists.
“Mommy, how do the flowers know it’s time to wake up?” Celebrating the change of seasons with preschoolers is so much fun! Experiencing life through their eyes is magical- everything is so fresh and new! One of the best parts about living in New England is we get to celebrate all four seasons, but nothing is more magical than the arrival of spring. Whether you want to enjoy the countryside of Litchfield County or hiking through Fairfield County, here are some more of our tried and true preschool activities for spring.
Aaaaah, spring is in the air! It’s like the entire world is waking up from a long winter’s nap and is ready to party. You and your family can join in on the fun with these festivals, fairs, and special events located around Fairfield County this season. If all that fresh air has awakened your sense of wanderlust, make sure you hop over to Westchester and check out some of their Spring Festivals too!
When the seemingly endless cold and gray of Winter is giving you a case of cabin fever, it’s time to bundle up the family and head to one of your local parks. Winter brings its own magic to the local parks and preserves of Fairfield County. Less crowds means more peace and quiet to enjoy your natural surroundings. Take in a refreshing breath of cold air and see how many animal tracks you can find in the snow or just spend some time gathering materials to make an awesome Ice Suncatcher.
No snow? No problem! You don’t need snow shoes, skis, sleds to enjoy these parks and preserves - a pair of weatherproof boots and your winterwear should do the trick. So, disconnect from the screens and devices for an afternoon and reconnect with nature.
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