Clementina Verge

Latest posts by Clementina

End of Summer Bucket List: 40 Things To Do in Connecticut Before School Starts

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 08/05/2022 - 8:25pm

There's plenty of time to fill your days with more summer fun! Photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards

Don't put away those beach towels because there are still plenty of things to do in Connecticut before school starts. Soon enough those long summer nights will be replaced with weeknight curfews, but for now, there's still plenty of time to embrace late-summer things to do with kids. So read on for our end of summer bucket list and start checking things off your own!

Families can close out the summer vacation season before school starts with these must-do activities. For even more ideas on making the most of what's left of summer, see our 50 Free Things to Do in Connecticut This Summer with Kids, best August activities, and daily events calendar.

Best Sports Classes for Kids in Boston

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 07/22/2022 - 10:20am

Sports classes give Boston kids skills, experience, and even a taste of success! Photo courtesy of Charles River Aquatics

The best sports classes for kids offer many benefits. Athletic classes provide exercise and screen breaks. The best kids sports programs foster teamwork and lead to new friendships. Luckily, the Boston area offers many athletic programs for kids. These classes develop skills while keeping things fun, too. Greater Boston has traditional team sports classes like soccer and baseball. There are also individual sports programs for kids, such as skating and swimming. These athletic activities for kids, tweens, and teens will keep them active. These classes might just spark a lifelong passion.

10 Best Ponds and Swimming Lakes for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 06/10/2022 - 11:15am

Dive in, the water's fine! Photo by Christina Hupfer, from the Burr Pond State Park Facebook page

Connecticut is home to great water parks and gorgeous beaches, but some families are partial to the many ponds, lakes, and freshwater areas—some 3,000 across the state—where kids can swim in calm waters. Here are our recommendations for swimming lakes and ponds in Connecticut where families can cool off and enjoy beautiful vistas.

For more aquatic adventures, be sure to check out our Beaches and Water Fun Guide which has lists of the Best Beaches for Connecticut Families and also our Favorite Fishing Holes in Connecticut. We've also got you covered with the Top 15 Swimming Pools for Families in Connecticut.

A Visit to the New England Carousel Museum

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Wed, 06/08/2022 - 2:00pm

Most children love carousels and Connecticut features quite a few places where you can catch a ride on a merry-go-round. The New England Carousel Museum, a little-known gem in the Hartford area, goes beyond offering the opportunity for a whirl. Here you will find hundreds of carousel figurines on display, or being repaired and restored. Though it is small, the Bristol-based museum is still a fascinating place, geared toward older children and adults -- artists, historians, and carousel connoisseurs are sure to appreciate the fragile exhibits. Young children will enjoy feasting their eyes upon the colorful figurines, but without much opportunity for hands-on interaction, they could also lose interest quicker. Still, this is definitely one of the Fun Things To Do With Kids in Bristol and can be a quick stop on a day filled with other in-town adventures.

10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 04/10/2022 - 11:00am

Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the "Kids Club." Photo courtesy of Gurney's Newport

Travel season is picking up and families are on the hunt for kid-friendly escapes where parents can also relax and unwind. Moms and dads in the Nutmeg State needn't look too far...there are plenty of great hotels and spa resorts in Connecticut with family-friendly amenities. These places tick all the right boxes, including pools, entertainment, and nearby attractions. Adults can enjoy massages, hot tubs, and maybe most importantly, babysitting where available!

Planning a vacation can be stressful, but we've got lots of resources to help make the process feel easier. Find more family travel inspiration in our Connecticut Day Trips Guide, our New England Family Travel Guide, and our Guide to Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels.

8 Connecticut Libraries With Great Play Spaces for Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 9:27pm

A spacious open area provides room for play or presentations in Farmington. Photo courtesy of Farmington Libraries

Libraries are a great place to snuggle up with a book or listen to a good story, but for many families with young kids, they are also a destination for kids to socialize and get some energy out. We're grateful to these amazing public libraries in Connecticut that have recognized this need and created beautiful, free play spaces where toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary school children can explore toys and interact with peers in between perusing books.

For more play zones that don't require a fee, see our post on Best Free Indoor Play Places for Connecticut Kids. Our guide to Connecticut Indoor Play Spaces highlights even more spots where kids can tinker, imagine, jump, climb, and run when the weather is wet or cold.

10 Family Ski Resorts in or near Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 01/23/2022 - 9:26am

Kids can't get enough of the slopes at Mohawk Mountain. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel

Families need not flee to northern New England for snowy escapes. There are great family ski resorts in Connecticut or close by in Massachusetts and New York that offer plenty of thrills for easier-to-manage day trips. Below is an overview of some of the area's best kid-friendly ski resorts, whether you love zooming down the slopes on skis or from the comfort of a snow tube.

Let's face it: the coldest season is much more fun if you stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Our Mommy Poppins Connecticut Winter Fun Guide highlights plenty more ways to help you do just that! For even more winter sports in Connecticut, browse our Ski and Snow Sports Guide. And if you're looking for a family ski vacation well beyond the Nutmeg State, don't miss The Best Ski Resorts in the US.

25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 10/01/2021 - 8:05pm

From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT

The Nutmeg State is home to 110 state parks, which means there's a lot of outdoor adventure to be had from swimming to hiking and camping. We've compiled a list of favorite state parks to visit with children, taking into consideration terrain, views, access to restrooms, and other amenities or attractions associated with each destination. For wee ones, consider our suggestions for 1-mile hikes and fantastic stroller hikes. To challenge older children, plan a trek up a mountain. Grab your hiking shoes, pack snacks, and enjoy the park views and fresh air.

Clementina Verge

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