Jenny Coe

Jenny Coe is a longtime Mommy Poppins writer and contributor and full-time mom to three boys. Jenny has also been a contributor at Patch and The Reminder (Hartford Courant). Here at Mommy Poppins, Jenny writes about great things for kids to do in Connecticut and New England, affordable fun, and nature experiences (her favorite!).

Latest posts by Jenny

Art Camps and Classes in Hartford, Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 04/09/2023 - 12:46pm

Kids can create, explore, and find new friends at art camps and classes in Hartford and the surrounding communities. Firestone Art Studio and Cafe

Hartford's art camps and classes are perfect for budding artists. Kids can explore their creativity throughout the region, from Plainville, to Manchester, South Windsor and beyond. Connecticut moms and dads will be happy to channel their children's artistic talents with enriching art classes and camps in and around Hartford. That just might help in keeping those little creators from scribbling on your white walls and leather couches! It's always great to take a class at your local Michael's. It's also rewarding for kids to go to places that specialize in art classes for all ages, like these places do.

If you're looking for others types of classes and camps for the Springtime, dig into our camp guide. Keep up to date with classes, events, and more by subscribing to our newsletter.

Maple Sugaring with Connecticut Kids: Maple Syrup Festivals and Sugar House Tours

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 02/05/2023 - 10:02am

February means it's time to go maple sugaring with Connecticut kids, where tree-tapping yields a sweet reward! Photo courtesy of the Stamford Nature Center

From Fairfield County to Greater Hartford and New Haven, it's time to go maple sugaring with Connecticut kids! Warm days and cool nights start the sweet maple syrup season. Every year, families look forward to harvesting or stocking up on delicious maple syrup, one of Connecticut's best local products. The traditional maple sugaring season extends from late February until late March, depending on the year. Here, we share the latest information on maple sugaring in Connecticut with activities and activities that families will love.

Our Connecticut Winter Activity Guide is full of wonderful family activities like maple sugaring. Make the most of a winter day by visiting one of the Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Connecticut for Kids and Families. When the family has had enough outdoor time, explore our list of Free Museums in Connecticut to Visit with Kids.

Holiday Volunteering Opportunities for Kids and Families in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 11/20/2022 - 12:47pm

Volunteering in the community can help Connecticut families make the holidays special. Soup kitchen photo courtesy of the Cornerstone Foundation

Connecticut families have holiday volunteering opportunities, where they can brighten the holidays for others. Connecticut kids have a lot of love to give, but finding the right place for them to show it can sometimes be challenging. The holiday season is a great time to give to the community and teach kids priceless life lessons. Get them involved at every stage (from shopping to delivering) so that they can get the most out of it.

Of course, don't forget to check local activities in your town for other opportunities! Local charities are often most flexible in offering space to young volunteers.

Looking for fun and festive holiday events to attend with the family too? Take a peek at these 25 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in New England and around Connecticut.

Free in November: 15 Top Things To Do in Connecticut With Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 11/04/2022 - 3:18pm

Lyman Allyn's Free First Saturday is just one of the best things to do with Connecticut kids that is free in November. Photo courtesy of the event

Autumn is in full swing, and parents are looking for fun and FREE things to do in Connecticut with kids. We've rounded up November activities that won't force them to bust open the piggy banks. There is a lot of variety this month to choose from, including a huge parade, a celebration of Veteran's Day and a l eadership class for girls. Families can take advantage of the changing seasons to make crafts at the New Canaan Nature Center.

Fall Day Trips from Connecticut: Fun Getaways for Families

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sat, 08/27/2022 - 1:33pm

Explore Connecticut with the family on a fun fall day trip! Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum

It's the season for fall day trips from Connecticut! One of the best things about living here is that you can venture to almost all parts of New England from our tiny state. We are centrally located for a jaunt to the beach or a rip to the city. An autumn day-trip with your clan should start early and end when the kids start to run out of steam, so find one that fits your family's style.

Want to take the kids leaf-peeping? Scenic Sunday Drives for Leaf Peeping will point you in the right direction. If you are still looking for some more family fun, take a look at our Fall Fun Guide.

Best Baby Sign Language Classes in NYC

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Thu, 08/18/2022 - 1:08pm

Babies take baby sign language classes in NYC at Signing Up. Photo courtesy of Signing Up

Taking a baby sign language class is a great way for young babies through toddlers to communicate with others and gain self-confidence. These baby sign language classes in NYC are all over the city, from the Upper West Side to Brooklyn and beyond. Imagine your baby asking for more milk! Instructors make these baby sign language classes in NYC fun and educational, offering daytime and afterschool options, making it easy for parents to find a time to attend.

You can find more classes for new parents, including the Best Baby Swimming Lessons in NYC and the Best Local Pregnancy and Parenting Classes in our New York Classes for Kids Guide.

Top Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 08/14/2022 - 11:56am

Parenting classes can help parents prepare and care for their precious bundles. Photo courtesy of Yale New Haven Health

Parenting classes provide tremendous benefits for anyone who is expecting. No one ever said parenting was going to be easy! Kids are cute and funny, but they can also be extremely challenging. That's why many Connecticut parents look around for a little help. Some kids also have very unique health and/or neurodiversity issues; it's helpful for parents to connect with other parents and learn to understand these needs better. Happily, help is available. Read on to discover the best parenting classes, pregnancy and birth classes, and parental support for children with special needs.

For more parenting resources, including everything from hypnobirthing to Lamaze, check out our list of online resources for parents and parents-to-be.

Best Coding Classes in NYC for Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 08/07/2022 - 12:00pm

At Code Ninjas Astoria kids learn to code by building their very own video games. Photo courtesy of Code Ninjas

Coding classes are a great extracurricular activity for kids. Growing up in an increasingly tech-driven world means learning to code is an invaluable life skill. But kids who code don't really look at it that way—they just think it's lots of fun to design video games, create websites, and make robots move. That's exactly what these coding classes for kids in NYC teach. We've rounded up a selection of coding classes for kids ranging from coding summer camps to after-school coding classes and even some coding classes in NYC that kids can take from the comfort of their homes.

You can find more coding classes for kids and even book a class online in our directory of classes and listings. Check our New York City Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

Jenny Coe

Latest posts by Jenny

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