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

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.

Exploring the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 06/26/2022 - 8:32pm

The Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center opens your eyes with curious perspectives. Photo by Jennifer Coe

Nestled in the woods of Southeastern Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center explores the histories of Native Americans in the region. Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, the museum wows visitors of all ages with traditional arts and crafts, videos, permanent and temporary exhibits, and amazing archaeological finds. The displays bring the rich history of Indigenous Peoples to life while openning windows into what Connecticut looked like thousands of years ago.

Do your kids love history? There are lots of ways to learn about Connecticut's history in New Haven, Fairfield and Hartford too! For more great educational activities, check out A Visti to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut with Kids and the Stamford Museum & Nature Center: 7 Family-Friendly Things To Do.

Sensory-Friendly Programs at Connecticut Museums and Attractions

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 06/17/2022 - 10:36am

On sensory-friendly days, kids can enjoy activities with a quieter, calmer touch. Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Science Center

In order to be more inclusive, many of Connecticut's top attractions for families have begun to offer special sensory-friendly programs or opening times for children on the Autism spectrum or who have sensory sensitivities. These sensory-friendly programs offer smaller crowds, dimmed lights, less loud noises, and other accommodations. In most cases, the whole family can participate and some programs even offer free or reduced admission.

Read on to discover great sensory-friendly programs for kids everywhere in Connecticut. For more Connecticut museums with free admission and other special programs, check out our Guide to Connecticut Museums for Kids and Families.

The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 05/06/2022 - 9:49am

Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook

There's no shortage of beautiful wineries in New England, and many of them are located right here in Connecticut. Families will find rolling hills, mountains, and vast acreage at these scenic locations that welcome children while parents enjoy a glass of vino. Aside from tastings, there are opportunities to tour vineyards, walk the rows with your family, and picnic outside together. Many vineyards in Connecticut have regular live music and also serve food.

Consider one of these kid-friendly wineries in Connecticut for a quick day trip, and be sure to check out our rundown of Family-Friendly Breweries in Connecticut.

The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 04/22/2022 - 9:52am

A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures

Imagine this scene: the kids are anticipating a trip to a new playground and you're anticipating a few moments of peace and quiet, only to pull into the parking lot and see old swings, steep climbing towers, and unprotected play areas. Finding a great playground isn't always easy, and preschoolers need play spaces that are fun, safe, and age-appropriate. With that in mind, here's a list of the best toddler playgrounds in Connecticut for little ones to explore.

From castles and fire trucks to music installations and more, preschoolers will have a blast at these Connecticut tot lots. For more great outdoor spaces for kids, visit our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds in Connecticut.

20 Fun and Free Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids in April

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 04/01/2022 - 10:57am

Enjoy the spring blooms. Photo courtesy of Karl Fredrickson, Unsplash

We're almost there; when the temperatures warm up and the kids can start to be outside a lot more often. While we wait for an April thaw, why not find some free activities for kids in Connecticut to pass the time? There is plenty of free family fun on offer this month, from Meriden's annual Daffodil Festival to Earth Day commemorations and even free admission to local museums.

Browse our list of no-cost fun, then head out to the best free activities near you. For more April inspiration, don't miss the Best of April: 15 Top Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids.

22 Most Affordable and Free Summer Camps in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Mon, 03/14/2022 - 1:58pm

Make new friends at Camp Foxfire. Photo courtesy of Camp Foxfire

Most kids look forward to getting outside and playing at summer camps in Connecticut. Budding athletes can sign up for sports summer camps in Connecticut, and kids who crave connection with nature can attend summer camp at the beach or summer camp at Connecticut parks. Some kids may want to learn a foreign language, while others may be interested in all of the above. We've rounded up the most affordable and even free summer camps in Connecticut for kids, hitting all of those marks without breaking the bank.

For more summer camps in Connecticut, including picks for Sleepaway Summer Camps and the best STEM summer camps, be sure to bookmark our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town.

Jenny Coe

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