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

Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 02/20/2022 - 9:57am

We’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing!

Play detective, CIA agent, or Indiana Jones while the whole family bonds over a fun and exciting challenge. A Connecticut escape room can accomplish all of those things and more, and we’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing, kids’ birthday party, or weatherproof indoor activity.

Most Connecticut escape rooms have rotating themes, so we recommend checking websites before arrival. Escape rooms usually cater to older kids, so if you're bringing little ones, be prepared to help them out. For more great places to have a blast inside, browse our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces.

Note: Due to Covid 19, most escape rooms have begun employing cleaning routines between groups and limit the number of participants to a group as well as require masking. Keep in mind, many themes include mature topics that are not suitable for all kids.

Fun Things To Do Over February Break in Connecticut with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 01/28/2022 - 9:30am

Lunarfest photo courtesy of New Haven Arts

February vacation for Connecticut schools might be a little shorter this year, but many districts still have at least a couple of days off. Besides all of the awesome winter activities that make this time of year so fun, options abound for events and activities over February break that let children switch gears and explore different areas of interest. Read on for the best ways to get creative, connect with nature, and burn off some energy while school's out.

Looking to turn the February break into a quick family getaway? Take advantage of the weather with a family ski trip, or ignore it altogether at one of these awesome indoor water parks. For more ideas to have fun all winter long, don't miss our Winter Activities Guide.

25 Free Things To Do with Kids in Connecticut this Winter

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 01/02/2022 - 10:00pm

Winter is a great time for a trip to the Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins

After the holidays, when the decorations are all put away, the cookies have been eaten, and the new toys have lost their novelty, moms and dads start looking for fun things to do with their kids. But what if they could find something fun and FREE? Look no further, because we have done all the footwork to collect a wide-ranging list of things for you do with your little artists, astronomers, and historians this winter.

To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters—and discover all the free events and activities near you in our Connecticut Free Things To Do with Kids Guide.

A Visit to Riverside Reptiles: Reptile Encounters for Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 10/03/2021 - 11:00am

Look through the glass, or get up close and personal with snakes, reptiles, turtles and more at Connecticut's new living reptile museum. Photo courtesy of the Riverside Reptile Education Center

A one-of-a-kind destination has opened in Northern Connecticut that is unlike anything else your kids have ever seen, offering reptile encounters and more. For kids who love reptiles, you can now find tropical slithering snakes, ambling turtles, and sauntering alligators all in one place. This serpentarium—a living reptile museum—offers exhibits, educational programming, live shows, and a chance to hold reptiles.

For more places to see animals up close, explore our list of petting zoos and farms.

Best Art Classes for Kids in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sat, 08/21/2021 - 12:00pm

Children love to express their creativity and Connecticut offers art classes for kids of all ages.

The arts are essential in stimulating creativity and confidence and developing innovative thinkers. Whether it’s through sculpting, drawing, painting, or crafting, children crave the opportunity to express themselves through art. Take advantage of some of the great classes for kids available all over Connecticut and avoid those messy "glitter-tastrophes" on your kitchen table.

For more kids programs, toddler classes, and after school activities, explore our updated Guide to Kids' Classes in Connecticut.

12 Connecticut Campgrounds That Are Extra Fun for Camping with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 07/16/2021 - 6:50am

Cozy up to private fire pits at Mystic KOA. Photo courtesy of the campground

A family camping trip is fun anytime, but a getaway to the great outdoors is especially appealing this summer. We have found several Connecticut campgrounds with fun weekend themes and great kid-friendly amenities for families to enjoy on a camping trip.

Don't forget to check out Mommy Poppins' Day Trip Guide for Connecticut, our list of short hiking trails and longer hiking trails, and our entire summer fun guide for more outdoor adventures.

50 Free Things to Do in Connecticut This Summer with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 06/18/2021 - 10:20am

Lack of fun-money doesn't have to keep families stuck inside and bored during the best season of the year: summer! For those on a budget, there are plenty of great places to visit right here in our state. This blockbuster list of free things to do in Connecticut has plenty of ideas for having fun while bonding and making memories during summer vacation.

A Visit to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 04/16/2021 - 2:58pm

Staff members are on hand to explain the historic aircraft. Photo courtesy of the New England Air Museum

Whether they're excited about Amelia Earhart, the Wright brothers, or Buzz Lightyear, a visit to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut is a thrill for most kids with an interest in planes or flying.

Located in Windsor Locks, not far from Hartford and just yards away from the roaring planes that land and take off daily from Bradley International Airport, this aerospace museum is home to more than 100 historic aircraft on display and plenty of hands-on, interactive exhibits sure to fuel their love of science and exploration.

Jenny Coe

Latest posts by Jenny

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