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

25 Free Things to Do In August

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 8:46am

It's the last month before summer break ends and all your kiddos head back to school. You want to have fun, but you don't want to go broke! After all, that school shopping list is looming over your head. Mommy Poppins has put together a fun list of FREE events happening in Connecticut - there's something for everyone. And of course, don't forget to close out your fun summer with our CT Summer Guide!

The Long Awaited CTrail Hartford Train Line Opens This Weekend!

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Thu, 06/14/2018 - 1:13pm

After several years of anticipation, the CTrail Hartford train line to Springfield opens Father's Day weekend. Spend a fun day on the train with your train enthusiast. You can hop on the train in New Haven and go all the way to Springfield with stops in Wallingford, Meriden, Berlin, Hartford, Windsor, and Windsor Locks on the way. The Hartford Line will provide you with an opportunity to check out some of the coolest places at each stop including bakeries, museums, mini-golf, and more. In celebration of opening weekend, all rides are free! Check out our suggestions on what to do at each stop. Some locations that we recommend may need an uber to get to them. Many are within walking distance. And make sure to check out our post on fun CT train rides to take with your preschooler.

All Sorts of Free Fun for You and the Kids This June

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 06/01/2018 - 11:32am

It's the first month since your kids got out of school and it's time to find some fun things to do. You don't want to blow your whole entertainment budget in the first month of summer, so FREE is the target price tag. This is a great month because during the month of June, Connecticut celebrates with their Trails Day and their Open House Day. And of course don't forget all the discounted dad-missions for Dad on Father's Day.

Touch and Feel Sculpture Exhibit Coming to Simsbury

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Tue, 05/01/2018 - 6:07am

Have you ever had the experience of taking your children to a fancy art museum, only to find that all they want to do is touch stuff? While this is normal behavior, it can be a little unsettling when you are walking past five-hundred year old paintings. Coming to Simsbury in May is a world-renowned sculpture exhibit by the artist Seward Johnson. Sculptures will be strategically placed all over town at local businesses. And guess what? Kids can touch them!

Storyteller's Cottage Classes for Kids who Love Harry Potter, The Magic Castle, Narnia, and More

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 04/08/2018 - 9:05am

Storyteller's Cottage is the place for the book loving, imagination-driven, creative and inspired child. A one-of-a-kind destination for kids, the owners have taken a turn-of-the-century home and turned it into a place where children can dig deeply into their love for all things books. Love Harry Potter? Come to a class in the Magical Castle Common-room. Adore knights and swords? There's a special classroom for you behind the hidden door in the wall. Love Narnia? Yes. There is a wardrobe! And while you are in town check out the other cool things to do as well.

Fire and Ice Festival and other Winter Fun in the Quiet Corner

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 02/04/2018 - 9:43am

Put on your parkas and gloves and head over to Putnam for the 8th Annual Fire and Ice Festival on Feb 10. This large-scale ice sculpture carving event attracts people from all over the country. Watch as several 300 lb. blocks of ice are transformed into a work of art - bring your Valentine or bring the whole family!

While you are at it, why not make a whole weekend of it? If you are already in the "quiet corner" of Connecticut, you may want to check out a few others things like the Conn. Audubon's programs, the Chocolate Festival, and the Textile Museum. And of course, don't forget to check our Mommy Poppins' Winter Guide for all things fun to do in winter!

25 Things to do in Waterbury: The Brass City

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 01/19/2018 - 4:17pm

Known as the "Brass City," Waterbury is the 9th largest city in New England. For families, the greater Waterbury-area is packed with things for kids to do. Whether you have a little conductor, bowler, ice cream lover or daredevil, there is something for everyone. But no matter what you come to Waterbury for, make sure you stop by Sultans Turkish Restaurant for some amazing food afterwards.

Riding the Trolleys at the CT Trolley Museum

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Mon, 10/16/2017 - 9:43am

One of our annual Autumn trips, since my boys were young, has been a trip to the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor. From an early age, my boys, like many boys, loved trains; and this local museum has been able to meet their needs many times over. We attended this year during their annual Pumpkin Train Ride but they offer a variety of events throughout the year. The museum has a small staff, and relies on their many, many volunteers to drive the trolleys on the fun but short jaunt from the museum.

Jenny Coe

Latest posts by Jenny

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