When the kids were small, this blogging routine was so straightforward: have fun with the kiddos during the day and then write up my blog post about our adventures during naptime or after kid bedtime. Boom. Done. These days though, the new routine is anything but, well, routine. Sure, we still make time for fun […]
Pick Your Own Farms and Orchards in Connecticut
Check out these PYO (pick your own) destinations in CT that have been OAAM approved (i.e. we’ve been there, we’ve picked that, we’ve loved it, and we think you will too!). Don’t see your favorite farm on our list? Please leave a comment and tell us about your top PYO pick! We’d love to check […]
FREE Summer Activities for Kids in Connecticut
PLEASE NOTE: This post was originally published in 2025 and all information pertaining to dates/times and schedules is from 2025. We’ll try to get it updated ASAP. In the meantime though, most of these activities and destinations are available annually, so you can check each venue’s website for the most current scheduling information and details. […]
Splash Pad at Veterans Memorial Park in Middletown
Please note: We are in the process of switching our email newsletter service. If you have recently tried to subscribe to our email list but are not receiving emails, please sign up again here. Thank you! Have you heard about the NEW splash pad and pool at Veterans Memorial Park in Middletown that opened in […]
Sonny’s Place: A Family Favorite
It had been years since our first visit to Sonny’s Place in Somers, CT. Back then, we had no idea that in just a few short weeks our family of 4 would become a family of 5 🙂 Six years later (and now with 3 kids ranging in age from 6-13 in tow), we figured […]
Connecticut Touch-a-Truck Events 2026
Love this post? Subscribe to Out and About Mom for more outing ideas delivered right to your inbox! Touch-a-Truck season kicks off this weekend in Connecticut! This is such a fun time of year when car, truck and tractor loving kids can see and explore some of the coolest vehicles around. When we first started […]
Day Trip to NYC: The Empire State Building
There’s always a reason to visit New York City. This time: Destination Empire State Building. We drove to Stamford train station and took the express train to Grand Central Terminal. We had a packed day stopping by the New York Public Library, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and walking through Times Square on our way to […]
Nova Indoor Adventure Park
In our town, elementary school kids have early dismissal every Wednesday in the fall and spring seasons. They call it “Wacky Wednesday,” and I’m convinced that’s because–even after 10 years as an elementary school parent in this town–I still get caught off guard just about every week when I remember that I have two fewer […]
Ducks on the Ave
Tucked in a corner on Farmington Avenue in Hartford’s west end is a duckpin bowling alley that has served the community for seven decades: Ducks On The Ave. Walk down the staircase and you will enter a very sweet fun zone full of nostalgia and old school entertainment that’s been here since 1939. It’s not […]
Giveaway: Family Four-Pack of Tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Brittany H., winner of the family four-pack of tickets! Didn’t win but still want to go? See details below! Thank you to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for sponsoring this giveaway. Any opinions expressed by this blogger are 100% her own. The circus. It’s an iconic part […]
Maple Sugaring Activities in Connecticut (2026)
One of the things I love about writing this blog is that over the years I’ve grown increasingly aware of the subtle rhythms of New England agricultural life. I know that pick-your-own season officially opens with strawberries in June, that fresh berries and stone fruits start to top pancakes in local eateries in early July, and that corn mazes spring up […]
The Instant Pot Trick That Will Change Your Dinner Game
I’ve had my Instant Pot for more than five years now, and I use it weekly to make quick and delicious meals for my busy family (you can find some of my favorites here, here, and here). Lately though, I’ve been using my Instant Pot almost daily to prepare side dishes like rice and potatoes– […]
Sledding at Elizabeth Park
Hi everyone! I am so excited today for TWO reasons! First of all, I have always wanted to feature a sledding destination on the blog. It’s such a quintessential New England winter activity (for kids and grownups!), and it always felt wrong that this blog about things to do with kids in CT never featured […]
Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine
Hi everyone! I know it’s getting a little late in the month to say Happy New Year, but the last few weeks have gotten away from me. So, Happy New year!! I hope 2026 is off to a great start for you all, and I’m looking forward to sharing a new year of adventures with […]
Staycation Guide for Connecticut Parents (Holiday Break Edition)
Hi friends! School break is here! To keep things holly and jolly even after the holidays are through, we’ve put together this handy Staycation Guide with enough activities to fill a whole week–and then some! Check out an indoor play place. Several of these Holiday Light Displays stay open through New Year’s. Take a twirl around […]