Ally Noel
Ally Noel has lived in Connecticut for over two decades. Before becoming a parent, she worked as an Educational Technology Specialist, helping schools and teachers integrate technology into learning. Now, she’s all about discovering the best family-friendly adventures, activities, and hidden gems. Share your tips, questions, or just say hi at ally@mommypoppins.com, and follow along for family fun at @mommypoppinsct.
Latest posts by Ally
Whether you have a special hot chocolate recipe you make from scratch or you grab a packet of cocoa from the pantry, there is nothing quite like cozying up with a nice cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s day. Hot chocolate makes any snow day magical, warms up cold cheeks after a day of sledding, and is simply the perfect sweet treat.
Here are 11 hot chocolate recipes to satisfy any sweet tooth, from hot chocolate bombs to Mexican hot chocolate. No snow? No problem! We’ve found a few recipes for those warmer days, too, including a frozen hot chocolate recipe. So grab your mugs and get mixing—it's time to stir up something delicious.
For more even more fun kitchen creations, check out our Guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.
Riddles for kids is the answer. The question is: What is the perfect way to keep children entertained and their brains engaged without using a screen?
Riddles for kids are a great way to fight boredom, keep the conversation flowing, and laugh at funny jokes. Plus, the family will bond as everyone works together to puzzle over the answers to these tricky questions. From funny riddles to math questions to classic brainteasers, here are 25 fun riddles for kids and families.
For more ways to ward off the dreaded whines of "I'm bored" when the family is stuck at home, check out our favorite jokes for kids and more LOL jokes, riddles, tongue twisters, and more in our Guide to Humor and Jokes for Kids.
Our list of the very best kids' Christmas movies gives you the perfect way to enjoy the season without leaving home—for only the cost of the streaming service.
Whether you're looking for a classic Christmas movie you remember from your childhood, like A Charlie Brown Christmas, or a funny new holiday tradition that will have your family in stitches, like Spirited, you can stream these favorite flicks on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Disney+. Unlike the naughty list, this list of the best Christmas movies to watch with kids is filled with positive messages, twinkling tales, and just the right amount of seasonal cheer. So, gather your snacks, make some hot cocoa, and enjoy a family movie night with one of these Christmas classics that are perfect for kids.
For more things to do with kids this holiday season, check out our guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids.
When winter weather turns into a day off from school it’s time to head for the hills—sledding hills, that is. We're lucky to have more than our fair share of awesome sledding hills here in Fairfield County, from gentle dips for toddlers and preschoolers to dramatic slopes that draw brave 'tweens and 'teens. Grab a thermos of cocoa, your warmest mittens, and yes—this year, at least—your face masks, of course.
Here is a list of some local favorite spots to spend a couple hours burning off that cabin fever. If you live in central Connecticut, check out these Hartford-area sledding hills, and for a little bit more of an adventure, visit our Connecticut Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing Guide.
These easy Christmas crafts for kids will keep them busy until Santa comes! And when they get tired of crafting, we've got more Christmas games and at-home holiday activities, too.
Although some of us may wish it was Christmas all year long, the truth is there are only 25 days in December to squeeze in a whole lot of Christmas cheer. Get your holly jollies with a smattering of fun from our giant list of Christmas crafts, Christmas crafts for toddlers, Christmas games, and more. These favorite family Christmas activities will keep the smell of peppermint and pine flowing through your home all month long. We’ve got all the festive fun with a little bit of everything from sugar cube igloos to sock snowmen. So pour yourself a cup of cocoa (made from your homemade Hot Chocolate Bombs) and throw in a few more marshmallows for good measure. You are going to need all the energy to get through this giant list of Christmas crafts for kids!
For more Christmas activities for kids, from the best Christmas cookie recipes to easy Elf on the Shelf ideas—and more—check out our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide for Families.
The sweet spot on a family vacation is when you can adventure together as a family and have plenty of space for relaxing at the end of the day. Hunter Mountain in New York’s Catskills offers the perfect mix of activities for the entire family. With an itinerary of exploring, hiking, skiing, and lounging around our hotel’s fire, we were all very happy campers. There are so many things to do right on Hunter Mountain and in the surrounding area that appeals to parents and kids. Here are some highlights from our visit to Hunter Mountain, New York, including outdoor adventures, delectable dining choices, family-friendly lodging, and ample opportunities to chill out.
Find more things to do near Hunter Mountain on our list of 25 things to do in the Catskills with kids, and bookmark our Guide to Weekend Getaways and Day Trips for more family-friendly local travel spots.
As far as I’m concerned, tacos aren’t just for Tuesdays. Connecticut has so many delicious taquerias, that it would be impossible to limit consuming them to just one day a week. These little folded circles of deliciousness are the perfect family friendly food. They contain simple and fresh ingredients that will satisfy even the pickiest of palettes. Thankfully, Nutmeggers love to get creative with their tacos! This list has everything from taco drive throughs to Kung Pao chicken and everything in between. For more dining inspiration, make sure to check out our Family Friendly Dining Guide.
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