Break up the home school day by taking advantage of all these great museums from around the country have put together to help keep the kids entertained and engaged while at home!

Above & Beyond Children’s Museum (Sheboygan, WI)
Posting daily videos of music programs and storytimes. Posting at-home activities, crafts, and project ideas using common household items on social media.
Check out “ABCM First Steps in Music for ages 0-2”
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | #ABCMactivities

Adventure! Children’s Museum (Eugene, OR)
Sharing daily Adventure! Museum @ Home posts via Facebook and their email newsletter.
Check out “Museum @ Home – Issue 10”
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Amazement Square (Lynchburg, VA)
Sharing daily videos through Amazement Square, Anywhere.
Check out “Try-It Tuesday with Officer Ramirez (Making Play-Dough)“
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

Amelia Park Children’s Museum (Westfield, MA)
Launched their “Bridging the Gap” series, with new activities posted to their Facebook page and website daily.
Check out “A Cloud in a Jar”
Website | Facebook

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center (MI)
Kicked off their online programming with “Virtual Spring Break Camp,” with a series of STEM, environmental education, and camp-style activity videos, plus live workshops.
Check out “How to Practice Social Distancing”
Website – AAHOM | Website – LSNC | Facebook – AAHOM | Facebook – LSNC

Betty Brinn Children’s Museum (Milwaukee, WI)
Offering “Play in the Cloud,” a collection of online resources, including daily tips for hands-on, educational activities. Facilitating weekly online meetups for caregivers of preschoolers via Zoom. Introducing an online version of its Tot Time program.
Check out “Inspire Daily: Paperclip Sculptures”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Boston Children’s Museum (MA)
Offering a wealth of free learning resources on their website. Sharing resources and activities on social media!
Check out “100 Ways to Play”  
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Bucks County Children’s Museum (New Hope, PA)
Sharing activities and online educational resources on their website.
Check out the “Think Spring at Home Mural” coloring page
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Building for Kids Children’s Museum (Appleton, WI)
Posting daily activities every weekday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. CST, including movement exercises and musical performances.
Check out “Afternoon Activity: Baby Bath Time”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Children’s Creativity Museum (San Francisco, CA)
Updating their blog and social media with resources and safety tips for families at home
Check out “Mystery Box Challenge: Create A Zoo Animal”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #CreativityEveryday #CreativityKids

Children’s Discovery Museum (Normal, IL)
Posting a “Daily Dose of Play,” with playful activities for families for e-learning days.  
Check out “Spaghetti Kitchen Sensory Bin”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #DailyDoseofPlay

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose (CA)
Launched Virtual Purple Museum, sharing live and recorded broadcasts around science, math, the arts, storytime, and baby rhyme time, as well as activity sheets.
Check out “Treasure Maps”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (Portland)
Offering daily online “At Home Together: Wild Life and Makerspace Series,” “Maine Youth Playwriting Challenge,” and “Onstage and Off: Theatre Together (Online) Series.”
Check out “Beachwalk Scavenger”
Website | Facebook | Instagram

The Children’s Museum in Easton (MA)
Posting a daily #socialdistancelearning challenge on Facebook, with a video of a staff member demonstrating the activity.
Check out “Hands, Feet, Oh My! (Introduction to Measuring)”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #socialdistancelearning

Children’s Museum of Atlanta (GA)
Posting an activity, vocab list, and music playlist or book recommendation each weekday at 11 a.m. EDT on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Check out “Music Monday: Bean Tambourine”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #CMAatHome

The Children’s Museum of Cleveland (OH)
Posting daily online programming on social media, with movement exercises, storytimes, music and STEM lessons, and more. Sharing additional activities and video archives on their website.
Check out “Movement – DIY Laser Maze”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus (CO)
Launched the “Museum Fun 101” Facebook group for sharing at-home activities from the museum. Also offering resources on their website.  
Check out “Teaching Kitchen Recipes”
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

The Children’s Museum of Evansville (IN)
Delivering dynamic programming to children and their families, with educational content, playful Quack Pack tutorials, and more!
Check out “Build a Blanket Fort”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

The Children’s Museum of Green Bay (WI)
Offering daily videos every morning at 10:15 a.m. CDT with live and pre-recorded programming.
Check out “Getting Messy with Salt Dough”
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Children’s Museum of Houston (TX)
Producing a series of videos related to COVID-19 featuring “Mr. O,” in partnership with ACM. Providing resources on their website and social media channels.
Check out “It’s Snot Funny”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Children’s Museum of La Crosse (WI)
Sharing suggestions for at-home activities, adapting museum programming for kids at home.    
Check out “Wee Move – Wiggle & Giggle”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #SillySmart

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry (Charleston, SC)
Sharing videos with instructional, at-home activities for young children and families. Sharing mindfulness resources. Letting their mascot, DooDash the Dragon, take over Twitter and Instagram!   
Check out “Brown Bag STEM Challenge with Mr. Kevin”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Children’s Museum of Manhattan (NY)
Launched CMOM at Home, with daily videos, sing-a-longs, games, and more. Also sharing educational resources for families.
Check out “Magic Monday: Fizzy Hidden Surprise”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (Dover)
Bringing families and educators resources, with STEAM, storytime, and other activity videos, community connections, and activity boxes.
Check out “First Friends Rhymes & Songs”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #PlayTogether

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh (PA)
Launched Museum at Home to bring maker activities from the museum and MuseumLab home. Posting creative do-it-yourself projects every day!
Check out “Let’s Try Making Our Own Watercolor Paints”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Children’s Museum of Phoenix (AZ)
Sharing daily virtual activity videos on social media, with themes from Movement Monday to Arty Party Friday to Storybook Sunday!
Check out “Water Bottle Bowling”
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Children’s Museum of Richmond (VA)
Launched a blog to share videos, activities (including art projects and storytimes), and caregiver resources.
Check out “Ten Tips for Helping Kids Play Ahead”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (CA)

Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (CA)
Sharing resources and at-home activity ideas. Creating how-to videos on YouTube and live programming videos on Facebook Live. Sharing content in their blog and newsletter.
Check out “Balloon Blow-Up Science Experiment”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Children’s Museum of South Dakota (Brookings)
Posting “Recipes for Play” on their Seize the Play blog, sharing how to make family trees, puffy paint, prairie beads, and more.
Check out “Process Art with Lauren and Charles”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #PlayAlongSD

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (Mankato)
Launched #CMSMatHome, with daily activities for families and children to complete at home.
Check out “Be a City Planner”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #CMSMatHome

The Children’s Museum of Wilmington (NC)
Designing creative activities for families to do at home, with brain games, exercises, and more.
Check out “ABC Exercise Cards”
Website | Facebook | Instagram | #atCMOW

The Children’s Playhouse (Boone, NC)
Sharing short versions of their popular music classes, “Musical Adventures with Miss Laura,” on their website and social media.
Check out “Weather Songs”
Website | Facebook | YouTube

Children’s Science Center (Fairfax, VA)
Creating experiential videos including demonstrations, DIY experiments, keeper talks, and their Budding Bookworm program. Also continuing to care for the 100 animals that live at the Children’s Science Center Lab!
Check out “Baby Elephant Toothpaste”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Creative Discovery Museum (Chattanooga, TN)
Launched Creativity TV, sharing lessons from the museum, including critter encounters and science shows, as well as activities that can be done with materials found in the home.
Check out “GreatBalls of Fire – Fiery Lycopodium Powder Experiment!”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Delaware Children’s Museum
Sharing fun activities and recipes that adults and kids can safely and easily do at home to continue to learn and play together.  
Check out “DIY Ping Pong Mazes”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Discovery Children’s Museum (Las Vegas, NV)
Sharing resources and educational links for families figuring out how to entertain and educate kids at home.
Check out “How Does Static Electricity Work?”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #AtHomeDiscoveries

Discovery Museum (Acton, MA)
Launched Discovery at Home, an online resource guide with hands-on learning activities and curated resources.
Check out “Tracing Shadows”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Discovery Place Kids (Huntersville and Rockingham, NC)
Created Stay-at-Home Science, a digital learning center with experiments, projects, activities, and more resources to keep learners of all ages engaged.
Check out “A Livestream from our Rainforest”
Website | Facebook – Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville | Facebook – Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham | Twitter – Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville | Twitter – Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham | Instagram

The DoSeum (San Antonio, TX)
Created “Do It At Home,” an online hub with educational resources for families at home, including DIY Activities, Storytimes, and Questions from Kids.
Check out “Ask a DOer: Meet Dr. Richard”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Duluth Children’s Museum (MN)
Launched “Stay@Home, Play@Home,” with new videos every day!
Check out “Learning to Juggle”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Dupage Children’s Museum (Naperville, IL)
Build a robust online community to support families, with new programming and experiences to keep the learning growing at home.
Check out “Sensory Snow”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum (Buffalo, NY)
Launched their “Sanity Savers” blog—an at-home guide for bringing play-based education into the home.
Check out “Sanity Savers: Nursing Home Mail”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram  

Flint Children’s Museum (MI)
Taking the museum’s program to a virtual setting, with a focus on projects families can do together with things found around the house.
Check out “Rainbow Kaleidoscope”
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Glazer Children’s Museum (Tampa, FL)
Launched “GCM at Home” to share virtual content with families.
Check out “Wiggle a Little, a playlist”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #GCMatHome

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (MI)
Creating Play@Home content to help families engage in open-ended play at home—“so they can transform their living room, backyard, or bedroom into their very own mini-GRCM.”
Check out “Try-It Tuesday: Upcycled Crayons”
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Great Explorations Children’s Museum (St. Petersburg, FL)
Posting a weekly challenge each Monday, sharing community resources, creating videos, and offering “Blow Off Some S.T.E.A.M.” kits by mail.   
Check out “Morris Scavenger Hunt”
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Greensboro Children’s Museum (NC)
Launched “explore (at home),” with educational resources and activities to bring the joy of meaningful play into families’ homes.
Check out “Violet Jelly Recipe”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center (Honolulu)
Launched an At Home Learning video series, with storytimes, STEAM activities, and yoga.
Check out “Yoga for Kids”
Website | Facebook | YouTube

HealthWorks! North Mississippi (Tupelo)
Sharing virtual lessons and at-home resources such as family-friendly healthy activities, exercises, and assignments. 
Check out “Health Works! At Home – Healthy Mindset”
Website | Facebook

Imagine Children’s Museum (Everett, WA)
Conducting video programming, as well as facilitating virtual activities like a drawing contest and pen pal exchange with the museum.
Check out “How to Build a Hoop Glider”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | #AtHomeDiscoveries

Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center (Bristol, CT)
Launched Imagine Nation At Home, a new online community, sharing links, activities, and messages that promote positivity, fun, and learning through play.
Check out “Recycled Material Fun #1: Simple Bird Feeder”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #ImagineNationAtHome

Imaginosity – Dublin Children’s Museum (Ireland)
Sharing daily activities on social media, with full instructions on Instagram Stories.
Check out “DIY Fossil Excavation”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, Inc. (INK) (Gainesville, GA)
Offering daily play prompts and craft ideas.
Check out “At-Home Play Challenge – Young Chef”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube  

The Iowa Children’s Museum (Coralville)
Posting a variety of at-home activities, creative prompts, and interactive livestream events (like sing-alongs on Instagram).  
Check out “Games from around the World”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Kaleideum (Winston-Salem, NC)
Posting daily videos of content around parenting, arts & crafts, and science learning families can do at home on their social media, blog, and website.  
Check out “Meet Huey, Our Blue and Gold Macaw”
Website | Facebook – Kaleideum Downtown | Facebook – Kaleideum North | Twitter – Kaleideum Downtown | Twitter – Kaleideum North | Instagram | YouTube | #kaleideumathome

Kansas Children’s Discovery Center (Topeka)
Producing a series of educational content pieces designed to get families playing and learning at home.
Check out “Pretend Vet Clinic”
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | #DiscoveryatHome

Kentucky Science Center (Louisville, KY)
Collaborates with other organizations in Kentucky on My Big Little Adventure, an early childhood-focused home resource funded by PNC Grow Up Great. Also posting science experiments on social media! 
Check out “Paper Helicopter Plans”
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #DoScience

Kidspace Children’s Museum (Pasadena, CA)
Launched Kidspace-At-Home: Virtual Learning and Play Resources, developed to spark connection, creativity, laughter, and inspiration.
Check out “Birthdays During Social Distancing”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

KidsQuest Children’s Museum (Bellevue, WA)
Sharing ways to play and learn at home on their website and social media.
Check out “Early Math Skills: Sorting and Classifying”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Kidzu Children’s Museum (Chapel Hill, NC)
Regularly posting new activities for families on their website and Facebook along with sharing links to additional resources for playful learning at home.
Check out “Messy Morning: Fun with Baking Soda and Vinegar”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago (Glenview, IL)
Adding videos to their Home Zone series, with activities to help families take the museum experience home, plus their Story Time series!
Check out “Mathematizing Weather”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Lincoln Children’s Museum (NE)
Providing meaningful fun through both online and in-home activities, like a daily Boredom Busters Facebook Live event at 10:30 a.m. CDT (with accompanying resources) and curbside pickup activities.
Check out “Boredom Buster: Earth, Paint, and Rocks”
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Long Island Children’s Museum (Garden City, NY)
Has online resource guides for playing outside safely and talking about art. They’re also sharing resources on Facebook, and hosting a “Visit LICM at Home” event on March 28, 2020.
Check out “Bookface Friday”
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Louisiana Children’s Museum (New Orleans)
Launched “In Dialogue,” a weekly series on Zoom and YouTube featuring experts from the Tulane Institute of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.
Check out “In Dialogue: Positive Parenting”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Madison Children’s Museum (WI)
Sharing educational programming for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, along with quick activity ideas, tips, news from the museum, and partner resources. Also launched a Facebook group for museum members and friends.
Check out “Brain Builders with Heather: Indoor Obstacle Course”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Marbles Kids Museum (Raleigh, NC)
Providing a daily dose of play on YouTube and social media, as well as posting Play Tools and resources on their website.
Check out “Kitchen Percussion”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #dailydoseofplay

Minnesota Children’s Museum (St. Paul)
Sharing super ways to play at home, with open-ended play activities, play tips, videos, plus blog posts and other resources.  
Check out “Coloring Pages from a Local Artist”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Mississippi Children’s Museum (Jackson)
Launched MCM at Home on all digital platforms, with hands-on educational videos, book readings, individual activities, and activity kits.

Check out “Fit for Fun at MCM”

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #MCMatHome

Mississippi Children’s Museum (Jackson)
Launched MCM at Home on all digital platforms, with hands-on educational videos, book readings, individual activities, and activity kits.
Check out “Farm Bureau Spotlight: Honey Bees”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #MCMatHome

Museo Tin Marín (San Salvador, El Salvador)
Posting videos, activities, and custom graphics sharing educational resources and activities.
Check out the correct way to wash your hands
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Museum of Discovery and Science (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Launched MODS Virtual Camp Discovery across all digital platforms, with a new science-focused demo or activity posted each weekday.
Check out “Ooey Gooey Chocolate Slime”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (Santa Barbara, CA)
Launched Moxi at Home to share daily activities for families at home, drawing from the museum’s popular programming and exhibits.  
Check out “Toddler Tuesday: Mystery Shakers”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #moxiathome

MUZEIKO – America for Bulgaria Children’s Museum (Sofia, Bulgaria)
Sharing online resources and livestreams to stay in touch with visitors and friends, including activities and storytimes.  
Check out “Crawling Exhibits at Muzeiko”
Website | Facebook | YouTube

National Children’s Museum (Washington, DC)
Going live on Facebook each day at 2:30 p.m. EDT to share activities, including science experiments, storytimes, and Design Build Challenges.
Check out “#STEAMwork Climate Action Challenge”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #STEAMwork

The New Children’s Museum (San Diego, CA)
Launched #thinkplaycreateathome, encouraging visitors, members, and staff to send short videos or photos of how they are being creative at home!
Check out “DIY Scramble Screens”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #thinkplaycreateathome

North Country Children’s Museum (Potsdam, NY)
Created a YouTube channel to post STEAM project videos!
Check out “DIY Balloon”
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Omaha Children’s Museum (NE)
Sharing daily “Museum Minutes” and “Playful Projects” videos, including storytimes, at-home science experiments, and Tinker Challenges. Also offering free printables on their website.
Check out “Ben’s Tinker Challenge: Will It Float?”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Port Discovery Children’s Museum (Baltimore, MD)
Sharing At Home Play Tips, with activity ideas, resources, and updates from the museum.
Check out “Kinetic Sand Play Bin.” 
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Providence Children’s Museum (RI)
Moved all museum programming online, posting daily videos on Facebook as well as at-home activities.
Check out “Make It Rain with DIY Rainsticks”
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | #PCMCreates

Sciencenter (Ithaca, NY)
Hosting daily live activities at 10:30 a.m. EDT on Zoom, which are also shared on Facebook. Also sharing a live YouTube feed of their Animal Room!
Check out “Paper Mountains”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Scott Family Amazeum (Bentonville, AK)
Launched Amazeum YOU to share activities and stay in touch with families at home, including twice-daily check-ins via Facebook Live.
Check out “Plushie Pillow”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #AmazeumYOU

Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum (Winchester, VA)
Sharing themed activities six days a week, around subjects like chain reactions and the five senses.
Check out “Five Senses Detective”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Stepping Stones Museum for Children (Norwalk, CT)Encouraging playful learning at home with their “Every Day Fun! DIY Home Extension” video series, featuring Fitness Fun, Music Makers, Science Central, and more!
Check out “Music Makers | Wash Your Hands!“
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #SteppingStonesAtHome #BooZoosBookBuddies

The Strong (Rochester, NY)
Sharing DIY activities, imaginative play ideas, and videos that include storytimes, animal showings, and fun facts about toys.
Check out “Stories About the Stuff—Mr. Potato Head”
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Thinkery (Austin, TX)
Producing a “Thinkery At Home” video series, featuring smart, fun things to do with kids at home.
Check out “10 Great Hands-On Activities To Do At Home”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #ThinkeryAtHome

The Woodlands Children’s Museum (TX)
Sharing Storybook Theatre and Puppet Theatre videos with their Literacy Specialist, Miss Jan, on Thursdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. CST.
Check out “Shadow Puppet Theatre-When Spring Comes”
Website | Facebook | Twitter

WOW! Children’s Museum (Lafayette, CO)
Offering “WOW! @ Home” activity guides and recipes on their website! Posting activities and storytimes on Facebook.
Check out “Forest of Light at Home”
Website | Facebook | Instagram

The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) champions children’s museums worldwide and put together this very helpful list. Follow ACM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Are you a children’s museum with online programming? Contact Alison.Howard@ChildrensMuseums.org. Follow and share museums’ virtual activities with the hashtag #ChildrensMuseumsatHome

No matter how old our children are, most of us can agree – saving for college can be overwhelming.

Each birthday or milestone is a reminder of how quickly time passes and how soon our children will be making the next step to higher education. It’s especially true for parents of high school freshmen, like some of us here at MyConnecticutKids. As they grow, so does the pressure to grow their savings for college so they can have a successful future.

The good news is there are a lot of ways to help our children be ready for college. As a dad himself, State Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden understands the importance of saving for college; and as Trustee for Connecticut’s Higher Education Trust (CHET) the state’s 529 college savings plan, he is committed to helping Connecticut families find affordable ways to pay for college.

Families can reduce the cost of getting a degree with some smart savings and by taking advantage of ways to get help. Scholarships and grants are an excellent option for students and families. They don’t need to be repaid, and every dollar saved or earned is less money students need to borrow in loans. While many students don’t look for scholarships until their senior year of high school, there are many programs available to younger students, which offer the advantage of giving those funds time to grow.

Right now, CHET is providing families with two unique opportunities to boost their college savings:

CHET Advance Scholarship for High School Freshman – Deadline: March 12, 2020

• CHET will award over $500,000 statewide to Connecticut’s youngest high school students. Freshmen could receive up to a $2,023 (their graduation year!) scholarship, plus a potential $500 match. More information is available at www.chetadvance.com, and students can also talk to their guidance counselor.

CHET Dream Big! Competition for Grades K-8 – Deadline: March 31, 2020 

• CHET has just launched the 2020 CHET Dream Big! Competition, a drawing and essay competition, for K-8th grade students that offers the chance to receive up to a $1,000 CHET Account. Learn more at www.chetdreambig.com.

Beyond those programs, the opportunity to save through a CHET account is available year-round and offers many tax advantages. Saving early and asking other family members to contribute for birthdays, holidays or grade-moving-up ceremonies, can also impact growth over time.

As our kids grow, knowing they have money saved for college can motivate them to work hard and pursue their goals. When the time comes, they can use those CHET funds towards tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment required for courses at accredited, nonprofit post-secondary educational institutions, including vocational and technical schools. 

Additional tips and advice on ways to plan ahead and reduce college expenses are also available at: https://www.aboutchet.com/plan/reducing.shtml. 

Living in Connecticut we have some of the freshest seafood available that the oceans have to offer, however incorporating it into family dinner can sometimes seem daunting. The usual options for a protein, of meat and chicken are so ingrained in our minds that we forget that fresh fish, shellfish and other bounties of the sea can be not only something new but something the whole family will really enjoy!

The benefits of seafood for kids are big! Fish and shellfish supply the nutrients, vitamins and omega-3s essential for strong bones, brain development, and healthy heart and immune system. So how do moms get their kids to eat more of this delicious, nutritious food? Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) talked to hundreds of moms and asked top nutrition experts and chefs for their input – all parents with tested-true tips. Here are the ones that, when put into action with real moms as part of SNP’s Little Seafoodies program, seemed to work best. 

HERE ARE THE TOP SIX SECRETS TO GETTING YOUR KIDS TO EAT MORE SEAFOOD.

#1: HAVE FIN FUN! WHEN SEAFOOD LOOKS FUN, IT’S “YUM!”

For younger kids, this can simply be visually appealing, like a sandwich shaped like a fish. The heart of this concept is for there to be an exciting component. Maybe it’s interactive and they can “play” with their food. 

“My boys all love wildlife and pretending they’re eagles and bears eating freshly-caught fish!” said Jennifer McQuire, dietitian and mother of three boys.

Fun Ways to Engage your Little Seafoodies: Get kids cooking in the kitchen

“Whenever I meet an adult that doesn’t eat fish, they almost always say, we never had it when I was growing up,” said Ryan Nelson, father, chef and owner of Indianapolis restaurant Late Harvest Kitchen. One way to get kids eating brain-boosting seafood is to get them involved in kitchen. Studies have shown that when kids help to prepare the food, they are much more likely to try new eating new things.

“Make it totally fun and different. My eight year old helped me cook Fish en Papillote. She added the flavors and items that sounded delicious to her,” said Katy Mann of Indy with Kids.

One of the popular Little Seafoodies taglines fits well under this umbrella, “Stick It On a Stick! Kids with skewers are seafood doers.” This is for slightly older kids, but the act of making the skewers is fun – they can add their favorite fruit and veggies alongside the fish – and then pulling it all off at the table adds another interactive element. Who doesn’t love finger food? Check out this video of dietitian and TV personality Annessa Chumbley and her daughter making fish skewers.

#2: DIPPING MEANS YUMMING!

Seafood, the perfect ketchup delivery device! This seems like it would be common sense for most parents who know ketchup, ranch dressing and barbecue sauce are kid favorites, but when we surveyed Indianapolis moms before the start of the Little Seafoodies campaign, it was almost like an “oh yeah” moment. Three-quarters of respondents said dipping sauces would be a good way to get their kids to try seafood.

#3: DO THE SEAFOOD SWAP!

“Kids love chicken fingers, breaded fish or shrimp is really not that different than chicken,” said Nelson. “Kids love burgers, patty up some shrimp or fish and make burgers.”

“Our kids love tacos and spaghetti…whose kids don’t love those? So sometimes I just substitute beef with shrimp or fish in my tacos and spaghetti sauce,” said Indianapolis mom of two Stephanie Hart. “I find that if you introduce seafood with familiar flavors your kids already love, they’ll eat it with few or no questions. Once they get used to it, then they’re willing to expand and try new things. Now my kids eat oysters and sushi!”

#4: TOP IT. KIDS LOVE IT!

Kids love fruit? Pile it on! Try making an avocado and fruit salsa with mango, pineapple or even strawberries to top a fillet.

“Serve fish with sauces and toppings that are flavorful and preferred by kids,” suggested Jessica Levinson, mom of twin girls, dietitian and author of 52-Week Meal Planner. “For example, my Orange Maple Salmon goes over swimmingly with kids because of the sweet flavor of maple syrup.”

#5: ADD IT TO A FAVE, WATCH ’EM RAVE!

Crab in mac & cheese, please! Tuna on pasta makes it go fasta!

“I got my daughter back on the shrimp lover’s wagon by adding it to her favorite foods like cheese quesadillas and as a topping on homemade pizza (which she makes herself),” said mom and co-founder of Teaspoon of Spice, Deanna Segrave-Daly, RDN.

Adding melty cheese makes it easy to please! Check out this video of dietitian Annessa Chumbley making super simple shrimp pesto pizza.

#6: OUR BEST ADVICE IS TO KEEP TRYING.

“Seafood on the menu doesn’t happen overnight–it’s a series of trial and error. Being willing to ‘try and error’ is what landed a variety of seafood on my kids plate today,” said dietitian and mom Robin Plotkin.

“Get rid of preconceived notions about what your kids will like or dislike and offer up seafood in different ways with different flavors,” said dietitian and blogger Jenny Shea Rawn, of My Cape Cod Kitchen

“Another way to successfully integrate seafood into a child’s diet is to offer it on a consistent basis,” Nelson suggests. “It’s easier for a child to say no to something that appears exotic or special. Make it familiar and a regular part of the dinner rotation.”

And we’ll leave you with one last parting idea. Put it on YOUR plate. Kids often model their parents behavior, so be a role model by eating the foods you want your child to eat.

Visit LittleSeafoodies.com for more ideas recipes and information!

Going to “The Fair” is about as Connecticut as you can get. With midway rides and games, farms treasures, great entertainment of all types, and of course the food! Get out and explore your local fair, and maybe venture off to one somewhere not so local to get a glimpse of what the other parts of CT have to offer!

Four Town Fair

Somers – September 12-15, 2019
You’ll have one-of-a-kind fun at the four-day, Four Town Fair, one of Connecticut’s oldest fairs. See the 20th Annual Antique & Classic Car Show, a rockabilly performance from The Whiskey Rebels and the Fair Parade. Like contests? There’s the Doodlebug Drawing Contest, Largest Frog & Frog Jumping Contest, Heaviest Pumpkin Contest and even a Corn Eating Contest. And you won’t want to miss the Open Swine Show or the Women’s Skillet Throw. It’s fun for all!

Berlin Fair

September 13-15, 2019
The Berlin Fair began in 1882 as a Harvest Festival, became a state agricultural fair in the early 1900s, and remains a much-anticipated event in central Connecticut. The packed schedule includes pie-eating contests, frog jumping, large animal and crafts exhibits and live entertainment throughout the weekend.

Orange Country Fair

September 21-22, 2019
From the classic car show and tractor pulls to arts and crafts and animal displays, there is truly something for everyone at the Orange Country Fair. Enjoy live entertainment and all types of mouthwatering fair food.

Guilford Fair

September 20-22, 2019
The Guilford Fair offers midway rides, games and food, Cattle, Poultry, Sheep & Goats, Vegetables, Baking, Canning, Flowers, Arts & Craft, Needlework  and Photography exhibits. Antique tractor Pull and Show.

Durham Fair

September 26-29, 2019
Begun in 1916, the Durham Fair continues its tradition today as Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair. With rides and games, tractor pulls, three livestock barns, crafts, exhibits featuring baking, canning, photography and horticulture, and a wide selection of fair food, there’s a huge harvest to take in.

Harwinton Fair

October 4-6, 2019
The Harwinton Fair offers good old-fashioned fun for all! See the Pig Races, Antique Tractor Show, Rabbit Costume Contest, Oxen Draw and Civil War Displays. Enjoy a magic show and bluegrass music after visiting the barnyard animals. Stop by the Country Store for a memento of your special day!

Portland Fair

October 4-6, 2019
Signifying the close of fair season, the Portland Fair gives enthusiasts one last chance to experience all the classic fair entertainment, food, exhibits, animals and activities for the year.

Friday, June 28

Barnum’s Skyblast Fireworks at Seaside Park in Bridgeport at 9:00 pm. (Rain Date: None)

Fireworks & Beatles Tribute Band at Ocean Beach Park in New London with Fireworks at 8:00 pm. (Rain Date: None)

Town of Hamden’s 26th Annual Firework Extravaganza at the Town Center Park at dusk. (Rain Date: June 29)

Windsor Locks Annual Fireworks Display at 9:30pm as part of their Annual Carnival.

Red White and Blue BBQ + Fireworks will be held at Owen Bell Park in Dayville, Connecticut at 9:15 pm (Rain Date: None)

Saturday, June 29

Coventryfest at 9:00 pm. (Rain Date: July 1)

Lake Compounce Fireworks at the Lake in Bristol at 9:30 pm. (Rain Date: None)

East Haven Fireworks and Beach Party at 9:15 pm. (Rain Date: July 1)

Hebron Lions Fireworks and Touch-A-Truck at Hebron Lions Fairgrounds at 9 pm. (Rain Date: June 30)

City of Middletown Fireworks Festival at Middletown Community Park at 9:30 p.m. (Rain Date: None)

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Trumbull Day features a magnificent fireworks display from Atlas Pyro Vision Entertainment Group, Inc., beginning at dusk. Fireworks will start about 45 minutes after sunset, likely at 8:30 pm, but there is no set time. You may bring folding chairs and/or blankets to watch the fireworks.

Wednesday, July 3

The Town of Shelton Fireworks: The Old School/Fireworks extravaganza will be held at Veterans Memorial Park on Wednesday, July 3rd, with a rain date of FrIday, July 5th.

Town of Fairfield Independence Day Fireworks Show at Jennings and Penfield Beaches at 9:15 pm (Rain Date: July 5)

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Norwich Harbor Independence Day Fireworks at dusk. (Rain Date: July 6) Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating American Independence at the Norwich Harbor Fireworks! There will be food trucks and music at Howard Brown Park.

Madison Fireworks at West Wharf Beach at 9:30 pm (Rain Date: July 5). The fireworks are visible from many waterfront areas in Madison. The main public viewing locations are from Surf Club Park, East Wharf Beach and West Wharf Beach.  Parking will be very limited at parks and beaches, on public streets, and in all waterfront viewing areas.

Stratford Fireworks at Short Beach at 9:00 pm (Rain date: July 5). Directions to Short Beach.

Westport P.A.L Independence Day Fireworks Show at Compo Beach at 9:00 pm (Rain Date: July 5). Tickets are required for entrance to Compo.

City of West Haven Savin Rock Fireworks Spectacular will be held at Bradley Point Park at 9:15 pm. (Rain Date: July 5). Join us for this amazing event. Let’s spend this time with families, kids, friends, enjoy our ‘Fabulous’ Pig Roast and end the day with the incredible fireworks display.

Thursday, July 4

New Britain Bees at the New Britain Stadium after the game.

RiverQuest Search for Fireworks Cruise at 7:30 pm in Haddam. Join us aboard RiverQuest and take a relaxing evening cruise on the lower Connecticut River, departure from Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam. Although there are no scheduled fireworks for this evening, we will “search” for any that may be displayed along the edge of the river. Last year we saw a lot of them! Bring your picnic basket and favorite beverage. No one under 12 years old please. $40pp

Quassy Amusement Park’s 3-D Fireworks and Special Blast at the Beach will be at 10:15 pm. The Special Blast At The Beach party is from 8pm to 11:30 pm. Admission is $10, with kids under 45 inches free but must be accompanied by an adult. DJ on the beach, free ‘3-D’ Fireworks glasses for all ticketed guests.

The Great American Boom at Stanley Quarter Park, New Britain will be held at 9:15 pm (Rain Date: July 5)

Rowayton Fireworks will light up the sky from Bayley Beach at approximately 9:00 pm. The performance will last approximately 30 minutes. (Rain Date: None)

New Canaan Family Fourth of July Celebration at Waveny Park at dusk. (Rain Date: July 5, Fireworks only). Event passes are necessary to enter the park both by car or walking and may be purchased at the Recreation Department Office, Town Hall, and by New Canaan residents.

Friday, July 5

Limerock Salisbury Rotary Club’s Independence Day Fireworks. (Rain Date: July 6) Doors Open at 6:00 p.m. Fireworks set off around 9:15 p.m. $20 per car collected by Salisbury Rotary Club. Proceeds go to the club’s scholarship funds. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets and a yard game to enjoy the park until the fireworks begin about 9:15 p.m.

Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Summer officially begins with Connecticut’s favorite Independence Day celebration! Conducted by HSO Music Director Carolyn Kuan, and featuring the Asylum Hill Congregational Church Choir, this program will include all of your patriotic favorites, tunes from popular American movies, and fireworks following the concert! 

Town of Orange Independence Day Concert & Fireworks at the Orange Fair Grounds (Concert starts at 6:30, Fireworks at Dusk). (Rain Date: None)

Talcott Mountain Festival Celebrate America at the Performing Arts Center at Simsbury Meadows. Fireworks follow the concert. (Rain Date: July 6). Summer officially begins with Connecticut’s favorite Independence Day celebration! Conducted by HSO Music Director Carolyn Kuan, and featuring the Asylum Hill Congregational Church Choir, this program will include all of your patriotic favorites, tunes from popular American movies, and fireworks following the concert!

Lake Waramug fireworks will be held at 9:30 pm in New Preston. (Rain Date: July 6). The Rim-the-Lake Lighting will begin at 9:00 pm. We hope to increase the participation in the Rim-the-Lake flare lighting tradition and will be selling flares at supporting sponsors: Nine Main, The Washington Supply,The Hopkins Inn, The Lake Waramaug Country Club (beach) and County Wine & Spirit.

Saturday, July 6

Town of Darien fireworks will be held at Darien High School at dusk. (Rain Date: None)

Jewett City Fireworks and Carnival. The best viewing of the fireworks will be at Pachaug Pond. The Carnival runs from July 4 to July 7.

Town of Greenwich fireworks will be held at Greenwich Point and Binney Park at dusk. (Rain Date: July 7)

Manchester Band Shell present the James “Dutch” Fogarty 4th of July Celebration at 9:30 pm. Entertainment by The North Cove Rogues and MASS CONN-FUSION  (Rain Date: July 7). The event will also have children’s activities, such as face painting, and the night concludes with a fireworks show starting at 9:30 p.m.

Town of Putnam fireworks will be held at dusk. Celebrate independence in America by watching this incredible fireworks display along with a free concert – don’t forget your lawn chairs!

Sunday, July 7

Enfield Fireworks Extravaganza on the Town Green at 9:45 pm. (Rain Date: None). Join us for the Grand Finale of the Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration! Set beautifully to a one-of-kind soundtrack, join thousands of friends and family for the largest fireworks display in Northern Connecticut. It’s recommended you show up early to grab a seat up front for this can’t-miss show!

Waterbury’s Food Truck and Fireworks Fest at Brass Mill Center will be held at dusk. (Rain Date: July 14)

Friday, July 12

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Saturday, July 13

Riverfront Fireworks will be held at the Great River Park and Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Hartford at 9 pm. Start the night off with a concert on either side of the river at 7 pm, followed by our annual fireworks display over the Connecticut River at 9 pm. Arrive early and have dinner at the Riverfront Food Truck Festival.

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Sailfest Fireworks Extravaganza will be produced by Garden State Fireworks start at approximately 9pm and will be choreographed to music on K-Hits 100.9 FM.

Thames St Family Fun Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza Night will be held in Groton, Connecticut at 9 pm (Rain Date: None). This Festival will be taking place in the center of Thames Street in Groton on newly developed land right on the water front. It will feature FREE Family Fun Activities, Food vendors, Interactive Family Fun Entertainment and will end with the Fireworks Extravaganza over the Thames river. The synced music for the fireworks will be played through our loud system so no one will miss a beat.

Friday, July 19

ABBA Tribute Dancing Dream Band at Ocean Beach Park in New London with Fireworks at 8:00 pm. (Rain Date: None)

Saturday, July 20

Mill Pond Park Extravaganza in Newington at dusk. (Rain Date: None). The Annual Newington Extravaganza will be held on July 17 – July 20, 2019 at Mill Pond Park in Newington, Connecticut. This festival is also know as the Life. Be in it. Extravaganza. Saturday, July 20th features the largest fireworks show ever seen in Newington!

Celebrate East Lyme Day at dusk. (Rain Date: None) This annual summer celebration will end with a spectacular fireworks display over Niantic Bay, sponsored by Dominion.

Connecticut Tigers Friday Fireworks at Dodd Stadium in Norwich at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Friday, July 26

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Saturday, July 27

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Canaan Railroad Days Fireworks will be held at Lawrence Field at 9:00 pm. (Rain Date: None) Fire units from around the state, NY and MA will participate in this annual tradition. Marchers and trucks from each department will compete for trophies.

Wednesday, July 31

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Quaker Farms Fire Co. Carnival and Fireworks will be held at Oxford High School at 9:45 pm. (Rain Date: None)

Friday, August 2

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Quaker Farms Fire Co. Carnival and Fireworks will be held at Oxford High School at 9:45 pm. (Rain Date: None)

Saturday, August 3

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

North Branford Potato and Corn Festival in Branford at 9 pm. The PoCo Fest, hosted by the North Branford Parks & Recreation Department, celebrates its 18th year of a free, fun-filled, family event with food, free contests and games, rides and amusements, a craft and business expo, entertainment all weekend, car show, cornhole tournament, 5K, and of course, tons of food and the best fireworks around on Saturday at 9 p.m.

Friday, August 9

Bennie and Jet’s Elton John Tribute Band at Ocean Beach Park in New London with Fireworks at 8:00 pm. (Rain Date: None)

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Saturday, August 10

New Britain Bees at the New Britain Stadium after the game.

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Friday, August 16

Connecticut Tigers Friday Fireworks at Dodd Stadium in Norwich at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Friday, August 23

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Saturday, August 24

Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford at the end of the game. (Rain Date: None)

Stamford Harborfest and Fireworks Show will be held at Cumming’s Beach at 9:00 pm. (Rain Date: None)

Saturday, August 31

Clinton Summer Fest and Fireworks will be held at Clinton Town Beach at 9:00 pm. (Rain Date: None) Town Hall will have Live Music, Food Trucks, Kids Activities and the Beer & Wine Garden starting at 4 pm until 8 pm. Town Beach will have Live Music and Food Trucks during the day with the Fireworks starting at 9:00 pm!!

Saturday, September 14

New Britain Bees at the New Britain Stadium after the game.