Best Spring Break Ideas for Families in New Milford, CT

Gilmore Girls Photoshoot Creator Tribe

Family-Friendly Spring Break IDEAS

Near New Milford, CT

gilmore girls photoshoot at River and Rail in New Milford CT

Spring break is the perfect time to take a break from routines and enjoy some quality time as a family. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, hands-on activities, or quick day trips, there are plenty of fun things to do near New Milford, CT. Here are some of the best ways to make the most of your spring break!

CT_teen_Photographer_Styled_shoot

1. Explore Harrybrooke Park

New Milford, CT
Harrybrooke Park is a local gem with scenic trails, a duck pond, and picnic areas. Kids will love running around, riding bikes and meeting the resident peacocks. 

📸 Why You’ll Love It: A peaceful place to enjoy nature without traveling far.

2. Visit The Beardsley Zoo

Bridgeport, CT (About 1 hour away)
Check out one of the special programs or just say hello to all the residents of the zoo. 

📸 Why You’ll Love It: A great day out for the whole family.

Senior Portrait of a girl on the rocky coast

3. Hike at White Memorial Conservation Center

Litchfield, CT
Spring is a great time to explore the trails at White Memorial Conservation Center. Their boardwalk through the wetlands is perfect for spotting birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Make an ice-cream stop at Aretusa Farm in Bantham.

📸 Why You’ll Love It: Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and lots of photo-worthy moments.

 

4. Visit Lake Compounce or Quassy

Central CT
If you love theme parks and roller coasters then look no further than Quassy and Lake Compounce for a fun day out.

📸 Why You’ll Love It: Rides, games and lots of fun.

NMHS Senior Portraits beach

5. Explore the home of Yale University

New Haven, CT
New Haven is a fantastic family destination that offers something for kids of all ages. Whether you’re exploring a museum, hiking East Rock, or devouring world-famous pizza, it’s a day your family won’t forget!

📸 Why You’ll Love It: A little something for everyone!

6. Spend the Day on Bank St

New Milford, CT 
Visit some of the shops and cafes on the New Milford green, check out the newly renovated library, get creative at the Village Center for the Arts, and catch a movie at the Bank Street Movie Theater – Tuesday is discount day!

📸 Why You’ll Love It: New Milford was one of the towns that was inspiration for Gilmore Girls

 

gilmore girls photoshoot bank street theater New Milford CT

7. Go Bowling & Arcade Gaming

New Milford or Danbury, CT
Spring weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always good to have indoor options! Head to places like New Milford Lanes Bowling in New Milford or Round 1 in Danbury for bowling, arcade games, and so much more.

📸 Why You’ll Love It: A great rainy-day activity that the whole family can enjoy.

 

8. Take a Day Trip to Mystic, CT

Mystic, CT (About 2 hours away)
For a fun family road trip, head to Mystic! Visit the Mystic Aquarium, where kids can see beluga whales and sea lions up close. Then, explore the historic Mystic Seaport Museum and grab a slice at the famous Mystic Pizza.

📸 Why You’ll Love It: A perfect mix of education, entertainment, and great food.

Planet Photo Blog post on senior portraits

9. Take a Day Trip to  Harkness Memorial State Park

Waterford, CT
For families who love to be by the water, you will love Harkness! The gardens and views are stunning, it is well worth a drive. 

📸 Why You’ll Love It: The gardens, grounds, picnic area, and waterfront are open all year round, 365 days a year.

 

10. Have a Family Movie or Game Night

Right at Home!
If you’re looking for a cozy and budget-friendly way to spend spring break, plan a themed family movie night or game night at home. Make popcorn, set up a blanket fort, and enjoy classic movies or fun board games together.

📸 Why You’ll Love It: A simple but special way to enjoy family time without leaving the house. If he weather cooperates – make it a picnic in your own backyard.


 

This spring break, don’t just make plans—make memories. A custom portrait session turns a fun family outing into something unforgettable.

When you treat your portrait session as a family outing, everything shifts. Kids have more fun. Parents feel less pressure. The laughter is real, and the love shines through every image. At Planet Photo, we help you plan every detail—from outfit styling to location scouting—so your portrait session feels like a gift, not a chore. And when the session ends, your family’s already in the perfect mindset to enjoy the rest of the day.

Dating profile photos – How to get good ones

Dating profile photos

Top 10 tips for dating profile pics that get you noticed

Your dating profile photo is your first impression, and you only have a second to grab someone’s attention. A great photo should highlight your personality, confidence, and warmth—without feeling forced or overly staged.

1. Keep It Authentic

People connect with realness. Ditch the heavy filters and overly staged photos—your profile picture should look like you on a good day, not a completely different person. Choose a photo that captures your true personality, whether that’s fun, adventurous, or laid-back.

2. Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Confident

What you wear says a lot about you, so choose outfits that make you feel great!
✅ Stick to solid colors—reds, blues, and neutrals look great on camera.
✅ Pick well-fitted clothing—nothing too baggy or too tight.
✅ Avoid distracting logos or loud patterns that pull focus away from your face.
✅ Add a personal touch—a cool jacket, a stylish accessory, or a favorite hat can help show off your personality.

3. Use Flattering Light

Good lighting is key to a great photo. Natural light (like morning or late afternoon sunshine) is the most flattering. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or dimly lit rooms, which can cast unflattering shadows. If you’re indoors, face a window for the best glow!

4. Choose the Right Poses

You don’t have to be a model to get a flattering shot. Try these simple, natural poses:
📷 The Confident Lean – Slightly tilt toward the camera for an engaging look.
📷 Relaxed Smiling – Think of something funny or a happy memory for a genuine smile.
📷 Candid Movement – Walking, adjusting your jacket, or laughing naturally makes a great shot.

 

5.  Show a Variety of Photos

Dating profiles with multiple types of photos get more matches! Try including:
A great headshot – Your main profile pic should clearly show your face.
A relaxed, friendly smile – Something approachable and warm.
A lifestyle shot – You doing something you love (hiking, playing music, traveling).
A polished “date night” look – Show you can clean up nicely, too!

6. Prep for Your Photo Shoot

✨ Get a haircut or trim a few days before.
✨ Stay hydrated and get good sleep—your skin will look its best!
✨ Bring a lip balm and powder to reduce shine.
✨ If you wear makeup, keep it natural and polished—enhance, don’t mask. I usually recommend a make up artist. 

7. Make Eye Contact with the Camera

A great dating profile picture creates connection. Looking directly at the camera makes you seem more confident, approachable, and engaging. It’s like making eye contact in real life—it draws people in!

8. Get a Professional Photo (That Still Feels Like You!)

Professional photos aren’t about looking overly polished or stiff—they’re about capturing the best version of you. A photographer (like me!) can help you:
✔ Find your best angles
✔ Use natural, flattering light
✔ Capture genuine expressions without awkward posing

9. Avoid These Common Mistakes

🚫 The Computer Webcam Shot – A low-angle photo from your desktop is usually unflattering and bad quality. Use a phone or professional camera instead.
🚫 The Sunglasses Overload – One cool sunglasses pic? Fine. Every photo hiding your face? Not so much.

🚫 The Cropped Ex Photo – If your photo has a mysterious arm or partial face next to you, it’s obvious you cropped someone out. Take a fresh picture instead!

🚫 Too Many Group Shots – If it’s hard to tell who you are, your match might just keep scrolling.

🚫 Bathroom Selfies!

10. Have Fun With It

If you’re relaxed and having fun, it shows in your photos. Play around with different expressions, laugh, and enjoy the moment—people are drawn to confidence and positive energy. 

 

Want dating profile photos that help you stand out? I specialize in creating portraits that feel natural, confident, and authentically YOU

Let’s capture the perfect shots to help you make the best first impression.