Hartford holds winter wonderland event for kids to promote new educational app

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Hartford City Hall was turned into a winter wonderland for young kids on Wednesday evening.

The City of Hartford hosted the Spark and Glow event which included educational activities for kids and helped promote a new app called Sparkler.

The app aims to educate young kids through play. It also allows parents to understand and track their child’s development.

Kristina Baldwin, the director for the City of Hartford Department of Families, Children, Youth & Recreation said the app helps show gross motor, pro-social and communication skills to tailor the learning of a child.

More than 500 families have enrolled in the Sparkler app since July 2023, according to officials.

The app comes in English, Spanish and Chinese. It is available on iOS, Android phones and tablets.

“More than anything else we are showing our kids that learning is fun, learning is great and this is how you get involved,” Hartford Council President Shirley Surgeon said.