The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine a spotlight on Crystal Young, founder of Kid Friendly New England, in our “Community Proud” series sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union.

Crystal is a mother of two, a dental hygienist, a content creator, and a lifelong New Englander with a passion for helping families discover meaningful experiences close to home. Through Kid Friendly New England, she shares family-friendly attractions, restaurants, events, weekend getaways, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems across all six New England states.

The idea for Kid Friendly New England came from Crystal’s own experience as a parent. After spending years searching for activities to enjoy with her family, she realized there was no single resource that made it easy to find family-friendly adventures throughout the region. She decided to create one.

What began as a passion project has grown into an active community of families looking for trusted ideas and inspiration. Crystal’s goal is to help families spend less time searching and more time making memories together.

Crystal began building Kid Friendly New England before the COVID-19 pandemic. When attractions temporarily closed, her family spent more time exploring local parks, beaches, and hiking trails. Those outings helped them reconnect, recharge, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty found throughout New England.

As businesses and attractions reopened, Crystal expanded her coverage. Today, her content combines outdoor exploration with visits to restaurants, hotels, events, and family destinations. She enjoys showing families that a scenic hike, memorable meal, and unique local experience can often be found within the same community.

Although her career as a content creator was unexpected, it brings together many of Crystal’s interests. As a dental hygienist, she has always been passionate about helping others improve their health and well-being. She is also creative, curious, and eager to take on projects that allow her to connect with people.

Social media has become an important part of her work, allowing her to tell stories through photos and videos while introducing families to places they may not otherwise discover. Her blog continues to serve as a planning resource for families, while her social media platforms provide timely ideas and a closer look at destinations throughout the region.

One of Crystal’s favorite parts of her work is partnering with small businesses and tourism organizations. She takes time to meet the people behind each destination and learn about the passion, effort, and personal stories that make it special.

That personal approach is also central to the trust Crystal has built with her followers. She recommends experiences that she and her family genuinely enjoy, believing that audiences can recognize authentic enthusiasm. Messages from families who visited a destination because of her recommendation are among the most rewarding parts of her work.

Whether someone discovers a new favorite restaurant, enjoys an unforgettable family outing, or creates a special memory because of something Crystal shared, those responses remind her why the work matters.

Crystal is also a member of the New England Creator Collective, a group of five female content creators who partner with businesses and tourism organizations throughout the region. The group uses authentic storytelling to help destinations connect with families, residents, and visitors. Crystal values the supportive creator community she has found, especially in an industry that is constantly changing and requires continued learning.

She credits fellow creator Jean Michael as a mentor and friend who welcomed her into the Mystic community, introduced her to others, and demonstrated the positive impact content creators can have on regional tourism.

While Crystal grew up in Rhode Island and now lives in Massachusetts, she considers herself a New Englander through and through. She spends much of her time traveling throughout the six states and discovering the qualities that make each one unique. She even appreciates New England winters, despite the complaints she often hears from those who would happily skip directly to spring.

Mystic remains one of Crystal and her family’s favorite destinations. They enjoy walking downtown, spending time along the waterfront, visiting local attractions, and trying new restaurants. Crystal appreciates Mystic’s welcoming atmosphere and the people who work hard to make the community memorable for families and visitors.

Her commitment to community also extends to charitable causes. Crystal has participated in the Izzy Foundation 5K in Rhode Island for four years, helping raise funds for children with cancer and their families. Running may not be her favorite activity, but the challenge is worthwhile when it supports a cause she believes in.

Crystal also participated in the Creators for a Cause: Red Blood Cell Rebels campaign, helping Autumn of CT Kids Passport raise money for Blood Cancer United. She partnered with Patio on Broadway in Providence to create content featuring a special fundraising drink, with proceeds benefiting the organization. The experience showed her how creators, businesses, and community members can work together to support an important mission.

When she is not working, Crystal enjoys exercising, hiking, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and sipping a margarita by the ocean. She is passionate about health, nature, flowers, quality food, and the sense of peace that comes from slowing down and being present.

Crystal is inspired by people who work hard, pursue progress, and create happiness for others. She is also willing to challenge herself, even when an experience involves heights or speed. Her fear of regret, she says, is stronger than either fear.

Being recognized through the Community Proud series is meaningful to Crystal both personally and professionally. She hopes the recognition introduces more families to Kid Friendly New England while encouraging them to visit and support the businesses, attractions, and communities that make the region special.

She also hopes to highlight the positive role content creators can play as storytellers. By sharing experiences with honesty, curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm, creators can connect people with places they may never have found on their own.

For Crystal, success is not measured only by views or followers. It is found in the family that discovers a new place, the small business that reaches a new customer, and the memories people make while exploring together. Through Kid Friendly New England, Crystal continues to remind families that memorable adventures may be closer than they think.