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Hold on tight, because summer festivals and fairs are gearing up for Connecticut families! Photo courtesy of Vernon's Annual Summer Carnival
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Urban Air.
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Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Read Across America, Purim, Maple Sugaring

Kids display their hamantaschen at the Zoo Purim Carnival in Stamford. Photo by Ally Noel
Kids display their hamantaschen at the Zoo Purim Carnival in Stamford. Photo by Ally Noel
2/26/20 - By Ally Noel

Thanks to Leap Day, we have a whole extra day of February to squeeze in all the fun to be had across Connecticut! This weekend is filled with an eclectic mix of outdoor fun, Read Across America Celebrations in Norwalk and New London, a Purim carnival, and even some Leap Day activities in Litchfield and Norwalk. But, any true Nutmegger knows there's a short period between winter and spring when a certain sticky and delicious substance flows through our trees. We are in the thick of Maple Sugar Season! Our calendar is filled with tons of maple sugar fun this weekend.

We update our Events Calendar frequently so be sure to check back for even more great suggestions. To keep up with the latest family-friendly events and activities, sign up for our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram. Have a fantastic weekend!

 

 

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Southbury is home to some regal eagles. Photo by Mark Yuknat/Connecticut Audubon Society
Southbury is home to some regal eagles. Photo by Mark Yuknat/Connecticut Audubon Society

Things To Do All Weekend

Lamothe's Maple Sugaring

Burlington
Come see how pure maple syrup is made the old-fashioned way at Lamothe's Sugar House. Demonstrations every Saturday and Sunday. READ MORE

Bald Eagle Viewing at Shepaug Dam

Southbury
The Shephaug eagle viewing site is open for another season. Specialists with telescopes will be available to help viewers spot eagles and other birds of prey. READ MORE

Tapping Day at Flanders Nature Center

Woodbury
It all begins when the temperature rises above freezing during the day and falls below freezing at night. These conditions trigger the sap to begin to flow up the tree. A healthy tree can produce a gallon of sap a day on a good day. It takes 40 gallons to make 1 gallon of syrup. No experience is needed for tapping and all ages and families are welcome to come to help out. Tree tapping day is all outdoors and very weather dependent. Those interested in taking part in tapping day should watch for further. Register ahead. READ MORE

Read Across America at the Maritime Aquarium

Norwalk
Children’s books focused on aquatic animals come to as The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk spreads out the fun of “Read Across America Day” into a three-day literary celebration with special activity stations and celebrity guest readers. READ MORE

Finding Neverland

Mashantucket
Never grow up when the Broadway hit Finding Neverland flies into Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. READ MORE

The Little Mermaid - CANCELED FROM MARCH 16 ON

Bridgeport
Take a journey under the sea with The Downtown Cabaret Theater as a plucky mermaid princess risks everything for a chance at a better life. This exciting new adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story asks what you’re willing to give up to get what you want? READ MORE
Have some fun at the Cat in the Hat Ball. Photo courtesy of Mitchell College
Have some fun at the Cat in the Hat Ball. Photo courtesy of Mitchell College

Things To Do Saturday

Ambler Farm Maple Syrup Open House

Wilton
Experience a New England tradition: turning sap into syrup! Kids and families will have an opportunity to tap a tree, take the maple syrup taste test, and more! This event is free and open to the public. READ MORE

Snowman Slime Event

Bethel
Join the Giggling Pig for a morning of snow fun. Participants will painting everyone's favorite snowman, Olaf. Additionally, you will make some snowy slime. READ MORE

Small Events for Small People

Madison
Join RJ Julia for a 40th Anniversary celebration of classic picture book "The Paper Bag Princess!" Read, draw, color, and dance at this unique story and activity time celebration! READ MORE

Cat in the Hat Ball

New London
Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday at the Cat in the Hat Ball with children’s games, crafts, music and story times. The event is open to the public and free with a donation of one new children’s book for local schools and early childcare centers or $5 per family.  READ MORE

Cabin Fever Festival

Mystic
Olde Mistick Village will celebrate its 17th Annual Cabin Fever Festival and Charity Chowder Cook-Off. Over a dozen local restaurants will serve up their signature chowder and YOU choose the winner! READ MORE

Old Saybrook Chili Fest

Old Saybrook
Who makes the best chili in Old Saybrook? Come downtown as 25-30 chefs will be competing for top honors along Main Street. Ballots are $10 and allow tasting of all chilis. READ MORE

Leap Day Fest at the SoNo Collection

Norwalk
Stop by the SoNo Collection to treat yourself to exciting deals or offers from participating retailers*, photo opportunities, live entertainment, surprises and more! READ MORE

Leap Year Luncheon and Winter Pursuits at Ongley Pond

Litchfield
Strap on your ice skates, pop your saucer or sled into the car, and come out to Ongley Pond for a couple of hours of winter enjoyment. Thermoses of corn chowder, home -made herb and onion bread, and some tasty bar cookies will be on hand to fortify your winter-loving self! READ MORE

Pinkalicious The Musical

New Haven
This musical is based on the best-selling children's book “Pinkalicious” by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann. In Pinkalicious The Musical, Pinkalicious can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. READ MORE
Family Day is happening at Yale University Art Gallery. Photo by Jessica Smolinski
Family Day is happening at Yale University Art Gallery. Photo by Jessica Smolinski

Things To Do Sunday

Purim Carnival at the J

Stamford
All are welcome to the Stamford JCC’s Annual Purim Carnival! Eat hamantaschen, play carnival games and activities, and more. Costumes are encouraged.  READ MORE

Family Gallery Tour

Greenwich
A Museum educator will lead an interactive, discussion-based tour of the Museum’s current exhibitions specifically for families. READ MORE

Seal-Spotting and Birding Cruises with the Maritime Aquarium

Norwalk
Cruise out with the Maritime Aquarium in hopes of spotting some of the seals that come into Long Island Sound each winter.  You'll seek out the seals to observe them near the Norwalk Islands as they “haul out” to rest on rocks exposed at low tide.  READ MORE

Family Hamantashen Bake

Stamford
Get into the holiday spirit with a Hamantash Bake fest! Put on your aprons, take out those rolling pins and bake some delicious Hamantashen. Learn the techniques and fill with jelly, chocolate, poppy seeds and more. READ MORE

One Love: The Music of Bob Marley For Kids

Fairfield
The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents One Love ft. Music of Bob Marley for Kids and More! This concert for kids and families shares the music of Bob Marley with a new generation of music lovers. READ MORE

Yale Art Gallery: Family Program, Stories and Art

New Haven
On the second Sunday of each month, Yale invites families to the art gallery for folktales, myths, and exciting stories from around the world that highlight unique features of objects in the collection and inspire children of all ages to view art in new ways. READ MORE

Marshmallow March

Shelton
Walk to the Youth Camp area to roast marshmallows over a campfire. Hike length will depend on the trail conditions. Children and leashed pets welcome. READ MORE

Greenwich Girls Math Festival

Greenwich
The Greenwich Girls Math Festival (K-12) is a place where girls of all ages can actively & joyfully engage with open and creative math. There will be manipulatives for tinkering plus more that 20 interactive stations. Stations are facilitated by local educators with music, snacks and goody bags.  READ MORE

Playtime at The Palace: Bossy Frog

Stamford
The Bossy Frog Band thrill young audiences with their 100% interactive, over-the-top, banjo-driven, costume-character-dancing musical performance. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Giggling Pig Bethel
Mitchell College, Clarke & Weller Centers
White Memorial Conservation Center
Nichodale Farm