Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend August 10-11: Jazz, Jewish and Italian Festivals, Water Ski Show

8/7/13 - By Pam Hegner

The world-renowned Litchfield Jazz Festival highlights the weekend slate, and Mommy Poppins CT is proud to be involved! We are sponsoring the Kids Zone at this year's Litchfield Jazz Festival in Goshen on Saturday and Sunday. There will be a mural artist, magician, hoop dancers, stilt walkers and a circus act. Lots of interactive things for the kids to do as well. Come out and join us! Kids 12 and under are free.

Our suggestions on things to do this weekend are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our guides to CT Beaches and Water Fun, Swimming Holes in Hartford CountyCT Day Trips and Indoor Play Guide. Our CT Go List of activities is a monthly round up to help you plan ahead for the remainder of August. 

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All Weekend

46th Annual Sharon Audubon Festival (Litchfield County)
This event is a fantastic way for all ages to learn about nature and the environment. Walks, programs, children's activities, and a nature art show. There will be live animal demonstrations, including falconry and a visit from Atka the Wolf. Learn how to identify trees and birds, and the behaviors of honey bees. Music, vendors and food also on hand. $5 per person or $20 per car. 

Water Ski Show at Bantam Lake (Litchfield County)
Sandy Beach is the place to see exciting water skiing jumps, pyramids, barefoot skiing, costumes and much more. For $10 the entire carload gains entry. 

Holy Rosary's 46th Annual Italian Festival in Ansonia (New Haven County)
Join Holy Rosary Parish for a celebration of Italian Heritage. Enjoy live music and freshly prepared homemade food. All the favorites such as lasagna, pizza, sausage and peppers, fried ravioli, zeppoles and other delicacies. Children will enjoy the rides, games and more. Win cash prizes at the raffle. Free admission and parking. 

Big Children's Consignment Sale in Madison (New Haven County)
School is just a few weeks away, so get a jump on back-to-school shopping with this enormous event. Shoes, clothes, snow bibs, toys, sporting equipment and much more. On Sunday, everything is 50% off, and all unsold merchandise will be donated to local charities.  

Mystic Outdoor Art Festival (New London County)
This is the 56th year of the festival, and it stretches for two miles. Artists from all over the United States will be represented. Young ones will love the Children's Art Park where they can create some of their own. Face painting, bubbles, hula hoops, bean bag toss and other activities will keep everyone entertained. If you haven't strolled the streets of scenic downtown Mystic, this is the perfect excuse! It is quintessential New England and something the entire family will love. 

Saturday, August 10th

Accessability Day at Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk (Fairfield County)
The museum offers free admission to families of children with special needs on the second Saturday of the month. From 9am-11am, families can enjoy the exhibits and meet others in a safe, comfortable environment. No registration is needed for this "Open Arms" initiative, that provides access through free programs, financial aid and opportunities for those with special needs. 

Riverfront Summer Pops in East Hartford (Hartford County)
Bring your lawn chair or blanket, a picnic dinner and enjoy the sounds of the Middletown Symphonic Band at the riverfront. This free show features music from popular shows and movies. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. 

Kids Cruise in East Haddam (Middlesex County)
Sail down the Connecticut River from Eagle Landing State Park and take in the beauty. Children will learn how to use binoculars and see birds, landmarks and other points of interest. No registration needed. Kids ages 2-12 are $5 and 12 and up are $15. 

Sunday, August 11th

Celebration Sundays in Westport (Fairfield County)
Jessup Green is the site of a rockin' night with the party band "Celebration." The group is made up of nine performers who will have you dancing all night long with a focus on 70's hits. This is a free performance.

Power of Peace Family Festival at Bushnell Park (Hartford County)
The goal of the event is to spread awareness of causes such as Walk for Autism, Newtown Kindness, POW/MIA, Anti Bullying, Cystic Fibrosis and many more. Admission is free with a suggested donation of a hygiene product for homeless veterans. There will be live music, a butterfly release, face painting, arts and crafts, animal demonstrations and more. Wear your best hippie clothes, but keep it non-political please. 

Shoreline Jewish Festival in Guilford (New Haven County)
Chabad of the Shoreline is hosting the 8th annual festival. Live music from 12pm-5pm includes Yiddish and Israeli folk, rap, jazz, acoustic and more. Kids can play on inflatable slides, an obstacle course and create arts and crafts. Kosher fair food, crafts and other vendor items will be available for purchase. 

Be sure to Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for updated information throughout the week.  You can also check out our Pinterest boards to get some great summer ideas.  And as always, visit our events calendar where you will find fun things to do every day. If you enjoy Mommy Poppins CT, please tell your friends and local businesses about us!

Have a wonderful weekend!