Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend January 26-27: Eagle Watches, Alpine Ski Jumping & Chocolate

A pleasant surprise of moving to central Connecticut from New York City was the amount of culture available in our state. You don't need to travel to Manhattan or Boston to enjoy a great musical performance or museum, and often time the prices and crowds are cut in half. Winter is a wonderful time to expose your children to these experiences, and with our List of Free Days at CT Museums it can be a very affordable day out.

The Connecticut Science Center in Hartford recently opened a new exhibit titled Identity: An Exhibition of You. Look at your fingerprints, examine how the brain functions and understand your personality in musical terms. The Science Center is a fantastic place for hands-on learning all ages will cherish.

Our CT Winter Fun Guide provides the most comprehensive look at the best indoor and outdoor activities to keep your family entertained. Skiing and skating is popular, but how about trying a new winter activity? Our post on Where to Ice Fish and Eagle Watch in Fairfield County will inspire you! The Audubon Shop in Madison starts the first of six Saturday Eagle Watches this weekend along the CT River. This adventure includes lunch, but please register ahead of time, as space is limited. 

Ski Sundown in New Hartford hosts their Winter Carnival on Sunday. Face painting, family games, helmet decorating, and cotton candy will be a part of this fun-filled day. The Alpine Ski Jump Weekend hits Satre Hill in Salisbury, where you can watch extreme downhill skiers from around the country. The festival also features a human dogsled race, ice carving competition, chili cook-off and live music. 

The CT Whale Hockey Team will be home for two games this weekend at the XL Center in Hartford. Kids will love the fast-moving action and the zamboni ; while parents enjoy dollar hot dogs and $2 beers during the first period on Friday vs Manchester. Saturday's game vs Springfield is Girl Scout Night. 

Groundhog Day isn't until February 2nd, but on Sunday a life-size groundhog known for unique costumes will be on display at the "Essex Ed" Parade. Fire trucks and vintage cars will also be part of the procession,  which runs from Essex Boat Works to the top of Main Street.

Valentine's Day is also around the corner, and to many that spells chocolate. Serious cocoa connoisseurs will want to visit the Martime Aquarium in Norwalk for the Chocolate World Expo Sunday. You can sample specialty and artisan  varieties from numerous vendors. If you are looking for a few Kit Kats and Hershey bars, this is not the place for you!  

Also on Sunday, the 11th Annual Chocolate to the Rescue comes to Water's Edge in Westbrook. Try delicious morsels from local restaurants, bakeries and chocolatiers; view judging by experts, vote on your favorite creation and bid on silent auction items. Proceeds benefit Columbus House's Middlesex Family Shelter, helping homeless children and families. 

Check back often to our Event Calendar as it gets updated daily! Like us on Facebook and follow Mommy Poppins CT on Twitter and Pinterest for the latest giveaways. For party planning check out our fabulous Party Guide!

Have a wonderful weekend!