Mostly Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT This Weekend, February 21-22: Puppets, Hikes, and the Lunar New Year

2/18/15 - By Jacqueline Miller

We've been on break from school this week, and even with a parenting arsenal full of weekday events, winter break camps, and pottery painting locations, I know we're going to need a plan to get through the weekend.

Fortunately, there's no shortage of activities going on across the state from puppetry festivals to nature hikes to letterboxing. If you're looking for a weekend getaway, check out our Guide to Vermont Ski Resorts or, if you want to stay closer to home, our Ski and Snow Sports Guide. This weekend is the start of the Lunar New Year. You can find fun ways to celebrate on our Chinese New Year pinterest board. 

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Here are some suggestions for fun this weekend. 

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Winter Farm Letterboxing (Fairfield County) 
Get rid of the winter blues by participating in this letterboxing challenge on the grounds of the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. Visit some favorite places and animals on Heckscher Farm while searching for hidden letterboxes using the provided clues. (Pick up information guide at the Stamford Museum Building.) Through February 28. Included with gate admission ($10 for adults; $5 for children).

CT Flower and Garden Show (Hartford County) 
If you need a winter escape without getting on a plane, head down to the CT Convention Center in Hartford this weekend. You'll be surrounded by three acres of flowers and landscaping to boost your mood and get you ready for spring. Price of admission includes all seminars, such as landscaping, composting, kids' seed planting, floral arranging and many more. Thursday-Sunday. $16 for adults; $4 for children.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Hartford County) 
The New Britain Youth Theater teen company performs a musical adaptation of one of the best loved stories in American literature, in which young Tom Sawyer gets himself into never-ending mischief with best friend Huck Finn. This is thrilling and inspirational musical comedy at the Carriage House Theatre in Hartford will delight the whole family. Friday-Sunday. $15 for adults; $13 for children.

Saturday, February 21

Winter Wonderland Children's Ball at Stepping Stones (Fairfield County) 
Stepping Stones transforms into a snow-kissed wonderland to welcome little princes and princesses for a magical evening. Dress up in your finest, learn how to swing dance, and enjoy “cool” activities including "Ice Cube Fishing," a fun science project, and of course the hallmark "Paparazzi" walk down the purple carpet. Early-bird registration (through February 19): $10 for members; $15 for non-members. Regular registration: $12 for members; $17 for non-members.

Washington Montessori Puppetry Festival (Litchfield County)
The final installment of the Puppetry Festival features Brad Shur of Puppet Showplace Theater's rollicking retelling of the classic tale of “Robin Hood.” When the Sheriff of Nottingham begins demolishing woodland homes as part of a grand castle-expansion scheme, the starry-eyed Robin sees his chance to fight back and fulfill his dream of becoming a hero. $8 per ticket.

Guided Hike at Meigs Point Nature Center (New Haven County)
Come out to Meigs Point at Hammonasset State Park in Madison for this Guided Nature and Archeology Hike. Hikers should meet at the Meigs Point Nature Center at 12:45 pm. The walk will be led by Gary Nolf and Don Rankin. With luck, you can spot some seals sunning themselves on the rocks off Meigs Point. Exhibits of archeological finds from the Madison area will be on display in the Nature Center. Light refreshments will be served. Free. 

Lunarfest (New Haven County)
Lunarfest, a day-long event celebrating the Year of the Ram kicks off at 10:00 am with a lion dance on Whitney Avenue between Grove Street and Trumbull Street. At noon, a variety of arts, cultural, and culinary activities will be offered at Henry R. Luce Hall at Yale University, the New Haven Museum, and the Yale-China Association. All events are open to the public. Free.

Sunday, February 22

Footprints: Animal Tracking at the Goodwin Conservation Center (Windham County) 
Naturalist Emma Lorusso will introduce families to the basics of animal tracking. Look at areas that have been baited and see what types of animals are walking around Goodwin when you’re not around! Pre-registration is requested. Free.

Baby Grand Jazz Series (Hartford County) 
The Hartford Public Library hosts free jazz performances in their atrium on Sunday afternoons. This free, family series is a wonderful way to introduce your children to a new musical genre they may not have heard before. This week you'll enjoy the sounds of the Mihoko Trio, featuring Mihoko, a jazz piano performer, composer, and educator whose music has been inspired by many of jazz giants, especially Art Tatum, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Herbie Hancock, and Mulgrew Miller. Free. 

Aux Delices Kids Cooking Class (Fairfield County) 
Do you have a junior chef in your kitchen? Check out the kids cooking classes at the Aux Delices professional kitchen in Stamford. This week, older kids will be learning to make dinner: Wonton Soup, Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauce, Stir Fried Beef over Fried Rice, and Aux Delices Chocolate Cake. $65 per child. Ages 13 and up. 

For more activities, don't forget to check our events calendar daily.

Have a wonderful weekend with your family!