Mostly Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT This Weekend, February 28-March 1: WinterFest, Rapunzel, Pancakes, Purim & More!

2/25/15 - By Pam Hegner

March blows in this weekend and it is a great month with St. Patrick's Day and March Madness. There are plenty of activities this weekend: maple sugaring, Rapunzel and Winterfest so start scheduling some family fun!

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Here are some suggestions for the weekend ahead! 

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"Rapunzel the Musical" at Downtown Cabaret Theater (Fairfield County) 
This Bridgeport theater is featuring the Brothers Grimm tale through the end of March. Everyone knows the story about the girl with the long, golden locks, but this performance puts a new twist on the story that everyone will love. Runs no longer than 80 minutes with a 10-minute intermission, so great for the little ones!
Saturday-Sunday through March 29. $23 and up. 

CT Home Show (Hartford County) 
Get inspiration for those spring and summer home improvement projects at the CT Convention Center in Hartford. Fun, hands-on exhibits and a ton of trusted vendors. We took my son to this and he loved looking at the different booths. Combine with a trip to the CT Science Center since it is next door. 
Friday-Sunday. $12 adults; kids - free. 

Lyman Orchards WinterFest (Middlesex County) 
Cabin fever be damned! Bring the entire family out to celebrate winter before spring gets here. Dress warmly, as most events are outside. Sing-a-long and meet and greet with Anna and Elsa from Frozen, face painting, crafts and story time, horse-drawn sleigh rides, great comfort food samples and for purchase, and much more! 
Saturday-Sunday. Free. 

Xanadu Jr. at the Milford Center for the Arts (New Haven County)
This hilarious, entertaining show is a knock off from the 1980 hit movie "Xanadu" starring Olivia Newton-John.  The music, disco balls, leg warmers and other 80's throwbacks will have you smiling the whole way! 
Saturday-Sunday. $10 per ticket. 

Saturday February 28 

Animal Tracking at CT Audubon Society (Fairfield County) 
This is a very cool way to learn about the animals who call Connecticut home. You will gain an understanding about animal tracks and how to differentiate various prints along the trails. 
Members - $10; non-members - $15.

Maple Sugaring and Pancake Breakfast at Indian Rock Nature Preserve (Hartford County) 
It is maple sugaring season in our great state and this is a fun event to see how syrup is made from taps to vats. You'll visit farm animals, take a hay ride and eat pancakes with the fresh-made syrup. 
Adults - $10; children - $5; under 2- free. 

Maple Sugaring Day at New Britain Youth Museum at Park (Hartford County)
Enjoy all the pancakes you can eat with real maple syrup. Enjoy guided walks through their maple grove to show how trees are tapped and the process for making maple syrup.
Adults - $8; kids 2-11 - 6; ages 2 and under - free

Chili Fest in Old Saybrook (Middlesex County) 
Stroll along historic Main Street in scenic Old Saybrook and join in the fun by sampling great chili. Over 25 chefs will compete this year for a chance to get a donation to the charity of their choice. Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund for local high school students. Rain, snow or shine, so come on down! 
$10 per ballot.

Cat in the Hat Ball (New London County) 
Celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday at Mitchell College in New London with this family-friendly event. Story time, crafts and games and music will keep everyone entertained. Enjoy pizza and cake to round out the party. 
Free with new children's book or $5 per family. 

Sunday, March 1

Dog Loves Books at Westport County Playhouse (Fairfield County) 
Based on a New York Times best seller, this musical about a book-loving canine is one you don't want to miss. Find out what happens when he opens his own bookstore! Geared towards ages 5-8.
$20 per ticket. 

Read Across America at Imagine Nation Museum (Hartford County) 
This is another event centered around Dr. Seuss's birthday at the interactive children's museum in Bristol. Special story time and games designed to encourage a love of reading.  Explore the museum too, then stay for lunch or ice cream at the old-fashioned soda fountain. 
$10 per person. 

Character Dance Party for Purim (New Haven County)
Come celebrate the festival of Purim at the JCC of Greater New Haven, commemorating the salvation of Jewish people in ancient Persia. Dress as your favorite princess or superhero, and play games, dance to the DJ and eat great food! You don't have to be Jewish or a member, so come check it out!
Members - $5; non-members - $7.  

For more ideas, don't forget to check our events calendar often!

Have a wonderful weekend!