All Weekend 

Monster Jam at the XL Center (Hartford County) 
The arena will be rocking as 1,500 huge trucks race and jump 30 feet into the air, squashing everything that gets in their way. You and your kids will be amazed at the largest touring family show in North America. The Pit Party that gives fans the opportunity to view the trucks up close and meet the drivers, will take place on Saturday, February 7 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $13.50 and up. Saturday and Sunday.

My Sky Exhibit at Stepping Stones (Fairfield County) 
Opening on Saturday, January 31, the incredible My Sky exhibit is about the universe, but it is also about each of us, and how the sky above impacts our lives here on Earth. My Sky, which was funded by NASA and created through a partnership between Boston Children’s Museum and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, invites children and adults to explore the Sun, the Moon, and the stars together in an immersive, inviting environment. The exhibit opens this weekend and runs through May. Included with Museum admission ($15 per person, free for children under 1).

Jumpfest Winter Festival in Salisbury (Litchfield County) 
Head to scenic Salisbury to enjoy ski jump competitions and winter activities all weekend long, from the human dogsled races on Friday to the Salisbury Invitational Competition for juniors on Saturday featuring 20 and 30 meter jumps to the Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships on Sunday where everyone will be aiming to beat the course record, an impressive 231-foot jump. Adults - $15, children 12 and under - free. 

Valentine's Day Cake Workshop at Lyman Orchards (Middlesex County) 
Dressed just like Lyman Orchard bakers, children will enjoy a fun and creative experience decorating special heart-shaped cakes for their favorite Valentines. All workshop supplies are provided, including frosting, colorful candies, and more! Pre-registration required. $15 per child. Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, February 7

Family Day at the Bellarmine: Daily Life in Ancient Greece (Fairfield County)
Learn about what daily life was like in Ancient Greece with a free and fun-filled day of hands on activities at the Bellarmine Museum on the grounds of Fairfield University. Free.  

XOXO Valentine (Fairfield County) 
All kids ages 5 and up are welcome at this drop-off workshop at the Darien Arts Center. Create Valentine themed-projects that you can take home to treasure or give as a gift. $30 per child.

Family Winter Survival at Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton (Hartford County) 
Would you know what to do if you got stuck outdoors in Winter and needed to survive? This seminar will prepare you in the event you have to spend a night outdoors. You'll learn how to build shelters and fires. Geared for children 9 and up. While you are out there, check out our Canton/Collinsville Neighborhood Guide for places to eat, shop and visit. It is a great area of CT to explore. $5 members, $7 non-members; $15 family members, $20 family non-members.

Washington Montessori's Puppetry Festival (Litchfield County) 
This 9th Annual Puppetry Festival season will be held over the first 3 Saturdays in February and begins this weekend with a 10:30 a.m. performance of “Rosalita and the Giant Bugs” by Charlotte Dore of Rosalita’s Puppets of Massachusetts. A show for all ages, “Rosalita and the Giant Bugs” is an original marionette show that references the classic stories of “Alice in Wonderland” and “Wizard of Oz.” After Rosalita shrinks down to the size of her garden bugs, she goes on a wild adventure in search of the dragon fly who will allow her to return to her normal size. Not a bad way to spend a winter morning! $8 per person, children under 2 - free. 

Sunday, February 8

The Lightning Thief at Westport Country Playhouse (Fairfield County)
Recommended for children in grades 2-8, this theatrical adaption of Rick Riordan's bestselling Percy Jackson series tells the story of the theft of Zeus’s master lightning bolt. The production uses puppets and imaginative sets to tell the story in a whole new way. Showtimes at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. $20 per person. 

Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating at Trumbull Nature and Arts Center (Fairfield County) 
Have fun decorating your own special Valentine's heart cookie! All supplies included. This event is free, but it is sponsored and run by the Trumbull Nature and Art Center Student Leadership Team and small donations are welcome. Pre-registration appreciated but not required. Free (donations welcome).  

Campfire Cooking at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (New London County) 
Join the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center for a beginner program on campfire cooking geared for children ages 8 and up! Learn the basics of fire building and cooking around, in, and on the campfire.  You’ll make a variety of delicious treats to enjoy! Pre-registration required. F$8.50 member / $10 non-member.

Lovely and Amazing Creatures at the Mattatuck Museum (New Haven County) 
Children ages 6-12 and their caregivers are invited to create lovely and amazing fluorescent Valentine’s Day cards as inspired by the neon work "Lovely and Amazing" by Erika Devries. Join a museum educator for a tour of the modern and contemporary collection and create a vibrant Valentine’s Day card using fluorescent paint and colorful note card papers. Free. 

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Have a wonderful weekend with your family!