Mostly Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT This Weekend, November 22-23: Enchanted Forest, Thanksgiving Prep, and a Holiday Parade

11/20/14 - By Jacqueline Miller

Brrrr! The winter chill has arrived. If you're looking for activities to keep the little ones occupied indoors, check out our Thanksgiving Kids Craft: Acorn Napkin Rings, which will entertain them and provide a little personality to your holiday table.

Have you sorted out your Thanksgiving plans? Be sure to peek at at our guide to Thanksgiving Break Activities in Hartford County, which has fabulous suggestions for Turkey Day and beyond, as well as our guides to Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving Day Races and (for after you've worked up an appetite) Where to Buy Local, Farm Fresh Turkeys. If the dinner specialty of your house is reservations, we have some terrific suggestions for a stress-free holiday meal in the form of Thanksgiving Day: Dinner Out Anyone? If you're traveling, don't miss our guide to Great Family Pit Stops Along the Merritt Parkway.

Our Holiday Fun Guide, November CT Go List, and events calendar are up-to-date resources that will help with all your holiday planning for the coming week and beyond. Without further ado, here are our suggestions for maximum fun this weekend! 

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All Weekend 

Festival of Lighthouses at the Maritime Aquarium—Fairfield County
This weekend marks the kick off of the “Festival of Lighthouses,” which features 22 large model lighthouses, all made by local artists, students and hobbyists. Aquarium visitors can enjoy the lighthouses, which will be set up throughout the aquarium galleries, and then vote for their favorite. Free with aquarium admission ($19.95 for adults, $17.95 for youths (13-17) & seniors (65+), and $12.95 for children ages 3-12.)

Enchanted Forest—Fairfield County
Hosted by the Junior League of Greenwich at the Hyatt Regency, the Enchanted Forest is a holiday celebration that features beautifully decorated trees and gingerbread houses, over 50 vendors, Gingerbread workshops, Breakfast with Santa, a Children's Afternoon tea event, complimentary family entertainment by a host of local acts, choral groups and dance companies, and Holiday Playland. $10 adults; $5 for kids (additional tickets required for the Breakfast with Santa and the afternoon tea.)

Fantasy of LightsNew Haven County
A holiday tradition for thousands of families from all over Connecticut and New England, the Fantasy of Lights begins for the 2014 season on Friday night. This bright and colorful light display is a mile-long route in Lighthouse Point Park. $10 per car.

Holiday Train Show at CT River Museum—Middlesex County
The annual Holiday Train Show is a family-friendly exhibit that features more trains, scenery, and lots of surprises to be found in the fully operational 26-foot model train layout. Visitors are challenged to complete the I SPY Scavenger Hunt of various objects hidden within the settings while the smaller visitor set can get hands-on at an American Flyer and Lionel Train layout designed for toddler-size viewing. Free with admission ($8 adults; $5 children 6-12; free for children under 6).

Saturday, November 22

Family Volunteer Day at Imagine Nation—Hartford County
Celebrate National Family Volunteer Day where children and families are invited to work on projects including special Thanksgiving Crafts like making colorful Thanksgiving placemats for patients at Bristol Hospital, nursing homes, and shelters in the community. Families who participate receive free admission to the museum. Free.

Kids' Carnival at the Carousel Museum—Hartford County
The Carousel Museum in Bristol will be transformed into a full-fledged carnival with something for everybody. Carousel rides, carnival games, magic shows, face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, vendors, food, and music are just some of the planned fun. Free for children; $6 for adults.

Hot Coco 5K and Kids Fun Run in Cheshire—New Haven County
If none of the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots fit your schedule, check out this 5K and Fun Run in support of Abilities Without Boundaries, a non-profit organization that provides employment and social experiences for people with developmental disabilities. All runners receive t-shirts and all kids will receive a finisher's ribbon. $30 for adults; $10 for kids.

Balloon Inflation Party—Fairfield County
If you can't wait for the UBS Parade Spectacular on Sunday, head over to the corner of Hoyt and Summer between 3 and 6 pm on Saturday to get a backstage look at the balloons as they come to life. Music, parade talent and costumed characters will greet and delight spectators. Free.

Sunday, November 23

UBS Parade Spectacular—Fairfield County
This year Abby Cadabby will make her debuts in this fabulous family parade in downtown Stamford led by Grand Marshall Dannel Malloy. Award winning marching bands will add pizzazz to the day, as will the Xpogo stunt team. The parade kicks off at noon. Free.

Thanksgiving Crafts at Wilton Library—Fairfield County
Children of all ages are invited to stop by WIlton Library and make a Thanksgiving craft to take home. Create Turkey centerpieces, coloring sheets and placemats for Thanksgiving finner. Caregivers should accompany children under 8 years old and should remain in the building for children 8 years and older. Free.

Holiday Craft Fair at Roaring Brook Nature Center—Hartford County
Start your holiday shopping with nature-related gifts for all ages. Handmade crafts include candles, pottery, jewelry, soaps and many other items made by local artisans. There is no charge to visit the Nature Center or attend the fair on this date. Free.

 

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Have a wonderful weekend!