Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend January 25-26: Ice Fishing, Winterfest & Chocolate Festivals

1/23/14 - By Pam Hegner

With the arrival of another polar vortex, you may not feel like leaving your house. If you have run out of ideas to keep the little ones busy, Mommy Poppins is here with WeeWork Kids Craft Series; Free Daily At-Home Projects . We hope these simple, free crafts and games will inspire some bonding time and help the days go by a little faster. You can subscribe and  get WeeWork delivered to your inbox

Once you feel like venturing out, we've got you covered with plenty to do. For starters, check out our CT Winter Fun Guide , Indoor Play Places for Big Kids in Hartford County, and guide to Winter Break Activities in Fairfield County

We continue to explore the state, bringing you the best recommendations of activities. Want to visit a new town? Consult our posts on 25 Things to Do and See with Kids in New Canaan and Simsbury. We also have neighborhood guides for West Hartford and Ridgefield. These towns are CT treasures and chock full of fun! 

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and you'll receive the weekend round up every Thursday. Follow us on Twitter and Pinterest to get updates on events, contests and free giveaways. Our event calendar is updated constantly with the latest happenings.

Here are some suggestions for this weekend. 

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All Weekend 

b-Cause Block Party at Stamford Museum & Nature Center (Fairfield County) 
This is an interactive LEGO and DUPLO bricks experience for all ages. They'll have group builds, free builds, arts and crafts, a LEGO store and more. Proceeds will benefit the b-Cause foundation, helping educate children with grants and services . 
Members - $5; Non-members - $10

Hartford Boat Show (Hartford County) 
If you are daydreaming about warm summer days out on the Sound, why not head to the Convention Center in Hartford for the Boat Show this weekend. The kids will love checking out the small and big vessels, exhibitions, demonstrations and more. There is a $2 off coupon on their website, and Thursday is Ladies Get in Free Day. 
Thursday-Sunday. Adults - $12, Children under 12 free with paid adult. 

Olympic Snacks and Football Foods Cooking Demos at Lyman Orchards (Middlesex County) 
With the Super Bowl coming up the first Sunday in February, and the Winter Olympics after that, you will likely either be hosting or attending sports-themed get togethers. Lyman Orchards helps your pre-game efforts with a weekend of cooking demos, free recipes, tastings, free samples and more. Get the kids involved and they will love helping you cook and plan for memorable gatherings.
Free. 

Saturday, January 25

Family Ice Fishing Derby in Coventry (Eastern CT) 
This is a perfect sport to help you and your family embrace winter! You'll receive hands-on help from certified instructors, and they provide the equipment and the bait. Fishing licenses required for ages 16 and over; ages 15 and under can win prizes! Warm up with hot cocoa and donuts in the lodge after you fish. 
Free. 

Winterfest at Earthplace in Westport (Fairfield County)
This nature discovery center is having a celebration to enjoy all the splendor of winter. Enjoy a brisk, walk in the woods, create your own ice sculpture, and tour the property in a horse-drawn sleigh ride. You might find out that you really love the season! All ages are welcome. 
Free. 

Children of Uganda Tour of Light in Wilton (Fairfield County)
This music and dance group made up of 22 children, is on an 8-week, 12-state tour. They'll stop at Middlebrook School in Wilton and share Ugandan culture through amazing rhythms and instruments. The songs of hope will inspire you to help their cause; orphans, women and children in need from their home country. Proceeds will help keep them fed, safe and gain access to education. 
Adults - $10; children - $5.

Cheney Railroad History Walk in Manchester (Hartford County) 
All ages will enjoy this walk along the old railroad built in 1869. Your tour guide will explain the history and show you old maps and photos. Kids will also receive a railroad favor. Shake off some cabin fever and enjoy some fresh winter air! There are no restrooms along the walk, so plan accordingly depending on the ages of your children. 
Free. 

National Puzzle Day at Children's Museum of Southeastern CT (New London County) 
National Puzzle Day is January 29, but the museum is celebrating it early. Come by and play with unique puzzles of all shapes, sizes, and varieties. You will even have the chance to create your own puzzle to bring home. 
$7 per person.

Sunday, January 26

Chocolate World Expo at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk (Fairfield County) 
Valentine's Day is coming soon, and to many that spells chocolate. Serious cocoa connoisseurs will want to check out this sweet event that includes admission to the aquarium. You can sample specialty and artisan varieties of chocolate from numerous vendors. If you are looking for a few Kit Kats and Hershey bars, this is not the place for you!  It will be more like a wine tasting experience, but with chocolate. Baked goods, fine foods, soap and bath products will also be for sale. 
Adults - $15; Kids (2-12) - $10.

Super Bell Handbell Concert in Wethersfield (Hartford County) 
The First Church of Wethersfield has made this concert a tradition for 22 years. Musicians of all ages will amaze you at the sounds and songs they can produce with just handbells! This popular event is open to the community and a reception will follow. Childcare is available for kids 8 and under. 
Free. 
 

Black History Month Celebration in Waterbury (New Haven County) 
The Mattatuck Museum is hosting the kick off to Black History Month, which is celebrated in February. Enjoy singing and dancing, and you can explore the galleries and art included in the price of admission. 
Adults - $7; children under 16 - free.

Chocolate to the Rescue in Westbrook (Middlesex County) 
Come visit Water's Edge in Westbrook; a scenic, waterfront resort for this charity event. You'll 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. 
$30 per person.

"Are You My Mother?" at the Kate in Old Saybrook (Middlesex County) 
Based on the popular picture book by P.D. Eastman, National Touring Theatre ArtsPower makes the book come alive in a musical. It runs 55 minutes, so it is good for the younger crowd. And if you don't know what "The Kate" is, it is the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in the heart of Old Saybrook. It is a lovely place to catch a show, and there are many cute local places to grab dinner afterwards. 
Adults - $16, Children under 12 - $10.

Have a wonderful weekend!