Mostly Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT This Weekend, January 4-5: Princesses, Unicorns, and Polar Bears

1/1/14 - By Jacqueline Miller

I'm a resolution maker. And the one resolution I've made every year since becoming a parent is to find fun and new activities for my kids and myself that challenge us and help us learn, grow, and enjoy our time together. Mommy Poppins has been a terrific resource for me as a reader and a contributor, and I hope it does the same for you.

Our CT Winter Fun Guide is full of skiing, snow tubing, indoor play and more options for fun this Winter. Perfect timing since we are to get a dumping of snow over the next two days! Stay safe and don't drive unless you absolutely have to.

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Without further ado, here are our suggestions for making the first weekend of 2014 a memorable one! 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

All Weekend 

Disney on Ice Presents Princesses and Heroes (Fairfield County)
With the help of the magical pixie Tinker Bell, the Disney princesses embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Jasmine discovers a whole new world with Aladdin after meeting her unlikely hero in the marketplace. Prince Philip defeats the evil fire-breathing dragon Maleficent in a race to save his true love Aurora, Prince Eric breaks Ursula's spell so that Ariel can remain part of his world. Rapunzel, Tiana, Cinderella, Belle and Snow White also find happiness in this beautifully imagined ice show. Tickets start at $15. Thursday to Sunday.

A Billion Bricks: LEGO® T-Rex, Turtles & Trains! (Fairfield County)
“Billions” of bricks recreate the subterranean world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and a prehistoric park with T-Rex and velociraptors at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. Subways, trains, roller coasters, and mine trams will chug, spin, whirl and speed across a multi-level imaginary world built completely of LEGO® bricks. Peek into the new underground portals as subway cars whiz by before your eyes. Free with Free with museum admission. Through March 2.

Unicorn Stampede at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum (Eastern CT)
A stampede of glitter unicorns runs wild at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum this holiday season. Frolic in a fantasy world of magic brought to life by Manhattan artist Camomile Hixon who has installed 24 "life-size" unicorns, enhanced with 750 pounds of glitter. The glittered room of Unicorns will lend an unforgettable air of celebratory magic to this holiday season. $10 for adults. Children under 12 are free. Saturday and Sunday

Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival (Hartford County)
This Epiphany Festival is a processional celebration of the Christmas story and the arrival of the three kings. Set to live music, dance and drama, this Renaissance-period festival showcases the talents of more than 250 church members - singers, dancers, actors, costume designers, stage hands and more! The festival, a tradition for many Connecticut residents, is a spectacular way to complete the Christmas season. The five performances are in high demand and sell out quickly. Tickets start at $15. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Saturday, January 4

Home Depot Kids Workshop (throughout CT)
The first Saturday of every month, all Home Depot locations host a free workshop for kids ages 5-12. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All workshop participants get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin. The January workshop will kick off the new year with a fun desk calendar craft. Free.

Polar Bear Fair at Westmoor Park (Hartford County)  CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Head to Westmoor Park for winter fun for the entire family. Boot skating, hayrides, cake walk, games, marshmallow roast, polar bear mountain and more! Free admission. Tickets for specific games.

Snowflake Crafts at the Connecticut Historical Society (Hartford County)
Winter is officially here! Families can visit the hands-on exhibits at the Connecticut Historical Society and then make their own winter wonderland to take home. We will be creating snowflakes out of all different types of crafting supplies and a variety of materials. Free.

Sunday, January 5

Fun 'N Fit at the JCC (New Haven County)
Spend the day at the JCC! You can learn about program offerings, enjoy a character brunch with Spiderman, Iron Man, Snow White, and the Ninja Turtles, and enjoy storytime and giveaways. Karate, Zumba, dance, and other class demos! Facility tours, open swim, and free babysitting. Free for members and non-members.

Kids Skate Free at Veteran's Memorial Park (Hartford County)
From 7:00 to 8:00 pm, one child enjoys free admission to the rink at Veteran's Memorial Park with each paid adult admission. (Regular skate rental fees apply.)

First Sunday Gallery Talk at the Hill-Stead Museum (Hartford County)
This is the last chance to see the holiday decorations before they come down! The Pope family entertained many guests over the holidays with “tea, supper and games at cards,” live music, dances, and perhaps most importantly—good conversation. Join the Hill-Stead Museum and learn more about the invited guests, who played the custom-made Steinway piano, what games the Pope family enjoyed most, and much more! $12 adults, $10 seniors, $8 students, $5 children ages 6-12, free to members and children under age six.

Have a wonderful weekend!