The Nai-Ni Chen Dance company celebrates Lunar New Year in a Jersey City performance this weekend. Photo courtesy of the dance company
Santa Sightings and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend
Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue
Pictures with Santa in New Jersey
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in New Jersey
Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids
Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
Turtle Back Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns for 2024: What to Know Before You Go
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey
'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey December 2024 with Kids
Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering for Kids and Families in New Jersey
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ
Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Free Fun Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 20 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Boonton's
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Maple Sugaring, Cuddly Animals, Special Olympics

Maple sugaring events are on tap across the state. Photo courtesy of Flanders Nature Center
Maple sugaring events are on tap across the state. Photo courtesy of Flanders Nature Center
2/19/20 - By Donald Eng

It's mid-February, and that means the time is just about perfect for making maple syrup! This traditional sweet requires only maple tree sap, cold nights, and lots of firewood. And you can see it made before your eyes during demonstrations this weekend in Greenwich, Woodbury, and Burlington. If you're looking for even cozier outdoor fun, try cuddling some animal friends. Finally, for those who love the thrill of competition—and want to expose kids to some seriously inspiring athletes—the Connecticut Special Olympics Winter Games are happening this weekend at numerous sites across the state.

Don't forget to check out our February GoList and Winter Fun Guide for even more inspiration. To keep up with the latest family-friendly events and activities, sign up for our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram. Have a fantastic weekend!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Speed skating is one discipline on show at the Connecticut Special Olympics. Photo by Dan Burns
Speed skating is one discipline on show at the Connecticut Special Olympics. Photo by Dan Burns

All Weekend

Lamothe's Maple Sugaring

Burlington
Come see how pure maple syrup is made the old-fashioned way at Lamothe's Sugar House. Demonstrations every Saturday and Sunday. READ MORE

Connecticut Flower and Garden Show

Hartford
Explore over 300 booths full of flowers, fresh plants, bulbs, seeds, gardening supplies, books, and much more. READ MORE

Outdoor Skating in Middletown - CANCELED

Middletown
Middletown's ice skating rink is open for the season. Skating is weekends from 11am to 3pm and continues until spring. Special evening skates with themes the last Saturday of each month. READ MORE

Tapping Day at Flanders Nature Center

Woodbury
It all begins when the temperature rises above freezing during the day and falls below freezing at night. These conditions trigger the sap to begin to flow up the tree. A healthy tree can produce a gallon of sap a day on a good day. It takes 40 gallons to make 1 gallon of syrup. READ MORE

Special Olympics Winter Games

Middlefield
Powder Ridge is proud to host Special Olympics Connecticut 2023 Winter Games. Come cheer on the athletes of all abilities from across the state. Events are free and open to the public. Spectators are encouraged to attend. READ MORE

Norfolk Winter Weekend

Norfolk
Two days of fun and events designed to show the winter beauty of Norfolk. Events include hiking and biking, outdoor photography, skating, curling demonstrations, maple sugaring, live music, and more. READ MORE
Meet some cute woodland critters at Animal Meet & Greet. Photo courtesy of Darien Nature Center
Meet some cute woodland critters at Animal Meet & Greet. Photo courtesy of Darien Nature Center

Saturday

Animal Meet & Greet- CANCELED

Darien
Get up close and personal with some of the creatures at the Darien Nature Center with Victoria Heyne. After the meet and greet she will lead a 45-minute guided walk through the trails at the Nature Center. You’ll learn to identify trees and signs of winter wildlife while enjoying fresh air. Suitable for all ages! READ MORE

Maple Sugar Days

Greenwich
Come enjoy the sweet taste of spring at the annual Maple Sugar Day. The tradition of tapping maple trees for sap dates back to the indigenous people of the Northeast and was adopted by incoming European colonists. Join us for a Maple Sugar Day at the Mueller Preserve to learn all about how the sweet stuff transforms from sap to syrup. READ MORE

Becoming Westport -CANCELED

Westport
Becoming Westport explores all aspects of the archetypes of those who collectively built the town including The Farmer, The Laborer, The Cleric, The Merchant, The Revolutionary, The Entrepreneur, The Artist and The Performer. READ MORE

New Plays Festival

Middletown
Oddfellows Playhouse presents the New Plays Festival, Saturday, Feb. 22. Three young playwrights have been working with nationally-produced playwright Kristen Palmer this winter, develpoing new work for the stage. READ MORE

Hat Madness

New Canaan
The New Canaan Historical Society opens up its extensive clothing and textile collection to explore the history of hats, hat design, and hat-making. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland Workshops

New Canaan
Bring the kids along for Weed & Duryea's Winter Wonderland Workshops! Weekend activities for children of all ages. READ MORE

Open Art Studio for Kids at Grace Farms

New Canaan
Think, play, and create every Saturday at Grace Farms! Children and their adult caregivers are invited to spend time together experimenting with new materials and techniques. READ MORE
Family Festivities Series gets kids into the act. Photo courtesy of Westport Country Playhouse
Family Festivities Series gets kids into the act. Photo courtesy of Westport Country Playhouse

Sunday

Winter Sunday Explorers

Stamford
This popular Sunday drop-in program lets guests meet the animals at Heckscher Farm, try a scavenger hunt on the trails, see Sadie and Bert the North American River Otters get their lunch, or help to feed some animals in Heckscher WILD! READ MORE

Washington-Gunnery Family Skate

Washington
The Gunnery’s Linen Rink opens its doors for family skate. Proceeds help to support the Bunker Burr Scholarship Fund which provides tuition and equipment purchase assistance to children and families wishing to get involved in ice skating or the great game of ice hockey. READ MORE

Winter Tree ID Hike

Canton
Winter trees aren't bare at all. Look closely and you can see buds, twigs, and other new life to give clues about what kind of tree it is. READ MORE

Family Festivities Series at Westport Country Playhouse- CANCELED

Westport
2020 Family Festivities Series features Judy Moody & Stink on January 12, Charlotte's Web on February 23rd, and The Pout-Pout Fish on March 15. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: