'Tis the season for holiday fun and more things to do in Connecticut this weekend. Kid's Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
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Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Valentines, Fire and Ice, Kids Fair

African drumming. Photo courtesy of Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
African drumming. Photo courtesy of Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
2/5/20 - By Donald Eng

Looking for some pre-Valentine's Day fun around Connecticut? Why not take the little ones for celebrate the Year of the Rat, do some pirate-themed skiing, or enjoy the annual Fire & Ice Festival in Putnam? If you'd prefer to stay indoors, there is the Connecticut Kids Fair in Hartford, and family Valentines events in Wilton, Avon, Watertown, Monroe, and Greenwich, among others.

To make sure that you don't miss any of the fun, subscribe to our weekly newsletters and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Read on for our highlights of events happening this weekend, and check our frequently updated daily event calendar for even more ideas.

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Meet the Yo Yo Guy at the Connecticut Kids Fair. Photo courtesy of Jenks Productions
Meet the Yo Yo Guy at the Connecticut Kids Fair. Photo courtesy of Jenks Productions

Things To Do All Weekend

94th Annual Jumpfest Winter Festival

Connecticut Kids Fair

Hartford
This event is filled with all kinds of fun activities for children and families. READ MORE

Sock Skating Rink

Hartford
Stay warm while participating in one of winter's greatest activities - skating. No skates necessary, just wear your coziest socks. READ MORE

Bald Eagle Viewing at Shepaug Dam

Southbury
The Shephaug eagle viewing site is open for another season. Specialists with telescopes will be available to help viewers spot eagles and other birds of prey. Please make reservations. READ MORE

Disney's Newsies

Westport
Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." READ MORE
Kids Coding for a Cause at Sacred Heart Greenwich. Photo courtesy of Random Hacks of Kindness
Kids Coding for a Cause at Sacred Heart Greenwich. Photo courtesy of Random Hacks of Kindness

Things To Do Saturday

Valentine’s Day Embroidery

Wilton
The Wilton Historical Society will offer an opportunity for kids to create their very own Valentine’s Day themed gift. During this program, participants will design and embroider their own ‘Valentines’ muslin pillows to give out to friends or family on the fourteenth.  Museum Educator Catherine Lipper will discuss Valentine’s Day and its historical significance, in addition to the uses of embroidery in Colonial Times.  At the end of the workshop, each participant will be given a heart-shaped sugar cookie to decorate and take home.  READ MORE

Kids Coding for A Cause

New Milford
Area boys and girls are invited to participate in a “hackathon” for social good on Saturday, February 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart in Greenwich. READ MORE

Pirate Day at Mohawk Mountain

Cornwall
A Mohawk Mountain tradition! Recover the pirate’s bootie from hiding places all over the mountain and receive great prizes. READ MORE

Fire & Ice Festival

Come and enjoy the wonderful demonstrations, performances, and experiences the Fire and Ice Festival has to offer. Be amazed by the Largest Single Ice Block Competition in the US. READ MORE

Cut It Out: The Local History and Practice of Ice Harvesting

Litchfield
In the olden days, ice harvested from Bantam Lake was used for refrigeration throughout the year. Ice cutting has a rich history in the region. Many of the tools of the trade will be on display during this program. The activity culmintates by making "cut ups" usig the same tools and methods.  READ MORE

Daddy & Me Donut Date

Avon
Join the Mimmo Cafe for a fun morning with dad or caregiver for a Valentine's inspired date. Eat crazy donuts; indulge in a milk bar; decorate ANR Cookies, and make a special valentine gift all in our valentine inspired studio for some special play with dad/caregiver. READ MORE

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Stamford
Join Mill River Park and Allegra Farm for an enchanting ride around the Park in a horse-drawn carriage! READ MORE

African Drumming Workshop at the Danbury Library

Danbury
Discover the rich culture, traditions, and folklore of West Africa through music, song, and dance during this hands-on, multi-generational drumming workshop. READ MORE

Romantic Willimantic Annual Chocolate Festival

Willimantic
Join the Willimantic community for the 18th annual Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Fest. Featuring fun activities, the Cupid Made Me Do It 2mi road race (starts at 10:00am with registration ending February 9, 2024 at 4:00pm), cake contest at Trigo (rules and info below), decorations galore, Bruce John Music, theater guild production, and treats at many downtown businesses and more. Fun for the whole family. READ MORE

Lunarfest

New Haven
Lunarfest is a celebration of the Lunar New Year and Chinese culture, offering arts and cultural programs for adults and children throughout the city of New Haven and at Yale. This year’s festival celebrates the Year of the Rabbit. The celebration kicks off at 10AM with a parade down Whitney Avenue starting at the corner of Whitney and Grove Streets, with thrilling performances by lion dancers and martial artists.  READ MORE
Valentine Crafting in Bristol. Photo courtesy of Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center
Valentine Crafting in Bristol. Photo courtesy of Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center

Things To Do Sunday

Valentine's Day Family Play Date

Greenwich
Bring your loved ones to Audubon for a fun-filled Valentine's Day Family Play Date!  Enjoy meeting live animals, nature-themed Valentine crafts, stories, live music, and more!   READ MORE

Mini Golf at The Ferguson Library

Stamford
Play golf in the library! Fun for the whole family. READ MORE

Catherine Violet Hubbard Sunday at the Sanctuary - Winter Wonders - Believe It or Not

Newtown
Explore the hidden wonders of winter and how creatures survive the coldest months. Enjoy a guided hike through the sanctuary in search of wildlife and wakening flora/fauna. READ MORE

Valentine Crafting in Bristol

Bristol
It's a day of fun Valentine crafting throughout the day. Children can make age-appropriate gifts for their parents or other special people in their lives. READ MORE

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

Valentine's Day Tea Party

Stratford
Bring your little Valentine to a Tea Party! Enjoy a variety of tea sandwiches, sweets and make a Valentine craft. READ MORE

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