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Take a peek at all the fun things to do with kids in Connecticut for April 2024! Photo by Andrew Shirey for the National Park Service
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Summer camps help kids learn new skills and make new friends
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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

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