2011 Thanksgiving Events in Connecticut (Hartford County)

11/14/11 - By Tania Pesce

Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner and as you prepare for the grand feast with your family there are also many events to help celebrate. With a list of craft events, physical activities and ways to give back in Hartford County you’ll be able to find something to keep the kids busy during the holiday break. Many of the events are free so while you're still entertaining your child you can save some cash for the upcoming holiday shopping season!

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1. Story Times & Crafts Why not commemorate the holiday season with a special story time event? Take your young ones to enjoy a selection of Thanksgiving themed tales at Barnes & Noble in Buckland Hills Mall and participate in a fun craft to follow.

Buckland Hills Mall 270 Buckland Hills Dr. Suite 1024 Manchester, CT 06040 Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 11am FREE

To enjoy another fun story and craft session head over to the Cheshire library where you and your child can enjoy a Thanksgiving themed event for children ages 4 and up.

Cheshire Public Library 104 Main St. Cheshire, CT Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 3:30 pm FREE. Registration required.

For a laugh-filled program go watch “No Turkey for Perky” presented by the staff at The Children’s Dinner Theater. After the show you and your kids can enjoy stories and pizza!

Plainville Public Library 56 East Main St. Plainville, CT 06062 Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 6:30pm FREE. Registration required.

If you still haven’t gotten enough crafting in yet Michaels Craft Stores is having a special event where your child ages 3 and up can make a Thanksgiving tree detailing what they are most thankful for. Find a store near you to participate in this free event on Sunday November 20, 2011 from 1-3pm.

2. Physical Activity For the child who is interested in physical activity you can attend the Thanksgiving Throwdown Brazilian Jui Jitsu event at Hartford Marriot in Farmington. Your martial arts enthusiast can opt to participate or just be a spectator of the tournament. A fun filled event for the older child sure to get your heart pumping.

Hartford Marriot Farmington, CT November 17, 2011 $10 (Children under 48” Free)

Thanksgiving morning you can gather up the kids and cheer on the runners at the Manchester Road Race. With various spots to watch from be sure to get there early for the best viewing angle, before the race begins at 10 am. With some runners coming in costume, several bands playing music, and a range of food and beverages being offered by street vendors and retail establishments it will be a fun event for the entire family.

Manchester Community College 60 Bidwell St. Manchester, CT

3. Helping Others Help to show your child the true meaning behind this holiday and what being “thankful” and “giving” is really about. Spend the day volunteering at a local soup kitchen that offers a special Thanksgiving dinner. The House of Bread a soup kitchen that is located in Hartford serves 300-400 meals a day and volunteers are vital in the continuation of its operation. To find out more information about how you can lend your time contact Sebastian (860) 278-3561.

The House of Bread 1453 Main St. Hartford, CT 06120

Another soup kitchen, Foodshare, located in Bloomfield is currently accepting volunteers and/or donations for their Turkey and a Twenty Campaign. This is a great way to teach your child about giving back to the community and helping others who are in need.

Foodshare 450 Woodland Ave Bloomfield, CT 06002 860-286-9999

Happy Holidays!