Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend February 9-10: Valentines, Mardi Gras, Chinese New Year and Skiing

2/7/13 - By Pam Hegner

“When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.”  - Mitch Albom

Growing up, my mom always said to me that i'll never understand how much she loves me until I have a child of my own. I feel blessed to finally comprehend how my son has changed me forever. So while we often think of February 14 as being a romantic holiday, take some time to remind your children how much you adore them. There are many events to do this weekend, including our list of Valentine's Day Events in Fairfield County

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The Greenwich Historical Society hosts a Vintage Valentines event , where you can take a family-friendly tour of the Bush-Holley House and decorate your own special cards. Get decked out in your favorite princess or prince gear for Valentine's Day Kids' Korner at RJ Julia in Madison. Stories and crafts made with love will be the heart of this event for ages 4-8.  

If you have future chefs in the house, you might try signing them up for V-day Sweets and Treats for kids at Hunt Hill Farm in New Milford. They will be fully engaged in making confectionaries such as chocolate-dipped strawberries.  Creativity will also be on display at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield for cupcake/cookie and cake decorating workshops. Space is limited, so call ahead. Visit downtown Willimantic for the 9th Annual Chocolate Festival. A baking contest, chocolate chip cookie stroll and a two-mile Cupid Shuffle road race round out the fun. 

Head to downtown New Haven for Saturday's Chinese Arts Festival. A parade, dancing, music and art are just a sampling of the events ushering in the Year of the Snake.  We have also compiled a list of Chinese New Year Celebrations in Hartford County, so it is a wonderful opportunity to expose your children to some unique culture.

Fat Tuesday is February 12, and you can celebrate a little of The Big Easy in Bridgeport's BlackRock Rocks Mardi Gras this weekend. Enjoy New Orleans-style music, food, t-shirts, raffle tickets and more. Proceeds will provide music lessons to under-served children. 

We don't normally think of winter as being a good time for a boat ride, but your kids will love searching for seals and eagles on Winter Boat Cruises in CT

Vacation is upcoming for many school districts, why not spend a day visiting the Yale Peabody in New Haven? In our post you will find a list of great family restaurants to hit up after your museum outing.

Get some inspiration at the Jumpfest and Eastern US Ski Jumping Championships in Salisbury this weekend. Skilled jumpers show off their skills and there is plenty of family fun on hand including music and food.  Dress up like a Pirate and head to Cornwall's Mohawk Mountain Ski Area for Pirate Day. Find the booty hidden all over the mountain and win great prizes. If you have been hesitant to hit the slopes with little ones, we give you Tips For A Successful Ski Outing. The Danbury Ice Arena hosts the Chili Winter Warm-Up, where kids can skate, do fun activities and enjoy a chili contest and tasting.  

The Monster Truck Jam rolls through Hartford, and performing pets, jugglers and clowns highlight the world-famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater show in Storrs. The Magic Variety Show in Hamden will keep everyone laughing with comedy, music, effects and audience participation.  

Get a jump start on planning ahead by visiting our list of the Best Things to Do in Connecticut for February, a Top Ten list we've created to highlight some of the great things happening this month.  Our CT Winter Fun Guide is a terrific resource to keep kids entertained during the cold months. Our event calendar has event listings for every day of the week, so be sure to check it often. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Pinterest and Twitter for updates, giveaways and more.

Have a wonderful weekend with your loved ones!