Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend March 2-3: Maple Sugaring, Chinese Festival and Dr. Seuss

2/27/13 - By Christine

The warmer days and freezing night temperatures in late February and early March make for perfect maple sugaring conditions.  Over the past few years I've taken my family to many different farms in Connecticut to watch the process of tapping trees and turning sap into syrup.  While each place we've visited shares a different perspective on making syrup, one thing remains the same - my family's favorite part is always the tasting. Festivals throughout the state this weekend offer an opportunity for families to learn more about the sugaring process.

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The Stamford Museum and Nature Center hosts their popular Maple Sugaring Festival Weekend.  Watch how trees are tapped, make maple themed crafts, go on a scavenger hunt and on Saturday you can watch local chefs create dishes using maple syrup in the 4th Annual Maple Sugar Cook Off. Our CT Winter Fun Guide has an entire section on places to go enjoy maple sugaring too.

Hear Native American legends about maple syrup and learn how technology has changed the process of making it at Brooksvale Park in Hamden. Discover the differences between Colonial, Native American and modern syrup production and taste fresh maple syrup over ice cream at Ambler Farm's Open House in Wilton on Saturday.  Another option is to head to the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center for a maple bake sale, demonstrations and live animals. 

The Chinese Arts Festival helps to usher in the Year of the Snake this weekend.  The event kicks off with a lion dance procession through Downtown New Haven and includes hands on Chinese arts activities and cultural workshops.

Celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss with drop in crafts and stories at the Ridgefield Library on Saturday.  The Wilton Library offers drop in crafts and a special Storytime With The Cat In The Hat himself.  Pre-register for free Dr. Seuss stories, crafts and a snack at Kent Memorial Library.  At the Danbury mall children can bring their stuffed animals with them to Celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday at Build-A-Bear Workshop with free stories and fun.

It's Free Week at the White Memorial Nature Center.  Kids age 12 and under will receive free admission when accompanied by an adult.

On Sunday, kids skate free with each paid adult at the Veteran's Memorial Rink in West Hartford.

Summer camp registration is in full swing.  Read through our recent posts on camps in Litchfield and New Haven counties.  Our Summer Camp Guide is filled with information about different camps throughout the state to help you choose the right type of summer fun for your child. 

Wondering where a great family Ethiopian, Mexican or Rib restaurant in New Haven County might be? We've written a review of some fun options for you.

Check out our monthly Mommy Poppins GO CT List of the 10 best things to do this March in CT.

Check our events calendar often and like Mommy Poppins CT on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest to receive our updates.

Have a wonderful weekend with your family exploring all that Connecticut has to offer.