All Weekend

Disney on Ice at the XL Center (Hartford County) 
The Princesses and Heroes show makes its way to Hartford for five days of shows. The kids will go crazy over their favorite characters including Tinker Bell, Jasmine & Aladdin, Snow White, Aurora, Cinderella and more.
$18 and up.

Annie Jr. at the Hoffman Auditorium (Hartford County)
Everybody's favorite little orphan and her story of triumph comes to life on the campus of University of St. Joseph in West Hartford. Connecticut Family Theater presents an adaptation of the musical loved by millions around the world. There will be four shows over the three days.
$10 before January 4th; $12 thereafter.

"Peter and the Wolf" by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra (New Haven County) and (Fairfield County)
The New Haven Symphony Orchestra brings this classic tale to life in an hour-long program that all ages will enjoy. Saturday's show will be in New Haven at the Davis Street Arts and Academics School, and Sunday's performance is at Shelton Intermediate School. Starting at 1:30pm before the show, kids can play and touch real orchestra instruments. Then after the show, everyone is invited to stay for a snack and meet the performers.
$15 adult tickets include one free child ticket. Additional child $5

Saturday, January 11

Backyard Birding at the CT Audubon Society (Fairfield County)
Ages 12 and up will love this program with a naturalist who will teach you everything you wanted to know about birds. You'll learn how to identify them by sight and sound, and find out the best way to attract birds from your home feeder. Register in advance.
Free.

Free Hour of Kids Fitness Activities (Hartford County)
The West Hartford Main Library hosts this event in collaboration with New York Sports Club. Sports Club for Kids offers obstacle courses, kickboxing, stretches and other fun ways to get the blood flowing on a cold, winter day.
Free. Also runs February 8 and March 8.

The Dream Lives on Film Premier and MLK Celebration in Torrington (Litchfield County)
The Warner Theatre hosts the premier of "The Dream Lives On," a film honoring the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. The film is a collaboration to exhibit the impact the speech has on today's youth. The film's director and teaching artist will have a talk session, and a gospel choir will perform songs inspired by the Civil Rights Movement era. It promises to be an inspiring evening!
Free.

Yo Yo Show in Hamden (New Haven County)
World Champion Yo-Yo Artist John Higby take the stage at the Miller Cultural Complex for this hour-long show for all ages. You'll love his classic and unique tricks set to music, and the whole family will be amazed at what one yo yo can do!
Adults - $3; children - $2

Sunday, January 12

The Case of the Suspicious Strings at Stamford Museum and Nature Center (Fairfield County)
The Stamford Symphony welcomes parents and children ages 4-7 to check out this interactive, music program that will have young minds captivated. They will be encouraged to get up and join the musicians, and the mystery this weekend will be to crack the code and detect the beat. There will also be programs in February and March. The price includes admission to the nature center.
Adult member - $10; adult non-member $20; kids - $10

Kids Skate Free on Sunday Evenings at Veterans Memorial Rink (Hartford County)
Every Sunday evening from 7p-8p through March 4th, kids can skate free at the rink in West Hartford along with a paying adult. Veterans is a clean, safe rink offering many public skating sessions, so this is a great time to check it out.
Adults - $6.25; non-resident adult - $7.25; skate rental - $4.

Bluegrass Sundays at Firebox (Hartford County) 
Firebox Restaurant in Hartford showcases live Bluegrass music on Sunday nights in their non-smoking tavern. Because the tavern isn't huge, this event is probably better for older kids who can enjoy sitting and listening to music. This is also a great place to get some food, so make dinner out of it and start a new family tradition on Sunday evenings!
Free.

Beth Israel Synagogue Family Pool Party in Wallingford (New Haven County)
How about a pool party in the middle of January? Come join in the fun at this community event. You'll get two hours of pool time at followed by a pizza party in a private room. Reservations should be made in advance.
Adults - $10; children - $5; family max - $30