All Weekend 

Festival of Lighthouses at the Maritime Aquarium—Fairfield County
This weekend marks the kick off of the “Festival of Lighthouses,” which features 22 large model lighthouses, all made by local artists, students and hobbyists. Aquarium visitors can enjoy the lighthouses, which will be set up throughout the aquarium galleries, and then vote for their favorite. Free with aquarium admission ($19.95 for adults, $17.95 for youths (13-17) & seniors (65+), and $12.95 for children ages 3-12.)

Enchanted Forest—Fairfield County
Hosted by the Junior League of Greenwich at the Hyatt Regency, the Enchanted Forest is a holiday celebration that features beautifully decorated trees and gingerbread houses, over 50 vendors, Gingerbread workshops, Breakfast with Santa, a Children's Afternoon tea event, complimentary family entertainment by a host of local acts, choral groups and dance companies, and Holiday Playland. $10 adults; $5 for kids (additional tickets required for the Breakfast with Santa and the afternoon tea.)

Fantasy of Lights—New Haven County
A holiday tradition for thousands of families from all over Connecticut and New England, the Fantasy of Lights begins for the 2014 season on Friday night. This bright and colorful light display is a mile-long route in Lighthouse Point Park. $10 per car.

Holiday Train Show at CT River Museum—Middlesex County
The annual Holiday Train Show is a family-friendly exhibit that features more trains, scenery, and lots of surprises to be found in the fully operational 26-foot model train layout. Visitors are challenged to complete the I SPY Scavenger Hunt of various objects hidden within the settings while the smaller visitor set can get hands-on at an American Flyer and Lionel Train layout designed for toddler-size viewing. Free with admission ($8 adults; $5 children 6-12; free for children under 6).

Saturday, November 22

Family Volunteer Day at Imagine Nation—Hartford County
Celebrate National Family Volunteer Day where children and families are invited to work on projects including special Thanksgiving Crafts like making colorful Thanksgiving placemats for patients at Bristol Hospital, nursing homes, and shelters in the community. Families who participate receive free admission to the museum. Free.

Kids' Carnival at the Carousel Museum—Hartford County
The Carousel Museum in Bristol will be transformed into a full-fledged carnival with something for everybody. Carousel rides, carnival games, magic shows, face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, vendors, food, and music are just some of the planned fun. Free for children; $6 for adults.

Hot Coco 5K and Kids Fun Run in Cheshire—New Haven County
If none of the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots fit your schedule, check out this 5K and Fun Run in support of Abilities Without Boundaries, a non-profit organization that provides employment and social experiences for people with developmental disabilities. All runners receive t-shirts and all kids will receive a finisher's ribbon. $30 for adults; $10 for kids.

Balloon Inflation Party—Fairfield County
If you can't wait for the UBS Parade Spectacular on Sunday, head over to the corner of Hoyt and Summer between 3 and 6 pm on Saturday to get a backstage look at the balloons as they come to life. Music, parade talent and costumed characters will greet and delight spectators. Free.

Sunday, November 23

UBS Parade Spectacular—Fairfield County
This year Abby Cadabby will make her debuts in this fabulous family parade in downtown Stamford led by Grand Marshall Dannel Malloy. Award winning marching bands will add pizzazz to the day, as will the Xpogo stunt team. The parade kicks off at noon. Free.

Thanksgiving Crafts at Wilton Library—Fairfield County
Children of all ages are invited to stop by WIlton Library and make a Thanksgiving craft to take home. Create Turkey centerpieces, coloring sheets and placemats for Thanksgiving finner. Caregivers should accompany children under 8 years old and should remain in the building for children 8 years and older. Free.

Holiday Craft Fair at Roaring Brook Nature Center—Hartford County
Start your holiday shopping with nature-related gifts for all ages. Handmade crafts include candles, pottery, jewelry, soaps and many other items made by local artisans. There is no charge to visit the Nature Center or attend the fair on this date. Free.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, and make sure Mommy Poppins CT shows up on your feed by including us in your "interests list." To put a page on your "interests list," hover over the "Like" button and you'll see a pull-down menu that offers an "add to your interests lists" choice. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and be sure to get the weekend round up every Thursday in your inbox.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Pinterest in order to get updates on events, current contests and free giveaways. Our event calendar is updated constantly with fun activities around the state. 

Have a wonderful weekend!