'Tis the season for holiday fun and more things to do in Connecticut this weekend. Kid's Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
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Connecticut is full of happiness, joy, and free Christmas and holiday activities, like Santa at Cabela's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Bass pro Shops
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Raise a hand if you're excited for the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut! Magic of Lights photo courtesy of the XL Center
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Get into the spirit of the season with holiday activities like Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Photo courtesy of XL Center
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Polar Express trains are coming to towns all over New England for Christmas 2024! Essex Steam Train Railroad photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
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Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
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Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
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Groupon's online marketplace offers tons of discounts on activities for kids and families.
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By land, by sea, by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
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As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel
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Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
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Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
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Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
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Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
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Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
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Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
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Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
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Stay warm with sock skating! Photo courtesy of Connecticut Science Center
Stay warm with sock skating! Photo courtesy of Connecticut Science Center
12/31/19 - By Ally Noel

Out with the old and in with the new! The first weekend of 2020 kicks off with the final weekend of some holiday favorites, and ushers in some fantastic new family events. While this weekend is your last chance to enjoy Winterfest at Bushnell Park and the Northern Lights at Mystic Aquarium, Shepaug's eagle viewing site and Earthplace are introducing some new winter programs.

Get some exercise with family-style ice skating in Hartford, Litchfield, or Washington, or "sock skate" indoors at the Connecticut Science Center. Our January GoList is stocked with even more ideas for making the most of the chilly weather. Enjoy your weekend!

To make sure that you don't miss any of the fun, subscribe to our weekly newsletters and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Read on for our highlights of events happening this weekend, and check our frequently updated daily event calendar for even more ideas.

 

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Skate for free at Bushnell Park. Photo courtesy of Winterfest Hartford
Skate for free at Bushnell Park. Photo courtesy of Winterfest Hartford

Things To Do All Weekend

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Hartford
Free skating 7-days a week at Winterfest on the east side of Bushnell Park over by the Pump House. Don’t have your own skates? Winterfest has free skate rentals too. READ MORE

Sock Skating Rink

Hartford
Stay warm while participating in one of winter's greatest activities - skating. No skates necessary, just wear your coziest socks. READ MORE

Bald Eagle Viewing at Shepaug Dam

Southbury
The Shephaug eagle viewing site is open for another season. Specialists with telescopes will be available to help viewers spot eagles and other birds of prey. Please make reservations. READ MORE

Worldwide Lights Celebration at Stepping Stones

Norwalk
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Stepping Stones Museum for Children as the museum brings light to learning during its annual Worldwide Lights Celebration. The Worldwide Lights Celebration features the Stepping Stones Storytellers, light STEAM stations, special holiday performances, character sightings, daily Holiday Happenings workshops, immersive displays and so much more! READ MORE
Families are invited for canvas-making party this Saturday. Photo courtesy of the AR Workshop
Families are invited for canvas-making party this Saturday. Photo courtesy of the AR Workshop

Things To Do Saturday

Family Program: Charting Your Story: Maps

Hartford
Discover the exciting story of mapmaker Bernard Romans! Explore the exhibit War, Maps, Mystery: Dutch Mapmaker Bernard Romans and the American Revolution and then participate in hands-on map-making activities and crafts. READ MORE

Open Art Studio for Kids at Grace Farms

New Canaan
Think, play, and create every Saturday at Grace Farms! Children and their adult caregivers are invited to spend time together experimenting with new materials and techniques. READ MORE

Chantey Blast & Pub Sing

Mystic
Break out in song at the annual Chantey Blast and Pub Sing! This musical event is an informal round-robin, where everyone is invited to sing along. Chanteys and other maritime songs will be led by the Mystic Seaport Museum chantey staff and some of the finest chantey singers from around the Northeast. READ MORE

Holiday Celebration on the Linear Trail

Wallingford
Join the Celebration of the Linear Trail. There will be horse and carriage rides, a children's scavenger hunt, a professional children's storyteller, winter singers, refreshments and a cozy fire highlight the day. READ MORE

Community Skating Party

Litchfield
The community is invited to the town skating rink located behind town hall for skating, cocoa, a bonfire, and camaraderie. READ MORE

Family Canvas Workshop

Fairfield
Join the AR Workshop for a DIY class to make one of their many Canvas Projects! Choose from a Canvas Tote Bag, Canvas Wall Hanging or a Canvas Pillow Cover. In the workshop, you will have the opportunity to customize your project with your choice of designer paints! BYO wine or beer to sip and enjoy during the workshop. READ MORE

Disney On Ice presents Dream Big

Bridgeport
Believing is just the beginning for your favorite Disney heroes at Disney On Ice presents Dream Big. Share every magical moment filled with breathtaking ice skating and beloved songs and stories that give you a reason to believe. READ MORE

Mystic Northern Lights

Mystic
A sea of light leads guests along the pathways at Mystic Aquarium. See Arctic animals in a whole new light as you stroll to theatric music in search of hand-crafted lanterns. READ MORE
Wake up the artist within! Photo courtesy of The Claypen
Wake up the artist within! Photo courtesy of The Claypen

Things To Do Sunday

S’mores at Artisan

West Hartford
Join Artisan Restaurant for S’more the first Sunday of each month .S’mores are good while they last so get there early and enjoy! READ MORE

Kids Drop-Off: Snow Globe Canvas

West Hartford
Drop the kids off at the Clay Pen where a custom artist will be helping kids step by step to create a fun Winter snow globe design on a 10 x 10 canvas. READ MORE

Family Gallery Tour

Greenwich
A Museum educator will lead an interactive, discussion-based tour of the Museum’s current exhibitions specifically for families. READ MORE

Washington-Gunnery Family Skate

Washington
The Gunnery’s Linen Rink opens its doors for family skate. Proceeds help to support the Bunker Burr Scholarship Fund which provides tuition and equipment purchase assistance to children and families wishing to get involved in ice skating or the great game of ice hockey. READ MORE

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