Many kids’ schedules are packed with extracurriculars, but for children with special needs, it can be challenging to find programs they can participate in fully. We've rounded up some adapted classes and activities in the Hartford and New Haven areas that accommodate a variety of learning styles, so that kids with special needs—be they physical, social, or emotional—can partake in the same enriching fun as their peers.

It almost doesn’t seem fair that the kids are all back in school when there are free desserts available. Ben & Jerry are giving away their annual cone, and Sprinkles is celebrating its ten-year anniversary with free cupcakes. But wait, there’s more. The Autry and the Japanese American National Museum both have free days this week. There’s a Star Wars convention in Anaheim and kids under age six are free; everybody else pays the big bucks, but Luke and Leia (Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher) will be there so it’s worth it.

Now that spring has sprung, it’s the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. Nature activities abound this week, including Awesome Animal Artists, Sprouts & Seedlings: Seed Spectacular and Croaks, Trills and Splashes. You can also enjoy free fun at Holmdel Library’s Story & Science program, Freehold Library’s Read to the Dog event and Barnes & Noble's Monkey & Duck Quack Up! Storytime. Don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options.

Spring break is over, yet we still seem to be waiting for springlike weather to arrive. At least there's plenty of fun stuff for the kids to do during the week. From roller-skating to free storytimes, there are events to keep the little ones entertained during the day and older kids occupied after school.

Keep in mind that this list is just our top picks—be sure to check our Event Calendar or more options. To receive posts like this in your inbox, sign up for our free newsletters, which go out twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays.

There's nothing like a real taste of spring to get your family outdoors. Little ones can learn about animals they may encounter this season at the Little Naturalists: Ducks and Vernal Pools programs. Young scientists will also be happy to know that the Cambridge Science Festival opens this Friday.

The African Adventure Tales puppet show is our live performance pick of the week. If your kids would rather get in on the act, two great options are the Roslindale Open Mike and the Muppet Movie Sing-along. Read on for our picks of the week, and don't forget to check out our full Event Calendar!