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Kids Bop 2024 and More Things To Do in CT This Weekend

Winter Lantern Festival photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
Winter Lantern Festival photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
10/23/24 - By Jennifer Coe

Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

The holidays are starting early for Connecticut families, with Thanksgiving and Christmas events all weekend long. This weekend marks the start of the Essex North Pole Express for the 2024 season. The Winter Lantern Festival at Lyman Orchards lights up Middlefield with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns. And there's plenty to be thankful for with a Taste of Thanksgiving at Stew for Toddlers and a Thanksgiving Party at Guided by Goats. 

For some musical fun, and maybe even some singing and dancing, grab your tickets for Kidz Bop 2024 at the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford.

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Reindeer Snuggles photo courtesy of Bradley Mountain Farm
Reindeer Snuggles photo courtesy of Bradley Mountain Farm

Best Things To Do this Weekend in Connecticut with Kids

The Essex North Pole Express

Essex
Opening Weekend
Thursday, November 14 - Sunday, November 17 Friday, October 25
Connecticut's favorite family tradition includes a musical performance of Twas the Night Before Christmas, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate, sugar cookies, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each child receives a small gift from Santa. Children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas! This event always sells out quickly so buy your tickets early. READ MORE

Winter Lantern Festival at Lyman Orchards

West Hartford
Opening Weekend
Friday, November 15 - Sunday, November 17
Middlefield's "must-see" lighted holiday attraction is officially back! Lyman Orchards is hosting the Winter Lantern Festival starting November 15th - February 9th.  READ MORE

Kidz Bop 2024 at the Oakdale Theater

Wallingford
Friday, November 15
It’s KIDZ BOP LIVE 2024, and we’re taking over YOUR city! Make memories that will last a lifetime at the ultimate pop concert for kids, and their grown-ups too! Sing and dance along as the KIDZ BOP Kids perform your favorite songs like “Espresso”, “greedy”, “Lil Boo Thang” and more, on stage. READ MORE

Taste of Thanksgiving at Stew for Toddlers

Newington
Friday, November 15
Get in the Thanksgiving spirit with these delicious recipes! Today, we will prepare melted turkey cheddar sliders, turkey rice krispy treats, and create turkey-shaped brownie bites. READ MORE

Dog & Cat Flower Arranging in North Haven

North Haven
Friday, November 15
Create a cat or dog arrangement. Light fare provided by Vinny's Deli & We're So Baked bakery. Light refreshments. Raffles.  READ MORE

Thanksgiving Party at Guided by Goats

Cheshire
Saturday, November 16
Join Guided by Goats as they celebrate Thanksgiving and think of all we have to be grateful for! Music therapist Brenda Tousignant will begin the event with Thanksgiving themed songs. READ MORE

Family Day: Fun with Printmaking in Fairfield

Fairfield
Saturday, November 16
Join the Museum on Saturday, November 16 in the Walsh Gallery in the Quick Center for the Arts for a Family Day inspired by the colorful prints on view in our exhibition Sacred Space: A Brandywine Workshop and Archives Exhibition! Learn more about the exhibition here. READ MORE

Kids Art Workshop: Federico Uribe Sculptures at Mattatuck Museum

Waterbury
Saturday, November 16
Get inspired by current exhibit Menagerie by Federico Uribe and create animals out of common household objects! See how straws, colored pencils, and buttons can create masterpieces. READ MORE

Reindeer Snuggles at Bradley Mountain Farm

Southington
Opening Weekend
Saturday, November 16
Snuggle through the Holidays with Reindeer Goats! Spend time with Bradley Farm's "reindeer" goats. Get to know these gentle creatures and make  fun holiday memories. READ MORE

Family Movie Night: Sing! at CT Museum of Culture and History

Hartford
Saturday, November 16
Get ready to sing and dance along with a cast of musical animals! Join us for a special showing of Sing, an animated movie all about music, making friends, and showing off your special talents. Watch as an eclectic group of animals, ranging from a shy elephant to a boisterous mouse, all band together to put on a one-of-a-kind concert. READ MORE

Stuff a Dumpster Toydrive in Bristol

Bristol
Saturday, November 16
Make this holiday season special for those less fortunate! Please join us for our 6th Annual STUFF-A-DUMPSTER Toy Drive. Enjoy food from the Red Apple Catering Food Truck. All proceeds will be donated to Toys-For-Tots and CT DCF. READ MORE

Open Day at New Pond Farm Education Center

Redding—FREE
Saturday, November 16
Interested in learning about New Pond Farm Education Center and all we have to offer? Stop by anytime between 1 - 4 p.m. to learn more about our stunning landscape, the diverse habitats, our fascinating history, the varied wildlife, the multitude of educational opportunities, in addition to our warm and welcoming staff. READ MORE

FriendsGiving Kids Night Out at TLGT

Canton
Saturday, November 16
Parents, enjoy a stress-free night out while your kids have a blast at our Friendsgiving Kids Night Out. READ MORE

Access for All Community Day at NBMAA

New Britain—FREE
Saturday, November 16
Access for all day is once a month at New Britain Museum of American Art. You and your family can enjoy Free Admission all day once a month, thanks to generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program. READ MORE

Spill the Tea: Little Women ~ An Afternoon Tea at the Lyman Homestead

Middlefield
Sunday, November 17
Calling all tea lovers & Little Women enthusiasts! Step into the world of Little Women for a delightful afternoon tea at the Historic Lyman  Homestead. Immerse yourself in the charm of 19th century New England as we  celebrate the timeless story of sisterhood, family, and resilience.  READ MORE

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