Kids out and about in Hartford this weekend

 Friday highlights (click here for more on Friday)

"Festival of Lighthouses" at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. The annual Festival of Lighthouses Contest features large model lighthouses, all made by local artists, students and hobbyists! Aquarium visitors can vote for their favorite. Your kids will love the creativity!!

Kris Kringle Holiday Jingle at Stew Leonard's Newington. Parents, drop off your kids and do a bit of last minute shopping, wrapping or baking done. Your kids will have fun with chocolate dipping, crafts, and games. Or make a treat for your pet! Santa will visit and pizza will be served!

Club Flight at Flight Trampoline Park. The lights go out and the lasers come on! Every Friday and Saturday Night from 9pm to 11pm. 14 and older only. Socks optional but shirts required! Your kids will have healthy fun!

JUMP with SANTA at Jump-n-Jammin - Bristol. Come & get a picture and gift from Santa from 10am to 10:30. From 10:30am to NOON enjoy a tastyTREAT, CRAFT, STORYTIME & JUMPING on our 10 Inflatables!! Holiday movies are played in Kanga's Kourt. Space is limited, Reservations are recommeded.

Bodies Revealed Exhibit at the Connecticut Science Center!. BODIES REVEALED is a fascinating and real exploration of what’s inside each of us at the CT Science Center in Hartford. A carefully preserved collection of more than 200 real bodies offers a truly unique view of muscles, organs, nerves and bones.

Campfire Carols at the Pratt Nature Center. Snuggle by the campfire, sing holiday carols and roast marshmallows at the Pratt Nature Center. Bring a flashlight, blanket, and chairs to this fun, family friendly annual event. Donations of canned or dried foods for the food pantry are admission!

Saturday's highlights (click here for more on Saturday):

Historic Downtown Mystic Luminaria at Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce. Head to Mystic for a night of lights, wonder and entertainment on the shortest, but brightest night of the year! Hundreds of luminaries will shine brightly throughout Historic Downtown Mystic while visitors finishing holiday shopping.

Breakfast with Frosty & Friends at the Beardsley Zoo! Get in the holiday spirit and join Frosty and his friends for breakfast at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo!

Winterfest Hartford Santa Visits in Bushnell Park. Winterfest wouldn’t be complete without Santa. Visit the Pump House for free photos with Santa Claus. Don't forget your list!

Winterfest Hartford Carousel Rides in Bushnell Park. If you thought the carousel’s lights and beautifully painted horses were breathtaking before, just imagine how great they look beside the fluffy white snow and Winterfest decorations. Bring your kids down to Bushnell Park for some winter fun!

Open Play For Kids Aged 2 - 6 at Jump!Zone in Canton!  Your youngest kids can have fun safely at this special Open Play at Jump!Zone just for them! They'll have a ton of fun and you'll worry less knowing that big kids aren't allowed!

Maurice Sendak Exhibit at the New Britain Museum of American Art. To celebrate the 50th Birthday of Maurice Sendak's beloved Where the Wild Things Are, the New Britain Museum of American Art has launched a special exhibit of his work! Your kids will get chills seeing original pieces and fantastical creatures.

Holiday Fun at Gillette Castle!  Bring your kids to see Gillette Castle all dressed up for the holidays! Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, musical entertainment AND tons of working model train layouts complete this festive picture. Visit with Santa on Sundays, too!

Winter Solstice at Roaring Brook Nature Center! Celebrate the Solstice with Roaring Brook! Take a guided hike in Werner Woods, make a craft or watch a presentation on the beauty of winter.Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided. Program, hike and crafts free with admission to the Nature Center.

The Santa Special at Essex Steam Train and Riverboat. All aboard the Santa Special for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

Sunday's highlights (click here to see what else is on our calendar for Sunday):

Santa on the Trolley at Shore Line Trolley Museum. Take a ride into the past at The Shore Line Trolley Museum and have your children visit with Santa!

The Unicorn Stampede at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London. Bring your kids to the Lyman Allyn in New London to delight in a special exhibition, "The Unicorn Stampede" by glitter artist Camomile Hixon!! 24 life-sized, two-dimensional glitter unicorns lend an unforgettable air of magic this Holiday season!

Tea With the Unicorns at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London. Bring your kids to the Lyman Allyn in December to enjoy a special tea party in conjunction with their current exhibition, "The Unicorn Stampede" by glitter artist Camomile Hixon!! Parties will include a hands-on art project, scavenger hunt and more!

Sunday Morning LaLa at the Bean and Leaf in New London. Bring your kids to the Bean and Leaf for a fun, musical morning! Families will be able to start the day with delicious food and singing and dancing in the shop each Sunday!

The Santa Special at Essex Steam Train and Riverboat. All aboard the Santa Special for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

Winterfest Hartford Santa Visits in Bushnell Park. Winterfest wouldn’t be complete without Santa. Visit the Pump House for free photos with Santa Claus. Don't forget your list!

Santa's Workshop at Wickham Park in Manchester. Kids of all ages enjoy visits with Santa and his elves and refreshments with Mrs. Claus! Santa's Workshop provides a chance for kids to enjoy an uncommercialized Christmas experience. Please bring non-perishable food items for area food pantries.

Winterfest Hartford Ice Skating in Bushnell Park. Skate for free 7-days a week at the Winterfest Hartford rink on the east side of Bushnell Park near the Pump House. Don’t have your own skates? There’s free skate rentals, too. Talk about some great family fun in our own backyards!