Hartford Kids Events This Weekend February 28th - March 1st 2026

February 28th - March 1st 2026United StatesLast updated: Recently

Get ready for a busy end to February in the Hartford area! We've got theatre performances, winter wildlife cruises, and plenty of story time options across Saturday, February 28th and Sunday, March 1st, 2026.

See our top picks
Filter to show only free events14 events this weekend

· February 28

8

: Catch this Broadway-style musical performance at the Bushnell this Saturday afternoon. Since this is one of the last dates listed for this run, grab your tickets soon for a fun outing.This is a major performing arts event happening right in downtown Hartford this weekend.

📍Bushnell Performing Arts Center - William H. Mortensen Hall, Hartford· 2:00 PM · Not mentioned (Musical theatre) · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎭theatre8-12 yrs

Shucked

Shucked is a Tony Award®-winning musical comedy described as hilarious, featuring a corn-fed American musical score, which will appeal to older kids and families who enjoy witty theater.

WhenFeb 24 - Mar 1, 2026, with various times: Tue-Fri 7:30P, Sat 2:00P & 7:30P, Sun 1:00P & 6:30P
WhereWilliam H. Mortensen Hall, The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave Hartford, CT 06106
PriceCost/range not specified, but group discounts available.
BookingRequired — book in advance

COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER AT KINNFREE : If you have little ones or are expecting, check out this community event in the Hartford area. They often feature resources like car seat checks or giveaways.This event is hyper-local and supports families directly.

📍KINN, Hartford area· 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM · Families/babies · Free

FREE : Bring the young kids out for a special storytime featuring author Gabriele Davis. A great way to spend a Saturday morning indoors.A dedicated storytime event happening Saturday morning.

📍Not explicitly mentioned, Hartford area· 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM · Not mentioned · Free

🏠indoor🎨workshopAll ages
FREE

Family Storytime: "Our Joyful Noise"

Kids and families will enjoy this event where author Gabriele Davis reads her joyful, jazzy picture book "Our Joyful Noise" and leads a related craft activity.

WhenFeb 28, 2026 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
WherePalace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT
PriceFREE

: Check out this Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) version of Snow White, promising lots of fun and surprises. Perfect for a midday Saturday outing.A specific theatre production geared towards kids happening Saturday.

📍Not explicitly mentioned (TYA Show), Hartford area· 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM · Not mentioned · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎭theatreAll ages

Snow White

This Theatre for Young Audiences production of Snow White features hilarious dwarves and surprising twists, offering fun and laughter for families watching the classic fairy tale.

WhenFeb 28-Mar. 29, Sat. & Sun, 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM (Check website for performance times on specific dates)
WhereDowntown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport CT, 06604
Price$37.30 and $42.80
BookingRequired — book in advance

MINI GOLF MANIAFREE : This event is listed as free and focused on children and youth, suggesting a fun, casual mini-golf activity on Saturday morning. Location details are sparse, but it's worth investigating!It's free and focused on fun physical activity for kids.

📍236 Main St, Hartford area (Address unclear)· 10:00 AM · Children & Youth · Free

FREE : There is a Lunar New Year Celebration scheduled for Saturday, February 28th, in the Hartford area. Check Macaroni KID for specific times and locations to join the festivities!A specific cultural celebration listed for Saturday, making it a unique opportunity.

📍Not explicitly mentioned, Hartford area· Not explicitly mentioned · Not mentioned · Free

🏠indoor🎪festivalAll ages
FREE

Lunar New Year Celebration

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History's Lunar New Year Celebration, featuring food, crafts, and live performances for the whole family to enjoy.

WhenFebruary 28 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
WhereCT State Community College, Manchester, Great Path, Manchester, 06040 United States
PriceFree
BookingRequired — book in advance

CREATE A 3D DINOSAUR : If your kids love paleontology and crafts, this 3D dinosaur creation session on Saturday is a must-find. Look up the location quickly!Hands-on craft activity focused on a popular kid theme.

📍Not explicitly mentioned, Hartford area· Not explicitly mentioned · Not mentioned · Not mentioned

· March 1

1

: A unique Sunday evening experience! Join the expert for a guided hike under the full moon at the Animal Sanctuary in Newtown. Great for families with older kids who like nature walks.It's the only Sunday event listed that isn't a recurring theater show, offering a unique outdoor experience.

📍CVH Animal Sanctuary (Catherine's Learning Barn), Newtown (Requires travel)· 5:45 PM - 8:00 PM · Not mentioned · Not mentioned

🌳outdoor🌿nature8-12 yrs

Full Moon Hike

The Full Moon Hike is an evening nature walk led by the Sanctuary Director of Education at the animal sanctuary, offering an experience connecting with nature after dark.

WhenMarch 1, 2026, 5:45pm-8:00pm
WhereCatherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, 8 Commerce Rd, Newtown, CT 06470 United States
PriceFREE
BookingRequired — book in advance

Also On· anytime this weekend

5

: Bundle up the kids for an outdoor adventure looking for eagles along the Connecticut River! The boat has a heated cabin, but warm layers are essential for deck viewing.This is a fantastic winter wildlife viewing opportunity happening both days of our target weekend.

📍Connecticut River Museum (Departure Point), Essex (Requires travel)📸 Tourist favourite· 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM · All experience levels · Not mentioned

🌳outdoor🌿nature12+ yrs

2026 Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises on RiverQuest

Families can enjoy searching for eagles and other winter wildlife during this approximately 2-hour cruise on the lower Connecticut River, with naturalists narrating the experience.

WhenFebruary 13 - March 18. Fridays: 10:00am – 12:00pm & 12:30pm – 2:30pm; Saturdays & Sundays: 9:00am – 11:00am, 11:30am – 1:30pm, & 2:00pm – 4:00pm; Wednesdays, March 11th & 18th: 11:30am – 1:30pm
WhereConnecticut River Museum, 67 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426 United States
Price$50 (Ages 10+ only)
BookingRequired — book in advance

: Kids aged 6-8 can get creative at this museum program, using varied methods inspired by the art on display. It’s a short, engaging workshop.A targeted art workshop for elementary-aged kids happening Saturday morning.

📍New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain (Suburb)🔄 Recurring· 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM · 6-8 years · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎨workshop5-11 yrs

Art Explorers

Students learn to express their creativity using varied art methods and materials to create personal works of art inspired by Museum pieces, exploring a different area of the collection with new projects each week.

WhenSaturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. from November 04, 2023 to June 29, 2024
WhereNew Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington Street / New Britain, CT 06052
PriceMembers $8; non-Members $10 per class
BookingRequired — book in advance

FREE : A classic, free Saturday morning storytime in the children's department out in Canton. Perfect for a quick, easy event before lunch.A reliable, free morning activity happening Saturday, local to the Hartford area.

📍Barnes and Noble, The Shops at Farmington Valley, Canton (Suburb)🔄 Recurring· 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM · Young children (implied) · Free

🏠indoor🎯otherAll ages
FREE

Saturday Storytime at Barnes & Noble

Join the weekly storytime session for an engaging book reading experience designed for young children.

WhenEvery Saturday at 11 AM ET
WhereBarnes & Noble, 1599 South East Rd, Farmington, CT 06032
PriceFree

FREE : Head down to New Haven for free, ongoing family activities geared toward young scientists. You need to check the Peabody website for the exact schedule for Saturday.It’s a free, engaging educational option happening on Saturday, even though it's in New Haven.

📍Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven (Requires travel)🔄 Recurring· See website for specific program times · Little scientists (Children) · Free

🏠indoor🏛️museumAll ages
FREE

Family Programs at Yale Peabody Museum

The Museum will be holding a series of ongoing free activities for children curious about nature and how the world works.

WhenOngoing
WhereYale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT 06520
PriceFree

: Kick off your Saturday morning with this scavenger hunt right in Hartford, focusing on historical exploration. You'll need to look up the specific registration details!A localized, active event happening early Saturday morning in the city center.

📍168 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106, USA, Hartford🏛️ Permanent· 8:00 AM · Not mentioned · Not mentioned

🌳outdoor🎯otherAll ages

Scavenger Hunt: Time Travelers of Hartford

Embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt adventure in Hartford, solving riddles and tackling missions at iconic downtown landmarks like Bushnell Park and Wadsworth Atheneum, perfect for flexible sightseeing and competitive fun.

WhenGo anytime
Where168 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106, USA (Starting Area)
Price$12.99 / player (with kids 5 & older requiring a ticket), with occasional seasonal discounts available
BookingRequired — book in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

What free kids events are on in Hartford this weekend?

This weekend (Feb 28-01) there are several free options, including Mini Golf Mania on Saturday morning, Family Storytime: "Our Joyful Noise" on Saturday, and free Family Programs at Yale Peabody Museum on Saturday.

Are there any family activities planned for Sunday?

Sunday, March 1st features the Full Moon Hike at CVH Animal Sanctuary in Newtown during the early evening (5:45 PM), and several showings of the musical Shucked are still running downtown.

What is happening in the immediate Hartford area on Saturday?

Saturday, Feb 28th offers a Community Baby Shower at KINN, the Lunar New Year Celebration, the Scavenger Hunt: Time Travelers of Hartford, plus storytimes and the Snow White performance.

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