A couple weeks ago, I wrote the crowd sourcing winter vacation contest asking for suggestions from my online social network for suggestions about winter vacation ideas. I received a few comments about dogsledding at The Rocks Estate and various winter festivals in Maine, but not a lot to go on.

As my family talked about it more, we decided for a more frugal path and doing various day trips to different events in Connecticut. The State Department of Environmental Protection has an interesting program called No Child Left Inside. This week, they are running a set of programs at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill which seem interesting.

Visit Connecticut lists many events going on including a Chinese New Year Celebration Show in New Haven , Hansel and Gretel in Bridgeport , Bite Week at Mystic Aquarium, Dinosaur Camp for Children in Oakdale, a Penguin Party in New London , and the Connecticut Flower and Garden Show in Hartford.

Yet for the most wintery fun, three things hop out at us. This weekend is the Winterfest at Lyman Orchards. It will include an ice carving demonstration, igloo making, sled dog mushing and lots of food.

Chester is also having their 20th Annual Winter Carnivale this weekend, which also includes ice carving and good food. It is also a great time to go look for bald eagles along the Connecticut River and the Connecticut Audubon Society has Bald Eagles on the CT River boat trips and The Audubon Shop in Madison has Eagle Watches on the Connecticut River.

After the last of the winter vacation playdates ends, we will gather as a family and discuss which events to visit. Hopefully, I’ll have some good stories for the blog early next week.