Weird Science at Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd. Experience Weird Science at Mystic Aquarium during February school vacation week. Curiosity, learning and wonder will heighten with all of the weird and wonderful demonstrations, hands-on activities and displays throughout the aquarium. Do you know what happens when you put Ivory soap in the microwave? Come find out – it’s going to be really big!  Watch bubbles grow and burst with a burst of “smoke” as we combine water, soap and carbon dioxide. In our kid’s zone, there will be fun interactive tables with insta-snow and flubber. Through hands-on fun, learn how belugas use their blubber to stay warm and find out how animals see the world. Take part in a scavenger hunt and discover cool animals throughout the aquarium, including some that carry their babies in their mouths! Daily activities are from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and are included with aquarium admission. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 860-572-5955 www.mysticaquarium.org

Dinosaur Days at Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Avenue. Join us during the February school holidays for our annual celebration of paleontology and dinosaurs. There will be plenty of hands-on activities for the whole family—our famous fossil dig, an extensive fossil touch table. You'll have the chance to meet paleontologists and other Museum experts. Catch one of the Roxi Fox puppet shows at 11 am Monday through Friday.  Visit our website for a complete schedule of the week's activities.  10 am- 3:30 pm daily.  Museum admission required. (203) 432-5050 www.peabody.yale.edu/events

February Vacation Week Activities at New England Air Museum, 36 Perimeter Road.  Monday - A room full of LEGOS will be set up in the conference center and the theme is “The Future of Flight”. The program is for ages 3-12 and will run from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for each age category: 3-5, 6-8 & 9-12.  Tuesday - Open cockpit program with about 6 aircraft to be open including a helicopter, an airliner, a jet fighter and a WWII aircraft. All cockpits will close at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday-Aero Modeling Workshop running from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis. This activity takes about an hour and a half to complete.   Children ages 8-14 can build and fly their own models. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. There is a $4.00 cost for the kit. Thursday- Nose Art activity for visitors ages 3-12.  View and learn the meaning of nose art through our B-29 Superfortress and our other aircraft. Children will have the opportunity to draw nose art and bring their artwork home. The Program will run from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.  We will also have an Airplane Challenge running from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m-3:00 p.m. Test your flying and folding skills by designing a paper airplane that will fly the longest in the Great Paper Airplane Distance Challenge. Prizes will be awarded for the longest flights.  Friday- “Toys in Space” is the theme for the day. Participate in two programs at 11:00am & 2:00pm learning and discovering how common toys act in space. Our renowned Dr. Flush will be leading the program with your help.  Museum admission charged each day. (860)-623-3305 www.neam.org

Vacation Week at Common Ground, 358 Springside Avenue. Farm animals, cooking, hiking, games, and fun!  Common Ground has a few spaces remaining in February vacation week programs for children in grades K - 5.  203-389-4333  www.commongroundct.org

Winter Vacation Adventures at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 North Water St. Children (ages 6 to 12) can keep busy over their winter school break with this fun exploration of the natural world. Ages 6-9: One-day programs offered, with a different themed topic each day, including Wacky Water Fun, Marine Mammal Mania, and Coastal Critters. $85 per day, or $395 for all five days.  Ages 9-12: Older kids can participate in a five-day Junior Marine Biologist program. Activities include setting up and stocking an aquarium display, testing water chemistry, dissections and using microscopes to peer into Long Island Sound's unseen marine life. Cost is $395. Bring a bag lunch, a snack, and an appetite for adventure. Advance registration required. 9:30 am-4:30 pm (203) 852-0700 www.maritimeaquarium.org

February Break Week Fun! Children's Museum Southeastern Connecticut, 409 Main St. Join us all week for February Break Week Fun, culminating with our annual Beach Party on Saturday, February 25.  Drop in activities every day. Call for schedule of events. Free with admission. (860) 691-1111 www.childrensmuseumsect.org

Story & Crafts at the Museum!  Connecticut Historical Society, One Elizabeth Street. Join us for story-time at the Connecticut Historical Society! Children will listen to a story, make a simple craft to take home, and have time to explore our hands-on exhibits. This program is recommended for children ages 5 and under; all children must be accompanied by an adult. Free on-site parking is available.  $5 per family 10:00 am - 11:00 am 860-236-5621 x222 www.chs.org

Paint with the Animals at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Avenue.  Create one-of-a-kind artwork by collaborating with our very own animal artists-in-residence! This new premium program is the first of its kind in the country and is open by reservation only. The minimum age to participate is 6 years old; couples and families are encouraged to paint together. A single canvas may be used by an individual, or a group of up to 6 may share a canvas. Six canvases will be available each of the three days. Call (203) 394-6563 for details and to reserve a canvas. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 203-394-6563 www.beardsleyzoo.org

Mars Madness at The Children's Museum, 950 Trout Brook Dr. Test out some of the classroom activities that have been developed to support the Mars exhibit. Try Red Rover (about the robot rovers) or learn about gliders at 3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., or 5:15 p.m. All activities will be offered in each time slot along with the Invaders of Mars planetarium show. Sign up for classes when you arrive. 3-6 pm (classes 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm) Most regular exhibits will close at 4 pm.  Free. (860) 231-2830 www.thechildrensmuseumct.org

Wildlife Tracks & Signs for Kids at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, 341 Milford St. (Rte. 69)Learn about wildlife tracks indoors and then outside for a short walk to look for animal signs. Make a wildlife track to take home. Pre-registration is required.  10-11:30 am (860) 675-8130 www.ct.gov/deep

New England Dogsledding at Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, 110 Pequot Trail.  Steve Crone from New England Dogsledding brings his Alaskan huskies for an educational program on dogsledding in New England. These huskies are known for their strength and working ability – they can run 80 to 150 miles per day. Join us in the Gathering Space for this one-of-a-kind event. 2 pm Free with admission.  (800) 411-9671 www.pequotmuseum.org

"Rapunzel" at the Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Rd. In this wild and wacky adaptation of the classic tale, an old washerwoman tells the story of Rapunzel, who is very clever in this version. She has learned a few tricks from the witch, especially how to "sing" things to grow. She is able to "sing" a boat into existence in order that she and the Prince can get away on the ocean. The washer woman tells the story using a variety of household objects, as well as puppets. The audience is encouraged to participate in creating the story. 2:30-4 pm Adults $7, children $5, children (3 and under) free (203) 259-1598  www.fairfieldhistory.org/event-calendar

Beach Party!  Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut, 409 Main St. A wintertime favorite. The party rocks with a cookout, music, sandcastle building, seaweed touch tanks, and a limbo parade. Help chase away cabin fever and join in for some seaside fun. Summer time barbecue lunch and snacks available for purchase. Noon-3 pm.  Free with museum admission.  (860) 691-1111 www.childrensmuseumsect.org

Bluebird Program & House Building at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave. Learn the status of bluebirds and the ways you can help monitor not only bluebirds, but also native cavity nesters. Bluebird natural history will be provided and followed by an opportunity to build a bluebird nest box. 10:30 am-noon (203) 734-2513 www.ct.gov/deep

Harlem Globetrotters at the XL Center, One Civic Center Plaza. The legendary Harlem Globetrotters will celebrate their 86th consecutive season when their dazzling 2012 world Tour stops in Hartford at the XL Center showcasing the wholesome family entertainment that has provided lifetime memories for generations of fans. Range $20--$140 Shows at 2pm & 7pm 860-249-6333 http://www.xlcenter.com/default.asp?xlcenter=30&objId=590

Maple Sugaring & Pancake Breakfast at Indian Rock Nature Preserve, 501 Wolcott Rd. Enjoy freshly made a pancake breakfast with assorted toppings and pure maple syrup. Take a hay ride, visit with the farm animals, and see how maple syrup is created. 8 am-noon  Adults $8, children (under 10) $5, under 2 free.  (860) 583-1234 www.elcct.org

Show of Support: Family Fire Safety Hour

Participating Fire Stations:

Stamford: Belltown Fire Station:    8 Dorlen Road, Stamford CT

Darien:    Noroton Heights Fire Station    209 Noroton Avenue, Darien CT

Bridgeport:    Bridgeport Fire Station    30 Congress Street, Bridgeport CT

Trumbull:     Trumbull Center Fire Department     860 White Plains Road, Trumbull CT

Greenwich:     Greenwich Fire Station     75 Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich, CT

Fairfield:     Stratfield Fire Department     400 Jackman Avenue, Fairfield CT

Norwalk:   Broad River Fire Station   90 New Canaan Avenue, Norwalk CT  Please park at 108 New Canaan Avenue (off of Harris Street) and cross the ball fields

Stratford:   Location TBD

Shelton:    Location TBD

Special-Needs Focused Fire Safety:     Christ & Holy Trinity Church     75 Church Lane, Westport, CT

We have all been profoundly moved by recent fire-related tragedies in our community, specifically the Stamford fire on Christmas Day, and there has been an overwhelming outpouring of support, concern and emotion among the members of CT-Moms and the general public our support for this family.  We feel the most meaningful way for area families to show how deeply we have been moved by the recent fire-related tragedies would be by showing up at one of the participating fire stations, and refreshing our knowledge of fire safety and prevention strategies.

This way, we will allow our actions to speak in a way that words never could when it comes to reverence for those who have lost life as well as gratitude to those who save lives every day.We plan on standing together for one hour on Saturday, February 25th at 10am to show our support not just to this family but to every fire house and rescue operation in our area.   We will show our support by standing up with our time, our concern and donations.  The Badger family has set up  The Other 364 Foundation,whose mission is to champion compassion every day of the year on behalf of the five lives lost.  All proceeds will be split between this foundation and the participating fire departments.   Donations are being accepted at the day's events, online and by mail to CT-Moms; P.O. Box 106; Greens Farms, CT 06838. One of the most useful ways to honor this family would be to ensure that your own family never has to face such a situation.  It's time to clear up any confusion about fire safety in our homes and with our families.  It's time to actually inspect our home for fire hazards, install, test or replace those smoke detectors, invest in fire prevention and protection around our homes and empower everyone who lives with us with a proper exit strategy.  Dozens of questions have come up on our forums with members turning to one another and the internet for help but finding conflicting answers. Because of this, our Leadership Team has coordinated with a half-dozen local fire departments and are hosting a county-wide Family Fire Safety Day to be held on Saturday, February 25th, 2012 entitled A Show of Support. At 10am, the fire stations listed below will open their doors to your families with information sessions and hands on activities ranging from how to make your home safer to what should happen in the event of a fire. Varying with each station, parents will be able to use a fire extinguisher to practice putting out a real fire, children will be allowed explore their firetrucks or take a tour of the firehouse,  a firefighter will demonstrate what a firefighter looks like in full gear, free smoke detectors and/or batteries may be handed out and much more. CT-Moms will be providing light snacks and a themed craft at several of the locations. All Proceeds will be donated to participating firehouses with a portion going to The Other 364 Foundation, in honor of the Badger family in Stamford. The suggested donation for attendees is $20/family and donations are being accepted online via Payal or by mail.

Checks can also be made payable to CT-Moms Online;  P.O. Box 106; Greens Farms, CT  06838 Donations will be evenly split between participating firehouses and The Other 364 Foundation.  Please note, because The Other 364 Foundation has not received a 501(c)3 tax-exempt certification as of yet and because the fire departments are state-run, any donations made to this cause are NOT tax-deductible. $20/family 10:00 am  203-520-1679  www.ctmomsonline.com

Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball at Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Avenue.  Moms and Dads, sons and daughters will be treated like the princes and princesses that they are and will enjoy a night of dancing and amazing treats as well as full access to all the exhibits in the museum. Make a royal crown, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and more. Must register in advance.  6-8:30 pm $12. (203) 899-0606 www.steppingstonesmuseum.org

Winterfest & Ice Carving Competition at Lyman Orchards, 32 Reeds Gap Road.  The best ice carvers in America return to do battle in the second annual Ice Wars Competition. Internationally renowned ice carver Bill Covitz tests his carving skills against other high-ranking and nationally-recognized ice carvers as they all vie for prestige and a First Place finish. Amid the whirring of chain saws, the blur of expertly wielded chisel and picks bringing icy details into focus, thousands of pounds of ice blocks will be magically transformed before your eyes into incredible sparkling ice sculptures. Watch dog sled mushing demonstrations by the Connecticut Valley Siberian Husky Club, and, in the Apple Barrel, enjoy all the free samples you can eat. Pruning is a major activity in our orchard during the winter. Enjoy watching a live demonstration of fruit tree pruning conducted by our very own expert, John Van Woerden. With Mother Nature's cooperation (we are hoping for enough snow, but not too much), family snow tubing, snow ball 'fights', snowman and snow angel making contests, and more fun, fresh-air winter fun activities will be available, too. 10 am- 5 pm Free (860) 349-1793 www.lymanorchards.com

Sunday Explorers at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Overbrook Building.  Join us at SM&NC for some winter fun each week!  1 pm-Visitors can join a winter hike or outdoor activity.  2:30 pm-Head inside the nature center classroom for fun science experiments like making slime, crystal snowflakes or fake snow. 3:30 pm-Join us for our "Animal Meet and Greet" and a chance to meet one of our nature center or farm animals up close and personal.  We'll have self-guided crafts and activities to round out the day, including our new Winter Wheels in the Woods Activity trail! Inclement weather will cancel activity trail.  Members: Free, Non-Members: Free with gate admission 1- 4 pm (203) 322-1646 www.stamfordmuseum.org

Milk Mates at Mulberry Gardens, 58 Mulberry St. Milk Mates - our mother to mother breastfeeding support group.  All mothers and babies are welcome.  Meetings are free of charge and scale is available to weigh your baby. FREE 6:30-8:00 p.m.  860-919-5320  www.breastfeedingservice.com

Mondays are Open House days at CELC.  Connecticut Experiential Learning Center (CELC), located at 28 School Street in Branford, provides an outstanding middle school education for students grades 5 - 8, blending strong academics with lots of hands-on and field experiences, as well as private tutoring, workshops, and special events. CELC is a rewarding choice for students in grades 5 – 8 in the shoreline area. It could be the right fit for you and your family. Registering now for 2012-13 academic year. To find out more, view us on the web at http://CTExperiential.org or call 203-215-2317 / 203-433-4658 to schedule a Monday visit.

Storytime for Toddlers at North Stamford Congregational Church-Guild House, 31 Cascade Road. Our storytelling program gives children the opportunity to gather and listen to Christian and family value-based stories. The weekly "mommy and me" get-together emphasizes early childhood literacy and is geared for toddlers, children ages 1 to 3. Tuesdays 10-11 a.m. Free.  (203) 322-1255 www.northstamfordchurch.org

Lil’ Tykes at Westbrook Youth and Family Services, 1163 Boston Post Road (John P. Riggio Building),  A twice-weekly playgroup for parents, grandparents and/or guardians and their children aged 0 months to 5 years. Come play, interact and explore with your little one while talking with other adults. The group features activities, exercise, discussion and support and meets every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9-10:15 a.m. . Drop in anytime. No fee required.  860-399-9239 www.wyfs.org

Free Zumba Classes at North Stamford Congregational Church-Stone House, 31 Cascade Road.  Zumba has been a huge hit! Zumba is a dance fitness program and kids love it. Classes are specially choreographed with kid-friendly routines and all the music kids love, like hip-hop, reggae, and more. Join us right after school for Zumba! Held every Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the Stone House. Use Ministry Promotion Code "NSCC" for free admission.  Children from ages 6 to 14 are welcome. (203) 322-1255 www.northstamfordchurch.org

FREE Crafts for Kids! - Lakeshore Learning Store, 2335 Dixwell Ave  Join us every Saturday for... FREE Crafts for Kids at your local Lakeshore Learning Store. Enjoy creating a fun, new craft each week. From 11:00am to 3:00pm Ages 3+  203-287-0900  www.LakeshoreLearning.com/FreeCrafts4Kids