Out & About in CT
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
BROWSE BY CATEGORY
Coupon Madness
March 24-April 1
Norwalk
Nano Days

Nano Days at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave. In conjunction with a nationwide celebration of nanoscience, the museum hosts a week of miniscule scientific discovery. Drop-in for some hands-on science experiements that explore how the smallest elements can have a big impact. 1:30-3:30pm. Free with Museum Admission. (203) 899-0606. www.steppingstonesmuseum.org

March 25-April 7
Danbury
Easter Bunny Train Rides

Easter Bunny Train Rides at Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St. Tour the museum in the 1903 station building and see more than 60 locomotives and cars. Ride the 20 minute "Rail Yard Local" vintage train to the Easter Bunny's Special Coach, where children will be greeted by the Easter Bunny and receive a small gift. Reservations recommended. Trains depart every 1/2 hour from 12:30.-3:30 pm $9 per person, children (under 2) free. (203) 778-8337 www.danburyrail.org

March 28
West Hartford
Mars Madness

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

March 29
Storrs
"Swan Lake"

"Swan Lake" at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Rd. Simply one of the greatest classical ballets of all time, Swan Lake is set to the hauntingly beautiful music of Tchaikovsky. Based on a German fairy tale, Swan Lake follows the heroic young Prince Siegfried as he labors to free the delicately beautiful swan maiden, Odette, from an evil sorcerer's spell. The Moscow Festival Ballet brings together the highest classical elements of the great Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet companies, with more than fifty leading dancers from across the Russia's. 7:30 pm $25-$30 (860) 486-4226 www.jorgensen.uconn.edu

March 29
Madison
A Fashion Affair

A Fashion Affair at the Madison Arts Cinema, 761 Boston Post Rd. Fashions and accessories for all ages showcased "runway" fashion show with a silent auction. Enjoy refreshments while seeing the latest in Spring fashions. 5pm. Admission. (203) 245-7394. www.madisonct.com.

March 29
Waterbury
Thursday Event Nights at Sundae Spa

Thursday Event Nights at Sundae Spa, 2457 East Main Street.  Teen Make-Itz Lab:  Inlcludes make your own lipstick, blush, and powder/cream foundation.  Can add on additional product  like eye liner, eye shadow, lip gloss, lip liner, nail polish etc.  Includes Edible Sundae!  4-7 pm $24.95 plus tax/tip.  By Appointment Please.  203-528-3121 www.sundaespa.com

March 29-31
Brookfield
Brookfield Film Festival

Brookfield Film Festival at the Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, 285 Whisconier Rd. This year's festival, "Shorts and to the Point," includes an arrangement of short films that have been nominated for or received awards from other industry competitions and festivals. Organized by the Brookfield Arts Commission, the Brookfield Film Festival is created to cultivate appreciation for quality filmmaking and to provide screening opportunities for local audiences to view unique and entertaining films from around the world. Seating is limited, reservations are suggested. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. Admission: $10. (203) 775-2895. www.brookfieldartcommission.org

March 30-31
New Canaan
The Great Egg Hunt & Spring Celebration

The Great Egg Hunt & Spring Celebration at New Canaan Nature Center, 44 Oenoke Ridge. Join us for the Great Egg Hunt & Spring Celebration! Our Egg Hunt programs are for smaller groups (max. 25 kids) and will explore the miracle of SPRING time. Meet warm and fuzzy baby chicks and learn all about the magic of eggs. We will enjoy the spring weather with a scavenger hunt on our wooded trails and, of course, the GREAT EGG HUNT! Eggs will contain nature-themed prizes and nut-free sweets. Bring your own basket or cloth bag for collecting. Our partner, Hop-Along-Hollow, will be on hand with a number of real bunny rabbits! Hop-Along-Hollow is dedicated to helping educate people on proper care of small animals and to create a better living environments for rabbits and other small animals. For ages 2 - 10. There will be 2 sessions on Friday and 4 sessions on Saturday. Sessions are 45 minutes long. Program times fill fast so register early. Pre-payment required. Rain or shine (in case of heavy rain program will be held in our tropical greenhouse). Please call 203-966-9577 x 20 Members: $10 per child / Non-Members: $15 per child (203) 966-9577 www.newcanaannature.org

March 31
Middlefield
Easter Apple Hunt

Easter Apple Hunt at Lyman Orchards, 32 Reeds Gap Rd. Don't Miss Connecticut's Only Easter Apple Hunt!  Dash for apples in the Easter Hay Maze; Visit with the Easter Bunny; Free Magic Show; Pony Rides & Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride! Live rabbits, too! 10:30am: ages 12 months to 3 years, 11:15am: ages 4 - 6, 12, noon: ages 7 - 10 (rain date 4/7) $3 per child. (860) 349-1793 Register online at www.lymanorchards.com

March 31
Stafford Springs
Family Comedy Night

Family Comedy Night at Ben Muzio Town Hall, 221 East St. Host, Steve Diamond, stand-up comdian and storyteller joined three guest comedians. 8pm-9:30pm. Admission: Adults $8, seniors and students $5. (860) 684-9500. www.staffordct.org

March 31
Norwalk
Kaleidoscope Ball

Kaleidoscope Ball at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave. Splashed with whimsy and sophistication, the museum's annual gala is an elegant affair for adults featuring dinner, cocktails, dancing and unique auction items. Registration in advance. 6:30pm. Free with museum admission. (203) 899-0606. www.steppingstonesmuseum.org

March 31
Hartford
Mythbusters Behind the Myths Tour

Mythbusters Behind the Myths Tour at The Bushnell Center for Performing Arts, 166 Capitol Ave. The all-new, live show Mythbusters®- Behind the Myths Tour, starring Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, co-hosts of the Emmy-nominated Discovery series Mythbusters®, will bust a few of their favorite science myths on stage in an evening that will include audience participation and video segments. For the first time ever, fans will join Jamie and Adam on stage and assist in their mind-blowing and mind-twisting approach to science as Mythbusters®- Behind the Myths Tour, promises to be a fantastical evening of on-stage experiments, audience participation, rocking video and behind-the-scenes stories. 8pm. Tickets start at $35.  (860) 987-5900. http://bushnell.org/index.cgi/53803

March 31
Hartford
Tackle the Tower

Tackle the Tower at Hartford 21, 221 Trumbull St. Walk, race or run up 688 stairs and challenge yourself by competing in a unique event!  Stair climb events are sweeping the country and Tackle the Tower at Hartford 21 is just one of four great stair climbs happening right here in Connecticut.  Athletes of all levels are expected to take the stairs on Saturday, March 31st all for the fight against lung disease.  Create a team of friends, family or co-workers and compete together.  Whether your goal is just to reach the top or to be the first to cross the finish line-you will walk away with a newfound respect for your lungs.  Sign up today. $35 registration fee and $100 fundraising minimum. Registration at 8 am and event from 9 am-3 pm.  (800) LUNG-USA www.climbofyourlife.org

March 31
Simsbury
The Annual Ladybug Bash

The Annual Ladybug Bash at the Henry James Middle School, 155 Firetown Rd.  A fun-filled family event with children's activities such as face painting, scooter races, a bean bag toss, ladybug bowling, and more.   There will also be fun springtime crafts, exciting baton demonstrations by the Simsbury Spinners, and food and refreshments including Alex's Lemonade Stand and delicious cupcakes. Held by the Simsbury Junior Woman's Club.  Event is perfect for pre-school and lower elementary-aged children.Tickets are $5 per child (under 1 admitted free), and are available online at www.simsburyjuniors.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the day of the event. 10 am-12 noon  www.simsburyjuniors.org

March 31
New Haven
The Mischief Makers

The Mischief Makers at the Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr. Stuck forever together on their totem pole in a beautiful part of the woods, Anansi the Spider, Reynard the Fox, and the Raven cannot decide who among them is the most clever - in short, the trickiest of them all. With trickster's pride, the trio argues, reenacting their most fanciful and amazing exploits, learning in the meantime that laughter can indeed change the world. African, Native American and European folklore comes together to create a fun and fantastical evening of theater for the entire family. Sign language performance on Saturday, March 31 at 2pm. March 24: 10:30am & 2pm. March 25: 2pm. March 31: 2pm. $5 suggested donation. (203) 787-4282. http://www.longwharf.org

March 31
West Hartford
Young Wizards

Young Wizards at Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road. A Mad Science Spectacular Stage Show! The perfect show for Harry Potter Fans. This show deals with the science of magic- and the magic of science. We explore magic and science throughout history, including common themes and implements used by wizards of old and scientists of the present. To illustrate these elusive concepts we perform exciting demonstrations. 2pm.  Cost: Adults $15, seniors and children $13. (860) 523-5900. www.PlayhouseOnPark.org

Mondays
Branford
Open House at CELC

Mondays are OPEN HOUSE DAYS and REGISTRATION for the 2012-13 Academic Year at CELC.  Find out about CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) of Branford - an exciting and dynamic middle school program that provides small classes and combines exceptional academics with hands-on and real-world learning experiences to fit the academic, social, and emotional needs of the 5th – 8th grade student. Contact us to schedule a visit or for more information at mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-215-2317.  www.CTExperiential.org

Tuesdays
Stamford
Storytime for Toddlers

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

Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Westbrook
Lil’ Tykes

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

Fridays
Stamford
Free Zumba Classes for Kids

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

Every Saturday
Hamden
FREE Crafts for Kids!

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