Each month Connecticut Parent Magazine runs an extensive Family Fun Calendar, featuring events throughout Connecticut. All encompassing and comprehensive, it is a section our readers consistently look to and rely on to plan their family activities for the month. Below is just a small sampling of what is currently being showcased. These events mirror our Editor's Picks, and the events that lead off the current edition of the Family Fun Calendar.

Big Y Kids Fair
February 4 and 5 • Hartford

Make sure you find Connecticut Parent
Magazine at the Big Y Kids Fair!

Fun, entertainment, exhibits, prizes and more are what you’ll get at the Big Y Kids Fair on Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. See the latest products and services for growing families, including companies offering product samples and valuable information. There will also be entertainment, celebrity appearances and loads of activities for families with busy babies and toddlers. Enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, magicians, a kids fashion show, play area, amusement rides and more! Tickets are $8 for adults ($4 with a Big Y card) and $4 for kids 12 and under. The Connecticut Convention Center is located at 100 Columbus Boulevard. For more information, call 860-563-2111 or visit www.jenksproductions.com/kidsfair.html.

Oliver!
February 4 and 5 • Ridgefield

London is the setting for the timeless musical Oliver! which will be performed on Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5 at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield. Based on the Dickens’ novel about Oliver Twist, this family favorite is performed with a live professional orchestra. This story of an orphaned boy living in a workhouse features an award-winning score which includes “Food Glorious Food,” “I’d do Anything,” “Consider Yourself” and more. Showtimes are at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25 for adults; and $20 for children. The Ridgefield Playhouse is located at 80 East Ridge. For more information, call 203-438-5795 or visit www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

Shrek the Musical
February 10 and 11 • Waterbury

Shrek the Musical brings the story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life on stage at the Palace Theater in Waterbury on Friday, February 10 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 11 at 2 and 8 p.m. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre — not a handsome prince — shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won’t be quiet, a villain with a short temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero! Tickets are $48-$68. The Palace Theater is located at 100 East Main St. To learn more, call 203-346-2000 or visit www.palacetheaterct.org.

FINtastic RefurbFISHment
Unveiled on February 18 • Norwalk

An Atlantic fiddler crab samples the
mud in a new salt-marsh exhibit.

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk will unveil its FINtastic RefurbFISHment on Saturday, February 18. This is a $4 million makeover with 21 dynamic new exhibits, including 27 new species of animals and an improved visitor experience. The aquarium’s main hall (Newman’s Own Hall) is re-envisioned with an interactive introduction to Long Island Sound and an orientation for exploring the aquarium. Exciting changes extend into the aquarium’s galleries, now called the Hokin Family Sound Voyage. There is also a new outdoor courtyard with a children’s playground and much more. The aquarium is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $12.95 for adults; $11.95 for seniors; $9.95 for children 2-12; and free for members and children under 2. The Maritime Aquarium is located at 10 North Water Street. For more information, call 203-852-0700 or visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.

New England Dog Sledding
February 22 and 23 • Mashantucket

Steve Crone from New England Dogsledding brings his Alaskan huskies to the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center on Wednesday, February 22 and Thursday, February 23 at 2 p.m. for an educational program on dogsledding in New England. These huskies are known for their strength and working ability. They can also run 80-150 miles per day! Museum admission is $15 for adults; $13 for seniors; $10 for children 6-15; and free for children under 6 and members. The Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center is located at 110 Pequot Trail in Mashantucket. For more information, call 800-411-9671 or visit www.pequotmuseum.org.