Winter Activities to Keep the Kids Busy

Simsbury Public Library

• Small World Magic at Simsbury Public Library on Tues. Feb. 21 at 2:00 p.m.  Magician Debbie O'Carroll's magic hat is on the fritz! Where in the world can she find a new one? Will she choose a wizards hat from England? A conjurer's cap from Turkey? A comedy and magic show for children ages K-6. Reservations required. Call 658-7663. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Simsbury Farms Ice Rink

• FEBRUARY VACATION PUBLIC SKATE SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, February 20 - 24 - 1:00-3:00pm. Admission $2.00 residents, $4.00 non-residents, $3 skate rentals.

Simsbury Farms Chess

• Simsbury Open Scholastic Chess Championship

Saturday February 25th 2012 at the Simsbury Public Library

Saturday February 25th the Simsbury Library Chess Club will organize the 1st Simsbury Open Chess Championship. Players from out of town are also invited to join us for a day of chess.

See the News section for more information, or visit the website, http://www.simsburychess.info/Chess/soscc12.php, for information and entry form.

New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks

www.neam.org

• This week, the museum has a lot of special events going on!

Tuesday, February 21 - The Museum will host an 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, February 22 - There will be an 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, February 23 - There will be a 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, February 24 - “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.

Imagination Nation Children's Museum, Bristol

www.imaginenation.org

• The Imagine Nation Museum is a hands-on, interactive children's museum best suited for ages 2 to 10. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation a division of the Boys & Girls Club & Family Center of Bristol and funded in part by the United Way of West Central Connecticut.

Here are some of what is available are Imagine Nation:

Interactives
The first area you'll see when you come to the museum is the interactive exhibits that encourage children to explore and experiment. They'll learn about the science of sound, air, and motion. Here's some of what you'll find:

Healthy Nation

Our newest exhibit in collaboration with Bristol Hospital and professionals in the community is where wellness and fun go hand in hand bringing a sample of hospital life to the museum.  Children can dress in hospital attire and role play in a newborn nursery where they learn about phototherapy for jaundiced babies.  The exhibit features a 6ft operation table, and dental chair where children can learn about the human body.  Future health related events will include teddy bear clinics and health fair days staffed by members of the local medical community

Kids Zone
Caution lights, street signs, and chain link fencing all help to give this area a construction-zone feel. After entering the exhibit, children will have plenty of opportunity for role-playing as they don a construction hat, safety goggles, and work apron.

ESPN Play Your Way
One of the major attractions of the museum is ESPN's technological wonder, the Play Your Way exhibit. By using advanced green-screen technology, kids can role-play as their favorite sports heroes and heroines, with an exciting backdrop provided courtesy of digital imagery. Family and friends can watch the action from the bleachers and view the final product on the monitors provided.

Dolls Of The World
Beautifully lighted showcases house our museum's collection of 300 international dolls gathered from around the world. Children can view the traditional attire worn by peoples from the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia.

And more!