February 20th, President's Day, kicks off school vacation week and though some Fairfield County parents plan to herd their families to the ski slopes or, take flight to a warm beach, others of us will be home, wondering if there isn't something better than SpongeBob to fill our children's time. There is. Below is a list of entertaining and educational vacation week classes being offered. For registration information, call or use the link provided.

In Bridgeport

Cupid's Corner: A Winter School Vacation Program at The Beardsley Zoo
This program for kindergarten and elementary age children and their families will feature a different animal each day. Celebrate the Valentine's spirit with a special view of animal relationships and families. These interactive 45-minute programs may include a live animal, animal stories and animal facts as questions are answered in the warmth and comfort of Professor Beardsley's Research Station.

Beardsley Zoo,
1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport
Education programs #: 203-394-6563
Or visit http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/whats-new-events/events-calendar.asp
Date/Time: 2/20/2006 - 2/24/2006, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In Greenwich

2006 Winter Vacation Camp at Audubon Greenwich
Tuesday, February 21 is Marvelous Mammals; Wednesday, February 22 is Winter Brrrds and
Thursday, February 23 is Wonders of Winter.
For children in grades K-5
Cost is $50/day for members; $60/day for non-members
Families that participate in the 'Free & Reduced Lunch' program may qualify for financial assistance

Audubon Greenwich,
613 Riversville Rd, Greenwich
203-869-5272
or: http://www.audubon.org/local/sanctuary/greenwich
Date/Times: February 21, 22, and 23, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM


In Norwalk

Winter Vacation Adventure Programs at Maritime Aquarium
Kids ages 6-10 can spend their school break exploring the natural world with this popular series of activities. Sign up for any or all days in the session but advance registration is required. Kids should bring a bag lunch, a snack, and an appetite for adventure each day.
Financial Assistance is available for these programs

Maritime Aquarium
10 North Water Street, Norwalk
203-852-0700
or http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/whats_going_on/kids_programs5.html
Date/Times: February 20-24 meets daily from 9:30 am-3 pm with a Pre-care program option from 8:30 am-9:30 am.

In Ridgefield

Winter Art Daze Workshops (February vacation) at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum,
For Ages 7 to 10, The Tools of Street Art, artist Michael De Feo shares the tools of his trade street art. Using the types of materials with which De Feo creates the paintings he wheat pastes onto the streets of New York City..
Tuesday though Friday, 9 to 11 am, $55 members; $70 non-members.
For Ages 11 to 14, Video Blast! Shoot, edit, and produce your own music video! Join video producer and musician Kevin Harkins for four intense afternoons spent learning the art of making videos. Divided into small groups, participants will learn the process of putting together a music video from start to finish.
Tuesday though Friday, 1 to 5 pm, $135 members; $170 non-members.

Aldrich Museum
258 Main Street, Ridgefield
203-438-4519
or http://www.aldrichart.org/educationchildren.family.html
Dates/Times: Feb 21 - 24, 2006, Tuesday though Friday

In Stamford

February Vacation Happenings at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center
Come beat cabin fever during the February school vacation. Students will visit the Heckscher Farm to learn how to make maple syrup, navigate the solar system in the Planetarium, and explore their artistic side at the Art Studio. There will be a short recess so bring a snack. Students will be grouped by age. For ages Pre-K - Grade 5.

Stamford Museum and Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford
Advance Registration Required: 203-322-1646 ext. 221
http://www.stamfordmuseum.org/calendar.html
Tuesday-Thursday, February 21-23, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Members $90.00 / Non-members $120.00

In Westport

A Question of Color at the Westport Arts Center
Design your own t-shirt based on the color wheel! What happens when you put one color over another? One color next to another? Can colors play tricks on your eyes? Come and see for yourself as color and the artists who love it are celebrated.
Ages 5 - 7: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Ages 8- 10: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Price: $15

Westport Arts Center
51 Riverside Avenue, Westport 06880
203-222-7070
or http://www.westportartscenter.org/family/workshops.htm
Date: President's Day, Monday, February 20th, 2006.