For almost 110 years, kids have delighted in a one-week reprieve from school in February while parents have been stressed about how to keep them busy. Most — though not all — major city school districts don’t get to enjoy a week off in February, so Bostonians have to get creative about how to fill that time.
Luckily many of the city’s community organizations, museums, historic sites and recreation areas have latched on to the idea and have created creative, educational and fun activities for the young and young at heart.
Free admission to the ICA for Presidents Day
When: Monday, February 17
Info: Guests can enjoy free admission to the Museum of Contemporary Arts on Monday, February 17, from 10am – 5pm.
Raices Rising: Latine Youth Convening
When: February 20th from 11am-3pm
Info: Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) Boston, will be hosting a Raices Rising: Latine Youth Convening on Thursday, February 20th from 11am-3pm at Roxbury Community College with LaCAA. IBA are members of the LaCCA Network, which is a network that was formed by the East Boston Community Council, Hyde Square Task Force, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, Boston Higher Education Resource Center, and Sociedad Latina to address a lack of college and career pathways for Latine youth and youth of color in Boston. The convening will provide Boston Public School youth with the opportunity to work on a collective art mural, partake in writing, networking and resume building workshops, and connect with their peers in a fun collaborative environment.
ICA February School Vacation Week Art-Making
When: Tuesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 20
Info: Guests are invited to the Bank of America Art Lab at the ICA to create interactive art work and participate in exciting games. Drop-ins only! FREE. The museum asks that you consider a $5 donation to support the event.
Seaport Smalls
When: February 15 and 22
Info: Free Children’s programming from 10am – 11am on Saturdays at The Paseo. Perfect for children ages 0-8. Includes interactive activities and entertainment.
Legacy Littles Kids taco workshop at Temazcal
When: Wednesday, February 19
Info: Temazcal invites little ones to join their executive chef in a class where they will learn how to make empanadas, tacos and churros.
Take a spin around The Rink at MarketStreet
When: Monday, February 17 –Friday, February 21
Info: The hours at The Rink at MarketStreet in Lynnfield are 10am – 8pm from 2/17 to 2/21. Guests have the option to book their time slots ahead of time.
This February school vacation, the Old North Church invites visitors to discover the
pivotal role it played in shaping America’s past and present, while connecting lessons
from the Revolution to today. PHOTO: COURTESY OF OLD NORTH CHURCH
Old North Church Historic Site welcomes visitors for February school vacation
When: February 15 – February 22
Info: For the first time this winter, the site will be open to the public from February 15 through February 22, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Explore America’s Founding with New Exhibit, Audio Guide, and Self-Guided Crypt Tours at Boston’s National Landmark. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Old North Church Historic Site is preparing to celebrate the pivotal moments of our nation’s birth with a fresh perspective on its enduring legacy. This February school vacation, the national landmark invites visitors to discover the pivotal role Old North Church played in shaping America’s past and present, while connecting lessons from the Revolution to today.
Discover something new at the The New England Aquarium
The Aquarium is extending its hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from February 17 to 21 when Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine public school students have vacation weeks. Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance at neaq.org, as timed ticket slots may sell out. New England residents receive $5 off standard Aquarium admission or admission and movie combinations.
Celebrate 250th anniversary of the American Revolution across the state
Take a walk through history along the iconic Freedom Trail. The 2.5-mile path features 16 historic sites, including the Paul Revere House. Guided tours from accredited companies are available for families who want to dive deeper into the city’s pivotal role in the Revolution.
Throw some tea into the Boston Harbor at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where visitors can immerse themselves in interactive exhibits about the famous event that forever changed the course of American history.
Families can also take a trip to Springfield to visit the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, flush with interactive exhibits showcasing the history of military manufacturing and the armory’s role in the Revolutionary War.
Dream Street StoryWalk® at Roxbury Heritage State Park
When: February 15 – 25
Info: Visit Dream Street, where everyone is special, and children believe their dreams will come true! This magical story celebrates the Roxbury neighborhood where the author and her cousin, award-winning illustrator Ekua Holmes, grew up. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
Ice Skating Party at Steriti Rink
When: February 21
Info: Join DCR and Boston Harbor Now as part of the Highland Street Foundation’s Winter Camp for a day of ice skating at the Steriti Memorial Skating Rink in Boston’s North End neighborhood. Choose from sessions lasting 45 minutes each, starting at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Rental skates will be provided for free! Skate and dance along with music by DJ WhySham, enjoy Regina Pizzeria, Munchkin Donut Holes, and drinks when not on the rink. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle!
Pre-registration through Eventbrite is *highly* encouraged for groups of 10 or more or if you have a time constraint, but there will be capacity for walk-ups during all skating sessions.
New England Ice Harvesting at Walden Pond State Reservation
When: February 23
Info: Join historian and expert ice harvester Dennis Picard as he discusses the history of ice harvesting at Walden Pond and shows off the antique tools of the trade, including those used during Thoreau’s stay.. Great for all ages! Dress for the weather and wear sturdy hiking boots. Meet at the Thoreau House Replica. For more information, please contact (978) 405-2082.
February School Vacation = “Stay”cation! at Halibut Point State Park
When: February 15 – 23
Info: A “Quarry Quest—Treasure Hunt!” Participants follow clues and then unscramble to find a treasure box. Families will explore trails while learning about the history of Babson Farm Granite Quarry. All ages. Meet at the Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. For more information, please contact (978) 546-2997.
Camouflaging with Mud at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
When: February 20, 11am – noon: ages preschool/K, 1 – 2 pm: ages 6 and up
Info: Blending in with the sand and mud helps our estuary creatures avoid getting eaten. We will play a camouflage game, meet a spider crab (an expert in camouflage), and paint with mud. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Visitor Center. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact (508) 457-0495.
Mask Maker, Mask Maker, Make Me a Mask! at Fall River Heritage State Park
When: February 15 and 22
Info: Get ready to celebrate Mardi Gras/Carnival or just fight the winter blues and make your very own colorful mask. We’ll be making two styles of masks. On February 15, create your own African culture-inspired masks. On February 22, we will make Native American-inspired masks with the Pocasset Wampanoags. All materials will be provided. Meet in the Visitor Center. Drop in anytime from 12 to 3 p.m. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Live Birds of Prey at Holyoke Range State Park
When: February 15
Info: Get a close-up look at owls, hawks, and other birds of prey with Tom Ricardi, licensed rehabilitator and wildlife biologist. Learn about the work of the Massachusetts Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center, which cares for these injured birds. Ages 7 and up. Meet at Notch Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. For more information, please contact 413-253-2883.
Winter Wonderland Activity Day at Mount Greylock State Reservation
When: February 16
Info: This program is for children and families of all ages and is a fun-packed day of winter activities, including crafts, scavenger hunts, board games, and sledding, weather permitting. This is designed as a self-guided program, but staff will be assisting with several of the program’s activities. Children can bring their own sled if they’d like. Participants will meet at the visitor center; dogs are not allowed in the visitor center. For more information, please contact (413) 499-4262.
Maple Sugaring Weekend, Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
When: February 22 and 23
Info: It’s that sweet time of year again! Join us for our annual Maple Sugaring Weekend. Guided tours will run for 60 to 90 minutes and will begin at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Park staff and volunteers will take visitors through the art and science of producing maple syrup, including identifying maple trees, tapping trees, gathering sap, and watching syrup being made at the sugar house. Children’s activities include a craft and a Junior Ranger activity. Preregistration is recommended. Otherwise, it’s first come, first serve. Appropriate for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cabin Fever Ranger Hike at Wachusett Reservoir
When: February 15
Info: Get outside and join Watershed Rangers in exploring the winter woods to find signs of the wildlife in the watershed. The terrain on this family-friendly hike will range from easy to moderate, with some hills that provide rewarding views of the Wachusett Reservoir shoreline. The hike is 2.5 miles round trip. All ages welcome. Dogs are not allowed. We recommend dressing for the weather and bringing water and trekking poles, traction devices, or snowshoes depending on trail conditions, and your sense of adventure! For more information or to check status of hike, please reach out to Kathryn Parent at kathryn.parent@mass.gov, or call 617- 352-4044.
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