GREATER BOSTON | NORTH OF BOSTON | SOUTH OF BOSTON | CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS | CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS | WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Check below for some fun ideas for the whole family this February vacation. Are we missing an event or attraction? Let us know!
GREATER BOSTON
Citizens Bank Opera House, Recurring Daily
This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying,” “I Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland.” PETER PAN embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!
NORTH OF BOSTON
Hike & Seek: Magic in the Winter Forest
Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, North Andover, February 16 – March 1
Have you ever wondered what happens in nature during the winter months? Do you have questions like, “where do certain animals go” or “why does it snow”? Join us this February school vacation for this self-guided winter themed family-friendly bundle for use along the Stevens-to-Stevens trail in North Andover to discover the magic within the Winter forest.
Wenham Museum, February 19
Let’s learn about whales!
Walk inside a life-sized, inflatable humpback whale where you’ll learn all about these magnificent creatures. Learning about whales is also a great way to think critically about how you can become an ocean advocate, to help the wild world and our oceans.
Sign up to visit to The Whalemobile at 11 AM, 11:30 AM, or 12:30 PM. Prior to the program date, participants will be sent an introductory video about whales and The Whalemobile (this video will also be available for viewing inside the museum.) When you come to the museum, you’ll have a 30-minute visit seated inside the giant, inflatable humpback whale with a naturalist and educator. There will also be time for questions!
Be a Data Scientist at Discovery Museum
Discover Museum, Acton, February 16 – 19
Sunday, February 16 through Wednesday, February 19 | 10:00am to 2:00pm
How tall are Discovery Museum visitors? What kind of pets do they have? Learn the answers to these questions and more as we play with data. We’ll use a variety of ways of collecting and displaying data while exploring some fun and silly science.
A Visit with President Lincoln
Concord Museum, February 17
The Museum is pleased to host Steve Wood and his amazing performance as Abraham Lincoln. Wood’s first-person historical interpretation, “A Visit with Abraham Lincoln,” includes stories of Lincoln’s early life, campaign debates, the Civil War, and concludes with a stirring reading of the Gettysburg Address. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis.
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, February 17
Looking for some movement for you and your child on President’s Day? Spend the morning as a family doing a restorative exercise. Meet at deCordova for a kiddo-friendly yoga class that weaves a rich balance between the imaginative world of the child with the distinct aspects of yoga practice that support mindfulness, self-regulation and joy. Your instructor comes from the teaching team at On The Mat Yoga in Concord.
For ages 3-12 with a caregiver. Please bring a water bottle and a mat.
Lighting the Way: An Apprentice Historian Program for Grades 3-5
Buckman Tavern, Lexington, February 18
In the past, labor and daily routines were planned around when the sun rose and set. So how did people see at night before electric light? Explore a historic tavern to find out! We’ll uncover how we learn about the past from the writing and objects people left behind, and learn how to make a working candle from beeswax and a lantern from tin. Kids will learn how people of the past used tools to make the world around them easier to navigate.
This program is recommended for 3rd – 5th graders. $15 members, $20 nonmembers. Advanced tickets required. Since children will be dropped off for this program, a LHS Children’s Program Participation Form is required, which is available at checkout.
Maker Space: February Break for Little Artists & Junior Creators
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, February 18
Investigate ideas and unique materials inspired by themes and artists on view in the Sculpture Park. Find your own approach or collaborate to construct creative works of art. Join us for a short time or the entire drop-in window. For any age and an accompanying adult – all are welcome. This Maker Space session will focus on Eternal Presence by John Wilson and Elegantka by Ursula von Rydingsvard.
Maker Space will take place in the Dewey Family Hall, located on the third floor of the museum building. In the event of a cancellation, those registered will receive an email. deCordova’s family programs are designed to welcome a wide range of ages and abilities. Please contact [email protected] to discuss reasonable adaptations to benefit anyone in your group. Pre-ticketing is required in order to anticipate capacity. Your ticket includes admission to deCordova’s campus, so please feel free to explore the grounds before or after the program. You’re welcome to picnic in the Park. Bring your own picnic or pick up a bite to eat at the Twisted Tree Café, and stop by The Store for a gift or souvenir.
Science and Medicine: An Apprentice Historian Program for Grades 6-7
Munroe Tavern, Lexington, February 20
People of the past used science just like we do every day, even on an 18th century farm! Learn how simple chores like writing a letter, working in the barn, or caring for a sick person utilize chemistry and physics. As we explore a historic tavern, we’ll become household scientists: making medicine by grinding herbs from the garden, using simple tools, and observing chemical reactions in making ink and butter. This program is recommended for 6th – 7th graders. $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
SOUTH OF BOSTON
Mini Golf Vacation Fun for the Whole Family
James Library & Center for the Arts, Norwell, February 18
Looking for something fun to do during winter break? Join us at the James for an indoor round of mini golf. The entire building will be transformed into a 10-hole mini golf course with greens and holes winding through the stacks, around the art gallery, and through the concert hall. Everything is provided, including clubs, balls, scorecards, and fun!
Old Colony History Museum, Taunton, February 18 – 21
Join us for hands-on, historic crafts, kid-friendly scavenger hunts, and, of course, a highlight tour at noon through our exhibits this school vacation week. Don’t miss out on this fun and educational experience for the whole family-and kids 12 and under are free!
Drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 66 Church Green.
CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, February 15 – 17
The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster presents Mixology: Chemistry for Kids Saturday, February 15; Sunday, February 16; & Monday, February 17, 2025 ~ 10:30am-2:25 p.m.
Join Colette LeGendre and get messy with science! Explosions of experiments, hands-on activities, and demonstrations that encourage kids to ask questions that pique their interest by investigating the mysteries of chemistry. Help answer the question: “What will happen when…?”
South Yarmouth, February 15 – 17
Join the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce and the Yarmouth Recreation Department for a fun-filled Presidents Day Weekend at Skull Island in South Yarmouth, Saturday, February 15th – Monday, February 17th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
February Vacation at Margaritaville Cape Cod
Margaritaville Resort, Hyannis, February 16 – 21
February Vacation at Cotuit Center for the Arts
Cotuit, February 18 – 20
Cotuit Center for the Arts is excited to announce a week of thrilling events for all ages during February Vacation! With a lineup of captivating performances and hands-on experiences, there’s something for everyone—from toddlers to grandparents. Don’t miss out on these exciting shows that promise fun, learning, and entertainment for the whole family.
Barnstable Land Trust, February 18
Calling all stuffed animals for the ‘glamping’ version of a Stuffy Sleepover! Stuffies of all ages are invited to explore their ‘wild’ side and experience life as a happy camper during February School Vacation Week as they join Barnstable Land Trust and friends to explore the great outdoors (and indoors!) as they snuggle in sleeping bags, gather round the campfire, go for mini-hikes, and more. Human guardians and their plushy pals are invited to a special registration and drop-off “Come in Your PJ’s” event at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, at BLT’s headquarters for a themed storytime and craft session with our guest camper, Ms. Christy from West Barnstable’s Sturgis Library. Afterwards, BLT camp counselors will take the ‘night shift’ as the stuffy sleepover adventures begin. Pick-up is the next day on Wednesday, February 19, from 10 – 2 p.m. at BLT headquarters aka the Stuffy Sleepover Campground.
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS
Wachusett Mountain Family Vacation Week
Wachusett Mountain, Princeton, February 17 – 22
Visit the mountain this week for a whole line-up of family-friendly Winter fun!
Prehistoric Planet Vacation Week at the EcoTarium
EcoTarium, Worcester, February 17 – 21
What was the world like when dinosaurs roamed the Earth? Dig into geology and paleontology with us to learn about the history of our planet and all its incredible creatures. We will track footprints, touch real fossils, meet distant descendants of the dinosaurs, and more!
February Vacation Kid’s Week Activities at Klem’s!
Klems, Spencer, February 17 – 21
Join us for Free Activities to keep kids (and parents) busy and having fun during winter break! All ages welcome. Children must be supervised at all times.
February Vacation Week: Nature Quest
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Celebrate school vacation at New England Botanic Garden. School vacation week programs feature kid-friendly themes designed to connect you and your young friends with the wonderful world right outside your windows. Learn, craft, create, tinker, play, and experiment together as a family. Level up this February break and turn the natural world into your gaming adventure with Nature Quest!
Teen Exploration 2025 Drawing & Painting
Old Murdock Senior Center, February 19
Teens will explore different ways of drawing and painting, from realistic to abstract. Projects include a simple still-life, landscapes, self-portraits, drawing or painting from photos, and an intro to abstract art. They will learn basic drawing and painting techniques and get the chance to experiment with a variety of materials.
Leominster City Hall, February 18
Join us in the Tata Auditorium at Leominster City Hall for our 7th Annual Indoor Drive-In Movie Night on Tuesday February 18!
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Holyoke Mall, Winter Break Fun
Holyoke Mall, February 17 – 21
Our renowned Tykes program is back with a winter makeover! Introducing Holyoke Mall’s Tykes: Winter Break Edition—an exciting week filled with FREE events and activities, running from Monday, February 17 to Friday, February 21.
Tykes: Winter Break Edition will be held from 11 AM – Noon in Macy’s Court*. The kids’ program is free, open to the public, and is best suited for children ages 12 and under. This year’s activities include a visit from Riverside Reptile Education Center, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, and more!
The Zoo in Forest Park, Zoo Camp
The Zoo in Forest Park, Springfield, February 17 – 21
Zoo Camp is for kids ages 6-13 and takes place during school breaks in February, April, December and nine weeks in the summer. Camp runs weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Blue Rider Stables, South Egremont, February 17 – 25
Spend School Break connecting with our horses and donkeys. Learn bareback riding, horse care, assist with barn chores and become a part of our herd. Please call or email us with questions or to register.
Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge
Join us for a week of special family-focused programs where art and science come together to inspire wonder and imagination. Take a tour with one of our family educators. Explore Norman Rockwell’s paintings illustrating the power and beauty of electric lighting. Artmaking activities will continue the theme of light with art and science inspired experiments that explore the qualities of light and darkness, reflection, and illumination.
Titanic Museum, School Vacation Week
RMS Titanic sank in the early morning of 15 April 1912 in the North Atlantic Ocean, four days into the ship’s maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City.
Discover Titanic Where It All Began. Home of the World Famous Titanic Historical Society Collection. The collection covers a broad scope of Titanic’s rich history, from original blueprints of her tank top donated by her builders, Harland & Wolff, to the 21st century where the ship has become a popular icon from movies and TV. The Titanic Historical Society’s (THS) collection, one of its greatest strengths, is its collected works of rare Titanic survivor artifacts, one of the finest anywhere. Many were donated by the survivors themselves.
Old Sturbridge Village, School Vacation Week
Old Sturbridge Village, February 19 – 21
Discovery Adventures are immersive day programs that give kids a chance to step back in time and experience life in the 1830s at Old Sturbridge Village. Every session offers kids the opportunity to explore an aspect of 19th-century history and daily life. All programs include an afternoon snack, hands-on crafts, and the chance to learn something new while making lasting friends and memories.
School Vacation Week in Deerfield
Historic Deerfield, February 17 – 21
Come and play at the History Workshop during February school vacation week. Learn and play historic games, use your imagination to cook a make-believe meal, dress up, write with a quill pen, try your hand at pretend ice fishing, weave on a loom, and make a simple craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Springfield Museums, February 21
Examine the uniquely human body, complete with all the gross, crazy and amazing things your body does every day! We will map your tongue, trick your nose and your other senses as we make slime, fake vomit, and fake boogies! Please dress for mess! This class will use peanut butter and dairy, so please be aware of allergens and let us know if your child has any allergy restrictions.
Yankee Candle Village, School Vacation FUN!
Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield, February 19
It’s an Art Party! happening at Yankee Candle Village for February School Break. Help us create a wall-sized art collaboration by decorating a canvas tile with the color of the day. We have a lot of other fun planned including cookie decorating with Santa, free face painting, visits from Ed the Magician and Tom Ricardi & his Birds of Prey, raffles, games and more! Wear the color of the day to enter for the chance to win a Wax Works Package for 4 ($80 value).