If February break will be a stay-cation for you this year, we have plenty of ideas for local family fun.
Get out your calendar, gather the kids, and get a plan in place for the week. Incorporate some indoor fun, some outdoor adventures, some yummy food, and some downtime too.
First things first... check these resources:
- Our EVENT CALENDAR to see all the local fun activities happening during February vacation
- If you're willing to travel a little, check the Event Calendar on Macaroni Kid Merrimack Valley, Seacoast Macaroni Kid, and Worcester Macaroni Kid
- See our Sledding Guide if there's enough snow on the ground
- Check the Outdoor Winter Fun Spots if you're interested in outdoor adventures.
- You can't forget to peruse our North Shore A-Z Guide to Winter Fun.
Feel free to email me at cheryllachendro@macaronikid.com with any other February School Vacation camps.
WildKat Hoops Presents: Family Hula-Hooping Event
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2210:30—11:30 AMOld Town Hall 491 Main St., West Newbury, MA, 01985
Get your hoop on! Kat Suwalski will demonstrate and get you hooping with laughter and fun! Hooping promotes exercise, exploration, expression, movement, and dance while having fun! We’ll learn basic hooping moves while increasing hand-eye coordination, strength, balance, and agility in an hour packed with silly fun. This program is for all ages.
Kat says "I love sharing the joy of this plastic circle with kids and caretakers alike. It builds confidence and joy while exploring curiosity. It's a very special toy that offers such freedom and play."
If you have any questions about the program, please email Kelly at kscott@westnewburylibrary.org
The fun program is sponsored by the Friends of West Newbury Library
February Vacation – Full, Half Day & Football Camp
Monday, 2/19 – Friday, 2/23
Half and Full Day Camp ages 5-12 from 9-Noon or 9-3pm
Cost: $75.00 Non-Members, $70.00 Members, $45 for Half Day Camp
Before and After Care are available 8am-9am and 4pm-5pm.
Football Camp
Athletes will work on footwork, route running, cutting, flag pulling, and agility. They will also play many games like Ultimate Football, Steal the Bacon, Capture the Ball, and scrimmages.
NEW LUNCH OPTION AVAILABLE – FULL DAY PARTICIPANTS ONLY.
We have partnered up with our friends at Danvers Pizza & Subs to provide the following lunch options:
- 3 Chicken Fingers, french fries, juice box, chocolate chip cookie
- Slice of pizza, potato chips, juice box, chocolate chip cookie
- Turkey & cheese sub, fruit cup, juice box, chocolate chip cookie
- Ham & cheese sub, fruit cup, juice box, chocolate chip cookie
$10.50/meal
Must order online at DIS website by Friday before the camp day/week.
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About CraneExplorer: Shipwreck Scholars- Ipswich
Coastal views with a side of shipwreck! Families will be guided on a Castle Hill hike through the salt marsh, dunes, and beach, while learning about local nautical history, including the role of Fox Creek Canal and Robinson Boat Yard in the area’s shipbuilding legacy, and the fascinating tale of the schooner Ada K Damon, wrecked on Steep Hill Beach in 1909. Participants will have the chance to make observations and measurements of the shipwreck, to learn how marine archaeologists and the Trustees are working to research and protect such artifacts.
This program has been developed in partnership with the MA Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources, and participants may get the chance to meet our state Underwater Archaeologist during the program.
About School Vacation Week Fire Pits and Winter Craft- Beverly
During school vacation week, warm up with friends and family around a fire pit at Long Hill! Your ticket, valid for 6 people, will give you access to your own personal fire pit for 2 hours. We will provide fire wood, chairs, and a complimentary s’mores kit for your whole group. All the materials needed for a special wintery craft will also be included. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Please note that dogs are not permitted at fire pit rentals.
Program Refunds/Cancellations: In the event The Trustees cancels a program due to severe weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances, we will notify registrants by email and issue a full refund within 14 days of the cancellation. If you cannot attend a program as planned, contact Long Hill at least 7 days before the start of the program. Refunds will not be granted for cancellations placed fewer than 7 days before the start of the program.
The Trustees reserves the right to photograph or video visitors and program participants for promotional use, and usage of its properties implies consent. See the full policy on our website here
About February Farm Camp at Appleton Farms- Hamilton/Ipswich
In the winter, many people hunker down to stay indoors, but at Appleton Farms, we make the most of the cold, quiet season. There is no better place to spend winter farm days than in exploring in the snow and learning to love the outdoors in all seasons! This program is for kids who are looking to make friends, explore the forests and fields of the farm, and learn about life in New England in winter, including learning about a type of winter farming – maple sugaring! Every day will include an outdoor adventure of hiking, snowshoeing, or other farm explorations.
This is a school vacation drop-off program running Monday-Friday 9am-3pm, February 19-23. Campers should be prepared to spend days mostly outdoors and will need appropriate clothes including hats, gloves, and boots. We will have snack and lunch on the farm (families provide their own campers’ food). A parent handbook will be provided to all parents and registration requires submission of child’s health forms, per licensing requirements. This program is licensed by the Ipswich Board of Health.
$460 Member Child/$560 Nonmember Child
Refund Policy:
Refundless $150 cancellation fee, deadline Feb 9; No refunds after Feb 9.
Refunds are not given for participant dismissal, failure to attend, absence, or sick days that are not COVID related.
Winter Story Time Puppet Show
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 202:00—3:00 PM
Children's Room
G.A.R. Memorial Library490 Main Street, West Newbury, MA, 01985
School Vacation Week Puppet Show 2:00-3:00 PM
Come and enjoy this Winter Story Time puppet show. Watch as Lindsay and her puppets
act out winter stories & songs. Then stay and play with her puppets for awhile. What kind of a
puppet show would you create? Families welcome. Please drop in.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the West Newbury Library.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024
10:30 a.m.
- $10 Member Children/Adults/Seniors
- $14 Nonmember Children/Adults/Seniors
Advanced Reservations Required
Come see live owls up close in this indoor presentation that will introduce you to different owls and other birds of prey in our region. There are two presentations: the first one starts at 10:30 a.m. and the second one starts at 1:30 p.m., and both include admission to the museum. This program shows how owls use their specialized powers of sight, hearing and flight to survive and thrive. A wealth of fact and folklore about these masters of the dark explains the natural and unnatural history of owls. A variety of live owls provides the focus of the presentation. Learn more about Wingmasters at http://www.wingmasters.net/
This program is recommended for children age 5 and up. It is important that guests remain seated for the duration of the 50 minute program to create a comfortable atmosphere for the birds.
Please check-in at the Desk upon arrival: 15 minutes before the start of the program.
We invite you to visit the museum galleries after your scheduled time. Admission to the galleries is included with your ticket.
February Vacation Programs
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Fresh air and family fun are the perfect combination for your February Vacation Week plans. Come out and play in your Massachusetts State Parks and enjoy a fantastic array of family friendly programs and experiences for all ages. Enjoy guided experiences or create a park adventure on your own. There is so much to enjoy and explore in your state parks. Come for a visit!
Halibut Point State Park, Gott Avenue at Rte 127, Rockport, MA 01966
Saturday February 17 through Sunday February 25 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
February School Vacation = “Stay”cation!!!
Available at Visitor Center area. Quarrying History Self-Guide for all ages at your leisure! Quarry Quest—Treasure Hunt! Follow clues then unscramble to find a treasure box! Family fun adventure—on trails you may never have walked before—while learning about the Babson Farm Granite Quarrying history. For ages 8 and up. Meet at the Visitor Center . No dogs allowed. For ages 5-12 years. For more information, please contact 857.268.6024.
Halibut Point State Park, Gott Avenue at Rte 127, Rockport, MA 01966
Saturday February 17 through Sunday February 25 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
StoryWalk! Nest Robin Built, by Denise Fleming
Self-guided reading pages posted along a lovely Park trail near the visitor center. Connect with nature and each other while enjoying the magic of reading together in the outdoors! For Pre-K-7 with favorite adult. StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. Meet at the Visitor Center. Leashed dogs allowed. For more information, please contact 857.268.6024.
Halibut Point State Park, Gott Avenue at Rte 127, Rockport, MA 01966
Sundays, February 18 & 25 11:00 AM -12:30 PM
WWII Towe Tour: Watching the Coastal Edge
One day after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, U.S. enhanced defenses with coastal patrols and built a network of watch towers at ocean edges. One tower, completed in 1944, now serves as Halibut’s newly renovated Visitor Center! We’ll provide a “tower tour/talk” about Halibut’s military history and the then cutting-edge technology. Includes an opportunity to climb the five-story tower! Meet in Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. For children 12+ years For more information, please contact 857.268.6024.
Halibut Point State Park, Gott Avenue at Rte 127, Rockport, MA 01966
Sunday, February 18 8:00 AM- 10:00 AM
Winter Birding
Meet at parking area. Winter brings birds and ducks from frozen ponds up north to our seashore. See Harlequin ducks and loons among the winter visitors at this rocky coastal water’s edge. Bundle up and join us for a short, leisurely walk while learning about bird sounds, habits, and flight patterns. Wear sturdy, warm footwear/boots/ice creepers, clothing layers, and wear sunscreen or a scarf to protect your face from coastal winds. Bring your binoculars. For all ages. No dogs allowed. For children 12+ years. For more information, please contact 857.268.6024.
Halibut Point State Park, Gott Avenue at Rte 127, Rockport, MA 01966
Tuesday, February 20 11:00 AM- 12:30 PM
When Granite was King!: Babson Farm Quarrying History Guided Tour
Over one hundred years ago, the Rockport Granite Company quarried granite stone here. Learn about the buildings, bridges, and breakwaters built to last. Touch tools of the trade. Find out how they moved these large, heavy stone pieces and how they “paved” dirt streets in our Nation’s growing cities—and around the world! Meet at parking area. Leashed dogs allowed. For children 12+ years. For more information, please contact 857.268.6024.
