February break is just around the corner, and if you're opting for a staycation in the Boston area, we've got you covered! Our knowledgeable agents are experts on the local towns they serve, and many are also seasoned parents themselves. Who better to turn to for suggestions to keep both kids and parents entertained? Here are some handpicked recommendations for activities to enjoy during your vacation and beyond. Since many of these activities are outdoors and require pre-booking, be sure to check the weather and their respective websites before heading out.
If the weather stays fair, take a walk in one of our many nearby state parks and reservations. The Middlesex Fells in Winchester, Minute Man Park in Concord, Great Meadows also in Concord, and Willard Woods in Lexington are all good places to explore. Or head into the city and take a stroll through Boston Common and the Public Garden, or along the Rose Kennedy Greenway (don’t forget to say hello to the seals outside the Aquarium!)
For more animal adventures, head to Stone Zoo in Stoneham or Franklin Park Zoo in Boston - both are open to visitors year-round and there are plenty of animals on exhibit. Now is a great time to spot the snow leopards at Stone Zoo – a particular agent favorite! Non-members need to purchase their tickets in advance online.
While we are a bit short on snow this year, many of the local slopes are snowmaking so you can still get your fix! For non-skiers, Ski Ward Ski Area in Shrewsbury and Nashoba Valley Snow Tubing Park in Littleton both offer snowtubing (advance booking required. Some height/age restrictions apply - best for ages 6+.) Or why not try your hand at curling? Head to Boston’s Seaport, which has been transformed into Snowport for the season - it’s free and you can book a slot up to a week in advance. Keep an eye out for Betty the Yeti while you are there!
The Trustee of the Reservations are hosting some fun Feb vacation week activities at select locations, including Presidents Day at Fruitlands in Harvard, and a Winter Scavenger Hunt in North Andover. Fruitlands Museum is also hosting Winter Fest with the Harvard Lions Club on Saturday Feb 24th, with a host of activities for the whole family. Also on Saturday, see deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln in a different light with a Full Moon tour!
If you prefer to be indoors, our favorite kid-friendly museums include Museum of Science, Boston Children’s Museum and New England Aquarium for an undercover day out. If you don’t want to travel into the city, Discovery Museum in Acton is open all week with special activities (reservations required), and Concord Museum also has some family activities planned. Peabody Essex Museum in Salem is hosting a special Caring for Creatures and Climate event– a series of themed activities and special workshops for the whole family.
Finally, put a fun spin on eating out by booking a table in an igloo! The Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington offers igloos for up to 6 people for brunch, lunch or dinner. For an igloo with a view try 75 on Liberty Wharf in Boston’s Seaport or Mile Marker One in Gloucester.
If you have other suggestion for fun things to do, please let us know! Whatever you decide to do, we hope you enjoy some family time together.
