29 Cool Things To Do on February Winter Break in Boston
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The top things to do on February winter break in Boston feature some extraordinary happenings around the area. These extra special exhibits, performances, and fun activities are perfect if your plans include a staycation. While none of these events involve lounging on the beach with a tropical drink, they're all easy to get to—and (bonus!) easy on the wallet.
For more ideas for making the most of a chilly vacation in Boston, see our events calendar. And be sure to check out our Boston Winter Vacation Guide, with activities like the Best Indoor Water Parks in New England.
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Climb into fun this February Break in Boston. Boston Children's Museum photo by Todd Van Hoosear via Flickr 2.0
Things To Do on February Winter Break in Boston: Museum Exhibits and Camps
1. Celebrate National Engineers Week by constructing projects from recycled materials. —Acton
2. Find all of the yetis and uncover the magic and beauty of the winter season at Yeti, Set, Go! at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. —Boylston
3. Got a boat lover? Head over to the USS Constitution for the Masters of Miniature showcase. Get inspired by this year’s models, which span 250 years of U.S. Navy history, highlighting maritime design and innovation.—Charlestown
4. Travel back in time and participate in an assortment of school vacation activities at the Concord Museum.—Concord
5. Taunton's Old Colony History Museum is hosting four days of kids activities for School Vacation at the OCHM.—Taunton
6. Take a peek at a microscopic world with Microbe Madness at the Waterworks Museum.—Boston
7. There are art-filled projects and more at the Museum of Fine Arts from Wednesday through Saturday.—Boston
8. Show your kids Glass Flowers gallery at the Harvard Museum of Natural History.—Cambridge
9. Kids will explore the snowy landscape, uncover animal tracks, tap maple trees, and more at the Mass Audobon February Vacation Week at the Boston Nature Center. —Mattapan
10. If you'd simply like to explore some cultural institutions you've never visited (or haven't in a while), several local museums offer free admission for children (accompanying caregivers in most cases still pay regular admission).
Things To Do on February Winter Break in Boston: Skating, Winter Hikes, and Outdoor Fun
11. Boston Common hosts the annual Children's Winter Festival, a free event with music, treats, crafts, and more! —Boston
12. Sneak a peak at the Winter Wildlife while hiking the dunes of Crane Beach.—Ipswich
13. Take the kids for a winter hikes or walks for a great way to shake off cabin fever. —Boston
14. Pop over to either the Franklin Park Zoo or Stoneham Zoo and get wild with winter-themed crafts, scavenger hunts, and zookeeper chats.—Boston & Stoneham
16. Lace up those skates for a visit to the best outdoor ice skating rinks for kids and families across Greater Boston.—Boston
Shake those winter blues away with these fun activities in Boston over February winter break! Photo courtesy of Winterfest
15. Wonder what Peddocks Island is like in the winter? Sail on over for guided tours, hot chocolate, and junior ranger activities. —Boston
16. Head to New Hampshire and explore the crystalline creativity of Ice Castles. —North Woodstock, NH
Things To Do on February Winter Break in Boston: Winter Sports
17. Hit the slopes at one of these nearby ski hills, all worthy of a day trip.—Various locations
18. Don't want to ski? Hit the slopes to go snow tubing instead!—Various locations
19. An even simpler way to make the most of cold weather: Snowshoeing at one of these local parks, which is great fun (and great exercise).—Various locations
Things To Do on February Winter Break in Boston Shows and Performances
20. Catch up with everyone's favorite wascally wabbit at the Bugs Bunny Film Festival.—Cambridge
21. Watch Galapagos George, a puppet show at the Puppet Showplace Theatre.—Brookline
22. Get ready to be amazed at the President's Day Magic Show at Jam Time Natick (as well as Maynard and Norwood). —Multiple locations
Things get creative (and delicious!) this February winter vacation. Cooking Camp photo courtesy of Taste Buds Kitchen
Things To Do on February Winter Break in Boston: Camps and Vacation Play Spaces
23. Find some budget-friendly fun at these Free Indoor Places To Play. —Multiple Locations
24. Bring young children to the Sensory Garden Exhibition, where kids can see, touch, smell, and taste the garden around them. —Newton
25. Budding chefs can whip up some tasty treats inspired by their favorite stories at Taste Buds Kitchen.—Beverly, North Andover
26. Parkour Generations Boston has February vacation programs that will definitely keep the kids active over the break!—Somerville
27. Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. — Your own backyard
Originally published on 2/8/2016. Updated by Lucie T. on 2/2017, 2/2018, and 1/2020. Updated by N.Ferreira 1/2025