6 February break activities around Boston to fend off boredom

What is there to do when your kids have a week off from school? While it may seem like there’s not much to explore when the weather is cold and bleak, Boston is actually packed with engaging activities for families this February break.

From birding and skating to museum-hopping and block-partying, here are six exciting events happening from Feb. 17-25.

Families with children ages 5-12, tickets required.

Did you know that winter weather attracts snowy owls and bald eagles to the Merrimack Valley? These elegant birds aren’t always easy to find, but Mass Audubon’s educational guides can help you sneak a peek at these spectacular creatures during the 18th annual Eagle Festival.

If you and your family are looking for outdoorsy, all-day activities to kick off vacation week, the Eagle Festival may be worth the day trip out of Boston to Newburyport. There are multiple virtual and in-person events, but we’re recommending “Everything Eagles!” which has three separate seminar times on February 17 and 18, with tickets $6 for adults and children.

Free admission for all ages.

If you haven’t found the time to ice skate this winter, here’s your chance. Friends of the Public Garden is hosting its third annual “Skating with FRIENDS” event on Feb. 19. You don’t even need to own a pair of skates—free rentals are available while supplies last thanks to the Skating Club of Boston. Sessions will be held in 90-minute intervals from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., so there are plenty of opportunities for you and your family to get out on the ice. And if you’d rather not skate, you can still help yourself to some free hot chocolate.

All ages, free admission for those under 18. 

It’s always exciting to check out the latest-pop up shop or restaurant in the Seaport. But this February break, you might find it worthwhile to steer away from the stores and to head to the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) instead.

On Feb. 21, 22 and 23, the ICA will be hosting a series of events for all ages. From 11 a.m.-4 p.m. there will be hands-on photography and art making classes in its ArtLab, as well as interactive games in the galleries throughout the day. Parents and caregivers, you may need to buy a ticket, but anyone under 18 gets in free! That saves money for a yummy, fish-shaped ice cream cone after the museum.

Families with children ages 4-12, free admission. 

February is Black History Month, and the Boston Public Library (BPL) has a suite of educational events honoring Black heritage. During February break, the BPL is inviting families with children ages 4-12 to join percussionist Cornell Coley for a drumming lesson at eight of its branches. With a workshop scheduled for almost every day of break (and free admission), it's an easy activity to fit into any schedule. Find a time at your branch below:

Free admission for all ages.

The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (which include the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Peabody Museum) will be hosting one of its free evening ArtsThursdays smack dab in the middle of February break.

Find yourself at either museum from 5 -9 p.m. and enjoy free admission to two new exhibits. Explore dinosaur fossils in the paleontology gallery and discover dazzling stones and geodes in the mineral gallery (which, I'll admit, was my favorite part of the museum as a child.)

All ages, free ticket reservations recommended.

Calling all Cambridge families: If you’re looking for something fun to do along the Red Line, MIT OpenSpace is hosting its third annual Winter Family Day on February 25. With activities split between MIT’s indoor Welcome Center and outdoor OpenSpace, the event promises hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programming for all ages, as well as live, local music, games and food trucks from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

MIT OpenSpace seeks to provide free public programming every month, so keep an eye out for its other upcoming events that might warrant another trip down to Kendall Square. To add more fun to your visit, consider stopping by Flour Bakery for a treat or hitting The Garment District for some thrifting.