Where to Find Free February Vacation Activities in Massachusetts
BOSTON — Families searching for free February vacation activities in Massachusetts have dozens of options this week. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is offering 86 February vacation activities in Massachusetts parks and reservations during school break.
From Boston’s Belle Isle Marsh to maple sugaring in Uxbridge and wildlife programs at Quabbin Reservoir, the lineup spans the entire state.
DCR programs span 23 parks and watersheds during February school vacation week. Activities range from bird walks and animal tracking to maple sugaring demonstrations, guided hikes and historic house tours.
In addition, parking fees are waived at parks hosting vacation programming, and public skating hours at DCR-managed rinks are extended daily from 10 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
Below are some regional highlights from this year’s lineup.
Boston Region
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
1399 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128
An Oasis for Birds
Saturday, February 21 | 8–9:30 a.m.
Participants will explore one of Boston’s premier birding locations on a guided one-mile walk over flat terrain. The program focuses on raptors and specialty birds. Some binoculars will be available, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own. Suitable for adults and children ages 8 and up.
Roxbury Heritage State Park
183 Roxbury St, Boston, MA 02119
Dillaway-Thomas House Self-Guided Tours
February 18–22 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Visitors can explore one of Roxbury’s oldest surviving structures, dating to 1750. The Dillaway-Thomas House served as Continental Army headquarters during the Siege of Boston and now operates as a museum. Recommended for guests 10 and older.
Central Region
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
287 Oak St, Uxbridge, MA 01569
Maple Sugaring Weekend
February 21–22
Guided 90-minute tours throughout the day introduce visitors to the process of maple syrup production, from tree identification and tapping to boiling sap at the sugar house. Children’s crafts and Junior Ranger activities are included. Preregistration is recommended but not required.
Southern New England Trunkline Trail
107 Wallum Lake Road, Douglas, MA 01516
Guided Hike
Sunday, February 22 | 1–3 p.m.
A four-mile walk along compacted gravel trails with no inclines. Participants should dress for cold weather and wear sturdy footwear. No water or restrooms are available onsite.
North Region
Breakheart Reservation
177 Forest St., Saugus, MA 01906
Wild Breakheart
February 18 | 9–10 a.m.
An animal tracking program featuring a one-mile walk designed to show how Massachusetts wildlife tracks reveal what animals do in winter. Appropriate for ages 4 and older.
Halibut Point State Park
Gott Ave, Rockport, MA 01966
Quarry Quest Treasure Hunt
February 14–22 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. daily
Families can follow clues along a half-mile route to discover a hidden treasure while learning about the park’s quarry history and coastal landscape. Recommended for children ages 8 and up.
South Region
Borderland State Park
259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton, MA 02356
Owl Prowl
February 20 | 5–6:30 p.m.
An evening program introducing participants to New England owls. The experience includes practicing owl calls, a 1–2 mile hike and an owl pellet dissection. Registration is required.
Fall River Heritage State Park
Davol St, Fall River, MA 02720
Community Kwanzaa Sewing Workshop
February 18 | 12–3 p.m.
An interactive workshop celebrating the Kwanzaa principle of Ujimaa (collective work and responsibility). Participants will learn sewing and embroidery techniques while creating a themed table runner. Appropriate for children aged 6 and up, but all children must be accompanied by an adult.
West Region
Adults and children walking through snow toward a partially frozen shoreline at Wachusett Reservoir in winter.
Great Falls Discovery Center
2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA
Kidleidoscope Story Hour: Rabbits
February 20 | 10:30–11:30 a.m.
A wildlife-themed story hour focused on animals of the Massachusetts Connecticut River watershed. Includes crafts and activities both indoors and outdoors. Designed for ages 3–6.
Quabbin Reservoir
100 Winsor Dam Rd., Belchertown , MA 01007
Wildlife Artifacts Exploration
February 19 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Participants will examine animal artifacts and learn about wildlife that inhabit the Quabbin area — from moose skulls to beaver fur. Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Additional Information
- Parking fees are waived at parks hosting February vacation programming.
- Public skating hours at DCR rinks are extended daily.
- Adaptive programming is available at select locations.
- Visitors are encouraged to check weather conditions and confirm event status before traveling.
For a full list of all programming offered during school vacation week visit DCR’s February Vacation Week Programming webpage
