slides: 7 Great Family February Vacation Outdoor Activities

Friday, February 21, 2014
Susan Wagner, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Hey, baby, it's cold outside!

But, that doesn't mean that the whole family shouldn't head out for some outside fun and enjoy the area’s abundance of snow. There is a whole wonderland of winter activities that await all over Central Massachusetts. Bundle up warmly, pile the family in the car and go out to experience sleigh rides, snowshoeing, sledding, skating, skiing, snowboarding, living history, nature, hot chocolate and so much more.

  • Snowshoeing For Families

    Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Avenue, Worcester

    Broad Brook Meadow offers the cure for cabin fever. Lessons are given on how to use snowshoes and practice in a field before heading out onto the trails. The whole family will learn how to look for signs of wildlife while enjoying the beauty of the sanctuary in winter!  Bring your own snowshoes or rent them for an additional $2 per pair. Please wear boots and other clothing appropriate for winter. Hot chocolate and coffee will be available. For ages 5 and older. Cost: $5 Mass Audubon Adult Members, $7 Adult Non-members, $3 Child Members, $4 Child Non-members.

    For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087 or click here.

     

  • February Vacation Week 2014

    Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston

    Today and tomorrow, celebrate the winter outdoors at Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Enjoy the Winter Trees Walk and learn about winter tree identification, animal tracks and signs and study winter birds while hiking beautiful woodland trails. Bring your snowshoes and head out to explore the pristine beauty of New England in all its winter glory. How about some frosty fun? Go for a slide on the sledding hill, create snow sculptures, help build a snow fort, or try snow painting. When its time to warm up after your outdoor adventures head inside for a hot chocolate and more activities. Experience why Tower Hill is a garden for all seasons.

    For more information, call 508-869-6111x124 or click here.

     

  • Kids Free on Winter Weekends

    Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge

    This winter, children 17 and under are free during winter weekends at Old Sturbridge Village through March 30th, 2014, 9:30-4:00, when accompanied by one adult paying full-priced, regular admission. Visit with farmers as they go about their winter chores and lend them a helping hand. See household life was like and what chores 19th-century children were expected to do. Special performances and winter-themed crafts and, weather permitting, horse-drawn sleigh rides and sledding on old-fashioned sleds round out these winter fun weekends.

    Website: http://www.osv.org/kids-free-on-winter-weekends. Phone: (508) 347-3362.

     

  • Horse Drawn Sleigh and Wagon Rides

    Cornerstone Ranch, Princeton

    Cornerstone Ranch offers guests a chance to step back in time and experience what was once common, as you ride behind their team of Black Beauty Percheron Mares in a wagon or sleigh, complete with sleigh bells (snow conditions permitting). When it is cold out, they will have the camp fire going and hot chocolate and Smore's will be available. Children 4 & under may ride on parent's laps at no extra charge. $24.00 for a wagon ride and $125 for a private sleigh ride for up to 4, 30 minutes in length.

    Click here to book online.

     

  • WinterFest Weekends at Fruitlands Museum!

    102 Prospect Hill Rd, Harvard

    Enjoy WinterFest Weekends until the end of March at Fruitlands Museum.  Set on 200 pastoral acres, with stunning vistas, Fruitlands is the perfect place to experience winter fun.  Bring sleds, snowshoes and cross country skis and enjoy the great outdoors. Look for special weekends with Eastern Mountain Sports and special winter hiking workshops with JUMP. The fire pit will be blazing to warms your hands and hot chocolate will be flowing. Member admission is FREE and non-member admission is $5/person.

    Click here or call (978) 456-3924 for more information.

     

  • February Vacation Week 2014, Family Skiing and Snowboarding + More

    Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton

    Enjoy family-friendly activities all week long including entertainment, music, New England Aquarium’s Science on the Slopes on Saturday, February 22 and the famous Polar Balloon Races on Sunday February 23! With a 1,000-foot vertical drop and a 2,000-foot elevation, Wachusett Mountain offers the most accessible big mountain skiing in southern New England, with 22 trails, 110 acres for all abilities and 8 lifts. Skiing until 10 pm.

    For more information, click here or call (978) 464-2300.

     

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