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Family Fun Ideas for February Vacation on the North Shore: 10 Exciting Activities

Five opportunities to explore the region and beyond await during the five-day school break with the kids. Here are 10 engaging events, activities, and destinations to maximize your family’s February vacation week.

Newburyport Eagle Festival | Feb. 17

Witness the resurgence of the majestic bald eagle in Massachusetts at the Mass Audubon Merrimack River Eagle Festival. Celebrate the progress, discover fascinating facts about these birds, and embark on a quest to spot bald eagles in the wild.

Maple Syrup and Pizza at Appleton Farms, Ipswich | Feb. 17, 18, 24, and 25

Delve into the world of maple syrup at Appleton Farms with various programs centered around this sweet treat. From Maple in the Barnyard offering educational sessions on syrup-making to maple strolls showcasing the farm’s maple production, there’s plenty to learn and taste. Don’t miss out on the maple-infused wood-fired pizza pop-up event.

Shipwreck Scholars at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich | Feb. 17 and 20

Embark on a guided hike at Castle Hill to Steep Hill Beach and explore the remnants of the 1909 shipwreck of the schooner Ada K. Damon. Learn about the ship’s history, participate in observations of the wreck, and gain insights into the conservation efforts led by marine archaeologists and the Trustees of Reservations.

Discover more information online.

Victoria Vesna, Noise Aquarium, 2022. Installation view of the Our Time on Earth exhibition at the Barbican Centre. © Danann Breathnach Photography

Caring for Earth and Climate Week at Peabody Essex Museum, Salem | Feb. 19, 22, and 23

Engage in environmental stewardship activities at the Peabody Essex Museum, including writing letters to future generations, upcycling clothes with animal prints, encountering reptiles up close, and exploring the planet’s magnificence through various exhibits.

Wild Fun at Stone Zoo, Stoneham | Feb. 19-23

Experience a thrilling week at Stone Zoo with activities like scavenger hunts, daily mystery animal encounters, and zookeeper chats focusing on barn owls and snow leopards.

Animal Action at Wenham Museum, Wenham | Feb. 21-23

Join the Wenham Museum for a week of exciting animal-themed activities, including interactions with Barn Babies, encounters with Curious Creatures, owl presentations, and a fascinating inflatable humpback whale exhibit.

Animal Tracking at Breakheart Reservation, Saugus | Feb. 22

Participate in a guided walk at Breakheart Reservation to discover and interpret animal tracks, gaining insights into the wildlife activities within the reservation.

Signature Schmutz BootCAMP at CAMP Boston, Burlington | Feb. 23 and 24

Engage in a unique slime-making workshop at CAMP Boston, where kids can create custom “schmutzes” and explore different slime formulas in a 45-minute session filled with creative fun.

WNDR Museum, Boston | All Week

Explore Boston’s latest interactive museum, offering immersive exhibits where visitors can engage with and become part of the art. From floating silver spheres to interactive light displays, the museum promises a captivating experience.

Quarry Quest Treasure Hunt at Halibut Point State Park, Rockport | All Week

Embark on a treasure hunt at Halibut Point State Park by solving puzzles that lead you through the park while uncovering its rich history. Challenge yourself with clues and explore this unique location in an exciting and educational way.