10 family fun things to do this February
Hike & Seek: Winter Wonderland
Daily
The Stevens Coolidge Place, North Andover
Member family $4; nonmember $8
Get a little closer to the fantastical elements of the forest. Curious children and their caregivers are invited to discover their own magic in the woods with this outdoor, self-guided program. Participants will be emailed an activity bundle to help them look for clues along the trails and work as a team to discover the tiny world beneath their feet and under their nose. Pre-registration required to receive the downloadable bundle of activities, including maps, scavenger hunt, crafts, additional reading list and recipes. The special trail runs to March, and you can use your bundle on any day of your choosing. thetrustees.org.
Winter Walks at the Village
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, plus vacation week (Feb. 15-20)
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
Adults $28, children $14, kids 3 and under free (admission half off through Feb. 7)
Enjoy a peaceful walk around the early 19th-century village. Stop by households and see what kind of winter activities kept a family busy. Trade shops will be active as well, from needlework to working at the potter’s wheel. See the farmers hard at work getting ready for the next season, and of course, the farm animals. Daily horse-drawn wagon rides offered throughout the museum. osv.org
Fire Pit Picnics & Adventures
Weekends through February
Various Trustees sites
Member family $30-$60, nonmember $50-$75
A warm fire makes for a cozy and adventure on a wintry evening or afternoon. You can reserve a private fire pit for up to six people at various Trustees locations this month. Make it a picnic and bring your own food or buy something from the farm store Appleton Farm in Ipswich, or wander the StoryWalk or Reindeer Quest at Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough or Powisset Farm in Dover. At Castle Hill Crane Estate in Ipswich, a reservation includes two hours for a self-guided hike on the grounds. At Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, a booking includes use of the grounds and admission to the galleries. Fire pit reservations include seating and s’mores kits. Find information on specific dates, times and pricing for each location online. thetrustees.org.
Winter Weekends at the Farm
Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4 p.m.
Appleton Farm, Hamilton & Ipswich
Every weekend, the farm will be filled with activities and opportunities to explore the property, socialize in a safe, socially-distant manner, and enjoy amazing food. Join in a hike exploring the “ruins” of Appleton Farms, journeying through the idyllic Great Pasture, or crossing the property to see the monuments to Appleton family members. When the weekends get snow-covered, spend a day cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, then come by the Old House for a cozy fire pit and some fantastic food. Tickets for hikes, walks, guided tours and fire pits must be purchased separately. thetrustees.org
Frozen Fruitlands
Fruitlands Museum, Harvard
Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Members free, nonmember carload $15
Bring your winter boots, sleds, snowshoes, or cross-country skis to get outside and explore our hills and woodland trails. Frozen Fruitlands admission includes access to the grounds, Wayside Gallery, and Art Gallery. Warm up after your hike with a private fire pit booking, which can be reserved by the hour and include wood and seating. Book in advance to secure your spot. thetrustees.org
Family Animal Tracking Adventure
Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Milton
Saturdays, Feb. 6 and 13, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Adults free, child $25
Nature detectives will learn about “stories in the snow” and many other signs that wildlife leave behind as clues to how and where they find food and shelter in the winter. This semi-private outdoor family exploration is suitable for kids 6 and up, takes place atop Chickatawbut Hill, and includes an up-close animal encounter with one of the resident animals. Pre-registration required. massaudubon.com
Family Owl Prowl & Night Hike
Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Milton
Friday, Feb. 12 and Saturday, Feb. 27, 6-8 p.m.
Adult member $25, child member $25; nonmembers $30
Before heading out on a guided, semi-private night hike to search for owls and other nocturnal life, you’ll meet up with a naturalist to discover some of the unique adaptations of owls, practice owl calls, and meet some of the museum's resident owls. Pre-registration required. massaudubon.com
Snow Fun Day
Monday, Feb. 15, 2-4 p.m.
Francis William Bird Park, Walpole
Free
Celebrate President’s Day with some outdoor fun in the snow! Bring your sleds to Francis William Bird Park and enjoy the ride down the popular (and gentle) slope. The Friends of Bird Park will be there with free hot chocolate to keep you warm as you make the most of your time off and the snow on the ground. This event only takes place if there is enough snow for sledding. Wearing a mask and social distancing between groups are required to participate.
Owl Prowl
Chestnut Hill Farm, Southborough
Saturday, Feb. 20, 6-8 p.m.
Member adult $15, member child $12; nonmembers $25/$20, kids under 4 free
Hike to see whoooo might be out and about in the dark winter woods with this owl prowl, guided by award-winning ranger and naturalist Tim Puopolo. Before setting out on a hike through the farm’s beautiful trails, you’ll learn about winter-time nocturnal animals and how to call in the owls. Stay for popcorn, hot cocoa, and s’mores by the campfire. Space is limited for this event and pre-registration is required. thetrustees.org
Maple Happenings
Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27-28, 12-4 p.m.
Appleton Farms, Hamilton & Ipswich
Weekend maple-flavored fun at Appleton Farm kicks off in late February and goes through the end of March. Try sugar on ice, see demonstrations of maple sugaring in the Sugar Shack, sample food trucks and local craft beer vendors on site, from 12 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Take home homemade maple-filled food items, right from the farmstead kitchen. Fire Pit Picnics will also continue through maple season. Tickets for hikes, walks, guided tours and fire pits must be purchased separately. Parking fee at Appleton Farms is $10 on weekends for nonmembers. thetrustees.org