(prHWY.com) February 14, 2013 - Boston, MA -- February vacation week in Massachusetts is February 17-23, and many families are getting started on planning a week of family fun. It may be the middle of winter, but there are plenty of activities happening around Massachusetts, from educational to outdoors, day events to several-day getaways.
There's something for every budget and just about every interest; below are just a few of the activities and events happening. For more activities and travel ideas visit
www.massvacation.com. Also, "Like" us on Facebook at Visit Massachusetts and "Follow" us on Twitter at @VisitMA.
Greater Boston:
Children's Museum, Easton
During February Vacation Week kids are invited to solve the Case of the Pilfered Pantry. The KidsKitchen was recently renovated, but some items are missing! Kids can search for clues, analyze the evidence, and narrow the list of suspects to help solve the mystery. childrensmuseumineaston.org
Franklin Park Zoo, Boston
Come in out of the cold, and enjoy a taste of the tropics in Franklin Park Zoo's Tropical Forest. A balmy 72 degrees year-round and home to western lowland gorillas, ring-tailed lemurs, ocelots, Baird's tapirs, and a giant anteater, Tropical Forest visits will include zookeeper encounters, story time, crafts, and more. zoonewengland.org
Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston
Family vacation is an art adventure at the ICA! Visit current exhibitions and collections, then explore your own inner artist with new discovery kits and bannery activity. icaboston.org
North of Boston and Greater Merrimack Valley
Amesbury Sports Park, Amesbury
Add a little speed and adventure to February break with a snowy trip down the slopes on a snow tube! Throughout the season, receive $2 off admission by bringing a non-perishable food item for local food banks. amesburysportspark.net
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem
During February Vacation Week, celebrate Native American art with New England artists. Watch artists work live, take a family tour of Shapeshifting: Transformations in Native American Art and make art of your own! pem.org
South of Boston
Battleship Cove, Fall River
During Family Fun Week, families can spend the day aboard Battleship Cove's historic vessels learning how to tie knots, fold the American flag, and more. Come be a part of Massachusetts' nautical history.
Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth
The indoor Visitor Center at Plimoth Plantation will be abuzz with activity during vacation week. Fun for the whole family includes an interactive look at the past; writing with quill pens, trying on Pilgrim clothes, making Wampanoag-style clay pots and playing Wampanoag games. plimoth.org
Cape Cod
Ocean Edge Resort, Brewster
With a Stay and Play package, the Ocean Edge Resort is the perfect family getaway this February. Daily activities in the pools, hip hop classes, a game room, and a Project Runway event are just a few of the ways for kids to keep busy. Parents can sneak way for cooking demonstrations, wine and chocolate tastings, and adults-only pool time. Nightly rates start at $129/night. oceanedge.com
Bayside Resort, West Yarmouth
Known as a top destination for school vacation weeks, Bayside Resort offers endless fun for kids. Scavenger hunts, pajama movie parties, rainforest reptile shows, breakfast with your favorite cartoon characters, and pizza parties are just a few of the activities available. Packages start at $129.95/night. baysideresort-hotel.com
Central Massachusetts
Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
Throughout school vacation week, families can participate in old-fashioned winter activities including candlemaking, a winter scavenger hunt, ice skating, and sledding (weather-permitting) osv.org
Screen Savvy Camp, Princeton
Kids ages 7-12 can get behind the camera, learn the secrets of the advertising industry, and explore the world through a media lens. This educational event teaches kids media literacy skills and is also a lot of fun. screensavvykids.com
Western Massachusetts
Jiminy Peak, Hancock
Getaway to Jiminy Peak this President's Week holiday with an amazing offer available for a limited time only! Stay in a 2-bedroom Country Village vacation home for just $399 per night including two adult lift tickets and two junior lift tickets per night of stay including free night skiing (over $400 in savings). This offer is valid for stays Monday, February 18th through Saturday, February 23rd (2 night minimum stay required). This offer must be reserved by Saturday 2/09/13. jiminypeak.com
Cabin Fever Festival, Lee
Don't spend February vacation cooped up in the house! Lee's mid-winter festival features movies, music, food, comedy and local deals at area businesses. cabinfeverfest.com
Springfield Museums, Springfield
From Planetarium shows to family science adventures, to the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center, Springfield's museums have something for every interest. Springfield's centrally located museum district is made up of five museums and a Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden.springfieldmuseums.org
About MOTT:
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. An integral part of the state's economy, tourism generates close to $1 billion in state and local taxes and $15.5 billion in travel related expenditures and supports 121,700 in-state jobs.
The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's "Ask a Local" iPhone application, now available on iTunes is an on-the-move guide provides travel information, "local" tips, and deals from Massachusetts' hotels, attractions, restaurants, and shopping destinations.
www.massvacation.com
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For more information, contact:
Lisa Simmons, Director of Communications
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
(617) 973-8508
lisa.simmons@state.ma.us
or
Victoria Cimino, Public Relations Supervisor
Connelly Partners
Mobile #617-470-8878; Office #617-521-5428
vcimino@connellypartners.com