The following information was provided by the Department of Conservation and Conservation:
The Department of Recreation and Conservation (DCR) announced its plans today to help make February school vacation week a walk in the park for parents. From guided hikes to animal tracking, craft making, and maple sugaring, the agency is offering 81 free or low-cost engaging and educational activities for kids and families across the state from Saturday, February 17, through Sunday, February 25. The programming is part of DCR’s commitment to expanding access to Massachusetts’ State Park system, while also inspiring kids to get outdoors and fostering a connection with the environment.
“School may be out, but the learning doesn’t have to stop. Our February break programming is a tremendous way to connect kids and nature and help us grow the next generation of environmental stewards,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Access to our outdoor spaces and natural resources is critical for creating healthy communities and should be available to all children and families regardless of their financial ability.”
DCR staff are hosting a total of 102 events at 22 state parks and water supply properties. DCR will also be waiving parking fees at parks offering programming. Additionally, public skating hours during the school vacation week at agency-managed rinks will be 10 a.m. until 2:50 p.m. daily. DCR will also continue to offer its regular programming, including self-guided hikes, and visitor centers will be open for people to enjoy exhibits. For details about staff-led programs and self-guided activities, visit DCR’s website. For a list of adaptive programming offered during February vacation week click here.
DCR encourages participants to tweet, post, and tag photos on social media using @MassDCR. This week, DCR has been promoting this year’s February break programming with engaging videos and fun graphics on its social media channels, including X (Twitter), Instagram and Threads, and will continue to do so over the next week.
Highlights from next week’s February break programming include:
BOSTON REGION
An Oasis for Birds at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, 1399 Bennington Street, Boston
Saturday, February 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Participants will search over a mile of flat, easy terrain for birds at a birding spot that hosts about 271 species each year. Expect to move to different locations by car or bicycle. Be ready for chilly weather and a breeze. Sturdy winter boots suitable for walking through snow are recommended. This program is co-sponsored by the Brookline Bird Club and the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh. The program meets in the main parking lot of 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston. Adults and kids ages 8 and up with an adult chaperone are welcome. Dogs are not permitted. For more information, please contact (781) 656-1485 or email matthew.nash@mass.gov.
Roxbury Heritage State Park, 183 Roxbury Street, Boston
Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for self-guided tours
Roxbury Heritage is home to the 1750-era Dillaway-Thomas House, one of the oldest structures in Roxbury. The building served as the headquarters of the Continental Army in 1775 during the Siege of Boston. The house is now a museum with exhibits that showcase Roxbury’s past and present history. The park’s landscaped grounds also provide visitors with an excellent view of Boston’s skyline. For more information, please call (857) 399-1220.
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston, MA
Saturday, February 17 7:30 AM-8:30 AM
An Oasis for Birds
We will search on foot up to one mile, on flat, easy terrain for birds at this birding hotspot and state park with a count of about 271 species each year. Expect to move to different locations by car or bicycle. Be ready for chilly weather and a breeze. Dress in warm layers including a hat and gloves. Sturdy winter boots suitable for walking through snow recommended. Co-sponsored by the Brookline Bird Club and the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh. Meet at Main Parking lot, 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston, MA. No dogs allowed. Adults and kids 8+ with an adult chaperone. For more information, please contact (781) 656-1485 or email matthew.nash@mass.govv
NORTHEAST REGION
Walden Pond Visitor Center at Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden St., Concord
Open Daily, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Visitor Center Exhibits, Walden Film, and Gallery Investigate the life & legacy of Thoreau through exhibits, art, and film. Walden shows every 1/2 hour, last show at 2:30pm. Painting Gallery exhibition, Dialogue with Nature, by local artist Sirarpi Heghinian Walzer, November 2023-January 2024. For more information, please call 978-396-3254.
Walden Pond State Reservation 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA
Sunday, February 18, Sunday, February 25, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Winter Walk
Join a Park Interpreter for a 1/2 mile walk to Thoreau’s Original House Site, where you will look, listen, and make note of your observation in the natural world like Henry did. Come hear about Thoreau’s thoughts and feelings about the winter season. Meet at the Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. For more information, please contact (978) 405-2082.
Walden Pond State Reservation 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA
Saturday, February 17, and Tuesday, February 20 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, Saturday, February 24
Thoreau House Talks
Swing by the Thoreau House Replica to warm up by the woodstove and learn about naturalist Henry David Thoreau during these ongoing 10-minute talks with a Park Interpreter. All ages.
Walden Pond State Reservation 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA
Tuesday, February 20, Saturday, February 24, 2:30 PM-4:00 PM
Beavers are Back
Join a Park Interpreter for this guided 1/2 mile walk (1 mile roundtrip) to Heywood’s Meadow. You will hear about beavers, and how they are vital to the ecosystem at Walden Pond. Wear warm clothing and good boots. Binoculars encouraged! Ages 8 and up.
Walden Pond State Reservation 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA
Wednesday, February 21 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
New England Ice Harvesting
Meets at the Visitor Center. Join historian and expert ice harvester Dennis Picard for a free program as he discusses the history of ice harvesting at Walden Pond and shows off the antique tools of the trade. Program will be followed by a short walk to the Main Beach. Ages 10 and up.
Walden Pond State Reservation 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA
Thursday, February 22 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Winter Tree Identification
Meets at Visitor Center. Join a Park Interpreter for this 1/2 mile guided walk, where you will learn how to identify local trees in the winter. Wear warm clothing and good boots. Ages 8 and up.
Breakheart Reservation 177 Forest Street, Saugus, MA
Saturday, February 17 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Stories in Stone
Breakheart has been shaped not only by nature but by the many people who have called it home. Meet at Visitor Center. Leashed dogs allowed. For children 12+ years. For more information, please contact (781) 233-0834.
Breakheart Reservation 177 Forest Street, Saugus, MA
Sundays, February 18 & 25 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Easy Like a Sunday Morning Hike
Join the Park Interpreter for this weekly guided hike! Each trip will highlight natural and historic features that make Breakheart unique. Hikes will be moderately paced and range from 2-3 miles over sometimes uneven and rocky terrain. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at the Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. Best for ages 8 years and up. For more information, please contact (781) 233-0834
Breakheart Reservation 177 Forest Street, Saugus, MA
Thursday, February 22 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Wild Breakheart Series: Animal Tracking
Discover how tracks that animals leave behind can tell us a story about what they do when no one is around. Meet at the Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. For ages 5-12 years. For more information, please contact (781) 233-0834.
Breakheart Reservation 177 Forest Street, Saugus, MA
Friday, February 23 10:30 AM- 11:30 AM
Kidleidoscope
Come join our park interpreter for a story time and nature walk! Complete a small craft and explore the woods! Walks are gently paced and approximately 1 mile, though not accessible for strollers. Meet at the Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. Appropriate for families with children 3-5 years old. For more information, please contact (781) 233-0834.
Breakheart Reservation 177 Forest Street, Saugus, MA
Saturday, February 24 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Glacial Giants
Countless clues to a glacial past dot the landscape. If one knows where to look, this hidden geologic history can be revealed. Meet at the Visitor Center. Leashed dogs allowed. For children 12+ years. For more information, please contact (781) 233-0834.
SOUTHEASTERN REGION
Blue Hills Reservation 860 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186
Friday, February 16 & Friday, February 23 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Kidleidoscope
Join us for a nature craft and nature facts! Each week we will feature a different nature theme, story, and craft on that theme. Meet at the Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. Suitable for ages 3-5 with an adult.
Blue Hills Reservation 860 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186
Saturday, February 17 & Saturday, February 24 9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Family Nature Exploration
On Saturday mornings, explore what nature has to offer in the Blue Hills Reservation. For families and curious adults.
Blue Hills Reservation 860 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186
Saturday, February 17 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Southeastern MA Adult Walking Club
Moderate, 3 mile hike up Burnt Hill and beyond.
Blue Hills Reservation 860 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186
Tuesday, February 20 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Nature’s Classroom
On Tuesday mornings we will learn all about the natural side of the Blue Hills Reservation. For families and curious adults.
Blue Hills Reservation 860 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186
Tuesday, February 20 2:30 PM-4:00 PM
Exploring Blue Hills
On Tuesday afternoons, explore the lesser seen parts of Blue Hills Reservation. For families and curious adults.
Blue Hills Reservation 860 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186
Thursday, February 22 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
History in the Hills
On Thursday mornings, learn about the history of the Blue Hills Reservation. For adults and children over 12.
Blue Hills Reservation 860 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186
Thursday, February 22 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Winter Wonders
Come experience Winter’s austere brilliance in the Blue Hills!
Blue Hills Reservation 860 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186
Saturday, February 24 1:00 PM- 2:30 PM
Nice & Easy Hike
Looking to get outdoors and take a gentle, guided hike in the beautiful Blue Hills? Join us for our weekly series of leisurely paced nature hikes (1.5-3 miles long). Learn about nature at your own pace and make some friends along the way. Meet at the visitor center.
Blue Hills Reservation 860 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186
Sunday, February 25 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Southeastern MA Adult Walking Club
Moderate, 3.5 mile walk on Meadow Rd to Madden Rd and return on Acton Path. Meet at the Donovan School at 123 Reed Street in Randolph. For more information, please contact (617) 698-1802
Discover the fascinating lives of the “locals” in this talk about wildlife habitats, competition, and survival on Wachusett Mountain. See and touch the skins, skulls, and tracks of some of the state’s native animals, including coyotes, deer, bobcats, and bears. Meet in the visitor center. This is appropriate for ages 5 and up. For more information, please call (978) 464-2987.
This year’s February school vacation programming is part of DCR’s ongoing efforts to provide Massachusetts children and families with fun, safe and educational recreational opportunities. Each summer, the agency’s Summer Nights Program provides thousands of young people in urban areas across the state with free sports, art, and nature-focused programming during the evening hours. Last year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration expanded the program to its largest reach yet, partnering with 84 organizations to provide thousands of teens with a safe space to engage and learn from each other. In November, the agency encouraged families to “Go Green on Black Friday” with free, guided hikes at four agency parks the day after Thanksgiving, and on January 1, DCR welcomed more than 3,000 people to kick off their New Year with a free guided hike in 13 parks across the state, its largest First Day Hike program ever.
For a full list of all programming offered during school vacation week visit DCR’s website.