Community Corner

7 Ways To Spend February Vacation

Whether they're sporty or artsy, like to dance or watch movies, here are a few activities your kids are sure to enjoy over their school holiday.

It’s February Vacation Week, and that means the kids are home and you need something to do with them. With the absence of snow this winter, sledding is definitely out, but there are still plenty of activities going on here in Needham. To help you out, Needham Patch has rounded up a list of seven things your kids can do this week and shared them below.

Got some more ideas? Share them in the comments and help out other parents looking for ways to occupy their little vacationers.

1. Winter Vacation Carnival

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  • Where: Mitchell Elementary School, 187 Brookline St.
  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 21 and Wednesday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to noon
  • Why it’s fun: Children ages 5 to 10 will enjoy arts and crafts and fun winter-themed games such as snowball toss, snow golf and more. Come for one or both days and enjoy different activities. This program is organized by the Needham Park and Recreation Department.
  • Cost: $25 per person per day; registration required—call 781-455-7521 to see if there are still spots left or register online

2. Basketball Clinic

  • Where: Pollard Middle School gym, 200 Harris Ave.
  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 21, Wednesday, Feb. 22 and Thursday, Feb. 23, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Why it’s fun: Coach Baker and his staff will work with kids ages 8 to 14 to improve their basketball skills in a clinic that emphasizes good sportsmanship, teamwork and fun. This program is organized by the Needham Park and Recreation Department.
  • Cost: $75 per person for the three-day session; registration required—call 781-455-7521 to see if there are still spots left or register online

3. Drop-in Crafts For All Ages

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  • Where: Needham Free Public Library Children’s Department, 1139 Highland Ave.
  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m. to noon
  • Why it’s fun: Usually geared toward younger kids, this week, the library will host a special extended period of crafts open to children of all ages. Also this week, there will be a drop-in storytime for ages 5 and under on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. and drop-in Leap Year crafts for ages 2 and up on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 4-4:45 p.m.
  • Cost: Free; no registration required

4. Cross Country Ski Lessons

  • Where: Weston Ski Touring Center, 190 Park Rd., Weston
  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 21, Wednesday, Feb. 22 and Thursday, Feb. 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
  • Why it’s fun: Instructors from the Weston Ski Center will teach children ages 6-12 how to cross-country ski. This program is organized by the Needham Park and Recreation Department and is open to beginners as well as those with some cross-country skiing experience.
  • Cost: $65 per person for the three-day session with ski rentals available; registration required—call 781-455-7521 to see if there are still spots left or register online

5. Be-Bop Hop

  • Where: Mitchell Elementary School, 187 Brookline St.
  • When: Thursday, Feb. 23, 9-11:45 a.m. (30-minute sessions)
  • Why it’s fun: Children ages 3-6 will enjoy moving and grooving to music, making up songs and dances of their own and playing fun, active games. Kids can bring home a free copy of the music CD used in the program. This program is organized by the Needham Park and Recreation Department.
  • Cost: $15 per person per session; registration required—call 781-455-7521 to see if there are still spots left or register online

6. Movie: “Dolphin Tale”

  • Where: Needham Free Public Library Community Room, 1139 Highland Ave.
  • When: Friday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m.
  • Why it’s fun: Watch this 2011 family movie about a boy who helps rescue a dolphin, on the big screen at the library. The movie is rated PG and runs 113 minutes.
  • Cost: Free; no registration required

7. Wayne From Maine Show

  • Where: Needham Free Public Library Community Room, 1139 Highland Ave., Needham
  • When: Thursday, Feb. 23, 10:30 a.m.
  • Why it’s fun: Back by popular demand, Wayne from Maine will bring his special brand of music for kids to the library this week for a show sure to get kids on their feet and having a great time.
  • Cost: Free, no registration required

Need more ideas? Check out our Patch Passport guide for other ways to keep busy while exploring your hometown, or follow the links to Passports for other area towns if you want to explore nearby. You can also check out our guide to "Three Ways to Spend the Day in Boston" if you want to spend an afternoon in the city. (Tip: The Needham Free Public Library offers discounted passes to a variety of area museums. Call 781-455-7559 for information.)


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