Winter breaks, whether it’s late December, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or February vacation, can be stressful when you have kids to keep entertained. They’re home from school but need something to do to keep them occupied so they have memorable experiences and don’t feel cooped up. Whether you live near the Greater Merrimack Valley or are planning to visit the area for a family vacation, you’ll have no shortage of fun things to do that will keep the kids happy over winter break.
Bobby’s Ranch
If you thought horseback riding was just for the warm months of spring and summer, you haven’t been to Bobby’s Ranch in Westford. Sign yourself and the kids up for guided western trail rides on the ranch’s lovable horses any time of the year – including winter! Bundle up, saddle up, and then hit the beautiful wooded trails. The kids will get fresh air as well as fun, plus a wonderful horseback riding experience that they can brag about when they return to school.
Reserve your spot early as bookings fill up fast. Kids must be 9 years old and 48″ tall to ride on the trail, and there is a strict weight limit for both the rider and horses’ safety.
Tsongas Center
Do your kids love sporting events? Then check out the schedule for the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s home games at the Tsongas Center in Lowell. It’s a first-of-its-kind women’s hockey league that brings together the best players in the world. You and your kids can cheer the Boston Fleet on to victory as you marvel at their athletic skills and determination. By the final buzzer, your kids might have some exciting new role models to look up to.
Discovery Museum
Learning can be fun, and the Discovery Museum in Acton is designed to teach children through play. That’s why it’s a fantastic place to bring the kids during school breaks. They’ll be getting mental enrichment outside of the classroom without sacrificing any vacation fun. The kids can learn about science, music, the arts, and important life skills at the interactive and immersive exhibits throughout the museum designed specifically for young children.
Before you leave, stop by the Discovery Museum Shop. There you’ll find fun and educational toys, puzzles, science kits, and more that will keep your kids occupied throughout the rest of their school break.
Wamesit Lanes Family Entertainment Center
When you need to keep the whole family happy over winter break, there’s no better place to go than Wamesit Lanes Family Entertainment Center in Tewksbury. With tenpin and candlepin bowling, indoor golf simulators, and a state-of-the-art arcade, you’re sure to find something for everyone to play and enjoy. Both children and adults alike will have a blast hitting the lanes, winning prizes at the arcade. Afterward, you can have dinner together at FireWater Tavern and listen to the kids excitedly talk about how much fun they had.
Winter breaks don’t have to be stressful or frustrating for you and your children. Instead, make plans to visit the fun attractions and events of the Greater Merrimack Valley. It’s sure to keep you and the kids happy this winter.
