School Break, Berkshire Style!

School break could mean time for a well-deserved family break. It’s the perfect time to visit the Berkshires! Try your hand at a favorite outdoor activity, or learn a new one! Feeling creative? Check out an art class, or learn to tend soil and grow a garden! Here are a few camps and daytrip options to get you going. 

For Outdoors Enthusiasts

Bousquet Mountain

Join the fun in the Rippers and Riders Camp at Bousquet. Available for both experienced and first-time skiers and boarders, spend your break week tearing up the snow! For ages 7-12,  this camp is four days of supervised activity – don’t forget to bring your lunch!

Jiminy Peak

Welcome to KidsRule Mountain Camp, where kids ages 4-14 learn and develop ski and snowboarding skills. The Camp uses Terrain-Based Learning and specially trained instructors to create a safe learning environment. Contact Jiminy Peak for a special program aimed at youngsters ages 3-5. Check the website for information on what a typical lesson looks like, and to register for camp.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Looking for something to do over school vacation week in February and April? Pleasant Valley offers school vacation week programs for children in grades 2–5. Programs require preregistration.

Mount Greylock State Reservation

Families can participate in the Mountain Mindfulness – Family Forest Walk or Geocaching in and around the highest peak in Massachusetts! These are outdoor experiences, so make sure to bundle up in your winter weather gear and warm boots. Feel free to bring walking poles or snowshoes. Put down that screen and make some facetime with the great outdoors!

Additional Outdoor Options

• Try a family hike at Berkshire Camino, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Greylock Glen, Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center, and Williamstown Rural Lands.
• Downhill skiing and tubing at Berkshire East, Catamount Mountain Resort, and Ski Butternut
• Strap on your cross country skis at Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Hilltop Orchards, Notchview, and Maple Corner Farm

For Creative Souls

Barrington Stage Company

Musical Theater Workshop, Jr for ages 13-18 will let your teens get their music on! Learn audition techniques, ensemble movements, and grow your confidence as a well-rounded performer! 

Berkshire Art Center

Calling all emerging artists! The February Vacation Camp called Games, Games, Games! is open to ages 6 and up! Or simply scroll through the myriad classes offered for a variety of age groups at the Berkshire Art Center. 

Berkshire Botanical Garden

Children ages 4-12 are invited to participate in garden activities and outdoor exploration in the Farm in the Garden Camp. Four days of fun from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm includes farm and garden chores, structured activities, stories, and free play. Limited class size; financial support is available. 

Berkshire Music School

Learn how to play an instrument, read music, and lift your voice in song with a class or two! Check out the extensive list of offerings, and if you don’t see what you were hoping for, send them an email, as the School is happy to consider even more options.

Berkshire Museum

Get ready for Ten Days of Play, February 17 – 26. The Museum will offer a variety of activities and events focused on children and families. Bring the kids and their friends for some winter fun.  Check the website for details.

Kids’ Week at the Clark

Come see fabulous art, pick up a post card at The Post Card Station, and grab a complimentary set of colored pencils and a drawing pad! Or – get outside and snowshoe on the grounds. A little something for every age and ability!

Norman Rockwell Museum

Find fun during the February vacation week at the Norman Rockwell Museum with the Eloise-themed family days, entitled “Art of Adventure”. Check the website for a complete schedule of activities!

Puppeteer at Ventfort Hall

See The Princess and the Pea – two shows available!

For Little Learners

Magic Tree House at the Colonial Theatre

Enjoy live theatre as The Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn takes the stage at the Colonial Theatre on February 18. Experience the Middle Ages, castles, knights in enchanted suits of armor, and a grand feast! Author Mary Pope Osborne will be available to sign book before the performance.

MASS MoCA (Kidspace)

Kidspace is a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio presenting exhibitions and educational experiences in collaboration with leading artists. The ArtBar is a hands-on studio space located in Kidspace. Families are invited to drop in to make art that is thematically connected to current MASS MoCA exhibitions. The ArtBar is open to the public on weekends and during school breaks. Admission to Kidspace and the ArtBar is always free.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Eric Carle’s magical artistry comes to life at the museum! During story time, enjoy books through movement, song, and play. You can watch short films and family-friendly documentaries about illustrators. In the art studio, team members offer project ideas – take home your finished product, or leave it for others to enjoy! Check the website for special events.

Additional Little Learners Outlets

• The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum is a fun adventure!
• Experience butterflies of all kinds at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens

• Ready Set Learn – locations in Dalton and Pittsfield with fun classes

Find more planning inspiration for your visit. Check out these places to stay, where to enjoy the best food and drinks, and more things to do in the Berkshires.

Photo Credits: Eric Carle Museum, credit Seth Kaye Photography; Berkshire Museum, credit David Dashiell

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