Things for Kids to Do on Winter Break

Imagine a school vacation that is relaxing and fun for everyone!

Looking for things to do with kids during February break in the Berkshires? Here are a few suggestions (with the grownups in mind, too).

Get Outdoors

From snow sports to hiking, the Berkshires is a picturesque playground in winter. Many local attractions offer special activities and programs geared for kids during school vacation weeks. Explore trails at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, learn to ski or snowboard, or cross-country ski or snowshoe at Hilltop Orchards, Maple Corner Farm, and Notchview. Try tubing or experience the thrill of night skiing. Or if you’re kiddos like playing in the dirt, Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Farm in the Garden Camp develops green thumbs by connecting children to the environment and food system by planting seedlings, collecting eggs, taking walks in nature, and creating botanical crafts.

Discover Nature, Indoors

For nature lovers who head inside when it’s cold outside, the 8,000-square-foot tropical environment of Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens is worth the short drive from the Berkshires to South Deerfield. Berkshire Museum in downtown Pittsfield is another great choice for kids of all ages who would enjoy learning about interesting objects or wildlife that is native to the Berkshires. Afterward, get lunch at Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern in Deerfield or The Marketplace Cafe in Pittsfield.

Explore Art & Storytelling

KidsSpace at MASS MoCA is an art-making space with special programs and hands-on activities just for kids. There are also scheduled story times featuring children’s books about art and creativity. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art has story times, too, and their bookstore is filled with delightful children’s literature that may become a childhood favorite (or remind you of yours). Storytelling takes on a bigger-than-life twist at Berkshire Art Center’s GIANT CAMP! as young artists aged 6 and up design and build a magical giant and write the story of its adventurous life. Or learn printmaking at The Clark. For kids aged 7-17 interested in theater arts, there’s Riotous Youth camp at Shakespeare & Co. 

Ice Cream, Candy, (And Cows!)

If you have not already discovered the delicious dairy products available from High Lawn Farm at your local grocery store, this is your chance. Visit the farm’s on-site Creamery for an ice cream cone and sample of their cheeses. You can even meet the cows. Those with a sweet tooth should not miss Robin’s Candy in Great Barrington, where the counters and shelves are filled with classic childhood favorites, a large selection of licorice, and handmade chocolates. And have you tried the Serious Hot Chocolate at Chocolate Springs?

To round out your school vacation break in the Berkshires, enjoy family-friendly lodging (be sure to sort by “Family Friendly”) and restaurants, shopping, and the countless attractions and activities that are often geared toward kids. Find more about where to play, stay, and eat with our travel planning tools where you’ll find the most current Winter Guide, the Official Guide to the Berkshires, and the new BerkshiresOutside.org website where you can hunt for outdoor recreation in all seasons. 

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