School might be out this week for many, but that doesn’t mean the learning (and fun) ends! All week there are exciting community-based educational opportunities happening and local resources and attractions to check out!  To get you started, peruse each day of the week to find something your kids will enjoy:

• Monday, February 17th
• Tuesday, February 18th
• Wednesday, February 19th
• Thursday, February 20th
• Friday, February 21st

Other spots to peruse for ideas and adventures to be had in western Massachusetts during February Vacation Week:

• Winter Bucket List for Western MA
• Sledding Hills in Western MA
• Ice Skating in Western MA
• Places to Downhill Ski in Western MA
• Horse-Drawn Sleigh & Hayrides in Western MA
• Winter Resources & Activities for Families with Special Needs in Western MA
• Western MA Planetariums
• Western MA Libraries
• Free Museum Passes
• Hot Chocolate in Western MA

Check out our featured posts for ideas this week:

• School Vacation Week is For the Birds!
• Rainforest Adventure in Western MA
• Mead Art Museum Supports Community-Based Education

If you’re staying close to home here are some links to keep your kids engaged both indoors and outside around the yard:

• Adventures in the Kitchen: Recipes to Get Your Started
• Citizen Scientist Opportunities
• Science & Fun of Chain Reactions
• Snow Studies: Crystals & Frost
• Searching for Nests & Animal Tracks in Winter
• Hilltown Family Variety Show Archived Podcasts

Kids begging for screen time?  Here are some useful posts:

• 10 Tips on Setting Technology Limits for Your Family
• 14 Recommended Websites by Western MA Parents
• Three Programs Kids Can Use to Learn How to Create Video Games

Get involved in a community service project:

• Family Volunteers Can Help Children in Transition Celebrate Their Birthdays!
• Guerrilla Play
• Spread the Bread
• Creating Care Bags for Giving
• How to Hold a Food Drive
• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Pen Pal Program for T(w)eens