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Boston Parks and Recreation Department Offers a Week of Free Family Fun During February School Vacation

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Published on January 28, 2025
Boston Parks and Recreation Department Offers a Week of Free Family Fun During February School VacationSource: Google Street View

Hey Boston families, get ready for a week of free fun during the February school vacation! The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is pulling out all the stops with activities to keep everyone from restless kiddos to adults entertained. As reported by the City of Boston's official site, a range of events are set to take place including sports clinics and a snowshoeing safari. So grab your mittens, and let's dive into what's in store.

Dress warm and head over to Franklin Park on February 16 from 1-2 p.m., for the Snowshoeing Safari. Led by the Boston Park Rangers, this winter escapade promises an exhilarating hour-long trek through the picturesque historic park. Snowshoes will be provided, but they're in limited supply, so it might be a good idea to bring your own if you can. Designed for those aged 12 and up, the meeting spot is the William J. Devine Golf Course parking lot. Don't forget to throw on those layers!

Calling all animal lovers! The Horse-of-Course event is galloping into Jamaica Pond and Boston Common. Here, you can get up close and personal with one of the Park Rangers' four-legged colleagues on February 18 at Jamaica Pond and again on February 20 at Boston Common. Both sessions run from 1-1:30 p.m., offering half-hour educational meet-and-greets to learn about the care and preparation of these noble creatures for their patrol duties.

For the sports enthusiasts, the Boston.gov/parks-sports has something special. The Bubble at Carter Field is hosting softball hitting and fielding clinics starting on February 18, with UMass Boston's own softball stars lending their expertise from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Suitable for ages 10 and up, this clinic demands you to pre-register to secure your spot. Switching gears to baseball, the program continues on February 20 and 21, targeting ages 10-14, to hone those batting and fielding skills, also requiring pre-registration.

Don't miss the Children’s Winter Festival in Boston Common on February 19, open to all ages and chock-full of winter-themed activities, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. And if you're looking for some indoor fun, there's Open Gym at The Bubble, Carter Field on February 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. – noon, welcoming all to engage in friendly sports like kickball and soccer. Last but not least, the JP Nature Center at Jamaica Pond opens its doors for a limited schedule, including February 15 and 21, where you can explore the rich history of the area’s ice industry or gawk at natural history displays.

For additional details on these events, call 617-635-4505, or shoot an email to [email protected]. To stay in the loop with Boston parks happenings, be sure to check out Boston.gov/Parks, sign up for emails, and follow @bostonparksdept on your go-to social platforms. Don't let the kiddos miss out on this winter extravaganza!