Welcome to Part II of our February Vacation Week coverage. We’ve highlighted puppet shows, dance and theater performances, one-day events, and nature programs in our first post, and continue our coverage with a roundup of the many museum programs available during the break. Note that many of the area museums participate in library pass programs, which allow library patron to borrow passes to museums and other local attractions for single-day use. Most - including the Boston Public Library and Cambridge Public Library - have online reservation systems for these passes (plan ahead!)

Have a great break!

Everybody had so much fun at our recent New York Kids Club event that we knew we had to do another gathering soon. And with the Presidents' Day school holiday coming up next week, it seemed like a great time for another fun meet-up for NYC families at one of the coolest creative spots we know: Hiho Batik.

We reviewed Hiho Batik back in October soon after it opened in Park Slope, and we really loved what we saw. Now we're partnering with the batik boutique/DIY design studio to create a special event that will be fun for kids of all ages as well as their grown-ups.

If you've got a smartphone, get ready to change your ringtone to the Indiana Jones theme; the adventure of geocaching is within your grasp, and it's one of technology's greatest gifts to modern parents. A free activity that can be done pretty much anywhere, anytime, geocaching is a worldwide treasure hunt open to anyone with a GPS device or smartphone. Have half an hour to kill and a kid who's climbing the walls? There's probably a treasure hidden within walking distance of where you are. Need an activity that gets the whole family outside for the day? Pick a spot in the hills and hike there in search of secret booty. Either way, you won't be hearing anyone say, "I'm bored!"

When the weather is cold, snowy and depressing, what's better than a day at the beach--indoors? If you've never been to an indoor water park, you are truly missing out; the warm temperatures, the warm water, the warm lifeguards watching your children's every move--heaven! We are excited to be able to offer two winners a family four-pack of tickets to NJ's premier indoor/outdoor water park, Sahara Sam's Oasis. Read on for details on this incredible family adventure location and how to win!

Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat is a sweet, good-hearted show bursting with good will and friendship. Strawberry and her friends encourage kids with catchy songs and inspirational truisms.  Kids leave the theater knowing anything is possible if you follow your heart and are true to yourself. Even knowing all of this, it helps to have a few more details before bringing little ones to a large scale touring show. (That's why our Parents Reviews Guide covers so many touring shows.)

Technically, Valentine's Day is for couples, but any holiday that involves candy and gifts is something kids will want in on. While there are plenty of ways to share the love with your children, like reading picture books about your unbreakable bond or going to a special Valentine's Day family event, whipping up a few easy and tasty treats together is a great way to celebrate.

Since my husband is a chef, cooking is one of our favorite family activities and we really love to take full advantage of every special occasion by preparing themed dishes. But you don't need a pro to make these three super-easy Valentine's Day recipes, which are as fun to prepare as they are to eat.