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Best Things To Do During February's Winter Break

1. Go Maple Sugaring

Learn about maple sugaring, an age-old winter tradition that dates back to the Native Americans, in this special program at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Visit their nature center afterward to see a variety of local animals and special presentations for kids.

From winter hikes to frozen bubbles, there's plenty of outdoor fun to be had even when it's chilly. Photo by Ally Noel

2. Take a Hike

Winter can be a great time to hike in Westchester and the Hudson Valley—no bugs or snakes, plus gorgeous frozen waterfalls! So bundle up and check out one of these great winter hikes with kids. Some of our favorites include the gorgeous frozen lake and waterfalls of Minnewaska State Park and Teatown Lake Reservation, where you can also visit animals in the nature museum.

3. Snow Tubing

Hit the area's big resorts to glide down a snow tubing hill. It requires less skill and gear than skiing!

4. Ashokan Center's Hot Chocolate Fest

Warm up with a steamy cup of cocoa at this hot chocolate fest that also includes live performances, hikes, and more on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

5. Lake George Winter Carnival

Road trip to this Adirondacks paradise to celebrate all things winter. 

6. Head to the Library

Check your local library or our family activity calendar for special free kids programs offered during the holiday break, including Animals in Winter at the Pound Ridge Library or Sound Whirls: An Afternoon of African Music, Rhythm & Dance at the New Rochelle Library. 

7. See a Planetarium Show

The Hudson River Museum is holding special planetarium shows for kids daily throughout the holiday break. Museum admission is included with each planetarium ticket, so explore the exhibits while you are there. Bookmark our Local Museum Guide for other exciting destinations.

8. Make a Puppet

Sign kids up for a fun puppeteering workshop at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum on Monday, February 16, 2026, and check out the museum's exhibits.

9. Mohonk Mountain House

This picturesque mountain resort in the Shawangunks is even more spectacular in the winter. Splurge on a multiday getaway with tons of family-friendly activities, or select one of their single-day experiences, including a winter sports pass or ice skating pass. 

10. Learn about Wolves

Head to the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem for a winter program focused on the majestic creatures.

11. Enroll in a School Break Camp

Start planning now to arrange for one of these local school break camps where kids can romp, get creative, explore nature, and more.

12. Visit the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo

Located in Millbrook, the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo is smaller than, say, the Bronx Zoo, but it still has a lot of great exhibits, including red pandas, otters, marmosets, and wolves. In fact, the zoo's small size and out-of-the-way location make it more manageable with small kids, and there is rarely a crowd. 

13. Light up the Night

Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake at the Beacon Spring Celebration of Light Parade. Make your own snake lantern and join in, and enjoy treats and bonfires afterward.

14. Book a Getaway

Take a mini-vacation with one of these winter weekend getaways that won't break the bank. Or stay close to home on one of these family-fun winter day trips.

15. Explore New Paltz

This lovely Hudson Valley town offers plenty of fun things to do for families, including cross-country skiing, exploring frozen waterfalls at Minnewaska State Park, and tons of family-friendly activities at Mohonk Mountain House.

RELATED: Snow Games for Kids Beyond Sledding

Take a day trip to a mountain for skiing, boarding, or tubing. Photo by Ally Noel

16. Go Skiing

These local mountains cater to kids and families, no matter what your winter sports style is.

RELATED: Northeast Snowboarding Parks Where You Can Catch Some Air

17. Indoor Playgrounds

Burn off some energy at one of the many indoor play places in our area.

18. Saturday Clay

Roll up your sleeves for messy parent-child fun at Saturday Clay at Clay Art Center in Port Chester.

19. Play for Free

Weather got you down? This list of free indoor places to play will brighten any bad weather day.

20. Go Ice Skating

These local ponds and rinks are open for outdoor ice skating when the weather is right.

RELATED: The Best Sledding Hills in Westchester for Kids

The Kartrite's indoor water park in Monticello is a warm diversion from winter's chill. Photo courtesy of the Kartrite

21. Indoor Water Parks

Escape the cold and pretend it’s summer with a visit to one of these indoor water parks.

22. Count Birds

Take part in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count and see what you spot in your own area from Friday, February 13-Monday, February 16, 2026.

23. Palisades Center – West Nyack

Check out tons of indoor activities for kids and teens at this huge mall in West Nyack, including an ice rink, go-kart track, and even Slime World.

24. Free Museum Days

Take advantage of FREE admission or free museum days at these Westchester and Hudson Valley Museums.

25. American Dream Mall – East Rutherford, NJ

Cross the Hudson and check out one of several over-the-top attractions at the mega mall, including an indoor waterpark, Sesame Street Learn & Play, and Sea Life Aquarium.

26. Legoland Discovery Center – Yonkers

Kids can build with Legos to their hearts' delight at this massive indoor Lego play space, which includes a Ninja-themed indoor playground, a cafe, and an area to build and race Lego cars. 

FAQs About February's Winter Break in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Q: What are the best family-friendly events during February's winter break in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?

A: The best family-friendly events happening during the break include Ashokan Center's Hot Chocolate Fest, Beacon Celebration of Light Parade, and a kids' puppeteering workshop at Mid-Hudson Discovery Center.

Q: Are there any free things to do with kids during February's winter break in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?

A: Yes, the local libraries schedule lots of special activities for kids during holiday breaks, including a Children's Puppet Show at the New Rochelle Library. Families can also visit one of the area's free museums.

Q: What indoor activities are open during February's winter break?

A: While libraries and many museums are closed on Monday for the Presidents' Day holiday, many have special programs for kids the rest of the week. Otherwise, there are tons of indoor places to play in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, including trampoline parks, ninja warrior courses, and even some places that are totally free. Check out our Indoor Activities Guide for more ideas. 

Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?

A: Yes. Check out our Museum Guide for the best kid-friendly museums in the area. There are also lots of indoor playgrounds that are open during the break, as well as the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo and the Bear Mountain State Park and Zoo.

Q: What’s the best day trip from Westchester and the Hudson Valley during February's winter break?

A: Some of our favorite winter day trips include the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Mystic Aquarium (we love our aquariums!), and Kalahari Resort and Indoor Waterpark in the Poconos. We also love to check out the frozen waterfalls at Kent Falls State Park in the Berkshires and explore the cute nearby village of Kent.

This post was originally published in 2019 and is updated annually.