The Super Bowl is a true American tradition, and this year in Massachusetts, there is an even higher level of anticipation than usual – the Patriots will face off with the Giants!

Whichever team you’re rooting for this Super Bowl Sunday, make sure you’re ready when you get behind the wheel. It’s not just the wintry New England weather that you’ll need to be prepared for – Super Bowl Sunday can be dangerous on the roads because of all the parties. More drivers are involved in alcohol-related accidents on Super Bowl Sunday than any day of the year besides St. Patrick’s Day, according to the Insurance Information Institute. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 48% of U.S. traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday are alcohol related.

The best thing you can do to stay safe is be prepared. Make plans in advance and include finding a designated driver in your game day preparations. If you find yourself in need, but without a designated driver after the game (and hopefully those drinks will have been celebratory!), there are many alternatives to getting behind the wheel. Call a cab, take public transportation, book a room, or if you must get home with your car on Sunday night, the Tipsy Tow will pick you, your car and as many friends will fit in the truck up and bring you back home. Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357), anywhere in the US and Canada, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to request the Tipsy Tow.

If you’re throwing a Super Bowl party, create a safer party environment by making sure you have plenty of food to serve along with alcoholic beverages, so no one drinks on an empty stomach. You could also offer non-alcoholic beverages as well, so everyone has something to sip on during the game.

Whatever your plans this Sunday, everyone at MassDrive wishes you a safe and fun Super Bowl. Go Patriots!

Photo by chipgriffin

Claire Danes leading the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Parade in her honor. Image from http://www.upi.com/News_Photos/gallery_v2/Claire-Danes-named-Hasty-Pudding-Woman-of-the-Year/6205/?dailybrief

Awards season in Hollywood has begun!  The Screen Actors Guild awards, the Oscars, and the Grammys have all gotten the entertainment industry buzzing. This time of year is notorious for awards shows spreading excitement throughout the country, and believe it or not you can catch a bit of the action LIVE right here in Boston!

Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding is the nation’s oldest undergrad drama troupe and has been naming and celebrating their Woman of the Year since 1951, and Man of the Year since 1967.  The award is presented to outstanding entertainers and this year they chose to honor Actress Claire Danes as Woman of the Year, and Actor/Writer Jason Segel as Man of the Year.

Woman of the Year events kick off with a parade through Harvard Square, led by the winner herself.  There, fans can catch a glimpse of the celeb as she walks the streets of Cambridge.  Man of the Year does not get to lead a parade in his honor; however both award winners are roasted in front of a live audience at Harvard University before being presented with their “Pudding Pot”.  After the presentation, the show closes out with Hasty Pudding cast members performing their latest number.

While Claire Danes was honored by the group last week, you can still catch Jason Segel who will be honored for Man of the Year today, February 3^rd. Segel will be roasted and presented with his “Pudding Pot” tonight at 8 PM in the newly named Farkas Hall, with the opening performance of Hasty Pudding’s 164^th Production “There Will Be Flood” to follow.  For more information visit:  http://www.hastypudding.org/?page_id=36

• Are you a fan of Mexican food? The Rattlesnake Bar and Grill in Boston is holding their second annual Burrito Bowl in honor of the Super Bowl.  This event will bring together some of the top chefs in Boston and have them compete to create the best Burrito.  Each chef will create a burrito named after the city of their favorite NFL team. Attendees and special guest “referee” judges will determine the winner.  The event costs about $17 per person and begins this Saturday, February 4th from 1:00-4:00 PM.  https://poesburritobowl.eventbrite.com/
• Even though the Olympic Winter Games do not take place this year you can still get your sports fix by attending the 2012 Bay State Winter Games from February 10-12th in the Northern Berkshire region of Massachusetts.  Sporting events include alpine skiing, figure skating, and masters ice hockey competitions.  http://baystategames.org/html/bsgwww/wintergames/index.html
• Looking for an event that will get the whole family up and out this winter? Check out the Winter Family Fun Safari taking place Saturday February 11th at 1:00 PM in Milton, MA.  It is a free event and families can meet up at Houghton Pond before exploring the woods and going on a hike to Rutherford explore what happens throughout nature during the winter.  This is a great family friendly event that is educational and a great source of exercise!  http://friendsofthebluehills.org/?p=4139
• Salem, MA is celebrating the season of love this year by hosting the 10th annual “Salem’s So Sweet” chocolate and ice sculpture festival.  Admire the beautiful ice sculptures lining the streets of downtown Salem before stopping in a local establishment for some chocolate and wine tasting! http://salem-chamber.org/salems-so-sweet-44.html
• Want to really surprise that special someone this Valentine’s day? The Top of the Hub is offering a four-course prix-fix menu on Tuesday, February 14th from 4:00-10:00 PM. The event costs $125 per person (which does not include drinks, tax, or gratuity) and although it is a bit pricey the view from the top of the Prudential Building and romance factor can’t be beat.  http://calendar.boston.com/boston-ma/events/show/239027644-top-of-the-hub-celebrates-valentines-day
• Nick’s Comedy Stop, located within the Theater District of Boston, is hosting an Open Mic Night Thursday, February 16th featuring some of the most entertaining up and coming comedy acts in Boston.  Stop by for a few drinks and laughs to get your evening started on the right note.  Tickets are $12 per person and the event begins at 8:00 PM. https://openmicfeb.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn&nomo=1
• You may have thought pageant season was over after the Miss USA pageant last month, however luckily you would be mistaken.  The Miss Boston 2012 pageant takes place Sunday, February 19th at 5:00 PM at the Omni Parker House in Boston.  Contestants will compete for the chance to move on to the Miss Massachusetts pageant in June and will compete in interview, talent, swim suit, and evening wear categories. http://www.missboston.org/Miss_Boston_2012_Pageant.html
• Explore the nautical side of New England this winter in Provincetown and meet Delilah!  Delilah is an inflatable, life sized North Atlantic Right Whale that guests can tour while learning about these rare and beautiful animals.  There are only 475 of these whales left in the world and over 300 of those whales visited Cape Cod Bay in 2011.  This is a free event taking place on February 24th from 11:00 AM-12:15 PM.  http://www.capecodmagazine.com/Cape-Cod-Magazine/Calendar/index.php/name/MEET-DELILAH-THE-RIGHT-WHALE/event/8313/
• Before the start of baseball season and after the Super Bowl mania has come to an end, all of you sports fans can still get a taste of the excitement at the Golden Gloves Boxing tournament in Lowell, MA.  The event is held annually and takes place on five different nights throughout the month of February as contestants try to move their way up through the competition.  This event has launched the careers of boxing legends such as Sugar Ray Leonard, Micky Ward, and Rocky Marciano.  For ticket information visit http://www.lowellgoldengloves.com/3/online_payment.htm

• If you’re looking for a great event for young children, The Discovery Museums in Acton, MA invite guests to join them for free on the first Friday of every month.  This Friday, February 3rd they are hosting a special program called “Reaction Station: Adventures for Young Chemists!” Children will be able to test mystery liquids, powders, and more at reaction stations. The event runs from 4:30-8:30 PM.   http://www.discoverymuseums.org/programs-events/february-programs
• Want to showcase your poetry skills, voice, or performance skills? More Than Words is a nonprofit organization that empowers children  who are homeless, in foster care, or the court system to improve their own lives by giving them real world experience controlling a business.  The organization is hosting an open mic night this Friday February 3rd in Boston.   The event is from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM and guests are encouraged to sign up and participate in the performances. This event will take place on the first Friday of every month.  http://www.yelp.com/events/boston-first-friday-open-mic-night
• Celebrating other cultures can be an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family! The Villa Victoria Center for the Arts invites the public to come celebrate the Year of the Dragon with them this Saturday, February 4th at 3:00 PM.  Acrobatics, art, drumming, and dancing are a variety of the displays and activities being put on by these talented artists.  http://www.villavictoriaarts.org/performances_020412.html
• If you’re looking for a winter themed event for the whole family, the Franklin Park Golf Course in Dorhester is hosting a free event this Saturday, February 4th from 12:00 PM-3:00 PM.  Guests are invited to come sled, snowshoe, build snowmen, track animal prints in the snow, enjoy some hot chocolate and play board games. Sleds will be available for those that don’t have their own. For more information or to RSVP visit:  http://www.yelp.com/events/dorchester-franklin-park-snow-festival
• Boston College is hosting a Composer’s Concert featuring the works of composers Thomas Oboe Lee, Ralf Yusuf Gawlick and Christopher Willcock S.J., all of whom work at Boston College.  The event is being held Thursday, February 9, at 8PM at Boston College Gasson Hall, Room 100.  http://www.artsboston.org/event/detail/441519473/Boston_College_Composers_Concert
• Valentine’s Day is not the only holiday taking place this month, Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 21st! From 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Artbeat in Arlington, MA is providing visitors with a free mask making project!  Masks are a Mardi Gras tradition that allow people to disguise their true identities which allows role reversal and outrageous behavior.  This event is open to all ages.  http://www.artsboston.org/event/detail/441515727/Mardi_Gras_Special_Treat
• MassArt Family Day is an event put on twice a year by the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.  It is open to visitors of all ages and guests are able to enjoy art-making projects (all materials are provided), guided conversations, interactive activities, and refreshments.  Gallery Education Staff as well as MassArt Students facilitate the tours, discussions, and activity tables where guests are able to discuss and gain a better understanding of the arts.  This event is on Saturday February 25 and runs from 11:00 AM-4:00 PM.http://www.massart.edu/Galleries/Programs_and_Events/Family_Day.html
• If you have an interest in radio or television, WGBH is offering ongoing free studio tours every Wednesday at 2PM and the first and third Saturday of the month at 2PM.  It is a 45 minute tour recommended for ages 16 and up, and you never know who you might run into in the studio!  Photographs are also permitted.  The tour welcomes walk-ins of groups of 5 people or less, groups of 6 or more must schedule a group tour.  http://www.wgbh.org/studiotours
• Boston is known as one of the most historic cities in the country, so why not spend a few hours exploring one of the most famous antiques in the city? The USS Constitution docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard offers free tours to guests every Thursday through Sunday this winter from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.  Tours are approximately 30 minutes and are recommended for ages 6 and up.    http://www.bostoncentral.com/events/tour/p1635.php

Remember, all work and no play makes for a dull winter! Instead of another trip to the movies, try taking family or friends to one of these educational and exciting events! Even if you’re on a budget, these free activities are the perfect excuse to get up and out!

After last weekend’s storm and the upcoming snow expected to arrive this Sunday, it is extremely important to keep in mind a few safety tips while driving in winter weather.  This time of year results in snow, ice, and sleet, all of which create hazardous road conditions for the most experienced of drivers. Drivers are highly recommended to stay indoors in such weather, however if you must venture out wait until plows and sand trucks have gone by.  If you find yourself in a situation where driving in the snow can’t be avoided, keep these simple defensive driving tips in mind to improve your safety on the road:

• Allot extra time to get to your destination.  It is vital to decrease your speed while driving in the snow, and you should also leave about three times more space than usual between yourself and the car in front of you to give yourself plenty of time to stop.  Getting on the road 20 minutes earlier than you usually do should give you enough time to drive slowly and safely and also reach you destination on time.
• If your car starts skidding, don’t panic!  Slamming on the breaks and turning the wheel to avoid a crash are actually more likely to result in an accident.  If you are sliding on ice and your tires suddenly regain their grip, the car will turn whichever way the tires are pointed, which can be detrimental if you have suddenly jerked the steering wheel in a certain direction. The appropriate reaction to this situation depends on which wheels are actually skidding out, front or back.  If your back tires are skidding out and you have begun to “fishtail”, take your foot off the gas, steer the car in the direction that the back tires are skidding in, and gently apply the break.  You may have to steer from right to left until you regain control of the vehicle.  If your front tires begin to skid, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, this will slow the car down as the wheels skid sideways, and you will slowly regain traction.
• ALWAYS drive with your lights on in the snow, even if the sun is still out.  Visibility is much lower when it is snowing which is why it is so important to keep your lights on and make yourself known to other drivers.
• Check your levels of windshield wiper fluid!  This fluid is also helpful in improving visibility as it can be used to melt snow and ice on the windshield.  It definitely won’t replace a scraper, but it can be helpful if you find yourself driving in the midst of a storm or have a light layer of snow or ice on your car.
• Use extra caution when driving over bridges as they are more likely to freeze first. Unlike roads which only lose heat from their surface, bridges are more exposed to the wind and therefore losing heat on all sides, top and bottom.  This results in snow and rain freezing more rapidly, which often leads to black ice.
• Do not use cruise control.  In conditions that are more dangerous than usual it is important to have as much control over the car as you possibly can.  Utilizing the cruise control ability of a car can delay your reaction time should your car begin to skid.
• Do not attempt to pass by plows.  These trucks typically have limited visibility and you’re better off sticking behind them and driving on a freshly plowed road, than passing them and struggling with roads that are full of snow.
• Should your car get stuck in the snow, do not hit the gas!  This will only spin your wheels and dig you in deeper, instead turn the wheel from left to right in an attempt to loosen snow from around the tires.  Keep a bag of salt, sand, or even kitty litter in your trunk, these can all be sprinkled around tires that are stuck to gain traction.
• Consider alternate forms of transportation.  On snowy days it may be more convenient and safer to rely on public transportation such as trains or buses.  If they are not in service due to the weather, take it as a hint that you shouldn’t be out driving either.

At MassDrive we want all drivers out there to practice safe winter driving.  These simple tips can go a long way when it comes to ensuring that you will be as safe as possible on the roads this winter.

Now that we have seen some snow here in Massachusetts it is finally starting to feel like winter!  With the unseasonably warm temperatures and lack of snow so far, the full effects of winter have just begun to kick in.  When the temperature drops it can have some seriously negative effects on your vehicle, which is why it is so important to winterize your car.  Basic maintenance and simple adjustments make a world of difference when it comes to prepping a car for winter.  To make it easy for you, we’ve listed some of the most important steps to take in the upcoming months:

• Get your tires checked.  Cold weather causes tires to lose their air quicker than usual.  Checking the air pressure is crucial during the winter season, especially because roads are so slick and icy, you need your tires to be at top performance more than ever.  If it is an option financially, snow tires are a great option as they can reduce travel time while increasing safety of the vehicle.
• Winter wiper blades are a cost effective preventative measure as they usually range from about $8-$10 each.  These blades have a thicker and wider rubber covering and are able to power through snow and ice more effectively than normal wiper blades.
• Check windshield washer fluid levels!  Switching to a winter grade solvent windshield washer fluid during this time of year is helpful because it doesn’t freeze.   It is also especially important in the winter because it is able to assist in clearing away snow and ice on the windshield if you are in a rush and don’t have much time to scrape off ice.
• Keep your gas tank as full as possible during the next few months.  This prevents the gas line from freezing.  Condensation typically builds up inside a gas tank but during the winter it is especially dangerous because it can freeze.  Should this happen, the water will sink to the bottom of the tank, freeze, and consequently make it impossible to drive.  If you are not able to pump a full tank’s worth of gas, adding a bottle’s worth of fuel de-icer to the tank can keep the line from freezing.
• Salt is one of the most harmful elements to cars during the winter.  It is necessary for keeping the roads safer and less icy, but in turn salt gets into the undercarriage of a car, causing parts to rust and erode over time.  Getting your car washed (at least once a week) in the winter washes away the salt which can be detrimental to both the car and your wallet should it cause erosion.  Be sure to ask for an undercarriage rinse for best effects.
• Despite the cold temperatures, an engine can still over heat in the winter.  The cold causes oil to thicken which makes it move more slowly between different parts of the engine, which results in it getting too hot.  A simple oil change, which is recommended about every 3,000 miles, is the best way to keep this from happening.
• On the other hand, you don’t want your engine to freeze either, which is why antifreeze is essential to ensure that your vehicle survives the cold.  Putting the right amount is crucial to the engine’s performance as well.  Creating a mixture of about 50% antifreeze and 50% water is the ideal fluid to put into the engine.
• Check the battery, belts, and hoses.  The engine has to work much harder in the cold which puts extra strain on the battery.  They typically last about 3-5 years but it is important to keep track so that you don’t end up stranded in the snow.  Belts and hoses are weakened by the cold which makes it easier for them to snap or break.  Have a mechanic take a look at these when you bring your car in for an oil change.
• Should you ever find yourself stranded in the snow with a broken down car, one of the most important things to have is an emergency kit specifically for winter.  This should include blankets, boots, gloves, flares, a flashlight, ice scraper, spare tire, and energy bars.

Take advantage of these tips before it is too late!  The winter season results in extremely dangerous driving conditions which is why it is so important to be sure that your car is in the best shape possible!  These tips not only make driving safer in the present, but help to prevent potentially serious damage to your car in the future!

Photo by wanko

Heated Seat Covers

Car didn’t come with heated seats? Didn’t want to splurge? That’s okay. Thanks to CozyWinters, there’s a low cost and easy to install option that has your back (literally). The 2-Volt Heated Seat Cushion with Hi-Lo Back Massage not only keeps your derrière warm on chilly winter days, it doubles as a back massager. Never give in to the stress of snowy day traffic with the relaxing massage from this seat heater. Just strap it onto your seat, plug it into the cigarette lighter and buckle up for a warm and relaxing ride!

Ice Scraper

Scraping ice off the windshield could rank among my top ten least favorite things to do. Whether I have gloves or forgot them and therefore am subjecting myself within the reaches of frostbite, it is a cold and tireless activity, rarely met with success until the car warms up enough to melt the ice off instead. You get my point. Those gloved scrapers are a stroke of genius, but I’ll raise you one higher… THE BEAR CLAW. Behold! If you have to scrape ice off your car in the freezing cold, you may as well look badass doing it. You’ll deserve that heated massage from your seat cover after you attack that windshield!

Heated Ice Scraper

Maybe you are not fierce enough for the Bear Claw ice scraper and need an alternative (I’d say I understand, but I just do not. That thing is cool!). Enter the heated ice scraper. This genius invention blasts through even thick ice, making the entire scraping process less painful. It does need some time to heat up and operates using the cigarette lighter, so you’ll have to put your seat heating on hold, but the ice blasting prowess and the shortened time you’ll spend de-icing that windshield are more than worth it.

Extendable Brush

Can’t reach the snow off the top of your SUV? Stopping short with all that snow on top of your car is a great way to break your windshield wipers (this happened to my friend, not me, I swear!). Avoid any snow toppling disasters with the incredible extending powers of this 60″ Snow Broom. Equipped with hand grips, a pivoting head and a FeatherTip brush that won’t scratch paint, this thing is a god send for the vertically-challenged or the lazy.

Whatever you need to ready yourself for the road this winter, it certainly seems like there’s a tool to help make your ride safer and warmer. What’s your favorite winter tool for your car?

Even though we are yet to see a snow storm here in Massachusetts this winter (rain, rain, go away!), the upcoming long weekend is the perfect time to hit the slopes! Skiing is a winter hallmark and although the resorts have not been getting any help from Mother Nature, they’re ready for action. The majority of resorts have snow-making abilities and have opened many trails this season. Go ahead and plan that relaxing getaway on the slopes, and despite the lack of storms here in MA, you need not look any further than our list of top rated ski resorts nor travel further than our own Massachusetts!

• Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA is approximately an hour outside of Boston and features multiple different varieties of trails and is open until 10PM every night!  It is also accessible by public transportation and visitors who want to stay overnight are welcome to book a room in the Wachusett Village Inn.  Lift ticket prices vary. (Western MA) http://www.wachusett.com/TheMountain/AboutWachusett/DirectionsHours/tabid/56/Default.aspx
• Berkshire East is a family run mountain that features 45 trails, 18 for night skiing, as well as tubing trails.  While there is no lodging facility on site, there are multiple B&B’s in the area.  There is also a children’s play and ski center which offers child care and a “Learn to Ski” program for children ages 2-5. (Western MA) http://www.berkshireeast.com/
• Ski Butternut is also located within the Berkshires, however is in the southern region of the mountains. Featuring 110 skiable acres, Butternut is the perfect vacation spot for both skiing experts and beginners. There are endless activities to keep the entire family busy including terrain parks, a tubing center, a ski shop, ski lessons, and also snowboarding lessons. Afterschool lessons are also available for locals and theme days such as retro day and a Jimmy Buffett festival are scattered throughout the season. Ski Butternut is the perfect place to experience big mountain skiing while staying close to home. (Western MA) http://www.skibutternut.com/
• Gunstock Mountain Resort is the closest major ski resort to the Boston Area. Located just two hours outside of the city, Gunstock offers a nationally recognized and award winning learn to ski or ride program, Mountain Magic, perfect for first time skiers. It also includes tubing trails, snowboarding and skiing trails, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing facilities. Gunstock is associated with multiple lodging partners in the area as well for the convenience of their guests. (Lakes Region of NH) http://www.gunstock.com/
• Mount Sunapee Resort is located about 90 minutes from Boston and often features races, scavenger hunts, camps, contests, and clinics. Currently, 37 trails are open for business while snowmaking which is underway will allow more to open as the week goes on.  Ski and Stay packages are available for guests looking to stay overnight. (Western NH) http://www.mountsunapee.com/mtsunapeewinter/index.asp
• Okemo Mountain resort is about a three hour drive from Boston and is a top rated ski resort in Vermont. They pride themselves on constantly improving and demand very high standards when it comes to customer service. With 96% snow coverage and 119 trails, Okemo is definitely one of the larger mountains in the area.Don’t miss their savings event going on this January offering up to 33% off lodging and kids ski and ride for $1. (Southern VT)  http://www.okemo.com/okemowinter/
• Killington is another well-known Mountain region in Vermont which features “The Beast”, a series of six mountains, 140 trails and over 70 miles of terrain at Killington which will keep the whole family occupied for hours. They have the world’s most extensive 600 acre snowmaking system as well as 250 inches of annual snowfall! With these conditions there will be no shortage of powder on the slopes! (Central VT) http://www.killington.com/winter/index.html

Ski season in New England is already in full force!  Don’t miss your chance to take advantage of these getaways this winter before it’s too late!

Photo by yourcoco

While we continue to patiently wait for a snowstorm this winter in Massachusetts, there is one question on the minds of many – will we ever get a snow day?  With rumored snowfall for tomorrow morning, your little ones may be getting excited for the possibility of a snow day, but are you prepared? It’s the announcement that every student hopes for the morning after a storm, however, for parents who are home with their kids, keeping them occupied all day at a moment’s notice can be a challenge.

When it is too dangerous to drive and families are stuck in the house all day, children can become anxious and hyper. Luckily, we have comprised a list of activities to keep your kids entertained and happy, and all of these can be done with everyday household items.

• Build a fort.  Children can be entertained for hours building, and hiding out inside a fort.  Set aside some pillows, blankets, and chairs and they will be able to set up shop for the day, or at least a few hours.
• Have an indoor picnic.  Kids love changing up their everyday activities and having a picnic indoors is the perfect way to occupy them on a snow day.  Have them set up a blanket and place settings while you prepare the meal.  Including winter themed foods will also make it more seasonal and exciting; think hot chocolate, popcorn, pigs in a blanket, grilled cheese and tomato soup.
• Play “Pass the Snowball”, a winterized version of hot potato. Use an oversized white Styrofoam ball as the snowball, or get adventurous and bundled up to head outside and use an actual snowball.
• Create an indoor bowling alley by setting toilet paper rolls up like bowling pins at the end of the hallway. Use balled up socks as the bowling ball and let them play.
• Arrange and indoor scavenger hunt by placing winter clothing (hats, mittens, boots, etc) throughout the house. Provide clues as to their location, and once all the clothes have been found send your kids out to play in the snow.
• Use computer paper and scissors to have your children create their own snowstorm! Creating different snowflake shapes and designs will enhance their creativity while the real snow builds up outside.
• Bake together!  Baking can occupy a lot of time depending on the recipe; have your kids choose their favorite and work together to create the finished product.
• Acting out a play is a great way to spend a few hours. Find some old clothes or Halloween costumes for them to wear and let the show begin!
• Break out the board games! There are probably a few games around the house you haven’t gotten the chance to play as a family yet, so make sure to try them out! If you’re feeling especially creative, use pieces from different games to create your own. There are sure to be plenty of laughs as you figure it out!
• Provided you don’t lose power, movies, TV and video games are another way to stay entertained during a snow day. This is a great opportunity for you to get involved with what your kids are watching and playing and maybe learn a game or two.

Surviving a snow day with the kids can be a challenge with everyone cooped up inside for hours on end, but these ideas will hopefully keep everyone busy and having fun! Before you know it the storm will have passed and they will be back to school, so enjoy the time together. If you’re hoping for a snow day tomorrow, as the snow starts falling tonight, make sure to put those PJ’s on inside-out and sleep with a wooden spoon under your pillow – they’re supposed to bring good snow day luck!

Photo by moonlightbulb

As the weather gets colder and days feel shorter in Massachusetts, it can be difficult finding the energy to venture outside for entertainment.  However, what many of us forget is that we are lucky enough to live in a state where we truly can enjoy a winter wonderland right outside our doors.  Why not take advantage of these upcoming months and enjoy a few fun filled winter events?

Winter festivals are a great way to do something fun with the entire family. They typically have activities specifically geared for children, 21 plus events, as well as live music, food, and sporting competitions which will excite guests of any age.  Upcoming festivals in Massachusetts include:

• Lowell Winterfest- Taking place from February 9-11 this festival features a fashion show, soup bowl competition, micro-brew competition, as well as “Lowla’s Kids Party” featuring face painting and a magician.  If you’re looking for a good laugh you definitely won’t want to miss the National Human Dogsled Competition!  http://www.lowell.org/Pages/Winterfest.aspx/
• Berkshires’ Contemporary Art Festival- the Berkshires’ is hosting their first ever Contemporary Art Festival featuring 10 minute plays, short films shot on cell phones, local musicians and many art displays.  The event takes place February 16-26 and is being held in downtown Pittsfield.                                                                                   http://berkshirecreative.org/2011/12/28/the-berkshires-first-ever-winter-contemporary-arts-festival/

Finding activities for children can be especially tough in the winter due to the fact that outdoor venues are extremely limited.  However, many attractions in Massachusetts are offering exhibits geared towards children during the winter season.

• The Franklin Park Zoo is hosting an event Saturday January 14 to celebrate the Chinese New Year.  Visitors will be able to kick off the Year of the Dragon by watching a lion dance, listen to storytelling about Chinese culture, writing calligraphy, and making Chinese lanterns. http://www.zoonewengland.org/page.aspx?pid=330
• Old Sturbridge Village is featuring “January Discovery Days at Old Sturbridge Village” from January 14-15.  Activities include cooking a meal “1830’s style”, building an old fashioned wooden sled, arts and crafts, as well as woodworking. This is a great educational experience for children but space is limited so reserve a spot early!  http://www.osv.org/activities_events/event_calendar_more.html?ID=724&DateID=1832
• The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is hosting a Groundhog Day Celebration Saturday January 28.  This event is perfect for families who are wondering whether or not we will have 6 more weeks of winter!  Events of the day include nature hikes, snow sculptures, crafts, a groundhog obstacle course, and refreshments.  Reservations are required so be sure to call ahead!  http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Ipswich_River/news.php?id=1825&event=no

If you are willing to brave the cold and head outdoors there is no better place to be than New England if you want to experience the snow.  There are a variety of winter activities in close proximity for Massachusetts residents, including tubing, sledding, skiing, and ice skating.

• Frog Pond on Boston Common is open through March 15 to ice skaters.  This family friendly atmosphere is perfect for a romantic date night or day outing with the kids. Hours vary but rental skates are available as well as homemade Belgian Waffles!  http://www.bostonfrogpond.com/info/pricing-season-passe
• Amesbury Sports Park offers the steepest, fastest snow tubing hills in New England.  Guests can ride the conveyor belt to the top of the hills where they can choose to ride solo or link up in groups.  A full service pub is also on site serving pizza, hamburgers, and much more.  http://www.amesburysportspark.net/
• Trustees Reservations offer sledding trails across Massachusetts where visitors can enjoy sprawling hills that are much less crowded than local parks when you want to test out your toboggan.  http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/discover-special-places/sledding-favorites.html
• Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, MA offers the best of both worlds; they offer 17 ski trails and 18 tubing trails!  It is the perfect location for beginners and those looking to get a taste of winter sports.  http://www.skinashoba.com/

Looking for a fun way to experience the beauty of nature during the winter? Try snowshoeing one of the many trails in Massachusetts! Snowshoeing is a fun and easy way to exercise in the snow while also taking in beautiful views of the countryside.  Check out http://www.visit-massachusetts.com/winter-activities/snowshoeing for listings of the many Snowshoeing trails as well as details on renting equipment in and around Massachusetts.

Make the most out of your winter this year by enjoying the seasonal activities it has to offer!  Many of us in Massachusetts dread the winter because of the bitter cold and shorter days, but venturing outdoors and trying one of these activities will undoubtedly add some cheer to your season!

Photo by John1710