As the days of winter continue to get colder, many of us are searching for activities to get us up and out of the house in hopes of avoiding a case of cabin fever. The lack of snow makes it difficult to enjoy typical winter activities such as sledding, building snowmen, or having snowball fights. Luckily, we have come up with a list of some of the best events and things to do in Massachusetts in the month of February, and the best part is that they are all FREE!
- 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!