For students and parents alike, it’s easy for February vacation to become a week of sleeping in, Netflix binges, and endless shoveling. Before you know it, you’re back at school or work and people are asking you what you did over break. If the thought of having nothing to say about your week of freedom scares you, here are some ideas to keep you busy in and around town.
First, never underestimate the power of your local library as a cure for boredom. A good book can be anyone’s best friend during a snowstorm. Head to the reference desk to learn how to download books to your e-reader, or run in to grab an audiobook for a long car ride north. The Harvard Public Library is always getting new books and movies, and with thousands of titles to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find something interesting.
Outdoor adventures
On the other hand, if you’re exhausted just thinking about books, consider exercise for your body instead of your mind. Getting out of the house and going bowling at Harvard Lanes, sledding down the Common, or skating on the Bolton Road fire pond are all good options. For those hoping to find serenity in lesser-known areas, the Bowers Brook area in Harvard is perfect for snowshoeing, and Carlisle’s Great Brook ski area is a prime spot for cross-country skiers to explore—or for aspiring ones to rent skis and discover the beauty of snow-covered Massachusetts.
For the days where you’re stuck inside (with or without power), a board game is an easy way to pass the time. Tried and true games like Monopoly or Life can be great, but there are also newer award-winning board games like 7 Wonders and Settlers of Catan. If you want to keep your mind going with a low-commitment game, downloading Trivia Crack to your phone and playing with friends or family when you feel like it is an easy way to pass the time.
Art near and far
For families or friends hoping to leave the boundaries of Harvard but who want an indoor experience, the Fitchburg Art Museum is a hidden gem that’s just 25 minutes from the center of town, and kids under 12 get in free. If you’re up for a longer drive, the Worcester Art Museum has Raphael’s “The Cowper Madonna” on loan for a limited time from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and a photography exhibit from The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting called “Africa’s Children of Arms.” Both art museums have four-and-a-half stars on Yelp, so you can trust it’ll be a good experience.
And for those art-lovers who want to stay home, there should never be a dull moment now that Pinterest is here. From teacup candles to kitchen iPad stands made out of cutting boards, you can make just about anything in the comfort of your own home.
By midweek, if you’re tired of the same four walls and the weather isn’t too bad, you can pick up and head to a movie theater with friends or family. For younger audiences there are films like “Paddington” and “Into the Woods,” which both received great reviews; and for older audiences there are highly acclaimed movies like “Selma” and “The Imitation Game.” And for those looking for a real experience, the New England Aquarium is showing a new film specifically for school vacation week—a 3D IMAX film about humpback whales.
If you’re feeling productive, closet cleaning can be extremely satisfying, and you can donate your forgotten or unneeded clothes to local charities like the Salvation Army in Fitchburg. If you’re really audacious, you can even tackle those boxes of old toys and art supplies in the attic and donate them to places like Cradles to Crayons.
Planning playlists or gardens
Music lovers who haven’t had time to comb through Spotify or 8tracks for new favorites, now is the time to gather the best of the best for new study, driving, or exercise playlists so they’re ready for you when school starts up again. You can even try mixing your own music using free online programs like Audacity or Soundnation. If you’re new to mixing, YouTube has thousands of tutorials on how to get started.
And for those who can’t wait for the warmer months, a quick visit to a garden center to pick up dirt, planters, and seeds will get you on your way to fresh, homegrown vegetables. Planting things now like lettuce and arugula indoors with the aid of a grow light will get you a jumpstart on the growing season and one step closer to “free” fresh food. If you don’t have a grow light, there’s always the option of growing fresh sprouts in jars next to sunny windows for salads and sandwiches.
For kids looking forward to the next school break—summer—now is the time to find summer camps or talk with people about summer jobs. The American Camp Association has a new online tool to find the perfect summer camp for anyone based on age, interests, location, cost, and duration at find.acacamps.org. As for jobs, one of the best ways to get jobs is through people you know, so talk to older students and family friends to hear about opportunities in the area.
Even if it’s “just” a family stroll to the General Store for coffee or hot chocolate, find something that makes your winter break memorable.
