Press Release: 2/12/2026
Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces DCR’s Free Programming Across the State During February School Vacation Week
86 family-oriented programs will be hosted at 23 DCR properties from Saturday, February 14 through Sunday, February 22 including guided hikes, animal walks, maple sugaring and more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
2/11/2026
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced that it will be hosting 86 free, fun and educational programs throughout the state during February school vacation week, providing children and families opportunities to explore the outdoors and learn about the natural and cultural history of DCR properties. Programs – many of which are designed to be accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities – will include guided hikes, animal walks, maple sugaring, and historical discussions at 23 parks and watersheds statewide. This year’s programming lineup aims to strengthen the connection between people and the nature for Massachusetts’ young people and their families.
“Helping young people build a lasting connection to the outdoors is one of our top priorities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “DCR’s February vacation programs give families a chance to stay active, explore nature and better understand the role we all play in protecting our environment.”
“February vacation is a great time for families to get outside and explore the incredible parks and open spaces we have across Massachusetts,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Whether it’s spotting wildlife on a winter walk, learning how maple syrup is made, or visiting a historic site, we’re providing kids with fun and meaningful ways to connect with nature, history and each other.”
“February school vacation is a wonderful opportunity for students and families to continue learning outside the classroom,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “These free, hands-on experiences support student well-being and connect them to the natural and cultural resources that make Massachusetts such a special place to live and learn.”
To celebrate school vacation week and encourage families to visit DCR properties, DCR is waiving parking fees at all parks and watersheds hosting February break programming and extending public skating hours at DCR-managed rinks from 10 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. daily. DCR will also continue offering its regular programming, including self-guided hikes, and visitor centers will be open for people to enjoy exhibits. For details about staff-led programs and self-guided activities, visit DCR’s website. Additionally, DCR is offering adaptive programming during February vacation week.
“We encourage families to take advantage of the amazing programming available during February vacation week,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "It’s a great opportunity to try new things as a family, like learning about winter wildlife or maple syrup, going ice skating, or exploring local historical sites."
For a full list of all programming offered during school vacation week visit DCR’s February Vacation Week Programming webpage. In the event of inclement weather on the day of an event, visitors are urged to call ahead to each property to ensure programming is still taking place prior to arriving.
Highlights from DCR’s February break programming include:
BOSTON REGION:
An Oasis for Birds - Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, 1399 Bennington St., East Boston
Saturday, February 21, 8 am – 9:30 am
Discover raptors and other specialty birds on a leisurely one-mile walk over flat, relatively easy terrain at this birding hotspot. Participants will be responsible for transportation between locations. Some binoculars will be available to the public, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own, if possible. Great for adults and children aged 8+. Cancellations are possible in the event of inclement weather.
Dillaway-Thomas House Self-Guided Tours - Roxbury Heritage State Park, 183 Roxbury Street, Boston, MA
Wednesday, February 18 - Sunday, February 22 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dating back to 1750, the Dillaway-Thomas House is one of the oldest structures in Roxbury. Now a museum, the house offers visitors the chance to connect with the area’s colonial history by exploring this former headquarters of the Continental Army during the Siege of Boston. Self-guided tours are available daily and suitable for guests aged 10+.
CENTRAL REGION:
Maple Sugaring Weekend - Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, MA
Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22
Preregistration recommended. It’s that sweet time of year again! Join us on February 21 and 22 for our annual Maple Sugaring Weekend. Guided 90-minute tours will be offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Staff and volunteers will teach visitors about the art and science of producing maple syrup, including identifying maple trees, tapping trees, gathering sap, and watching syrup being made at the sugar house. Children’s activities include a craft and a Junior Ranger activity. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, as tours include both indoor and outdoor elements. Registration is not required but preregistration is recommended. The program is appropriate for all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Guided Hike – Southern New England Trunkline Trail, 234 Grove Street, Franklin, MA
Sunday, February 22, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
This hike covers approximately 4 miles of compacted gravel trails with no inclines. Participants are asked to wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for cold temperatures. Drinking water and bathrooms will not be available onsite. Programming is subject to change or cancellation.
NORTH REGION:
Wild Breakheart - Breakheart Reservation, 131 Walnut St., Saugus
Wednesday, February 18, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Join us for an animal tracking program and discover how the tracks that animals leave behind can tell a story about what they do when no one is around. This experience includes an approximately 1-mile walk. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and to not bring dogs. This program is appropriate for ages 4 and older, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Cancellations are possible in the event of inclement weather.
Quarry Quest Treasure Hunt – Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Ave., Rockport, MA
Daily, Saturday, February 14 through Sunday, February 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Decipher clues and directions to find a secret treasure hidden within the park. This is a designed to be a fun family adventure on the trails of Halibut Point State Park and a great opportunity to learn about the quarry’s history and natural wonders. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for cold weather and should expect to walk approximately half-a-mile. Great for children aged 8+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
SOUTH REGION:
Owl Prowl – Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA
Friday, February 20, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Join the park staff for our Owl Prowl. Participants will learn about the owls found in New England, practice owl calls, and then take 1-to-2-mile hike to listen for and possibly see an owl or two. Guests will also have the opportunity to observe an owl pellet dissection inside the visitor center. Space is limited. To register, please email borderland.park@mass.gov. Cancellations are possible in the event of inclement weather.
Community Kwanzaa Sewing Workshop – Fall River Heritage State Park, 100 Davol Street, Fall River, MA
Wednesday, February 18, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Craft Your Own Ujimaa-Inspired Table Runner at our workshop! Join us for an interactive and festive experience as we celebrate the Kwanzaa principle of Ujimaa (collective work and responsibility). Learn sewing and embroidery techniques while creating a specially designed table runner. Appropriate for children aged 6 and up, but all children must be accompanied by an adult.
WEST REGION:
Kidleidoscope Story Hour: Rabbits - Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA
Friday, February 20, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Siblings and friends are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.
Wildlife Artifacts Exploration – Quabbin Reservoir, 100 Winsor Dam Road, Belchertown, MA
Thursday, February 19, 11 am – 12 pm
How heavy is a moose skull? How soft is beaver fur? What makes one bird’s feather different from another’s? Join us to explore and learn about the wildlife that live around us. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.