February Vacation on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
February 12, 2026
Next week is February school vacation for many students in Essex County. With dozens of family-friendly events taking place across the heritage area, here are a few to consider on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway!
Joppa Flats’ 2026 Merrimack River Eagle Festival
Date: February 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Host: Mass Audubon
Description:
Come to Newburyport for a full day of fun indoor and outdoor activities that celebrate the return of the Bald Eagles! Learn about these magnificent eagles and other amazing raptors, and why our local habitat is so important to them.
Children’s Activities at Appleton Farms
Date: February 14, 19, 21, 2026
Time: Various
Host: Appleton Farms
Description:
Now is your chance to meet some farm stars in a relaxed and guided setting! Visit Appleton Farms for story time with furry friends, maple sugaring, and exploring the farmstead. Come with your questions and curiosity!
CraneOutdoors: Family Winter Wildlife Walk
Date: February 15, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Host: Crane Beach on the Crane Estate
Description:
Stroll through the Crane Beach dunes while learning about some of the plants and animals that call this special place home. This family-friendly hike includes numerous lookouts offering stunning views of Choate Island and the varied ecosystems of Castle Neck, including Pitch Pine forests and naturally occurring cranberry bogs
February School Vacation Week: Ocean Voyages
Date: February 16, 19, 20, 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Host: Peabody Essex Museum
Description:
Join us to sail the open seas during February School Vacation Week! Step inside a giant inflatable whale, visit the ships and figureheads in our Maritime art gallery and enjoy themed art making.
Maritime Gloucester’s February Vacation Program
Date: February 16, 17, 19, 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm / 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Host: Maritime Gloucester
Description:
Join Maritime Gloucester’s educators for fun hands-on activities exploring different marine life found in Gloucester while discussing the impact of the ocean!
Family Explorer: Winter Birds and Wildlife at Appleton Farms
Date: February 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Host: Appleton Farms
Description:
What birds and other wildlife frequent the Appleton Farms fields, woodlands, and wetlands in the winter? This hike will start with some interactive games and demonstrations to get learners familiar with the resident winter birds and wildlife, and to introduce techniques for bird observation and animal tracking.
Family Explorer: Winter on the Lake at Moraine Farm
Date: February 19, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Host: Moraine Farm
Description:
Hike along the shores of beautiful Wenham Lake on a glacial moraine and learn how this ridge formed thousands of years ago and its continued importance as a water source. This hike will start with an interactive timeline game, and then head out on the trails to observe how human and natural activities have shaped the landscape over time.
Vintage Board Game Night
Date: February 19, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Host: Historic Beverly
Description:
From familiar favorites to forgotten oddities, Vintage Board Game Night offers a relaxed, hands-on chance to roll the dice, move the pieces, and enjoy games that have entertained generations. Visitors are welcome to drop in, learn the rules, and play at their own pace. Snacks will be provided.
Family Explorer: Winter Tracking in the Dunes at Crane Beach
Date: February 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Host: Crane Beach on the Crane Estate
Description:
An outdoor adventure for the whole family! Take a dune walk and investigate the trail for footprints, scat, burrows, and other signs left behind by travelers that passed through. Piece together the evidence that will help us see who lives in this habitat!
If you are also looking for some more things to do this winter, check out our blogs “Indoor Fun & Games on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway” and “Enjoy the Arts Along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway this Winter“!