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Local coastal waters are a favorite hangout for harbor seals. Photo by Xylia Serafy

Fun Outdoor Excursions for February's Winter Break

1. Seal Watching

Bring the binoculars on a seal-spotting and birding cruise (yes, in February).

2. Hot Chocolate Fest

Bundle up for toasty fun at the weekend-long Hot Chocolate Fest at Ashokan.

RELATED: Where To Go Maple Sugaring in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

See trees being tapped as part of maple sugaring festivities throughout the Hudson Valley. Photo courtesy of the Watershed Institute

3. Go Maple Sugaring 

Learn about maple sugaring, an age-old winter tradition that dates back to the Native Americans.

4. Take a Hike 

Enjoy nature on a visit to Teatown Lake Reservation.

5. Enjoy Winter Sports

Peruse our Winter Fun Guide for where to go skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and more.

RELATED: Snow Games for Kids Beyond Sledding

Outdoor activities are the safest this season, so make the most of the outdoor time. Photo by Ally Noel

6. Explore the Great Outdoors 

Ramp up your nature play with this mega-list of outdoor activities for anytime winter fun.

7. Amazing Butterflies 

Find out more about how these winged friends live at Lasdon Park's newest exhibit, Amazing Butterflies. Then, spend time walking through the pretty park. 

RELATED: Northeast Snowboarding Parks Where You Can Catch Some Air

Take a day trip to a mountain for skiing, boarding, or tubing. Photo by Ally Noel

8. Day Trip  

Stay close to home on one of these family-fun winter day trips.

9. Enroll in a School Break Camp

Visit the Sheldrake Environmental Center and try a February break offering.

RELATED: The Best Sledding Hills in Westchester for Kids

Mug cakes are a fun dessert and boredom buster in a sweet package. Photo by Jody Mercier

At-Home Activities for February's Winter Break

10. Make a Mug Cake

Set the kids loose in the kitchen to whip up one of these microwavable mug cakes–no oven required.

11. Make a Snow Globe 

Really shake things up with a DIY snow globe.

12. Count Birds 

Take part in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count and see what you spot in your own area 

13. Snow Day Boredom Busters 

Stuck in the house? We’ve got dozens of snow-day boredom busters for kids.

RELATED: At-Home Guide for Families: 100s of Activities for Kids

Kartrite's indoor water park is a warm diversion from winter's chill. Photo courtesy of the Kartrite

Indoor Destinations for February's Winter Break

14. See a Show 

Hear some of your favorite songs at the Paramount Theater's Broadway Perspectives: A Concert Celebrating Diversity! in honor of Black History Month 

15. Indoor Water Park 

Escape the cold and pretend it’s summer with a visit to one of these indoor water parks.

16. Hudson River Museum 

Explore all the kid-friendly attractions at the Hudson River Museum. See our Museum's Guide for other exciting options. 

17. Make a Puppet 

Sign kids up for a fun puppeteering workshop at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

18. Indoor Playgrounds 

Burn off some energy at one of the many indoor play places in our area. 

19. Make Some Art 

Drop in for an impromptu art project that might include paper crafting, painting, or even slime.

20. Free Museum Days

Take advantage of FREE admission to any of these NYC museums, zoos, and gardens.

21. New-to-You Museum

Cross the Hudson and check out one of several family-friendly museums in New Jersey.

22. Saturday Clay

Roll up your sleeves for messy parent-child fun at Saturday Clay.

And Last but Not Least ...

23. Book a Getaway 

Take a mini-vacation with one of these winter weekend getaways that won't break the bank.

24. Find Even More Fun Ideas  

Populate your planner with 30 fun things to do with Westchester kids this winter.

This post was originally published in 2019 and is updated annually.