The Hub is an ideal place for family frivolity during school vacation week—or anytime
Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures
Disney favorites both new and old—from the Toy Story 4 gang (pictured) and Moana to classic characters like Mary Poppins, Mickey Mouse and Goofy—take to the Garden ice for this skating spectacular that lands in the Hub February 19–23.
TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, 617-624-1000, tdgarden.com
Boston Children’s Museum
Located along the Fort Point Channel, this institution has been an ideal destination for parents and their youngsters for decades. From February 16–22, the museum offers various activities in celebration of Engineers Week.
308 Congress St., 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org
Franklin Park Zoo
Lions and tigers and…zebras? All of these animals can still be seen outside even in chilly weather at this outstanding facility. You can escape the cold, however, at the Tropical Forest exhibit, home to a family of gorillas—one of which, Little Joe, has his 27th birthday celebration on February 17, complete with decorations, cake and a giant card visitors can sign—and more.
1 Franklin Park Rd., 617-541-5466, zoonewengland.org
Puppet Showplace Theater
The venerable puppetry center showcases My Night in the Planetarium the first three weekends of the month and Presidents Day, and Cardboard Explosion! and Everybody Loves Pirates during school vacation week.
32 Station St., Brookline, 617-731-6400, puppetshowplace.org
Kings Dining & Entertainment
Although a 21-plus-only haven in the evening, Kings offers a wide array of entertainment for all ages during the day, including 10-pin bowling, air hockey, shuffleboard, and vintage and new arcade games.
Various locations, kings-de.com
Museum of Science
Fun, educational exhibits—along with live demonstrations, a butterfly garden, planetarium and 4-D theater—are highlights at this perennial favorite.
1 Science Pk., 617-723-2500, mos.org
New England Aquarium
Schools of colorful fish—as well as seals, sea lions, sharks and penguins—are on view at this waterfront facility.
1 Central Wharf, 617-973-5200, neaq.org
Boston Common Frog Pond
The entire family can skate (and fall) together at this popular hangout. After, warm up with snacks and cocoa at the Frog Pond Café.
Toy shopping
Homegrown, kid-focused shops abound in the Boston area, such as the South End’s Tadpole and CouCou; Magic Beans in the Back Bay, Cambridge, Brookline and Wellesley; and the seven outposts of Henry Bear’s Park, including stores in Arlington, Brookline and Cambridge’s Porter Square.
58 Clarendon St., 617-778-1788, shoptadpole.com; 24 Union Park St., 617-936-4082, coucou-boston.com; various locations, mbeans.com; various locations, henrybear.com
Coolidge Corner Theatre
The art house cinema also hosts programming for children, including the New York International Children’s Film Festival Kid Flicks One shorts program (February 9), a magic show (February 16), The Airborne Comedians(February 23) and Davey the Clown (February 29).
290 Harvard St., Brookline, 617-734-2500, coolidge.org
