NH February Vacation Activity Planner

If you're going to be in town for February vacation, there are a number of way to keep the kids occupied during their February break, which runs from Feb. 25 through March 1. We've compiled a big list of options for ways to spend vacation whether in Merrimack or venturing a little ways out of town.

Dinosaur exhibit

Citizens Bank Presents Dinosaurs! at the SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, every day until March 9. Museum admission is $8 per person age 3 or older. Combo admission and dinosaur exhibit for $12 per person. Get more information: Citizens Bank Presents Dinosaurs at the SEE Science Center orinfo@see-sciencecenter.org

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters will be at Manchester's Verizon Wireless Arena on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tickets range $21-$128. Get more ticket info at Ticketmaster.com.

Moon Bounce Party

The Mall of New Hampshire Presents Kidgits Winter Moon Bounce Party from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23.Area children are invited to escape the cold weather and get some exercise at The Mall of New Hampshire’s Winter Moon Bounce Party. Kidgits Club Members jump for free. Non-members can sign up for a $5 annual fee any time at Guest Services or at the event, and will receive a special free ice cream from Dairy Queen. Bounce party will be in the Center Court at the mall, 1500 S. Willow St. More information: Simon Malls Kidgits Club.

Winter programs at Amoskeag Fishways:

Patterns in Nature

Explore the mysteries of tree rings, snowflakes, and spider webs in this half day program for children in grades 1-5.  Children should bring winter boots, warm clothing and a snack. Patterns in Nature runs from 8:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Feb. 27. $20 per child at the Amoskeag Fishways, 4 Fletcher St., Manchester. More information at Amoskeag Fishways,amoskeagfishways@yahoo.com or 603-626-3474.

Animals in Winter

Discover the amazing ways animals survive the cold. Search for signs of winter critters around the Fishways during this half-day program for children in grades 1-5.  Children should bring winter boots, warm clothing, and a snack. Animals in Winter runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Feb. 28. $20 per child at the Amoskeag Fishways, 4 Fletcher St., Manchester. More information at Amoskeag Fishways, amoskeagfishways@yahoo.com or 603-626-3474.

Winter Carnival

Kick off your vacation with this year's winter carnival put on by the Merrimack Parks and Recreation Department. The 21st annual Winter Carnival hosted by the Merrimack Parks and Recreation Dept. and Parks and Recreation Committee will be held at Wasserman Park on Saturday, Feb. 23, from noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy a day of free activities including the ice fishing derby sponsored by the Lions Club, snowmobile rides sponsored by the Sno-Buds Snowmobile Club, snow art and much more. Read more.

Play Indoors

Nuthin' But Good Times will be open all week during school vacation for plenty of indoor playtime. Stop in from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25 and a portion of the night's proceeds will be donated to James Mastricola Upper Elementary School. All are welcome.

On March 5, join NBGT for family movie night at 5 p.m. Go early for dinner and stay to play and watch a movie. All participant receive free popcorn.

Sledding/Skating

Get outdoors. With more snow expected to fall over the weekend, conditions should be great for sledding and with a little post-storm clean up, the skating rink should be primed for a little vacation week traffic. Grease up your sleds, sharpen your skates and get outdoors during February break.

On Feb. 23, join Pheasant Lane Mall for its Barnyard Bash, bounce in the horse-shaped moon-bounce and enjoy farm related craft activities. Kidgits Club Members can participate for free! Non-members can sign up for a $5 annual fee any time at Guest Services or at the event and will receive a special sign up bag and Kidgits Club T-shirt. Barnyard Bash is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Pheasant Lane Mall outside of Dick's Sporting Goods, 310 Daniel Webster Highway. More information: Kidgits on Facebook.

Theatre Camp

Join Peacock Players for your NH February and April school vacation weeks. Aspiring young actors will rehearse and perform a workshop production in just one week. February vacation camp runs from Feb. 25-March 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is open to ages 5 through 14. Tuition is $175.

Peacock Players Vacation Camp accepts campers without auditioning, complementing our unique inclusive atmosphere. Spend your school vacation discovering your dramatic side! Campers will participate in a fast-paced rehearsal schedule leading up to a Camp Showcase production, performed for family and friends at the end of our session. Led by a staff of our talented theatre artists, vacation campers will enjoy playing games, participating in challenging theatre exercises, and creating a collaborative performance – all while making a new cast of friends. Get more information and enroll on the Peacock Players website.

Bounce the day away

Cowabunga's Fun Center indoor inflatable park will be open all week during school vacation and cap it off with a princess party on Friday and a Superhero Party on Saturday.Cowabunga's is open Sunday, Feb. 24 and Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 26-28 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday Feb. 25 from noon-4 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, March 2 and 3, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Princess Party is from 4-7 p.m. on Friday and will include guest appearances by Cinderella at 5 p.m. and  Tinkerbelle at 6 p.m. The Superhero Party is from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday and includes guest appearances by Spiderman at 5 p.m. and Batman at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 for children who can walk up to age 17. Adults are free with paid child. Cowabunga's is at 1328 Hooksett Road (Next to Shaw's) Hooksett. More information: Cowabunga's Fun Center or info@mycowabungas.com

Wizard of Oz StoryWalk

As a prelude to the performance of the Wizard of Oz at Goffstown High School in February, enjoy a StoryWalk through Goffstown’s Emerald City. The story begins at the Goffstown Public Library and unfolds in the windows of Main Street establishments. StoryWalk ends on Saturday, Feb. 23, but runs all day from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. This free event starts at the Goffstown Library, 2 High St., Goffstown. More information: Goffstown Public Library or contact Sandy Whipple at 497-2102 or sandyw@goffstownlibrary.com

February Fun Vacation Camp 2013

February Fun Vacation Camp is an opportunity for children ages 6-12 to learn more about nature in winter. Join the Massabesic Audubon Center for a single day, several days, or the whole week. The various themes of each day will be explored through outdoor excursions (by foot or on snowshoes), games, crafts, stories, live animals, songs and conservation projects to help participants discover the wonders of the season. Children should bring their own lunches and snacks and be prepared to be outside with appropriate clothing.

Monday, Feathered Friends: Venture out on a bird walk, look at some live birds at our center, and imagine what it’s like to soar through the skies!

Tuesday, Slime and Scales: Learn about amphibians and reptiles, pretend to be coldblooded animals, and play some games with our resident frogs and turtles.

Wednesday, Winter Wonderland: Take part in winter weather experiments, go for a snowshoe hike, and have a winter campfire.

Thursday, Mammal Mayhem: Examine mammal furs, learn how to track them in winter, and pretend we’re hibernating!

Friday, Creepy Crawlies:Look for winter insects, go for a walk to see where they are all hiding, and play with some live bugs and snakes.

Download a registration packet here or register below. If you register online, you still need to print and mail (or fax) this form. More information at the Massabesic Audubon Center website.

NRG! Exhibits’ Treasure! exhibition

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is hosting NRG! Exhibits’ Treasure! exhibition. This world-class exhibit explores the science, technology, history, and excitement of treasure and treasure hunting. On exhibit until May 25, Treasure! also focuses on the people and personalities that hunt for treasure – including museum visitors. Treasure! is an educational and entertaining exhibit that prompts visitors to consider: What is treasure? Who hunts for treasure? Why do they hunt treasure? How do people hunt for treasure? What do you treasure? The visitors will explore these questions and take part in their own treasure hunt within the exhibit.

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is at 2 Institute Drive Concord. More information: McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center or 603-271-STAR.

Scout Ski Trip

Scouts are invited to Pats Peak to enjoy two days of skiing/riding or snowtubing on Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3. Event includes:

• Overnight Lodging
• Group Discounts
• Lessons
• Snow Tubing
• Participation Badge

Two days of snow, slopes and thrills; sleepover accommodations are available. Space is limited for the overnight. The overnight is on a first come first served basis; no refunds or exchanges. Girl Scouts and women will sleep at one location and the Boy Scouts and men will sleep at another location. Scouts must be chaperoned. The facilities are heated, with restrooms, but no showers. Bring a sleeping bag, pillow & camping mat. All facilities are within 10 minutes of Pats Peak Ski Area with plenty of parking. The sleepover includes a famous Pats Peak M&M cookie, and hot breakfast at Pats Peak in the morning.

Registration no later than Tuesday, February 26, for skiing, snowboarding or snowtubing.

Please contact Group Sales at groupsales@patspeak.com, fill out this form or call Group Sales at 1-888-728-7732, ext 106 to get all the necessary Scout Weekend Forms to complete registration. A reservation must be made with Group Sales in order to attend Scout Weekend. Get more information on Pats Peak's website.