Looking for February vacation plans? Backyard Road Trips is here to help as we come up with the top family-friendly activities for the weeklong February vacation. Whether you’re interested in traveling far or staying at home, here are ten ideas for February vacation to lighten up the dreary season.
To help plan your vacation, you’ll find distances from Norwich, Connecticut, and Plymouth, Massachusetts, as many of our BYRT readers hail from these two regions.
Farther Afield
Quebec City Winter Carnival
Before kids, I used to head up north to the fantastic Quebec City Winter Carnival. North of the border, this annual event is full of winter-themed fun. Think tobogganing with views of the Saint Lawrence River, outdoor ice castles, and parades. Look for the Bonhomme, the lovable snowman mascot as you sip warm caribou, the official drink of the festival. Make sure to check out the frozen Montmorency Falls and the ice hotel, both located outside of downtown. Bundle up, it’s cold! This year the Winter Carnival runs from February 3 to 12th. Even if you’re arriving after the fest, it’s still a magical wintertime city.
Distance from Plymouth: 7 hours
Distance from Norwich: 7.5 hours
Philadelphia Love Park
Channeling the February love of Valentine’s Day we’re heading to downtown Philadelphia. What better way to warm the heart in the cold weather than to pose in front of the famous “LOVE” statue? Spend the afternoon ice skating in City Hall Plaza followed by dinner at one of the city’s best eateries, or go casual with a quick bite and a beer at Victory’s downtown brewery, only a few blocks away.
Distance from Plymouth: 5.5 hours
Distance from Norwich: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Norwich, Vermont
Wanna head north but don’t ski? That about sums me up. What’s doubly difficult is the fact that some of my favorite destinations in the north are also known for their mountains (Stowe, White Mountains, Woodstock). This not only comes with ski season rates but also hard-to-book hotels. How about trying a non-ski destination such as Norwich, Vermont? This quaint town has good access to the college town of Hanover, New Hampshire, and the funky White River Junction, and it is also close to Quechee and Woodstock. Norwich in its own right is a cute little village with an excellent general store, book store, and of course, the Norwich Inn, which is my recommendation for accommodations.
Distance from Plymouth: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Distance from Norwich: 3 hours
Eastern Connecticut Favorites
Ferry Landing State Park, Book Barn, Niantic Children’s Museum, the Lymes, CT
For a kid-friendly afternoon in coastal Connecticut, try this afternoon itinerary. Ferry Landing State Park is a small park with an extensive boardwalk jutting into the Connecticut River, near its confluence with Long Island Sound. It’s picturesque for the adults and exciting for the younger set to be close to the river and also able to pass under the steel train bridge. In nearby Niantic, find the Book Barn, a book lover’s dream with building upon building of titles to peruse. Also close by is the Niantic Children’s Museum, a small museum that is perfect for younger kids.
Distance from Plymouth: 2 hours
Distance from Norwich: 25 minutes
Time Machine Hobby Shop, Manchester, CT
For an unforgettable toy store experience, check out the coolest toy store around, Time Machine Hobby Shop in Manchester, Connecticut. Housed in an old factory, this is two stories of toys and games galore! It’s the antithesis of the big boxed stores as most of the toys are not typical action figures nor part of major series but are so much fun. Look for other favorites such as Mr. Men books, wooden trains, and lots of games. The whole second floor is dedicated to model trains.
Distance from Plymouth: 2 hours
Distance from Norwich: 45 minutes
Rhode Island
The Roger Williams Zoo
Although the zoo is often thought of as a warmer-weather activity, I like to go on a warm(ish) winter day. The reason for one is that it is typically less crowded and for another, the animals are usually more active. If you’re used to heading to the zoo on a warm July day and seeing the animals loafing around, well they are trying to stay cool just like us. Take a 40-degree, sunny day in February and they are as active as ever. The Roger Williams Zoo is a great option for a New England zoo.
Distance from Plymouth: 1 hour
Distance from Norwich: 1 hour
Staycation
Gourmet takeout at home
My typical takeout consists of child-friendly food: pizza, grinders, and fast food. Not that there’s anything wrong with that once in a while, but sometimes I’m craving an excellent meal. The catch, with three young kids it is difficult to have a night out. For something special, my wife and I will order takeout from one of Plymouth’s best restaurants such as The Tasty or Dillon’s Local once the kids are in bed. It’s not quite the same as going out to eat, but still, the ability to savor an excellent meal is not without its own merits.
Movie marathon!
When the temps are frigid or the snow’s piling up, it’s time to stay in. How better to do it with a movie marathon? I typically choose random movies from the 80s and 90s. Maybe a breakdancing film? Maybe a bad horror movie? But there’s no better way than staying warm with a few good flicks. Added bonus for a fireplace
Whether you’re staying in or traveling far, here are a few ideas to add to your February vacation plans.
