February is around the corner, which means it’s almost time for the public school midwinter break. This year’s break runs Monday, Feb. 20 -Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Do you have plans yet? If not, let us help you plan some fun things to do during midwinter break on Staten Island and nearby when school is out! Browse our list of exciting events, activities, workshops and more that you can do together with your kids during this long-awaited school break, and be on your way to winter-time family fun!
And don’t forget to check out our online calendar for even more fun things to do during midwinter break and after!
20 Things to Enjoy During Midwinter Break on Staten Island
1. Visit the Staten Island Children’s Museum
Take the kids to this Snug Harbor-based museum this week to enjoy exciting exhibits, workshops and events for families. Kids can build a house, perform a show, make light dance and enjoy so many more interactive exhibits that are sure to keep them engaged and entertained. 1000 Richmond Terr., Staten Island
2. Explore Snug Harbor
While you’re at the Staten Island Children’s Museum, take some time to explore the other museums and botanical gardens on site at Snug Harbor. 1000 Richmond Terr. The grounds are free and open daily, dawn to dusk, but individual museum hours and admission prices vary.
3. Head to a Creative Camp!
Check out these kids’ master classes in cooking and music by DEA Music & Art. Your kiddo will whip up some cool tunes during a morning cooking session, followed by an afternoon of musical fun. Classes are throughout the week. Register for both sessions, or just one! Daily rates are also available. Call 718-351-7333 for more information.
4. Enjoy a Movie…Out
It’s probably not too often you get to go to the movies during the business week, but now’s your chance! Enjoy a new release, some popcorn and family-time fun at one of these local theaters.
5. Enjoy a Movie…In!
There’s nothing wrong with staying in to binge watch movies or TV shows, especially when it’s freezing outside! Need some suggestions? Check out this list of top 50 movies kids should watch before they’re 12. And as Black History Month continues, here are 23 Black history movies to stream with your kids.
6. Tag, You’re It!
Maybe your kids have some energy to burn and need something more action packed. If so, consider playing laser tag! Families can head to one of these laser tag arenas during midwinter break on Staten Island and nearby for some interactive fun. Plus, many of these places offer additional activities, such as arcade games, bowling…even amusement park rides!
7. Go Sledding
Like most parents, you’re probably hoping it doesn’t snow during the break. But hey, if it does…just make the most of it! Dig out the sled and head to one Staten Island’s popular sledding hills to create some joyful family memories that will last a lifetime.
8. Hit the Rink
Head to one of these Staten Island ice-skating rinks, or one of the ones worth a trip to the city or nearby New Jersey!
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9. Kids Cooking Class: ShopRite Kids Cook
Enjoy this caregiver-and-me program that introduces children to a diversity of foods, explains cooking concepts and helps build dexterity with cooking utensils. Staten Island Children’s Museum; 1000 Richmond Terr., Feb. 19, 4 sessions available from 11am-3:30pm.
10. Strike Up Fun at a Bowling Alley
Check out one of these local bowling spots for some indoor family fun this winter break.
11. Discover Maple Syrup
Want to do something extra sweet? Check out these local places where you can go maple sugaring!
12. See Batman x Spyscape:
With so many immersive experiences happening in NYC, here’s one starring Batman. Best for teens and adults, your adventure plays out in the physical world, enhanced by a mobile app that helps you gather intel as you interact with some of Gotham’s finest. 928 8th Ave., Manhattan. Book tickets online.
13. Head to the Mall
Sometimes, just browsing through the mall as a family can be fun. Whether you like to shop, just window-shop or enjoy a nice lunch in the food court, there’s something for everyone at these local malls and outlets during midwinter break on Staten Island and any time!
14. Visit the New Sound Field Exhibit at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Children and their caregivers will tap, pluck, press and play to create some really cool music. There’s a huge swinging pendulum, a pipe organ that can be played with mallets and so much more that kids will love to explore. 145 Brooklyn Ave., Brooklyn.
15. Head to Kids Week at the Intrepid
Throughout the week, kids will learn a lot about STEAM subjects through a variety of fun-filled activities, NASA displays and exhibits, animal shows and more. Pier 86, 12 Avenue and 46 Street, Manhattan.
16. Visit the Met’s School Break Programs
Enjoy some hands-on fun and create art inspired by the The Met collection. The Met Fifth Avenue, 1000 Fifth Ave., Manhattan.
17. Winter Village at Governors Island
Although many Staten Islanders haven’t visited Governors Island—at least not in a while—now is a great time to do so. The island’s Winter Village offers winter-time family fun including ice skating, bike rentals, games and more. Curious how to get to Governors Island? Take the ferry from Manhattan at 10 South St. Boats run daily. A round trip ferry ticket is $4 for adults and free for seniors and children younger than 12. Check out the ferry schedule at govisland.com/ferry.
18. Jump Into Fun at a Trampoline Park
Visit a nearby trampoline park where kids can bounce, play and work off that energy all day long.
19. Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s February Break Discovery Days
Families can enjoy a special indoor edition of Discovery Programs in BBG’s Steinhardt Conservatory. Travel from the desert to the rainforest in the blink of an eye, and use your senses to investigate plants and objects from these habitats alongside volunteer docents. Don’t forget to tackle the scavenger hunt, pot up a plant to take home, and check out the brand-new Trees of Little Caribbean exhibit! 150 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn.
20. Enjoy Hot Cocoa at a Cafe
After an afternoon of fun, stop by a local cafe to warm up with some delicious hot cocoa (or coffee!)
21. Go Snow Tubing
And finally, if you have the time–which is a rarity these days!–plan an overnight trip to one of these parks that offer snow tubing and more family fun in New Jersey and nearby. Getting out of town for a couple of days might just be the break you and your family need to head back to school and work refreshed and ready for spring!
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