We’re well into February, which means it’s almost time for the public school midwinter break. This year’s break runs Monday, Feb. 21-Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. 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
Hours for the museum are pretty much weekends only, but here’s an extra treat: It’ll be open every day during midwinter break! Take the kids to the museum this week to enjoy 12 indoor and outdoor exhibits, workshops and events for families. 1000 Richmond Terr. Hours: Saturday-Sunday and Feb. 21-25,10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Admission: $8. Free for children younger than 1.
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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. 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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8. Kids Cooking Class: Stuffed Shells!
Does your child have a taste for the culinary arts? Registration is open for another one of the Italian Cultural Foundation’s famous cooking classes for kids. On Feb. 22, 4-4pm, kids will learn how to make delicious stuffed shells! For ages 6-14. 79 Howard Ave. $40-45.
9. Make a Cool Art Project
Get artsy during midwinter break on Staten Island! Stop by Clay Pit Ponds on Feb. 24, 10am-2pm, to decorate a slice of a tree trunk to make your own coasters or other decorative art. 2351 Veterans Rd. W. Admission: Free!
10. Discover Maple Syrup
Want to do something extra sweet? Head back to Clay Pit Ponds on Feb. 25, 10am-2pm, to learn about the process of making maple syrup. 2351 Veterans Rd. W. Admission: Free!
11. Enjoy Classic Cinema
If you haven’t been to the St. George Theater in a while, now’s a great time. The historic theater will host a screening of the 1976 classic film, “Rocky,” on Feb. 25, 7pm. Tickets are available online. 35 Hyatt St. Tickets: $15.
12. 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!
13. See Sharks at the American Museum of Natural History
Kids love sharks, and everyone in the family will love the museum’s new Sharks exhibit, which features dozens of life-size shark models ranging from the enormous megalodon to the adorably tiny pocket shark that fits in the palm of your hand! 200 Central Park West. Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5:30pm. Admission: General Admission Plus One includes general admission plus one special exhibition, giant-screen 2D or 3D film, or Space Show: $28 (adults), $22.50 (students/seniors), $16.50 (children ages 3-12). Reservations required.
14. Bumper Cars on Ice at Bryant Park
Gather up the family and compete with one another at Bumper Cars on Ice at Bryant Park. Round out your time at Bryant Park by enjoying an ice rink, curling cafe and other on-site winter activities the whole family will enjoy. Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, between 40 and 42 Streets. Hours: Monday-Friday, 2-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm. Tickets start at $20.
15. See the New Battery Playscape
Take the ferry to Downtown Manhattan to see this new eco-inspired playground. You don’t even have to take the train or walk far once you dock—it’s located right next to the South Ferry Terminal! Kids learn about ecology and the environment while enjoying slides, tree houses, puppet shows and lots of traditional playground amenities. Located on State Street. Hours: Open daily, 8am-dusk. Free!
16. 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 $3 for adults and free for seniors and children younger than 12. Check out the ferry schedule at govisland.com/ferry.
17. Black History Month Celebration
Join the Indigo Arts Dance and Drum Ensemble for a celebratory program online, Feb. 26, 1-2pm. In this interactive performance for Black History Month, families will learn fun dance steps, hear traditional folktales, try their hands at percussion and more. The program will be available on the Bushwick Library Facebook page. Free!
18. See Spineless at the New York Aquarium
The Spineless exhibit at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium features a breathtaking array of aquatic wildlife that are all invertebrates, meaning they don’t have backbones. Animals to see include jellies, a giant octopus and a crab that spans 12 feet claw to claw. 602 Surf Ave. Hours: 10am-4:30pm (through April 1). Admission: $24.95; $21.95 seniors; $19.95 ages 3-12; children ages 2 and younger are free.
19. Minecraft at Liberty Science Center
Check out this cool new exhibit opening at the Liberty Science Center on Feb. 18. It features the scenes and characters from the popular video game, Minecraft. 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City. Hours: Thursday-Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Tickets are $8, plus general admission to the museum ($29.99; $24.99, ages 2-12).
20. 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!
