Winters in Massachusetts can be tough, but if you’re willing to brave the cold, you’ll find it’s worth bundling up and getting out to explore this beautiful state. And if you’d rather not be out in the snow, you’ll also find plenty to do that will keep you warm and cozy.
When you plan a Massachusetts trip in February, you’ll find that the winter is still in full effect in most places, but not for long. That means it’s time to embrace the last of the state’s winter activities, from sledding to ice skating. But there are also many Massachusetts activities in February that you’ll only find if you travel during this month, like the many Valentine’s Day festivities.
Planning to visit Massachusetts in February and wondering what to do? We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do and places to go in Massachusetts in February, from date night ideas to family-friendly fun. Stick to this list, and you’re bound to find winter in Massachusetts to be a truly magical time!
Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to do in Massachusetts in February
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15 Things to do in Massachusetts in February
1. Cheer on Your Favorite Team in the Boston Beanpot
Hockey is a big part of how Bostonians spend the winter, so get in on the excitement with one of the most fun things to do in Massachusetts in February – the Boston Beanpot.
This tournament, which takes place the first two Monday nights of February, sees the teams from Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, and Northeastern go head-to-head and battle it out for hockey supremacy. It’s been a tradition for over 70 years, and there are few things more exciting than being in the stands for this one-of-a-kind fight.
2. Watch Bogart on the Big Screen at The Brattle
If you’re visiting Massachusetts in February, be sure to head to the Brattle Theatre with your sweetheart to enjoy the classic film “Casablanca” on the big screen. Located in Cambridge, this historic theater has a long tradition of screening this iconic film on Valentine’s Day.
3. Enjoy Family-Friendly Events at the Norman Rockwell Museum
Located in Stockbridge, the Norman Rockwell Museum is one of the best places to visit in Massachusetts in February. In addition to exhibits that showcase unique works of art, this museum offers many family-friendly activities, like storytelling and art classes. They offer even more of these hands-on activities when the week of Presidents’ Day arrives, as Massachusetts schools are off for the week.
4. Spend ‘10 Days of Play’ at the Berkshire Museum
Another great place to visit in Massachusetts in February, especially during the state’s February vacation week, is the Berkshire Museum, located in Pittsfield. During February break, they offer “10 Days of Play,” inviting kids and families to take part in both unstructured play and educator-led activities that’ll have them immersing themselves in their favorite stories, becoming little engineers, and much more.
5. Take the Harvard Square Chocolate Tour
Instead of bringing your sweetheart a box of chocolates this Valentine’s Day, why not invite them on a tour in Cambridge where they’ll taste all sorts of sweet treats?
The Harvard Square Chocolate Tour is one of the best things to do when visiting Massachusetts in February if you’ve got a sweet tooth. You’ll sample everything from cacao juice to doughnuts to gelato along this unique tour.
6. Celebrate Chinese New Year in Chinatown
Winter is one of the best times of year to visit Massachusetts because of all the incredible festivals celebrating the many holidays of the season. One such holiday is Chinese New Year, which always brings about huge, vibrant celebrations in Boston’s Chinatown.
If you’re in Massachusetts for the Chinese New Year, be sure to check out the Chinese New Year Parade, filled with dance troupes, elaborate costumes, firecrackers, and more. Then, head over to the Lunar New Year Cultural Village for more fun and hands-on activities.
7. Play at the Boston Children’s Museum
Visiting Massachusetts in February with little ones? Head over to the Boston Children’s Museum. It’s a great place to escape the chilly February days.
Plus, there’s always something new to do here. In addition to the hands-on exhibits, your little ones can enjoy taking part in fun activities that will have them expanding their imaginations.
8. Go Night Skiing on Wachusett Mountain
February is prime time to do some skiing in Massachusetts, but Wachusett Mountain offers a unique experience that makes it one of the best places to visit in Massachusetts in winter.
When you go skiing here from the end of December through March, you have the option to soar down the slopes under the twinkling starlight. Night skiing isn’t available everywhere, which is what makes Wachusett so special.
9. Explore the Harvard Art Museums
Boston and Massachusetts, in general, are home to some of the best art museums in the world. But what makes the Harvard Art Museums where to go in Massachusetts in February is the fact that there’s just so much to explore. There are actually three museums that comprise the Harvard Art Museums, each diving into a unique era in art history.
10. Go Snow Tubing in Great Barrington
In February, there’s often a good deal of snow still on the ground in Massachusetts. If you want to hit the slopes in a unique way, head to Great Barrington’s Butternut Ski Area and Tubing Center.
You can do some skiing, but you can also hop on an inner tube and glide your way down the slopes instead. Kids as young as five can get in on the fun, making it a great activity for the whole family.
11. Ice Skate on the Frog Pond
Come summer, the Boston Common Frog Pond is home to people trying to cool off on hot days, but when you’re visiting Massachusetts in February, Frog Pond will still be in all its frozen glory. Ice skating on Frog Pond ends in March, so be sure to enjoy the last few days of this delightful tradition.
12. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Visiting Massachusetts in winter means bundling up and likely dealing with freezing temperatures and some snowfall. Warm yourself by indulging in a spa day. Massachusetts has plenty of spa options, like the award-winning one at the Mandarin Oriental in Boston or the waterfront services at The Spa at Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham.
13. Take a Cooking Class in the North End
Another way to beat the cold is by warming up with some incredible food. And isn’t it so much more exciting to learn to make that food yourself? The North End in Boston has some of the best Italian food around, and you can learn how to cook everything from fresh ravioli to tiramisu with a cooking class in this charming district.
14. Learn at the Museum of African American History
February is Black History Month, so why not spend some time learning about those who too often are ignored in the history books? Located in Boston, the Museum of African American History teaches you about the Black communities of Boston in the 18th and 19th centuries and how they shaped the city.
15. Check out the exhibits at the Museum of Science
With more than 700 interactive exhibits, Boston’s Museum of Science is one of the best places to be in Massachusetts in February. Warm up from the cold as you explore worlds beyond our own at the planetarium, watch live demonstrations with experts, and much more.
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Massachusetts in February. What’s your favorite thing to do while visiting Massachusetts in February? Let us know in the comments!
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