SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) — School is out for the week, but that doesn’t mean the kids have to be stuck at home all day.
22News is Working For You with a look at what’s going on around Springfield.
Fabulous February
At Forest Park, the 41st annual Fabulous February is underway. All weeklong, children can participate in both indoor and outdoor activities to stay busy during break.
Springfield Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator Sydney Pasini told 22News the activities are a great opportunity for children to try something new.
“They get to expose themselves to something different,” Pasini said. “The education pieces are there, it’s just much more fun-filled.”
Winter break doesn’t mean taking a break from learning!! Events going on all week at the ECOs center @ Forest Park #Springfield pic.twitter.com/iJUBC0fb3I— Monica Ricci (@MonicaWWLP) February 18, 2019
This week’s activities include:
Tuesday, 2/19
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
10:00 – 1:00 pm
Ages 6 & Up
Pre-registration Required
Session 1: 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Session 2: 11:00 a. m.- 11:50 a.m.
Session 3: 12:00 p. m.- 12:50 p.m.
Location: ECOS Center
A hands-on instructor will lead participants through the woods of Forest Park in an interactive search for features of the natural world, like wetlands, upland forests, invasive plants, and more.
Public Skating
Skating with Boomer
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
All Ages
Location: Cyr Arena
Cost: Youth $3.00, Adults $5.00, Rentals $4.25 per pair
Wednesday, 2/20
Adventure Challenge
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Ages 7 – 15 years
Location: ECOS Center
Cost: Free
Pre-Registration Required
Join Brad Miller of Next Level Adventures as he leads participants on a once in a lifetime wild n’ raucous adventure.
Pool, Pizza, & Ice Cream Party
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Children can arrive at 10:15 a.m. to complete a mandatory swim test
Pre-Registration Required.
Ages 5 – 15 years
Location: Central High School
Cost: $10.00 (cash only) per person payable on site. Proper swimwear required.
Thursday, 2/21
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
10:00 – 1:00 pm
Ages 6 & Up
Pre-registration Required
Session 1: 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Session 2: 11:00 a. m.- 11:50 a.m.
Session 3: 12:00 p. m.- 12:50 p.m.
Location: ECOS Center
A hands-on instructor will lead participants through the woods of Forest Park in an interactive search for features of the natural world, like wetlands, upland forests, invasive plants, and more.
To preregister for any of the above events, call 413-787-6435.
One parent told 22News you shouldn’t let the wintry weather stop you from enjoying Fabulous February.
“Take a chance even if the weather is not perfect, because it’s about making memories and exploring, and experiencing,” Katie Plante said.
Magic at the Museums
All weeklong at the Springfield Museums, there are special performances and activities scheduled for school vacation week. The theme for this week’s fun is magic!
Family Engagement Coordinator at the Springfield Museums Jenny Powers told 22News even though the children are on break from school, they don’t have to be on break from education.
“It’s a mixture of entertainment and education,” Powers said. “We want kids to never stop learning, we want them to keep growing and so if you come to the museum you have the chance to do some educational fun.”
This week’s activities include:
Tuesday, 2/19 – Magician Matt Roberts – Don’t miss this different, funny and astonishing family show that all ages will be talking about long after the amazing finale. Matt has performed his unique brand of magic on national television and appears annually at Boston’s Symphony Hall.
Wednesday, 2/20 – Eric Benton presents, “Clever Nonsense” – Join magician Eric Benton as he leads you into a world of silly tricks and whimsical mysteries. Adults and kids alike will be delighted and amazed as specks of dust grow and multiply, a hat reads minds, and imaginary friends become real! Eric performs original magical creations as well as the classics of magic with presentations influenced by his love of absurd comedy, myths and folklore, and psychology.
Thursday, 2/21 – Fran Flynn Magician Extraordinaire – A must see show that children and adults will thoroughly enjoy. Fran presents an action-packed, laughter-filled, highly visual comedy magic show. The performance features audience participation, quick wit, one-liners, a dove, and a special appearance by “Snuggles,” a very real and very friendly magical rabbit. Making the show even more magical is Fran’s obvious and natural love and respect for everyone in the audience. Come for an enjoyable and memorable event that will be talked about for years to come.
Friday, 2/22 – Malik the Magic Guy – Malik is a full time comedy magician with over 25 years of experience performing for family, corporate and college audiences. Come and enjoy this laugh filled magic show featuring magic with sports equipment, sleight of hand, and other fun surprises.
Daily
11:00-1:00 Strolling Magic with Malik the Magic Guy – Malik is a full time comedy magician with over 25 years of experience performing for family, corporate and college audiences. Come and enjoy his strolling magic in the Springfield Science Museum.
11:00-3:00 You’re the Magician! Dress up in a cape, pull a rabbit out of a hat, and try your hand at a variety of other magic tricks too. Try some “Science Magic,” led by one of our friendly and knowledgeable educators.
12:00-4:00 Make Your Own Potion – Follow a scavenger hunt through the 2nd floor of the GWVS Art Museum to “collect” magical ingredients to create your own potion in the Art Discovery Center.
11:00-3:00 Wizard’s Photo Booth – Whether you’re a first-year student or the leader of a fellowship, grab a cloak, a wand, cauldron, and an owl puppet to take a selfie. Share on social media using #AtTheMuseums.
11:00-3:00 Colorful, Magical Creatures Wildlife coloration and markings relate to the specific habitat of each animal. Colors can help animals survive by concealing them, helping them blend into the background, stand out as a warning, or mimic another species. Some even change color seasonally or when they are attracting a mate. Compare and contrast brightly colored animals and animals that camouflage, then create your own magical bird, reptile, fish, insect, amphibian, or mammal and describe how its colors help it survive and thrive.