East Bay

Save the Bay Center Narragansett Bay Winter Vacation Camp, February 17-21
Ahoy mateys! If your youngster is a salty sea-scientist at heart who is interested in all things ocean related, then sign that curious crustacean up for Narragansett Bay’s winter vacation camp. This five-day experience based out of the Save the Bay Center in Providence introduces campers to a variety of scientific instruments and sea dwelling creatures. Attendees will also set sail on one of Save the Bay’s special research vessels to take a peek at Narragansett’s own harbor seals frolicking amongst the surf. For students in grades 3 through 5. $250 members/$275 non-members. 8:30am-4:30pm. 100 Save The Bay Dr, Providence. 272-3540 x139.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island Wacky Wild Science Adventure Week, February 17-21
Unleash your child’s curiosity at the Wacky Wild Science Adventure Week. Each day of the week, they’ll experiment with mysteries like how many drops of water can fit on a penny or how long a hand can be held in icy, snow-filled water. They’ll be sure to know everything when they leave. Free with admission. Recommended for ages 6 and up. 1401 Hope St, Bristol. 401-949-5454.

Newport Film Presents: Ernest & Celestine, February 18
Jane Picken’s theater presents a special viewing of Ernest & Celestine. Fun for the whole family! All ages welcome. 1pm. $5 child, $8 adult. 49 Touro St, Newport RI 02840. 

Bristol Art Studio Winter Recess Camp, February 17-21
6 hour art intensive for children with all skill levels. Learn painting, drawing, sculpting, photography, or acting! Session tuition includes a snack and all materials. Please provide lunch. 10am-4pm. $150 for the week or $40 per day. Call 917-647-9828 for camp details or to register. 676 Hope St, Bristol, RI 02809.

26th Annual  Newport Winter Festival, February 15-23
Newport comes alive with sparkle and excitement, featuring over 150 individual events over ten days of food, festivities, music, and fun for all ages. Visit the website for a full list of events. 401-847-7666.

Coggeshall Farm Museum’s Maple Sugaring Weekend, February 22-23
Come help us tap our maple trees and make our sugar the old-fashioned way while learning about Bristol’s long and complex relationship with sugar and the American taste for maple. It’s not what you might think! All ages. 10am-4pm. $10 for adults, $6 for seniors & kids (under 3 is always free). Museum members: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors & kids. 401-253-9062. 1 Colt Dr, Bristol, RI 02809.

Norman Bird Sanctuary Owl Mania, February 21
It’s nesting season for owls! This program will start indoors with a presentation on owls of Rhode Island and their natural history. We will head out on the trails to listen for these territorial but secretive raptors. Enjoy hot chocolate and a live owl presentation after we return from the walk. This is a no-flashlight walk; don’t forget to dress for the weather. Family activity appropriate for children ages 8 and up. Rain date: February 22. 5:30-7pm. $10, $8 for members. 401-846-2577. 583 3rd Beach Rd, Middletown, RI 02842.

Masked Marvels & Wondertales at  Zeiterion Theater, February 22
The other-worldly creations of artist Michael Cooper come to life in his amazing one-man-show anthology of original stories. Vivid characters and masterful storytelling make this a compelling performance for adults and children alike. Tickets are available by phone, in person, and online. All ages. Tickets are $12. 11am-1pm. 508-994-2900. 684 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Sovereign Bank Family Skating Center    
Ice-skating with your kids is a great vacation activity for two reasons: it teaches them balance and coordination while having good ‘ole fashioned family fun; it also tires them out so completely that bedtime will arrive an hour earlier. All ages can learn to skate at this scenic ocean-side rink. School vacation hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am-9pm, Sun. 12pm-9pm. Children age 3-11 $5, $4 rentals. 401-846-2018. 

Weirdgirl Creations Pottery    
With hundreds of inexpensive objects to choose from, kids can embrace their creative sides by painting their own pottery or sculpting with clay. Also available are school vacation workshops, summer camps, girl scout/boy scout merit badge workshops, after-school art enrichment programs and even birthday parties. 33 Kent St, Barrington. 401-247-1397.