Greater Providence

Providence Children’s Film Festival, February 13-23
Feed your child’s inner movie monster at the fifth annual Providence Children’s Film Festival. Also, local Rhode Island filmmaker Mitty Mirrer will present and discuss her documentary, Gold Star Children. Stick around for enlightening conversation. Most films are appropriate for ages 3-18. $6 for children/$8 for adults. Multiple times and locations. 401-209-7585.

Roger Williams Park Zoo Winter Camp, February 18-21
Is your little one a lover of all creatures great, small, furry and (eek!) scaly? Enroll your mini-zoologist in Roger Williams Park Zoo’s winter camp. Each day attendees will engage in activities and crafts related to this year’s theme, “Ice and Snow, Where Do They Go?” which explores the cold weather habits of animals. Campers will also get to interact with furry friends and go on guided tours of the zoo. Ages 6-10. All four days: $165 members/$190 non-members. Single days: $46 members/$54 non-members. 8:30am-3:30pm. 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence. 785-3510.

RISD Vacation Camps for Kids and Teens, February 17-21

Rock Spot Vacation Camp, February 17-24
Help your brood release some of that seemingly endless vacation energy during Rock Spot’s vacation camp. This weeklong event at Rock Spot’s Lincoln location encourages kids to exercise in a fun, creative and safe manner. Campers will play climbing games, engage in team building activities and learn how to belay. Half and full day options available. Your little ones will literally be allowed to jump off of the walls! Ages 6 and up. Full days: $85 single/$350 week. Half days: $50 single/$195 week. 9am-4pm. 100 Higginson Ave, Lincoln. 727-1704.

Providence Children’s Museum Special Events: Be An Engineer & Young Engineer, February 15 & 22
In celebration of National Engineers Week, the Providence Children’s museum will host two special events geared towards those who yearn to build, construct and connect. At the “Be an Engineer” event (February 15), kids will be able to visit various activity stations, meet with real engineers and conduct experiments using the ooiest, gooiest of materials. At the “Young Engineer” event (February 22), participants will meet with civil engineers and engage in civil planning challenges. All ages. Free for members/$9 non-member. 11am-2pm both days. 100 South St, Providence. 273-5437.

Friday Night Live, February 21
February break is the perfect opportunity to get involved in Providence’s comedy scene. Encourage your budding comedian to experience Friday Night Live, an outrageous all ages show that includes song, dance, laughter and tears (from too much laughing, no worries). Expect the unexpected at this ridiculous, thought provoking show. And, hey, if your kid/teen enjoys this weekly event, then congrats… you’ve just won a child free hour every Friday night for the foreseeable future! All ages. $5. 7-8pm. 9 Duncan Ave, Providence. 831-9479. 

Providence Athenaeum’s Ms. Z’s Wild and Wonderful Story and Craft Hour, February 19
Ms. Z, aka Zara the Giraffe, is Providence Athenaeum’s resident non-human storyteller. Expose your tot to thrilling tales of animal-themed adventures during her weekly story and craft hour. After listening to fascinating tales of wild things from around the world, attendees get to unleash their own inner wildling during a simple, fun craft activity. Hooray for st-ROAR-y telling! All ages. Free. 3:30-4:30pm. 251 Benefit St, Providence. 421-6970.

Storytime for Kids at Books on the Square, February 18, 19, 22
In an age of constant visual and aural stimulation, sometimes simply sitting and listening to someone read can be a refreshing activity, not to mention an exercise in patience and concentration. Expand your young child’s imagination this winter break while feeding their inner bookworm during Storytime for Kids at Books on the Square. The beloved bookshop offers three storytime sessions throughout the week for youngsters up to 6 years old. Free. Tues and Wed: 10:30am, Sat: 11am. 471 Angell St, Providence. 331-9097.

A Week of Fun Activities at  Cranston Public Library, February 18-20
Activities include animated short films and related crafts, family game night, cupcake wars, video game night, and shadow puppets. Come see real wild animals and learn about animal rehabilitation from the Born to be Wild Nature Center. With two events per night, check out the calendar to see what fun activities await! Many programs are all ages. Check the website for times and locations, or call the library at 401.943.9080.

Messy Arts and Play at  Dream Big Gymnastics, February 21
Leave the mess for us and come in every Friday morning for an art project, story time, and open gymnastics play! Ages 0-6. 10am-11:30am. $10 per student, $4 for siblings. 41 Comstock Parkway, Cranston, RI