Counting down to school staycation? Winterfest offers free and discounted fun

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MANCHESTER, NH – The following programs organized by Manchester School District are designed to keep you and your kids from going stir-crazy over the February school vacation. Not everyone is vacating the Queen City – school vacation is often a good time to rediscover some of the most innovative and educational programs right here in our own backyard.

Winterfest runs from Saturday Feb. 25 through Sunday March 5. When passes are required they are available on a first come, first served basis at the city’s Office of Youth Services, 848 Elm St., Suite 302, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. beginning the day before the scheduled event  (Pick up passes for Monday, Feb. 27 on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017)

WEEK LONG EVENTS

All events subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. All addresses Manchester unless otherwise stated.

Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym, Sat., March 2 – Sun. March 5: Fifth floor, 250 Commercial St., Vacation Hours: Saturday & Sunday open at 11 a.m., Mon. – Fri. open at 12 p.m. Waiver forms required for climbers under 18, MUST BE SIGNED BY A PARENT. Forms are available online at www.verticaldreams.com. More information available at website or 603-625-6919. Mention Winterfest 17 to receive $5 off a beginner lesson. Also applies to Nashua Vertical Dreams location – 25 E. Otterson St., Nashua, 603-943-7571.

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Get crafty at Amoskeag Fishway.

Amoskeag Fishways Learning & Visitors Center, 4 Fletcher St. OPEN, Mon., Feb. 27 –Sat., March 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Free Admissions; donations encouraged. Kids, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., check out Backyard Winter Birds crafts throughout the Center. Fun for the whole family. Call 626-Fish (3474) for details.

Massabesic Audubon Center February Fun Camp – 26 Audubon Way, Auburn. Mon., Feb. 27 – Fri. March 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For ages 6 to 12. Cost $42/day for NH Audubon members; $52/day for non members. Children learn about nature in winter and discover the wonders of the season. Join us for a single day, several days or the week. Each day: outdoor excursions, games, crafts, stories, live animals, songs, and conservation projects. Campers must bring lunch and snacks, and wear appropriate outdoor clothing. Register online at www.nhaudubon.org/get-outside/camps/ or stop in at the center for a registration form.

Currier Museum Art Center, 180 Pearl St. Mon. Feb. 27 through Fri. March 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vacation Art Camp: Ages 5 to 14 The Art Center hosts week-long vacation art camps. Full-day or half-day options are available. Cost: $285 for both sessions, $170 for half-day; After-Camp Care is available 4 to 5:30 p.m. for an additional $30/week. To apply for tuition assistance, call 669-6144, x 122, or visit the Art Center Front Office, or go to the “Art Center: Scholarships” section of www.currier.org for complete information. Space is limited, so register promptly.

Morning Session

  • “Rock, Paper, Scissors” 9 a.m. to noon: It’s a game and a great art camp of sculpting fantastic creatures, illustrating amazing tales, and designing bold cut-paper graphics, inspired by the myths and legends of Iceland, Scandinavia, and native peoples of the American North.

Afternoon session

  • “Clay, Pencils, Paint!”1 – 4 p.m.: In this camp you will draw, sculpt, or paint the exotic beings of the Southern Hemisphere, the Patagonian Horse, the Ring Tailed Lemur of Madagascar & more! Campers bring their own snacks and full day campers their own lunches. Call 669-6144 ext.122 or click here for more info and to register for Vacation Art Camp. 
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Invent something.

SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Mon. Feb. 27 through Fri. March 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pick up “$2 off regular price” passes to SEE Science Center at Office of Youth Services (OYS) the day before you visit (Friday 2/19 for Monday 2/22) or the day of your visit. Discounted price per person, $6. Not to be combined with other discounts. Information: www.see-sciencecenter.org or 669-0400.

Free Swimming at Southern NH University, 2500 North River Road, Hooksett Sat., Feb. 25, 1 – 2:30 p.m., Mon. Feb. 27 thru Friday March 3, 10:30 a.m. – noon; Sat. March 4, 1 – 2:30 p.m. An adult must accompany children. Pick up passes and pool rules at Office of Youth Services (OYS) the day before only, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., starting Friday Feb. 19 for Mon. Feb. 27. Limit 75 passes per day.

bowling
Make bowling great again.


Bowling, Spare Time Manchester (formerly Stadium Ten Pin), 216 Maple St, Mon., Feb. 27 thru Fri. March 3, Noon to 4 p.m. Children bowl two games, with shoes, plus hotdog and soda. Only $10 total. Phone 625-9656.

Skiing & Boarding at McIntyre Ski Area: 50 Chalet Way, Mon., Feb. 27 through Fri., March 3, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. only. Limit 100. Get Discount at Office of Youth Services (OYS) the day before (Fri. 2/24 for Mon. 2/27). Lift tickets $15 per person with pass. Tubing on Thurs. 3/2 and Fri 3/3, 6 – 8 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. only, $17 with discount pass. Must be 5+ years old, 44+ inches, and sign waiver at McIntyre to tube.

Public Ice Skating at JFK Coliseum, 303 Beech St., Mon., Feb. 27 through Fri., March 3, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Adults: $5, Children: $3. Limited rental skates available for $5 a pair, or bring your own.

Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St. Mon., Feb. 27 through Fri. March 3 (closed Tues. Feb. 28) $5 flat rate admission, ages 12 & under free. Special activities for children and families. More information here. Open Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun., Mon., Wed., Thurs., & Fri., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DAY-BY-DAY EVENTS
banner image mill workers
Learn the city’s important role in textile history at the Millyard Museum.

Tues., Feb. 28 – Sat. March 4 (Closed Tuesday, Feb 28)

  • Manchester History Society Millyard Museum, 200 Bedford St. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mention Winterfest 17 at the ticket desk for $1 off adult admission; children up to age 18 FREE! Exhibit: Woven in Time 11,000 years at Amoskeag Falls – from Native Americans to the 21st century.

Tues. Feb. 28, Wed. & Thurs., March 1 & 2

  • Indoor Soccer Clinics for Manchester Students, Parkside Middle School Gym, 75 Parkside Ave., 3 sessions per day, 9 :30 – 10:30 a.m. for elementary and middle school students .10:40 -11:30 a.m. for middle and high school students. 2 -4 p.m. for High School Students only. Limit 20 players per session! MUST register ahead at 624-6470 to attend. Parents must register 4th thru 8th graders. High school students can self-register. All players bring sneakers, shorts, & shin guards. Soccer balls optional. Morning Players must be signed in by an adult at the start of each session! Manchester students only.

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Dive into reading at the public library.
Mon. Feb. 27
  • Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m. Manchester City Library, 405 Pine St. Winchell Room, ages 2 – 3, accompanied by an adult. Big book, singing, flannel stories and crafts. REGISTRATION REQUIRED, Call 624-6550, x 3328 FREE
  • Intro to Disc Golf, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Beech Street School, 303 Beech St. Open to grades 5, 6, 7, 8: FREE.
  • Storytime in the Gallery, 11:30 a.m. Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St. Listen to Manchester City Library children’s librarian Ms. Karyn’s live reading of Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter, followed by a paper and scissors creative activity. Recommended ages 3 – 5, but all ages are welcome. CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. Museum admission $5, but ages 12 and younger free, activity included.
  • Movie, “Storks,” Rated PG, 3 p.m. West Branch Community Library, 76 North Main St. Families welcome. Call 624-6560. FREE.
  • Maker Monday, 3:30 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 1741 South Willow St, Manchester City Library co-sponsor. Activity for 7 – 12 year olds. Call David, 624-6550, x 3328 FREE.
Tues., Feb. 28
  • Dr. Seuss Storytime, 10 a.m. Manchester City Library, 405 Pine St. Winchell Room, all ages, Dr. Seuss books read aloud with accompanying craft. No registration. Details, 624-6550 x 3328. FREE.
  •  UPS Road Code, Boys and Girls Club of Manchester, 555 Union St., 2:30 – 6 p.m. Interactive drive safety education program, ages 13 – 18. Safety and risk on the road, behind the wheel on a driving simulator. Free membership and prizes to first 12 people to sign up. Contact Shirley Tomlinson, Teen Director for details 625-5031. FREE.
  • Retro Video Gaming, 3-5 pm. Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Winchell Room, Grades 6-12, Come and play old video games. Registration is not required, 624-6550, x 3345, FREE.
  • (Also Wed., March 1, Thurs., March 2, 9:30 to 12 noon) 3 on 3 Invitational Basketball Tournament at Beech Street School, 333 Beech St., sponsored by OYS & Parks and Recreation: 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th graders only. Register during Saturday Basketball, Feb. 11, 18, 25 or 28 9:30 a.m. at the Beech Street School. There must be at least three and no more than four members on every team. Team members; please wear shirts of the same color! FREE.
  • Wildlife Encounters, 2 p.m., West Branch Community Library, 76 No. Main St. Lower Level. Families are welcome, but space is limited. Call 624-6560. FREE.
  • Family Game Night, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Manchester City Library, 405 Pine St. Children’s Room. Families are welcome, no registration required. Call 624-6550, ext. 3328 for details. FREE.
Wed., March 1
  • Pre-School Dance Party, 10 a.m. Manchester City Library, 405 Pine St. Winchell Room. Combines books, music, and movement activities for ages 3 – 5. Call 624-6560 x 3328 for more information . FREE.
  • Creative Studio: Paper Project, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St. Explore the art of paper by engaging in hands-on projects with Currier staff. All ages are welcome. CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. Museum admission $5, ages 12 & under free, activity included.
  • Movie Afternoon, “20000 Leagues Under the Sea,” Rated PG. 1 p.m. Manchester City Library 405 Pine St., Auditorium, families welcome, 624-6550 x 3309. FREE.
  • Read to Cody, 3:30 p.m. Manchester City Library, 405 Pine St. Children’s Room, for children of all reading levels. Call 624-6550 x 3309 to reserve a slot to read to the friendly dog. FREE.
  • Read to Cookie, 3:30 p.m. West Branch Community Library, 76 No. Main St., Children’s Room, for children of all reading levels. Call 624-6560 to reserve a time slot to read to the friendly dog. FREE. 

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    Genesis Gomez keeps both hands on the wheel during the UPS Road Code simulator test in 2016.
  • UPS Road Code, Boys and Girls Club of Manchester, 555 Union St., 2:30 – 6 p.m. Interactive drive safety education program, ages 13 – 18. Safety and risk on the road, behind the wheel on a driving simulator! Free membership and prizes to first 12 people to sign up. Contact Shirley Tomlinson, Teen Director for details 625-5031. FREE.
Thurs., March 2
  • Drawing in the Galleries, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St. Are you an Artist, or just want to try? Be inspired by works on view as you draw and experiment with materials. All ages welcome & drawing materials are provided. CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. Museum admission $5, but ages 12 and younger free, activity included.
  • Storytime at the Mall of New Hampshire, 11 a.m. South Willow St. Food Court area. Sponsored by Manchester City Library for all ages. Call 624-6550, ext. 3328 for details. FREE.
  • LEGOS Club, 3 – 5 p.m. West Branch Community Library, 76 No. Main, Meeting Room, ages 3 – 12. Registration suggested, call 624-6560 FREE.
  • Family Fun Night, 6 – 8 p.m. YWCA, 72 Concord St. Children up to age 18 and families, open gym, crafts, board games, giveaways and more! For more information, email Debbie Johnson at: debbiej@ywcanh.org. FREE.
  • Magic by George show 6:30 p.m., Manchester City Library 405 Pine St., Auditorium. Families are welcome, but space is limited. Call 624-6550 ext 3328. FREE.
Fri., March 3
  • Lap-Sit Storytime, 10 a.m., Manchester City Library, 405 Pine St., Winchell Room, newborn to 23 months, must be accompanied by adult. Stories, songs, finger play, and movement activities. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – call 624-6550 x 3328. FREE.
  • Basketball Free-throw Contest, 10 to 12 noon, Beech Street School, 333 Beech St., for Boys and Girls grades 3 thru 8. No fee or passes necessary. Sign up same day at Beech St. School. FREE.
  • Dr. Seuss Storytime, 10 a.m. West Branch Community Library, 76 No. Main St., all ages. Dr. Seuss books read aloud with accompanying craft. No registration — Details, 624-6550 x 3328. FREE.
  • Making Stations, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St. Many making stations invite you to explore the magic of paper. Visit them all and collect a prize! All ages welcome. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult. Museum admission $5, but ages 12 and younger free, activity included.
  • Screen Shot 2017 02 19 at 11.44.52 AMQuidditch Fest, 3 p.m. Manchester City Library, 405 Pine St., Winchell Room. Families welcome, Call 624-6550 ext 3328 for details FREE.
  • Family Storytime, 10 a.m. West Branch Community Library, 76 No. Main St., Meeting Room. For ages 3 – 5, Classic and new picture books read aloud with accompanying craft. Call 624-6560 for more information. FREE.
Sat., March 4
  • Messy Art Morning, 10 a.m., Manchester City Library, 405 Pine St. Winchell Room. Ages 2 – 7. REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. More information, call 624-6550 ext 3328. FREE.
  • Amoskeag Fishways & Visitors Center, 4 Fletcher St. 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Winter Backyard Birds presentation and Build-Your-Own Bird Feeder, $6 per family. Pre-registration required. Call 626-FISH (3474).

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!