Franklin County offers plenty of ways for families to enjoy winter during school vacation week, from days on the slopes to indoor play, skating, and quiet walks in the woods.
Hit the slopes at Berkshire East
Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont remains one of the region’s go-to winter destinations, with multiple lifts and a variety of downhill trails suited to beginners through advanced skiers and riders. Families can rent equipment on site and book lessons for kids and adults, making it a good option whether you’re just starting out or brushing up your skills. For an easier thrill, the snow tubing park offers a low-pressure way to enjoy the mountain without needing any experience.
After a day outside, families can warm up with a sit-down meal or après-ski snacks at the Crazy Horse Bar & Grill in the main lodge, which serves hearty fare and overlooks the slopes. Berkshire East also hosts special events throughout February, so checking their events calendar before you go can help you line up your visit with extra activities or themed nights.
Cross-country skiing at Northfield Mountain
For families who prefer gliding through the woods to riding the lifts, Northfield Mountain’s cross-country ski center offers miles of groomed trails and a quieter pace. Recent trail reports note firm, freshly groomed conditions ideal for both skate and classic skiing on key routes like the front field and Reservoir Road. The center is typically open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in winter, with a ski shop where visitors can purchase trail tickets and check in on current conditions.
Because conditions can change with the weather, it’s smart to look at the latest trail report before heading out so you know which areas are groomed and open. Families should also keep in mind that walking is not allowed on the groomed ski trails, so if you have non-skiers in your group, plan separate walking routes or a different outing for them.
Local sledding hills around the county
Classic sledding is still one of the easiest winter activities to plan, and Franklin County has several unofficial “go-to” hills that locals return to year after year. Open areas like the Ashfield Community Golf Course, the fields in front of Greenfield Community College, and Beacon Field in Greenfield all offer wide slopes where kids can spend an afternoon sliding and climbing. For families in the hilltowns, the hill behind Rowe Elementary School has long been a favorite spot when snow conditions are good.
Because these locations are not formal sledding parks, families should use common sense: avoid crowded areas, keep younger kids toward gentler slopes, and respect any school or town rules about parking and hours. Bringing your own sleds or tubes, packing a thermos of hot chocolate, and setting a simple time limit can turn a neighborhood hill into an easy, low-cost vacation-week outing.
Ice skating indoors and out
Ice skating is another way to make the most of winter, and families in Franklin County can choose between indoor rinks and outdoor ponds depending on the weather. The Collins-Moylan Arena in Greenfield offers public skating sessions throughout the season, providing a dependable option with maintained ice and skate rentals for kids and adults. For those who enjoy natural ice, nearby state forests and ponds sometimes offer outdoor skating when conditions allow, but safety should always come first.
If you’re considering skating on a pond, check posted notices where available, talk with local officials, and never skate alone or on ice that hasn’t been verified as safe. Many families find that combining one indoor skating session during vacation week with other outdoor snow activities helps keep kids active without relying solely on the weather.
Quiet winter walks and snowshoeing
For a slower-paced outing, the region’s conservation areas, state forests, and parks offer peaceful winter walks and snowshoe routes. Trails in places like Savoy Mountain State Forest and Wendell State Forest can feel especially calm in winter, with snow-covered trees and fewer crowds than in summer. Families with younger children might choose shorter loops close to parking areas, while older kids and teens may enjoy longer routes that offer overlooks or frozen streams.
As with any winter hike, dressing in layers, carrying traction (or snowshoes when there’s deeper snow), and checking the forecast are simple steps that help outings stay comfortable and safe. Bringing along a thermos of something warm and a simple trail snack can turn even a short walk into a memorable part of school vacation week.
For more ideas and up-to-date event listings, families can keep an eye on local recreation departments, tourism sites, and community calendars throughout February, since new vacation-week programs are often added as the season unfolds.
Indoor play and vacation-week specials
Not every day of school vacation week will cooperate with outdoor plans, and indoor programs around the county can help fill in the gaps. In Greenfield, organizations like Franklin County’s YMCA and local gymnastics programs offer school-vacation pop-up days that give kids a chance to climb, tumble, and burn off energy while parents get a break. These structured programs often run for part or all of the day and may include ninja-style obstacle courses, supervised play, and basic gymnastics instruction.
Families can also look to local libraries and community centers for story times, craft activities, and special vacation-week events, many of which are low-cost or free. Checking event calendars and social media pages early in the week makes it easier to register for programs with limited spots and to mix indoor days with time outside.
Hands-on history at Historic Deerfield
Photo credit: Historic Deerfield
Families looking for a mix of learning and play this school vacation week can head to Historic Deerfield’s Fun in February: School Vacation Week program at the History Workshop on Old Main Street. From February 16–20, the site is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., inviting kids and adults to explore early New England life through hands-on activities. Children can play historical tavern and schoolyard games, pretend to cook a meal on a hearth in the play kitchen, dress up in period-style clothing, read by the fire, or try weaving on a real loom.
The program is designed so families can drop in at any point during open hours and move at their own pace, making it easy to pair with a walk through the village or lunch nearby. Admission is $7 for adults, while members and all visitors ages 17 and under are free, which helps keep the outing affordable for families with multiple children. Tickets are sold on site at the History Workshop (with optional advance purchase online), and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Catch a free movie at KidsBestFest
For a fun day trip just beyond Franklin County, families can head to Northampton for KidsBestFest, a week-long series of free, family-friendly films at the historic Academy of Music Theatre. KidsBestFest runs Monday through Friday of school vacation week, with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. and showtime at 11:00 a.m. Each day features a different movie, ranging from animated adventures to live-action stories that appeal to a variety of ages, so you can choose the film that best fits your crew.
Admission is free, with optional donations accepted at the door to help keep the festival going, making it an easy add-on to a low-cost vacation-week itinerary. Because it’s held in a walkable downtown, families can pair the movie with lunch, a hot chocolate stop, or a stroll along Main Street before heading back to Franklin County.
Find more nearby recreation here.
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