Winter break is the perfect time to bundle up, head out, and make some memories together. Whether your crew loves hands-on science, creative arts, winter sports, or cozy story times, Schenectady County is packed with family-friendly fun all week long. Here’s your go-to guide for things to do with kids over winter break.
Celebrate Arts & Culture Together
🎨 Hamilton Hill Arts Center
Support local arts while enjoying a delicious meal! The Barnhill Movement Collective is partnering with Bountiful Bread for a FUN-draising night on February 23. Twenty percent of dine-in, takeout, and Grubhub orders will be donated—so your family dinner can give back to the arts community.
Looking for even more creativity? Don’t miss the Kuumba Black Art & Film Festival at Proctors on February 16 (11am–9pm), celebrating culture, film, and community.
🎬 Family Movie Magic at Proctors
Catch Disney and Pixar’s Soul on February 12 (11am & 7pm). The morning show includes trivia and raffles, and the evening screening is free—perfect for a family movie night out.
🎨 Whitney Book Corner
“Art Night” introduces families to the vibrant arts scene and local businesses in Schenectady. It’s a fun way to explore downtown while supporting creative spaces.
Step Into History
📜 Schenectady Historical Society
History comes alive with hands-on fun and fascinating exhibits:
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Folk Art for Kids (Feb. 14)
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Flat Felted Wolf Workshop (Feb. 21)
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Explore Threads of Liberty: Schenectady in the American Revolution, featuring the rare Liberty Flag—just in time for America’s 250th birthday.
Explore Science & Space
🔭 miSci (Museum of Innovation & Science)
Future astronauts and curious minds will love:
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We Choose Space planetarium show (ages 5+)
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Cosmic Wonders live sky show (ages 8+)
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Mars: The Ultimate Voyage (Feb. 15, 3pm)
During National Engineering Week (Feb. 16–20), kids can register for hands-on STEAM classes with museum exploration and planetarium experiences. Morning and afternoon sessions are available, with extended care options for busy families.
Make a Splash
🌊 Via Aquarium
Dive into marine life during the Sensational Stingrays Camp on February 20 (ages 9–13). It’s a full-day adventure packed with hands-on learning—and maybe a splash or two!
Cozy Up at the Library
The Schenectady County Public Libraries
A full lineup of FREE and low-cost programs all week:
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Paws for Reading with therapy dogs 🐾
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Family Storytimes and Baby Lap Time
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Lunar New Year Crafts (Year of the Horse!)
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LEGO Build Zones & STEAM workshops
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Stranger Things Mystery Room
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Watercolor classes and yoga storytime
With branches across the county, there’s something happening every day of break.
Get Creative
🖌 Art in Mind Creative Wellness Studio
From Kids’ Year of the Horse workshops (Feb. 18) to family-friendly paint & sip events and light-up bottle painting, there are creative experiences for every age.
🎭 CREATE Community Studios
Kids Art Open Studio empowers young artists to explore their imagination through multimedia art. Drop in and let creativity lead the way.
Get Outside & Embrace Winter
🎿 Maple Ski Ridge
Try Nordic Nights (Mon & Tues, 4–7pm) for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing under the lights. Or cheer on racers at the SnowBox Derby (Feb. 21).
⛸ Ray Wemple Memorial Ice Rink
Public skate sessions, learn-to-skate programs, and open figure skating make this a winter break staple.
🌲 ECOS: The Environmental Clearinghouse
Join a Flora Foray at Hollyhock Hollow (Feb. 15) for a guided nature exploration.
Indoor Action & Adventure
🛼 Local FFF - Fun! Funner! Funnest!
Roll into winter break with 70s-themed roller skating, mini golf, laser tag, arcade games, escape rooms, and even a Kids Zone.
🛼 Rollarama
Lace up those skates and hit the floor! Rollarama is a classic roller skating rink perfect for kids and grown-ups who still know how to glide.
🎥 Rotterdam Square Cinema 7 & Scene One Cinemas Movieland 6
Catch a family flick like GOAT for a laid-back afternoon escape.
✈️ Empire State Aerosciences Museum
Young Aviators Winter Series classes let kids explore flight history and even build models—perfect for future pilots.
Make It a Break to Remember
From planetarium shows to paint workshops, roller skating to revolutionary history, winter break in Schenectady County offers big fun for every interest and every age.
Bundle up, plan your days, and discover something new together—you might just start a new family tradition. ❄️✨
