If you are looking for something to do with your family during the upcoming February vacation, check out Teak’s clients, many of which are hosting special events and programing, as well as offering great volunteer opportunities to keep everyone busy. We often dream of exotic vacations or far out activities, but there are so many more meaningful ways we can spend our time while making a difference closer to home, from learning about ocean conservation efforts, to immersing yourself in an art exhibit, or packing food and clothes to be distributed in the local community.
Just in time for February school vacation week, visitors can see the New England Aquarium’s newest exhibit on the first floor, which showcases cuttlefish as eggs, juveniles, and adults. There’s a new film in the Simons Theatre highlighting the extraordinary animals in our ocean. Watch feedings of penguins daily at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and listen to penguin talks at 2:30 p.m. Aquarium trainers will offer daily presentations at 2 p.m. in the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center and at 3:30 p.m. at the Atlantic harbor seal exhibit. Feedings and presentations at the top of the Giant Ocean Tank will take place daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Aquarium is offering extended visiting hours from Feb. 20–24, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance at neaq.org, as timed ticket slots may sell out.
The Cape Ann Museum welcomes all school aged children, 18 and under, with free admission as well as for their guardians from Tuesday February 21 to Friday, February 24. Black Experience on Cape Ann will be a focus and activities will be set up through the museum for all. Visit the Museum’s Library & Archives to hear stories, experience the history of Black mariners in the Maritime & Fisheries Galleries and learn about the history of the Gloucester Juneteenth Celebration.
Several of Teak’s clients also have volunteer opportunities that families can take advantage of during the week off. The Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory in Newton, MA is open to children as young as age five. A volunteer shift involves hands-on processing of the donated goods that flow in on a regular basis. Each station includes inspecting, sorting, and packing donations to be distributed to the children the organization serves. Registration for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger starts this month; now is a perfect time to start training and getting your steps in before the May 7th Walk. Food For Free offers several volunteer opportunities out of their Somerville, MA food rescue and redistribution facility. Volunteers are needed to help with all of the organizations’ programs and include packing up food, delivering groceries, and more! Be sure to sign up on the organization’s website to volunteer.
While February vacation is a great time to take advantage of these opportunities, you can volunteer and visit these places throughout the year. Periodically check out these organizations, and others in the Boston area, to see what other events they are hosting and additional ways you can support them.
