SCHOOL VACATION WEEK PROGRAMS
Celebrate your school vacation at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. During February and April vacation weeks, the Garden bursts to life with family-friendly classes, hands-on workshops, nature hikes, scavenger hunts, and a themed drop-in playroom filled with crafts, games, and science investigations for kids of all ages.
Vacation week themes change every year, connecting kids and families with wonders of the natural world just beyond your doorstep. Learn, craft, create, tinker, play, and experiment together as you make unforgettable memories at the Garden.
Please note, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill aligns its vacation week schedule with the Worcester Public Schools calendar.
Looking for a summer full of creativity, exploration, and garden adventures? Our Summer Camp has it all. Find out more by clicking here!
FEBRUARY VACATION: FAIRYTALE FOREST
Saturday, February 14 through Friday, February 20 | 10 AM–4 PM Daily
SAVE THE DATE! This February break, explore the enchanted woods where fairytale creatures roam. Each day is filled with imaginative games, creative crafts, and outdoor discoveries inspired by beloved storybooks. Join a youth class where you can grow a beanstalk like Jack, mix up fairytale potions, or craft a mask to become your favorite storybook animal. Get ready for a week of wonder, storytelling, and hands-on fun in the Fairytale Forest!
FREE Drop-in Activities | All Ages
Saturday to Friday, February 14–20, 10 AM–4 PM
Step into the pages of your favorite story as you enter our activity room filled with fairytale magic! Build a beanstalk, read a classic fairytale, search for your favorite character, investigate nature, and try a magical craft.
Winter Discoveries | Ages 7-10
Monday through Friday, February 16–20, 9 AM–3 PM
Join us for a fun-filled week of nature hiking, crafting, and investigation, with new activities each day.
Member: $75 CHILD; Non-Member: $85 CHILD | Register here
Enchanted Valentines | Ages 5–12
Saturday, February 14, 10:30 AM–12 PM
Design a Valentine and a flower arrangement with a touch of fairytale magic.
Member: $26 CHILD, $0 ADULT; Non-Member: $34 CHILD, $20 ADULT | Register here
Forest Luminaries | Ages 8-12
Sunday, February 15, 1–2:30 PM
Create a glowing forest tree using natural materials and a tea light.
Member: $25 CHILD, $0 ADULT; Non-Member: $35 CHILD, $20 ADULT | Register here
Magic Beans Garden | Ages 6-10
Monday, February 16, 10:30 AM–12 PM
Learn about the life cycle of a bean and plant your own magic bean jar garden.
Member: $22 CHILD, $0 ADULT; Non-Member: $32 CHILD, $20 ADULT | Register here
Fairytale Potions| Ages 6-10
Tuesday, February 17, 2–3:30PM
Cast a spell and mix up magical potions, sparkling elixirs, and bubbling brews.
Member: $18 CHILD, $0 ADULT; Non-Member: $28 CHILD, $20 ADULT | Register here
Garden Buds | Ages 3-5
Wednesday, February 18, 10:30–11:30 AM
Join us for circle time, a story, a take-home craft packet, and a guided garden adventure.
Member: $8 CHILD, $0 ADULT; Non-Member: $16 CHILD, $20 ADULT | Register here
Storybook Quest | Ages 6-10
Wednesday, February 18, 1:00–2:00 PM
Journey through the woods on a guided hike filled with storybook challenges inspired by your favorite fairytales.
Member: $12 CHILD, $0 ADULT; Non-Member: $20 CHILD, $20 ADULT | Register here
Once Upon a Mask | Ages 7-12
Thursday, February 19, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Transform into your favorite storybook character, whether you are the big bad wolf or a little duckling.
Member: $20 CHILD, $0 ADULT; Non-Member: $28 CHILD, $20 ADULT | Register here
Fairytale Houses | Ages 5-12
Friday, February 20, 1-2:30PM
Use natural materials to create a magical mini home for fairies or a mossy swamp hideaway fit for an ogre.
Member: $25 CHILD, $0 ADULT; Non-Member: $35 CHILD, $20 ADULT | Register here
APRIL VACATION 2026
Saturday, April 18 through Thursday, April 23 | 10 AM–4 PM Daily
SAVE THE DATE! Stay tuned for more information.
Check out our photo gallery from previous vacation week programs below.
