Operation FUN

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to have a February school break full of local adventures and free of boredom. Here’s an action-packed seven-day itinerary to help you ac- complish this impossibly fun mission.


• Jump right into the first day of winter break with a morning bounce session at Sky Zone. The sprawling indoor trampoline park includes a foam pit, dodge ball and basketball courts, and plenty of open jump space for an hour or two of heart-pumping fun. Open daily; $13 for an hour of open jump. 70 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence. 401-383-6000, online reservations at their website.

• Now that your kids are exhausted from that hopping workout, strap them in the minivan and head to the City by the Sea for the Newport Winter Festival’s Children’s Fair. Recharge their batteries as live performances, arts and crafts, and a reptile showcase are offered at the annual two-day event held at the Newport Hyatt. February 15-16; $7/$4 with Winter Festival bracelet. 1 Goat Island, Newport. 401-847-7666.

• Get out of the cold and encourage little filmmakers at the Providence Children’s Film Festival. It’s back for its sixth year, featuring 18 feature films, over 50 short films and fun workshops, all taking place over February vacation, daily through February 22. The movies are selected by kids for kids, and collaborations with the RISD Museum, and the Providence Public and Providence Community Libraries ensure that everyone can see films, regardless of their ability to pay admission. $7.50- $9.50, with select free screenings.

• The workweek begins and you’ve got a job to do: keep your kids active and entertained before you go stir crazy. Luckily for all Dudek Bowling Lanes opens bright and early at 9am. Duckpin style with optional bumpers for bowlers-in-training, the alley offers pizza by the slice for a quick and easy early lunch. Open daily; $3.75 plus shoe rental. 409 Child St., Warren. 401-245-9471.

• At this point you might be wondering how your kids still have boundless energy. Instead of having them bounce off the walls, have them bounce on big hippity-hop balls at Jumpin’ Beanz at Wiggle Kids. Part cardio workout, part balancing act and all good fun, the 45-minute class is sure to get all the sillies out. 6:15-7pm Mondays and Thursdays; $10 for a day pass/$39 for a monthly membership. 262 Swansea Mall Drive, Swansea. 508-728-8720.

• Who doesn’t love a little nightcap, especially if it’s of the chocolate variety? It’s character night at Orange Leaf in Swansea, which means a special visit from the likes of Doc McStuffins, Phineas, Batman or a Disney princess. Add in a dozen froyo flavors and a DIY toppings bar, and you’ve got a Monday night done right. 6-8pm on Mondays at the Swansea location, and Wednesdays at the Bristol. 581 G.A.R Highway, Swansea, 508-567-6215; 576 Metacom Ave., Bristol, 401-396-5870.

• We’re going to kick off day three of our mission... er, vacation... by releasing our inner artists at Weirdgirl Creations. Drop in the pottery studio and select from a variety of pieces to create an original piece of art. Open daily; pottery starting at $8. 33 Kent St., Suite B, Barrington. 401-247-1397.

• Next up on the non-stop fun train is to lace up for Driscoll Arena’s Public Skate. The large indoor rink, home to youth and adult hockey leagues, is the perfect spot to practice that figure eight. Monday-Friday from 1-3pm, Friday 8-10pm and Sunday 2-4pm; $5 admission, rent- als an additional fee. 272 Elsbree St., Fall River. 508-679-3274.

• Congratulations. You’ve made it to the mid-point of the break, and you’re still somewhat sane. Time to celebrate with a morning manicure for you, and a mini treatment from Spa-Terre’s Prince and Princess Menu for them. From My First Massage to the Twinkle Toes Pedicure, your children are sure to love the royal treatment. Reservations recommended. At the Hotel Viking, 1 Bellevue Ave., Newport. 401-847-3300.

• Get ready to take home the Parent of the Year award when you take your kids to the Newport Winter Festival’s Princess Party at OceanCliff. Frozen sisters Elsa and Anna host this dress-up party complete with frozen yogurt from Orange Leaf. 1-3:30pm; $6/free with Winter Festival bracelet. 65 Ridge Road, Newport. 401-847-7666.

• Your next stop answers two questions you hear daily: “what are we doing today?” and “what’s for dinner?” That’s because it’s all you can eat pizza tonight at USA Skates. After getting their fill, your adventure seekers can roller skate, play laser tag and rock climb to their (and your) heart’s content. Wednesday and Friday nights (check website for hours). 75 New Road, Rumford. 401-438-9898.

• Hang in there, it’s almost the weekend. Plus (bonus!) our next stop takes us to Greenvale Vineyards for the 15th annual Live Jazz For Kids. One of the many events in the Newport Winter Festival lineup, the performance promises to put a whimsical spin on jazz standards and kids classics, leaving your kids cultured and entertained. 1-4pm; free. 582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth. 401-847-3777.

• It’s just a hop, skip and a bridge over to the next town for Legos at the Rogers Free Library. Let your kids’ imaginations loose with those interlocking blocks while you cozy up with a good read. Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm; free. 525 Hope St., Bristol. 401-253-6948.

• If there’s one thing all kids love to learn about, it’s animals. That’s why we’re starting off day six with a crash course in Wonderful Whales at the Audubon Environmental Education Center. With a combination of crafts, storytelling and hands-on science activities, your kids will be dropping knowledge about the sea mammal in no time. Daily nature-inspired programming throughout February school break; free with admission. 1401 Hope St., Bristol. 401-245-7500.

• Remember happy hours? Yeah, those are long gone, so why not make the best of it tonight with a two for one at Fantasyland. Buy one, get one wristbands get you an all access pass to this indoor kiddie amusement park that include bumper cars, an obstacle course, a carousel and a load of arcade games. Fridays 6-9pm; $15. 1300 Fall River Ave., Seekonk. 508-336-6262.

• And just like that it’s almost time to get back to the dreaded lunchbox routine. Local veggies, fruits, meats and artisan provisions are all for the ready at the Aquidneck Grower’s Winter Market. You’ll love the fresh variety, and they’ll love to handpick their snacks. Win, win. 10am-2pm at Newport Vineyards. 909 East Main Rd., Middletown. 401-848-0099.

• We’ve been entertained, cultured, well fed and super active. It sure has been a wild week, hasn’t it? Top it off with a stop at Winter Wonder Days at Roger Williams Park Zoo. With half-off admission, it’s a great way for the whole family to cap off a great break while saving a few bucks for April vacation – which is only two months away. Godspeed parents. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. 941-4998.