Beating The Winter Blues: Things To Do During February Vacation

February vacation is here, and if you're looking for fun things to do to beat the winter blues, Patch is here to help. We've rounded up some fun events going on around the state and beyond over the next week.

Roger Williams Park Zoo

If you're willing to bundle up and brave the cold, Roger Williams Park Zoo is offering half-priced admission for the entire month of February through the Winter Wonder Days promotion. Besides lower crowd volume than peak summer season, winter visitors can experience colder-weather animals being more active.

Find out more information or purchase tickets on the zoo's website.

Mystic Aquarium

Just a short drive from the Rhode Island border, Mystic Aquarium is offering special events for February vacation week through the "Tropical Sunsation" series. The special events run from February 16 through February 18 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Each day will feature special events including live steel drums performances by Pan Man Aaron Cote, hula dancing demonstrations and lessons by Kaiholunia dancers, diving mermaids, tropical crafts and more. Along with the theme, guests can visit tropical animal exhibits, as well as meet Natasha, the aquarium's newest beluga whale.

The events are free to aquarium members and are included with the cost of regular aquarium admission. Tickets can be purchased online.

This upcoming Saturday join us for Tropical Sunsation and catch a glimpse of a mermaid swimming through the coral reef, dance away the day to the rhythms of steel drums and get closer than ever to unique reptiles.

Details: https://t.co/eCU7nHXAlh pic.twitter.com/bWAVGJoKmP

Providence Children's Museum

Providence Children's Museum is offering several special performances during vacation week. On Monday, February 18, Keith Munslow will perform an interactive children's show featuring silly songs, tongue-twisters, stories and cartoon drawing. Munslow will have three performances at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, Hoopoe the mime will perform at the museum. Hoopoe's performance will include magic tricks, balloon art and more. Shows will be at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Yawgoo Valley

Yawgoo Valley has extended hours during the week of President's Day and will be open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. A 50-minute tubing session costs $15.

All riders must be at least 42 inches tall and each person must ride their own tube. Waivers must be completed for each visit and are available online.

Ice Skating and Bumper Cars

Downtown Providence's Alex and Ani City Center is one of just three ice rinks in the country to offer ice bumper cars. Rides are 20 minutes long and cost $12. Reservations are required, as spaces fill up quickly, and all riders must fill out a waiver. Both can be completed online.

The rink also offers ice skating. Rates are available on the rink's website.

The 2018-2019 season schedule is as follows:

• Monday-Thursday: Shared bumper cars and ice skating 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday: Shared bumper cars and ice skating 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., full-ice bumper cars 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday: Full-ice bumper cars 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., shared bumper cars and ice skating 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday: Full-ice bumper cars 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., shared bumper cars and ice skating 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Providence Children's Film Festival

For the tenth year in a row, Providence is hosting a children's film festival at locations throughout the city. The festival runs from February 15 through 28 and features screenings, workshops and free activities. More than 140 films are included from over 35 countries, including fan favorites like Kiki’s Delivery Service.

The opening night party and screening will be held on Friday, February 15 from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the RISD Museum. Tickets and a full schedule of events are available on the festival's website.

GoProvidence is hosting a February vacation giveaway, with a winner to be announced on February 15. Prizes include:

• Four passes to the Providence Children's Film Festival
• Four skating passes to the Alex and Ani City Center
• $50 gift card to Tumblesalts Cafe

Enter to win on GoProvidence's website.

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