With February vacation fast approaching and everyone on the verge of going stir-crazy, we thought it might be helpful to come up with a list of things to do this winter on the South Shore. Today marks the first post in a series of four posts that will share some of our favorite local activities.
We thought this would be useful information for anyone that is new to the area, but also hope that it will be helpful to people like us, that have lived on the South Shore for many years. We created a printable PDF of the full list (containing ideas from all four posts) to hang on your fridge and use as a go-to reference over vacation week (and the rest of the winter) whenever the kids complain of being bored. Get your copy of the South Shore Winter Activities PDF here!
Outdoor Activities
Blue Hills Ski Area - 4001 Washington Street Canton, MA; 781-828-5070
Hit the slopes for a morning, afternoon or evening of skiing without hours of travel. We went for a few hours last weekend and it was a lot of fun! The kids kept saying how funny it was to feel like we were in New Hampshire, when we were only a half hour from home. It gave us a much-needed break from reality.
If you go, make sure you buy Ski Passes online ahead of time to reserve your spot and pick-up at the ticket window when you arrive. Passes are currently available for morning, afternoon, and evening sessions starting at 8am, 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm on Weekends/Holidays/Vacations. Sessions start at 10am, 1pm and 5pm on Weekdays. They also offer rentals, lessons, and ski camps.
Visit their website to view all the options and make a reservation: www.bluehillsboston.com.
Rockland Ice Rink - 599 Summer St #7218, Rockland
Go skating at the Rockland Ice Rink. They are currently offering Free Public Skating Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00am-12:50pm and Public Hockey for Ages 14+ ($5 per skater) Mondays and Fridays from 12:00pm-1:50pm. Hours may be subject to change, so call ahead for availability: 781-878-7500 x110. See flyer for rules and information: www.rocklandicerink.com/public-skating
Indoor Activities
South Shore Pottery Shop - 1209 Bedford Street, Abington
The Pottery Shop is currently offering Take-And-Make pottery that you can order online, pick-up curbside, paint at home, and return for glazing/firing. They are also running pottery and craft workshops over vacation week with a variety of themes including an Among Us, Glittered Balloon Animals, Mandala Plates, Star Wars, Wood Rainbow Wall Hangings, Pom Pom Mobiles, SOUL Workshop, Dreamcatchers, BFF Frames, Creative Journaling for Teens, Story Time- Monsters Love Underpants, Resin Notebook Covers, St Pat’s Wood Top Hat Decorations, Shamrock Mosaics, and Heart Wind Chimes. Visit their website to view projects, pricing, and times at www.southshorepotteryshop.com/upcoming-workshops-and-events.
Off-The-Wall DIY Studio - 170 Bedford St, Abington
Off-The-Wall is also offering take-home kits for kids (and adults) over vacation week. We had a family paint night before the holidays, using the Christmas Knome kits. It was a lot of fun and the end-result was adorable. We also saw people using these kits for virtual paint parties with friends (pick up kits, drop at friends’ houses, and schedule a time to Zoom and paint together). Such a great way to stay connected. Check out the Off-The-Wall DIY Studio website to view the projects that are available at www.offthewalldiystudio.com.
Mix of Both Indoor & Outdoor
Derby Street Shops - 92-98 Derby St, Hingham
Spend the day shopping and exploring at Derby Street Shops. Derby Street is our favorite outdoor shopping center on the South Shore. It offers 65 shops and restaurants, unique outdoor spaces, and free community events in a classic New England setting. All the shops are located close to one another, so shoppers have many opportunities to pop inside to get warm. In the afternoon, we like to go to walk around, check out our favorite shops, grab a quick take-out lunch from Panera, Chipolte, Cava, or B.Good followed by dessert at Gelato & Chill. If you would rather sit-down to eat, there’s also a few great restaurants—Burtons, Legal C Bar, and Bertucci’s. Check out the Derby St. calendar for fun vacation week events at derbystshops.com/events.
Stay tuned for future posts, this week and next, on the best South Shore spots to take a walk, sledding hills and ideas for a safe and fun day trip to Boston!
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