🎉 A–Z School Vacation Activities (In the Merrimack Valley)
A – Art Classes & Workshops
Kids can get creative at:
• Art’s Cool (Middleton) – https://artscool-ma.com
• Create & Escape (Peabody) – https://createandescape.com
• Local recreation department art programs in Andover, North Andover, Methuen, Georgetown.
B – Bowling & Arcade Fun
• Academy Lanes (Haverhill) – https://academylanes.com
• Wamesit Lanes (Tewksbury, close to Andover) – https://wamesitlanes.com
• Gametime Lanes (Amesbury/Peabody) – https://gametimefamilyfun.com
C – Cookie Decorating Classes
Often offered during school vacations by:
• Smolak Farms (North Andover) – https://smolakfarms.com
• Create & Escape (Peabody) – https://createandescape.com
• Local recreation departments (Georgetown, Andover, North Andover)
D – Dance Workshops
• North Shore Dance Academy (Peabody) – https://northshoredanceacademy.com
• Center for Performing Arts (Methuen) – SPONSORING BUSINESS
• Vacation dance programs at local rec departments.
E – Escape Rooms
• Escapology Tewksbury (near Andover) – https://escapology.com
• Home escape room kits also available for at-home fun.
F – Farm Visits
• Smolak Farms (North Andover) – https://smolakfarms.com
• Maple Crest Farm (Georgetown) – https://facebook.com/maplecrestfarm
G – Gymnastics & Ninja Gyms
• Interstellar Gymnastics (Methuen) – https://interstellargymnastics.com
• PrideStar Gymnastics (Lawrence) – https://pridestargymnastics.com
H – Hiking & Nature Trails
• Ward Reservation (Andover/North Andover) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward_Reservation
• Harold Parker State Forest (Andover/North Andover/Middleton)
• Georgetown-Rowley State Forest (Georgetown/Boxford)
• AVIS Trails (Andover) – https://avisandover.org
I – Ice Skating
• Veterans Memorial Rink (Haverhill)
• Phillips Academy Rink (Andover) – public skate varies
• Methuen Public Skate Programs
J – Jump Parks & Trampoline Fun
• Launch Trampoline Park (Methuen) – https://launchtrampolinepark.com/methuen
• Altitude Trampoline Park (Haverhill) – https://altitudetrampolinepark.com
K – Kids’ Cooking Classes
• Taste Buds Kitchen (Beverly) – https://tastebudskitchen.com/beverly
• Create & Escape (Peabody) – themed cooking/crafting workshops
• YMCA & Rec Department cooking sessions
L – Library Events
Each town offers story hours, crafts, LEGO clubs & vacation programming:
• Memorial Hall Library (Andover) – https://mhl.org
• North Andover Library – https://northandoverlibrary.org
• Haverhill Public Library – https://haverhillpl.org
• Georgetown Peabody Library – https://georgetownpl.org
• Boxford Town Library – https://boxfordlibrary.org
• Middleton Public Library – https://midlib.org
• Nevins Library (Methuen) – https://nevinslibrary.org
M – Museums & Educational Fun
• Buttonwoods Museum (Haverhill) – https://buttonwoods.org
• Addison Gallery of American Art (Andover) – https://addison.andover.edu
• Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens (North Andover) – https://thetrustees.org
N – Nature Centers & Wildlife
• Joppa Flats Wildlife Education Center (Newburyport — nearby) – https://massaudubon.org
O – Open Gym Programs
Offered at:
• Andover Recreation – https://andoverma.gov/recreation
• North Andover Youth Center – https://nayouth.com
• Methuen Recreation – https://cityofmethuen.net/recreation
P – Paint & Pottery Studios
• Bisque It! (Danvers, close by) – https://bisqueitfun.com
• Create & Escape (Peabody)
Q – Quiet Crafts & Take-Home Kits
• Craft kits available at Michaels (Haverhill) – https://michaels.com
• Craft-to-go kits from all public libraries listed above
R – Roller Skating
• Roller Palace (Beverly) – https://rollerpalace.com
S – Swimming & Aquatics
• Andover/North Andover YMCA – https://northshoreymca.org
• Haverhill YMCA – https://mvymca.org
• Methuen YMCA Programs
T – Theater Shows & Performances
• Firehouse Center for the Arts (Newburyport – nearby) – https://firehouse.org
• Local high school/rec theater workshops
U – Uptown / Downtown Walking Adventures
• Explore downtown Andover, downtown Haverhill, or North Andover Old Center
Great for treats, window shopping, and fresh air.
V – Volunteering for Kids & Families
• Donate to Blessing Boxes
• Help local food pantries in Haverhill, Georgetown, Andover, Methuen
• Animal shelter item drives
W – Winter Workshops
• Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens (North Andover) – https://thetrustees.org
• Rec Department holiday crafts and STEM programs
X – X-Treme Outdoor Play (Sledding!)
Local sledding hills include:
• Andover High School Hill
• Boxford Common
• Harold Parker gentle hills (North Andover/Middleton)
Y – Yoga & Mindfulness for Kids
• Andover/North Andover YMCA youth programs
• Local studios offering family yoga
Z – Zoo Trip
• Stone Zoo (Stoneham – short drive) – https://zoonewengland.org
