February Vacation Ideas in and Around Newport

This week, Feb. 18 through 22, is February vacation for Newport schools — leaving you four weekdays (plus the weekend) to find things for them to do.

Featured below are a few activities for today! 

Click the blue links to see more, including locations and contact information — and be sure to call ahead to confirm.

Patch will continue to update this story with events and activities for the rest of the week. Check back later today for a full week of ideas.

Wednesday, Feb. 20

Crafts: Make your own perfume at Newport Aromatherapy. All ages are welcome to design and create their own scent. $15/$10 w/button. 401.846.1101.

Make your own marshmallow snowman at Destination Chocolate.  $6/$5 w/button. 401-847-1223. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Get creative at Bite Me Live Bait Co.! They'll supply you with paint, magic markers, pencils and crayons to digitally print a one-of-a-kind t-shirt. You can also bring your own designs on a flash drive or CD. $22/$19 w/button. 401-662-9292 for more information. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn to make your own piñata at Diego’s from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. $5/$3 w/button. 401.619.2640.

Movies: during today’s Teen Movie Event at the The Newport Public Library. Pizza, popcorn and soda will be provided. 3-5 p.m.

Princess Party: Join Rapunzel for the Winter Festival Princess Party at Forty 1 North. Wear princess attire and enjoy royal treats from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. $5/Free w/button. Space is limited to the first 100 guests at the door. 401.847.7666.

Music The Mambo Room at Rhino Bar is hosting a kids dance party with dance force. Open to kids ages 7-13 $4/Free w/button.  Call 401-846-0707 for more information. 6:30pm-8:30pm

Sports: The Newport Skating Center is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today. It offers public skating lessons, skate rentals, a concessions menu, warming area and parking. Weather permitting and subject to change. $2 off skating admission with button.  Visit www.SkateNewport.com or call 401-846-3018 for information.

Interactive: Learn to be a lighthouse keeper! From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., kids can learn how to take care of and keep a lighthouse with the Interactive Lighthouse Trailer, which has been created as a replica of the Rose Island Lighthouse. The trailer will be set up at the Armory. Free. Call 401-847-4242 for more information. 

Science: Children ages five and up are invited to go for the stars at the Newport Public Library. Gary T. Pozzato will conduct experiments and demonstrations, along with a multi-media presentation. Learn with Robo the Robot about space, gravity, weightlessness and outer space. No registration is required for this free program, just drop-in. 10:30 am–11:30

Tuesday, Feb. 19

Movies: newportFILM presents two films for children ages 3-10 at the Jane Pickens Theater. The collection of animated kids short films from around the world includes The Squeakiest Roar, The Extinction of the Sabertooth Housecat, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, Dragonboy and more. 1 p.m. Pricing: $5 kids/ $8 adults, purchase at: http://bit.ly/10z6tnN
OR purchase at the door with Winter Festival button for $3 kids/$5 adults

The Providence Children's Film Festival wraps up today — click here for the calendar of movies and showings. $7.50 adults/$4 kids.

Art: Rhode Island School of Design Museum offers two programs aimed at spurring kids' interest in the arts. Adults $12, kids 5-18 $3, kids under 5 free.

• Tours for Tots: Color Blocks, 2 to 2:45 pm. Ages 3-5.

Science: Julie Collier leads an exploration of birds of prey at Providence Childrens Museum's "Wingmasters" program. Shows at noon, 1 and 2 pm. Free with $8.50 per person admission.

Sports:  The International Tennis Hall of Fame is offering kids tennis lessons at the indoor tennis club. Children ages five to ten will learn the basics, while kids ages 11-18 will be offered an introductory clinic tailored towards their skill and experience. This is a Newport Winter Festival Activity. Pricing: $10/child/$8/child w/button. Class size is limited, register in advance requested. Call  401-849-4777

The Newport Skating Center is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today. It offers public skating lessons, skate rentals, a concessions menu, warming area and parking. Weather permitting and subject to change. $2 off skating admission with button.  Visit www.SkateNewport.com or call 401-846-3018 for information.

Nature: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum continues its February vacation program for kids in grades 1 to 4. Day rate $40 members/$45 nonmembers; half-day $25. Space is limited.

Crafts: Make your own marshmallow snowman at Destination Chocolate.  $6/$5 w/button. 401-847-1223. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Get creative at Bite Me Live Bait Co.! They'll supply you with paint, magic markers, pencils and crayons to digitally print a one-of-a-kind t-shirt. You can also bring your own designs on a flash drive or CD. $22/$19 w/button. 401-662-9292 for more information. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Beauty: Spend some quality time during Cosmetic Cosmos' mother/daughter makeovers. Book an appointment with an expert make-up artist to learn skincare and makeup techniques. $30 per person/15% discount on all products purchased w/button. Appointments: www.cosmeticcosmos.com or 401-842-0666.

Music: Kids can belt out their favorite songs at kids karaoke at Rhino Bar & Grill. Ages four and up. $4/Free w/button. 401-846-0707. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.