February break is time for students to relax, have fun, and catch up on much-needed rest. While some may have exciting excursions planned, others find themselves searching for ways to spend the week. Here is the ultimate February break to-do list, filled with various fun and accessible activities for all.

1. Go ice skating

Ice skating is a classic winter activity. It is great for both professional and amateur skaters, allowing one to spend time outside during the winter. Grab a friend, family member, or go solo and spend the afternoon outdoors. Take a quick drive to Grant Park in East Rockaway to skate on their outdoor ice rink, or, for a longer excursion, take a train ride to the city to skate at Rockefeller Center. Make sure to bundle up. After an afternoon of ice skating in the cold, make yourself some hot chocolate to warm up! 

1. Try a new recipe

Winter break is the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen. Look around the house for available ingredients, or take a quick run to the store to pick up some ingredients. First, choose between a savory or sweet dish. If one chooses sweets, brownies and cookies are always great options. A quick Google search provides countless ideas for what to make. If one is in the mood for something savory, try making a pasta dish, soup, or pizza. The possibilities are endless, as the internet is right at one’s fingertips. Consider picking up a cookbook or looking around the house for old family recipes to try. 

1. Go on a “staycation”

While some students are able to go on vacation during break, it is not necessary to leave the area to have a good time and feel as if on a vacation. Instead, take a short train ride to New York City to visit a museum, go ice skating, window shop, explore Central Park, or try a new restaurant. Many of these activities are free or inexpensive, so make sure to do the research to consider costs beforehand. On Long Island, consider visiting Fire Island, a museum, the mall, or the movie theater.. If it snows, there are many places to go skiing or sledding. Freshman Jillian Weston will do just that over break. “I plan on going Upstate to go sledding,” she said. Sophomore Madeleine Malinka shared, “I am most likely going on a ski trip with my family.”

1. Have a movie marathon   

Over the break, consider replacing hours of homework and studying with hours of movie and/or show watching. Watch a classic, a childhood favorite, or a new film, and do not forget the popcorn and cozy blanket! 

1. Read a book 

During school, many students are required to read textbooks and novels for English class, but while these responsibilities are on hold, there is time to read for enjoyment. Pick a new genre: fantasy, science-fiction, non-fiction, fiction, or mystery, to name a few. Ask a friend or family member for a book recommendation, or even start a book club with friends. Go to the library, a bookstore, order from Amazon, or borrow books from a family member or friend. 

1. Pick up a new hobby 

Now is the perfect time to try out a new activity that there is no time for during school, such as learning how to play a musical instrument or trying out a new sport. Get creative and do a craft or art project; search the house for art supplies or take a trip to the store to pick up supplies for a new project.