If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do with your kids during February Vacation Week, look no further! The MIT Museum is hosting their annual Feb Fest -- offering daily hands-on activities throughout school vacation week.

WHAT

All are invited to explore the MIT Museum for an educational and inspiring week.  Come participate in a series of activities and workshops based around this year’s theme –Big Data.  This year’s theme was inspired by the museum’s newest temporary exhibition, Big Bang Data.

With so many activities, showcases and gallery tours happening, planning your week of wonder and exploration at the MIT Museum could be overwhelming.  Don’t worry, we’ve got everything you’ll need to know below:

ACTIVITIES BY DAY

(included with museum admission)

February 19

• 10a-12p & 1-3p: Chain Reaction Construction with Data 
  Design and build parts of a chain reaction contraption.

February 20

• 10a-Noon: Data for our Energy and Environment
  Learn what data tells us about energy use and the environment.
   
• 12:30-2p: Scratch in the Idea Hub 
  Using the block-based programming language Scratch, design your own video game.
   
• 2-2:30p: Take a gallery tour of the exhibit Big Bang Data

February 21

• 10a-12p: Data for Health and Wellness Showcase
  Learn the importance of data in health.
   
• 12:30-2p: Scratch in the Idea Hub
  Using the block-based programming language Scratch, design your own video game.
   
• 2-2:30p: Take a gallery tour of CAVS 50

February 22

• 10a-12p: Data Communication and Visualization Showcase
  Learn how to communicate and share data.
   
• 12:30-2p: Scratch in the Idea Hub
  Using the block-based programming language Scratch, design your own video game.
   
• 2-2:30: Take a gallery tour of the exhibit Big Bang Data

February 23

• 10a-12p: The Internet and Machine Learning Workshop
   
• 12:30-2p: Scratch in the Idea Hub
  Using the block-based programming language Scratch, design your own video game.
   
• 2-2:30p: Take a gallery tour of the exhibit Big Bang Data

February 24:

• 1-4p: Citizen Science Fair
  Learn about “crowd-sourced” science that enlists the public’s help to collect data.  This type of science project has the potential to lead discoveries that would be nearly impossible to achieve alone.

Workshops: In addition to daily activities, the museum will offer a variety of workshops all week. To learn more information about workshops and to register, please click here. 

WHO

Feb Fest is hosted by the MIT Museum each year.  The museum sits just a couple of blocks away from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, invites visitors to explore ongoing innovation and research through its vast collection, and rotating exhibitions on a wide range of STEAM-based topics.

WHERE

Located at the MIT Museum in Central Square, those of you driving are welcome to park in the parking garages close to the museum. Public transportation might be your best bet as the Red Line will drop you off at Central Square, leaving you with a quick 10-15 minute walk from the station. The 1 Bus from Boston is also a great option! If you’re coming in from Boston, get off at the Mass Ave @ Albany St. stop.

WHEN

Feb Fest will take place on Monday, February 19th through Saturday, February 24th.