2011 Winter Activities Abound in Westwood

For some, the cold and snow of weather may pose as a nuisance.

For others, it's nothing short of a wintry playground, and Westwood has a number of activities planned for kids before, during, and after the next break from school – February Vacation.

Hale Reservation, for one, sees the most foot traffic during the summer months, when campers flock to the wooded lot. But the winter provides the perfect time for those outdoor enthusiasts who love to trek through snow.

"People come, they can still walk on the trails," said Steve Larsen, director of programs at Hale. "There's snow shoeing, cross-country skiing. People still enjoy it in the winter. The regular trails are open for multi-use activities.

Hale holds a number or programs during the winter, Larsen said, including a special program geared for students during February Vacation.

Here are a few upcoming events at Hale:

• Owls Eve for Families
  January 13; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  Those interested in attending will watch a slideshow that focuses on the nature of owls before heading out on a hike in search of the birds.
• Afternoon Outdoor Adventure Animal Tracking
  January 13; 1 – 3:30 p.m.
  A program that combines outdoor activities with guided hikes for ages 8 though 12. Attendees will learn how to identify different species of animals in the area. The program is geared for students.
• Moonlight Adult Snowshoeing
  February 15; 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  Adults can enjoy fresh snowfall through a guided snowshoe hike along many of Hale's trails. Those interested need to bring their own snowshoes. The event is free.
• February Vacation Program
  February 22-24; Drop-off 9 a.m., pick-up 3 p.m.
  Hale will hold a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for children aged 5 to 12. Kids can sign up for individual days or all four of the program. The focus of the program will be on winter skills, teambuilding, and enjoying company with others. The program costs $60. To register, call 781-326-1770.

For more information, visit HaleReservation.org, or stay tuned to the events calendar on Westwood Patch.

Meanwhile, the Westwood Recreation Department is prepared for the winter as well, and has a number of programs ready to get into gear.

The department offers a number of indoor aquatics programs, as well as programs geared for February Vacation.

"We do offer, for February Vacation, specific programs," said Sue Perry, Interim Director of the Recreation Department.

Those programs include a "Kids' Night Out" for kids aged 5 through 7, as well as a snow tubing program that is held at Neshoba Valley's tubing park in Littleton.

The Recreation Department also has a winter storm policy; when the schools in Westwood are closed due to inclement weather, residents can call 781-461-0700 for a taped program report.

To download the Recreation Department's Winter 2011 Brochure for a complete list of winter activities and events, click here, and continue to check the Westwood Patch events calendar.