Henry gravitates toward trouble. To be fair, my hyper-curious nephew is only 10 months old and trouble largely consists of trying to eat his toy piano and doing pull-ups with the oven door handle.
But his parents know New England winters to come will be a challenge. Henry will need things to do and places to go when cold weather sets in and he might feel like tearing up the house. And his parents will need something to keep them from tearing out their hair.
So, with Henry and every cooped up child in mind, here are some suggestions for kid-friendly winter getaways. They offer a chance to explore, to learn how things work, to escape from frigid temperatures, or to experience winter in a new way. Consider them sanity savers.
Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, Vt.
Children building forts is a time-honored tradition. With its annual Igloo Build (Feb. 13), the Montshire teaches youngsters how to construct the ultimate cold-weather shelter, then lets them make their own, block by block. The workshop is an extension of the museum’s philosophy, which emphasizes the process of discovery through hands-on experiences. “Parents have a hard time dragging their kids out of their igloos,’’ said Bert Yankielun, who has directed the Igloo Build for over 20 years. “The only thing that gets them out is that some kids find it even more fun to destroy the igloos when they’re finished.’’ He recommends the Igloo Build for kids “5 to 150 years old.’’ Outside are plenty of nature trails to explore. Inside, more than 60 science-related exhibits await, covering such topics as weather, astronomy, light and vision, motion, and environment. 1 Montshire Road, 802-649-2200, montshire.org, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., adults $10,ages 2-17 $8, under 2 free, Igloo Build free with museum admission.
Eden Dog Sledding, Eden Mills, Vt.
Happy dogs equal happy customers, especially young customers. Owner Jim Blair estimates 60 percent of the time the dogs make the biggest impression on children and 40 percent of the time it’s the ride through this hilly wilderness four hours from Boston. The huggable, hand-raised Alaskan huskies at Eden help make rides an interactive adventure. Kids can assist with harnessing dogs to a sled, then ride the runners and, if they are 10 or older, learn to drive a sled. “It blows their mind,’’ said Blair of the driving experience. All rides end with a chance to feed the dogs treats. Sleds can accommodate a family with two adults and two small children or two adults and an older child. Square Road, 802-635-9070, edendogsledding.com, rides dailyfrom 9:30 a.m., prices range from $195 for 2 people for 1 hour to $595 for the longest rides.
New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks, Conn.