Ice, ice, baby: The ice is ready for skating at Leominster’s Barrett Park

LEOMINSTER — The ice has been cleared at Barrett Pond and is ready for ice skating, as of Friday, according to officials at Leominster Recreation.

“Hey, Leominster! Barrett Pond has frozen and it’s safe for skating, if a little bit bumpy. We’ll keep checking the ice thickness, but feel free to come and skate!” they posted on the Leominster Recreation Facebook page.

Vacation Week

Leominster Recreation is also gearing up for February vacation week, working together on a vacation program with the Challenge Island extracurricular educational company, with several locations in Massachusetts, which provides fun STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) lessons.

Each day will start with the Leominster Recreation staff introducing fun-filled STEM activities, creative crafts and games.

An exciting, kid-friendly movie will be played on Friday, and participants will have fun at the Barrett Park playground if the weather permits.

Recreation officials said this engaging program is perfect for kids to explore, create and play in a small group setting. With hands-on projects and interactive activities, they said there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

After lunch they will welcome Challenge Island, where the Challenge Island STEAM Teams have been chosen to host the new “Slimetopia Diners, Drive-Thrus and Dives” reality TV show. Prepare to embark on a cross-country culinary road trip to the slimiest eating establishments in the USA, they said. Teams include In and Out Burger Slime, Tex Mex Slime, King Cake Slime, Clam Chowder Slime and Peach Cobbler Ala Mode Slime, you’ll get an unforgettable “taste” of ooey, gooey local flavors from coast to coast.

Participants are asked to bring their own snack, lunch and water bottle, but people are reminded that all programs are peanut and tree nut free.

The program goes from Tuesday, Feb. 17, to Friday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is for ages 6-9, and will be held at the Barrett Park Program Building. The cost is $165 for residents and $185 for non-residents.

Scavenger Hunt

Then coming up the following week will be the Winter Scavenger Hunt, on Wednesday, Feb. 25,  from 4 to 5:30 p.m., for ages 4-7. The cost will be $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents.

Gather your family for an outdoor adventure at Barrett Park, officials say. This family Winter Scavenger Hunt will take you along the scenic trail loop around the pond, where you’ll search for hidden items and explore the beauty of nature along the way. This activity encourages teamwork, curiosity and outdoor fun. Each family will receive a map upon checking in at Barrett Park and complete the hunt at their own pace. Families who find all the hidden items will receive a small prize. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Parents guiding their children on the hunt will not have to pay a fee.

Other activities coming up include a Teen & Adult Health & Safety CPR/AED Class (ages 14+) on Wednesday, Feb. 18; a Family Bingo Night (all ages) on Thursday, Feb. 19; and girls and co-ed basketball clinics on Saturday, Feb. 28.