A week of kids without school stretches before you. It doesn’t have to be the same old, same old – how about checking out some fantasy spots? A whaling ship setting off to sea? A pirate ship bound for treasures? How about a chance to learn to be a wizard?

It’s all here for your Bay State school vacation week. You just need to know where look.

Whaling fun: The New Bedford Whaling Museum (whalingmuseum.org) is always a great time, but this week they’re stepping it up with a week-long chance to get to know a Whaling Captain and find out what his life was like.

Captain Paul Cuffe was a Quaker, Federalist, and committed anti-slavery advocate with connections to prominent abolitionists in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and London. The museum’s program touches on all that, as well as his achievements and legacy.

Sounds educational – and it is. But it’s fun too. You’ll learn it all with hands-on activities that will keep kids entertained while learning.

The museum sits in the heart of New Bedford’s historic whaling district, where you can make a day of it. Meander through the cobblestone streets and take in other historic sites – the signage is excellent.
There’s plenty of great dining available as well. Also within walking distance is New Bedford Harbor where, even in the winter months, the fishing industry is alive and active – a cool sight for kids of all ages.
A bonus: On Fri., Feb 23, admission to the museum from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. is completely free, thanks to the Highland Street Foundation. And that even includes a free museum guide to help you find all the best things to see and do there.

A Pirate’s life for you: Down in West Yarmouth, all the pirates at heart will find fun, activities and things to explore at the Whydah Pirate Museum (discoverpirates.com). The museum is centered by an authentic pirate ship – amazing up close – as well as lots of experts to show you all about what the pirate life was like.

Vacation week they go big with chances to make your own pirate flag, pirate puppet and with Captain’s tours and a chance to meet an archaeologist.

The museum features treasure found off the coast of the Cape and around the world, as well as experts who can share insight into the lives of those who explore the sea and who treasure, well, treasures.

Post-pirating, head to nearby Ryan Family Amusements (ryanfamily.com) where your now flag/puppet bearing pirates can nosh on great food and play all kinds of games.

Wizarding 101:  Around here, rather than hunting for Platform 9 ¾ on the MBTA, you can head to Ocean Edge Resort (oceanedge.com) in Brewster for what is becoming an annual event: Wizard school.

Families staying will learn both wand and cloak making, create their own dragon eggs,  well as other wizard skills that the Headmasters plan.

You’ll be sorted – of course! – and also take part in things like a wizarding world hunt, potion making, trivia and even take in a few Harry Potter films in a comfortable setting.

Dumbledore will be on hand each day.  When off the wizarding clock, families will find two heated indoor pools, a spa, mixology classes for the grown up wizards and a lovely Cape setting where you can just relax into your wizardly life.

Winter Carnival Fun: Are you even a New Englander if you won’t take part in a winter carnival? The Yarmouth Winter Carnival (yarmouthcapecod.com) taking place through tomorrow, is set on Skull Island Adventure Gold & Sports World on the Cape.

Bundled up families can skate away on an outdoor synthetic skating rink (weather won’t ruin that no matter what), try great food truck treats, fire up some s’mores and take part in all kinds of games and family fun like face painting, balloon artists, professional ice princess skating performances, a petting zoo, magic and fire shows, an ice carving demonstration, kids crafts’ and even popular cornhole.

Young visitors gaze at the skeleton of a sperm whale at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. (Photo courtesy New Bedford Whaling Museum)

The Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster is back with Wizarding Week, (Photo courtesy Ocean Edge Resort)