With two active daughters who played winter sports like swimming and ice hockey, my wife and I never gave much thought to traveling during winter vacation. We’ve always treated belonging to a sports team as a commitment, which meant vacations took a back seat to long hours in — or driving to — humid swimming pools or freezing ice rinks.

Instead, we embraced the “staycation’’ for our out-of-school fix.

These mini-vacations consisted of numerous shorter outings close by, and served as a reminder of the many wonderful options right outside our door. If we were lucky, we’d sneak up north for a day of skiing. But we also discovered a slew of outdoor pursuits on the North Shore.

Thanks to organizations like the Appalachian Mountain Club, Trustees of Reservations, and Massachusetts Audubon Society, you can find a variety of vacation activities north, west, and south of Boston, during both public school vacation in February and private school vacation in March.

Children can learn about the giant outdoor wind harp at the Old Manse in Concord, take part in a Yeti Expedition at World’s End in Hingham or a Greenhouse Beach Party at Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough, hike around Blue Hills Reservation’s Ponkapoag Pond in Canton or summit Fox Hill in Billerica, or learn about maple sugaring at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Weymouth’s Kira LaFosse-Baker, engagement site manager at the Trustees’ Rocky Woods property in Medfield, hosts a Wilderness Kids program during February vacation. She acknowledged the attraction of jetting off to warmer climates, but said she finds beauty here at home.

“A day on the beach in February can be all kinds of relaxing and refreshing, but it’s certainly not something every family can afford or manage logistically,’’ she said. “This program, and access to places like Rocky Woods in general, is a great way to learn to appreciate what you have right in front of you.

“It keeps your body moving during typically slower times,’’ she said. “It teaches people, especially children, how to keep themselves safe and happy in the elements with appropriate clothing.’’

These outdoor programs allow participants to see the world from a different perspective, said LaFosse-Baker. They discover how to identify animal tracks in snow, or trees without leaves. More importantly, they acquire a sense of self-reliance.

“The Wilderness Kids program is an opportunity for kids to get exposed to the outdoors in ways they may never have before,’’ LaFosse-Baker said. “It’s important that kids develop a sense of independence and practice safe risk-taking, and they don’t tend to open up quite as much when mom or dad are around. We’re going for a more successful ‘Lord of the Flies’ vibe here, [or] structured freedom.’’

Another important lesson, said Gloucester’s Janice Costa, is that children realize they’re quite capable of handling the elements.

“I love the fact they get to be outdoors,’’ said Costa, whose daughter Sophia takes part in the Trustees’ March vacation program at Appleton Farms in Ipswich. “We live in New England, and I think it is great the kids get to experience all that the four seasons have to offer.

“Kids are a lot tougher than we give them credit for,’’ she said. “If bundled up, they stay warm, and I think the fresh air and activity is healthy for them.’’

Similarly, Medfield’s Tara Jennings said programs like Wilderness Kids reinforce the lessons that many “outdoorsy’’ parents try to instill at home, or provide an introduction to winter fun for those with less experience.

“We try to beat nature deficit disorder by hiking, biking, boating, camping,’’ said Jennings, the mother of two. “With so many local areas to explore, it’s easy.’’

Billerica’s Marlies Henderson, who leads numerous day hikes in the community for the AMC, said she emphasizes the area’s rich history, encouraging fellow hikers to picture a barge hauling cotton or granite through the Middlesex Canal, or George Washington traveling on horseback up Fox Hill.

“Each hike, I attempt to trigger participants’ imagination, offering tidbits of historical facts and fiction,’’ said Henderson. “As my audience grew, I had to purchase a voice booster.’’

Asked what his highlight of the winter season is, Bedford grandfather Mark Levine replied: “Introducing people to some of the wonderful outdoor areas and exploring these places with them, many of which they would not be aware of or hesitant to explore on their own.’’

“New England is a wonderful area to live in and there are so many outdoor activities to do and places to explore by people of all abilities, both adults and children,’’ said Levine, who leads AMC hikes. “I enjoy the exercise and the adventure of exploring, route planning, and constant surprises of nature.’’

For a full list of events and programs, visit the Appalachian Mountain Club, The Trustees of Reservations, or the Massachusetts Audubon Society. If you have an idea for the Globe’s “On the Move’’ column, contact Brion O’Connor at brionoc@verizon.net. Please allow several weeks advance notice.