For many area kids this holiday break is extra long. Two weeks to be exact! Once Christmas is over, what are your plans for the remaining 11 days? Try one (or more) of these 15 local suggestions. (Be sure to visit the event links for registration info and cost.)
And don’t forget, you can always check out a full list of local events on our Calendar.
15 Activities for Winter Break
- Visit the Frozen Exhibit at Wenham Museum – This exhibit explores ice and snow in New England! Go inside a kid-sized ice house and pack it with blocks of ice – using real ice tongs! Glide along on a sock skating rink, sit in an authentic one-horse open sleigh, explore where in the world the ice from Wenham Lake went. You can also sign up for the Kids’ Countdown to New Year’s Eve with Lindsey and Her Puppet Pals, Wiggles and Giggles and a countdown to noon–complete with ginger-ale toast.
- Kids ages 5 to 13 can sign up for a half-day or full-day Holiday Program at Ace Gymnastics in Ipswich. Themed programs like Deck the Gym and Reindeer Games are available on 12/23, 12/27 and 12/30.
- If the weather’s not too chilly an afternoon in Boston is a great way to get out of the house! Eat lunch at the Boston Public Market and then take a spin on the Carousel at the Rose Kennedy Greenway. This is also a short walk from the New England Aquarium, which can be fun as long as you don’t mind vacation-week crowds.
- An afternoon will fly by at In the Game Peabody. Kids will love playing video games, laser tag, and rock climbing.
- Take the family to Winterlights at Stevens-Coolidge Place. We did this last year after Christmas, and it was a magical night out.
- Head to Morning Open Bounce from 9:30 to 11:00 am at Boston Bounce in Peabody. Suggested ages 2 to 10 years old. (Don’t forget your socks!) Open 12/23, 12/27 and 12/30.
- If your child is still small, treat yourself to a movie at Cinema Salem. The Baby & Me Show on 12/23 is Bombshell. Baby & Me Shows are set up for parents and caregivers of infants and young toddlers. Lights are brighter, sound is quieter, there is a changing table available and you don’t have to worry if your little one starts crying during the movie. (Baby & Me Movies run every Monday at 10:30 am, but the title for 12/30 was not released at the time of publication.)
- Take your littles on a lunch date. Some lunch favorites at our house are Sol Bean Juice Bar & Kitchen (vibrant murals, healthy options for kids, and a dedicated play space) or Friendly’s (kid’s meals come with a sundae for dessert–always a hit!).
- Grab your snow shoes, hiking boots or cross country skiis and get the family outside between Christmas and New Years to seek out the Appleton Farms elusive herd of wooden reindeer on a Reindeer Quest.
- Have a child that thinks they’re a ninja? Sign them up for a Gymja Clinic at Danvers Indoor Sports. Daily camp available December 23, 26, 27, and 30, from 10 am to 1 pm. The program keeps kids 5+ fully engaged with challenging games, Parkour and ninja training skills.
- If you haven’t been to Zoo Lights yet at the Stone Zoo, you may want to check it out on December 26, 27 or 28. The Ice Queen and Ice Princess will be in attendance and you can meet the characters and pose for pictures. Kids are encouraged to dress up in their fairytale best!
- Take a moment for gratitude. Drop by the Hamilton-Wenham Library on 12/27 or 12/28, from 11 am to 3 pm, to make thank you cards for your family and friends, to thank them for their generosity over the holidays. All ages welcome.
- Celebrate a NOON New Year’s Eve Ball Drop with kids ages 0 to 6 at Room to Bloom in Beverly. Regular drop in rates apply and there are lots of activities kids will love at this fun, indoor play space.
- Take in some art and culture at the Peabody Essex Museum. Kids 16 and under get in free. You can also embark on a treasure hunt of sorts and search for animals or sailing ships in the PEM collection using a complimentary Gallery Discovery Kit.
- Get crafty at the Olaf Snowman on Canvas Workshop at Create & Escape DIY on 12/27 at 5 pm. This is a family-friendly workshop, perfect for kids ages 5+.
Also check out our post on 15 Local Experience Gifts. Though the gift-giving may be done, the post has numerous ideas for fun outings that your kids are sure to enjoy!