School Vacation Activities for Children -- Beyond the Predictable

There are lots of choices for activities for families around cities and towns on winter school vacation; museums, movies, indoor play spaces, etc. But if crowds aren't your thing and you don't want to spend the money, we've got you covered. Here's a list of fun, free kids' activities:

• Make a time capsule. 
• Have an indoor "camp out."
• Channel your inner scientist and do some science experiments with your kids. 
• OK, don't tell your kids I was the one to suggest this, but how about spending an afternoon purging your playroom?  Out with the old, in with the new... your kids will feel good when they donate their old toys to a good cause. 
• Go out for a Christmas light walk at night. 
• Get out the recycling bin and see what your kids create. Let their imagination and creativity direct them, rather than a prescribed project.
• Find a low-traffic spot in your house where your kids can create a village... or as my family likes to call it "a land of no scale."  Some suggested materials: Legos, Play Mobil, blocks, markers and paper (to draw scenery). 
• Let nature be the teacher and go on a winter nature scavenger hunt. 
• Once the holiday decorations come down, the house looks so drab, doesn't it? Brighten up your house by having your kids paint some windows. Sliding glass doors work well because there's lots of space to work with. Hint: add a few drops of dish washing liquid to soap and you won't curse me for this idea when it comes time to wash the paint off the window. 

Finally, if you are looking for some fun interactive learning activities be sure to visit our Print & Use Tools section! 

Wishing you and your family happy holidays and a fun-filled, low-key school vacation!