7 fun activities to keep kids entertained during winter break

Before we know it, schools will be out for winter break. Any parent knows that new toys, Christmas cookies and competing for gelt chocolates during games of dreidel can only hold kids’ attention spans for so long. So consider this list your guide to things going on that will keep your young adults from yelling “I’m bored!” on more time. And that’s a true holiday miracle.

EdVenture Children’s Museum Winter Break Camp

For two weeks EdVenture will offer four camps, divided by ages. A few highlights are the “Holiday Storybook Smashup” where kids 4-5 years old are guided through hands-on experiments. For 8-10 year olds there’s the “Maker Camp: Constructing a Winter Wonderland” that has them design and create their own holiday decorations. And each week offers cooking classes for 11-12 year olds that will touch on global cuisine from the exotic to the festive.

When: Dec. 18-22 and Dec. 26-29

Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with early complimentary drop-off starting at 7:30 a.m. (And for an additional $10 a day you can pay for extended stay up to 6 p.m.)

Pricing: $40 a day. Week 1: $175, Week 2: $140

For detailed information: www.edventure.org

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Backstage

Each weekend the zoo offers five opportunities to interact with some of their beloved animals and get a first-hand account of their care. Ever wondered what elephants like to eat for breakfast? Now’s your chance to find out. Want to chill with some penguins? Sign up. And coming soon, a splashy behind-the-scenes tour of the sea lion landing.

When: Year round with a few seasonal exceptions

Times: Vary

Pricing: Riverbanks members, $45; general public, $60

For detailed information: www.riverbanks.org

Plex HiWire

With two locations offering very different activities, Plex is a catch all for active kids. The Sandhills location offers “Sports Galore Day Camps” where your child can participate in basketball, roller skating, soccer, football and more, including an inflatable area, trampoline park and laser tag. At the Irmo location, learn the fundamentals of ice skating via the US Figure Skating (USFS) basic skills program. Programs range from “Snowplow Sam” for kids ages 3-5 up to adults 16 and up.

When: Sandhills - December 18-22, 26-29; Irmo - classes taught year round

Times: Sandhills - camp hours 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Irmo - classes taught on Thursdays at 6:15 or 6:45 p.m. or Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Pricing: Sandhills - $45 daily, $150 per week; Irmo - $100 for 6 week course, 1 lesson each week (6 free skate passes given)

For detailed information: www.plexhiwire.com

Columbia Museum of Art Winter Workshops

For kids ages 4-7, plan to enjoy instruction in jazz and poetry, using the featured exhibit, Henri Matisse: Jazz & Poetry on Paper, to create collages, prints and more. Ages 8-12 can look forward to a two-day workshop called “D.I.Y. Design”, where you will discuss fashion trends and construct your very own wearable art, inspired by the CMA’s current exhibits.

When: December 18-19

Times: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Pricing: $80, $64 for members

For detailed information: www.columbiamuseum.org

Richland County Library Events

With eleven locations, the library is a great resource (pun intended) for young adult activities. Just a glance at their schedule and there’s DIY ornament decorating, a songwriter’s workshop for teens, gift bags designed with needle felting techniques and a staff pick: hand sewing a poinsettia brooch.

When: December 2-December 31

Times: varies by event

Pricing: Free, unless otherwise noted

For detailed information: http://www.richlandlibrary.com

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden’s Lights Before Christmas

For 30 years Riverbanks has made the zoo all a twinkle with this popular and super family-friendly experience. With nearly one million lights and an animal kingdom of animated images, Columbia’s longest running holiday tradition is pretty lit. To top it all off, it snows every night during the duration. Dreaming of a white Christmas in Columbia? Look no further.

When: thru December 30

Times: 5-9 p.m.

Pricing: Adults, $11; children ages 2–12, $9. All Riverbank’s members receive one free visit.

For detailed information: www.riverbanks.org

South Carolina State Museum’s Winter Break Camps

Each day the SCSM winter camp schedule will keep kids 6-11 years guessing, as it changes daily. Designed so that you could stay for the whole week or cherry pick the days and subject matter that most appeals to your preteen. Topics include: astronomy days that explore winter skies in the planetarium and the chance for you to make a “celestial globe”; natural history days where you’ll study animals from the ice age while creating your own prehistoric impression; and Polar Express Day which encourages you to wear pj’s while you watch the Polar Express in 4D with hot chocolate and s’mores along with art activities.

When: December 18–22; 26–29

Times: Drop Off, 8-8:45 a.m.; camp: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; pick-up: 3-3:30 p.m.; extended day: 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Pricing: Non-member: $50 per student per day; $200 for the week. Members: $40 per student per day; $160 for the week. Extended day for non-members: $15 per student per day; $50 for the week. Members: $10 per student per day; $40 for the week.

For detailed information: www.scmuseum.org

This story was originally published November 27, 2017 at 4:03 PM with the headline "7 fun activities to keep kids entertained during winter break."