5 Great Ways to Keep Kids Busy During School Vacation

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team

No matter how many new shiny toys are under the tree this weekend, there’s a relatively good chance your brood will come down with a case of cabin fever at some point while school’s out. Fortunately, there’s a number of Ocean State hot spots with things to do to make the holiday break one to remember.

Providence Children’s Museum

The beloved Providence Children’s Museum has a busy line-up including a "Block Party" from 1-4pm on Sunday, December 26 and Monday, December 27, where kids mix and match the Museum’s massive collection of colorful blocks. Young ones who like to rock out will enjoy the Toe Jam Puppet Band’s interactive songs, silly stories and playful puppets on Tuesday December 28 as well as Rhythm Room which brings percussion, horns, drums, guitars, piano and the keyboard together to create rich melodies on Wednesday, December 29. For a complete listing, visit www.childrenmuseum.org/calendar.asp.

Holiday Train Rides

Take an excursion by rail along scenic Narragansett Bay in a decorated, enclosed and heated antique railroad coach December 26-31 at 11:45am and 1:45pm. The adventure starts at Newport’s Old Colony Railway Depot on America’s Cup Avenue and is easy on the purse strings with adults $7.50, seniors $6, and children $5. First class $11. Call 624-6951 for more information.

Skate Newport

A well-insulated coat, warm winter mittens, a hat and hot cocoa is the secret loving the Sovereign Bank Skating Center. The Amica Coat Drive takes place there now through January 11, inviting skaters to donate your new or gently-used coats and receive 2-for-1 skating. Regular discounts make for an affordable day and night, like Free Skate Night on Mondays and Wednesdays, 2 for 1 on Tuesdays for Stop & Shop card holders, Amica Family Fun Night on Thursdays and Adult Nights on Fridays. Visit www.skatenewport.com for conditions, rates and events.

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Think you need warmer temperatures to enjoy Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence? Think again. Exhibits are open and the animals are roaming. Even better, the Zoo rings in “zoo-thousand and eleven” with half priced admission beginning on New Year’s Day and running through February 28. Visitors can enjoy a winter visit with the animals for just $6 for adults, $4 for seniors (62+) and $4 for children (ages 3 – 12). Zoo members and children under three are always free.

Coggeshall Farm Museum

Little ones will love the chance to start the morning with Breakfast in the Barnyard at Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol on Wednesday, December 29. By 9am they’ll be busy helping with the morning chores while learning about farm animals in 18th century Rhode Island. Young ones will feed the swine, brush the cows, and turn out the chickens while finding out what makes Coggeshall Farm's animals so special. After the chores, kids return to the farmhouse for a breakfast of 1790's Jonnycakes. Stay throughout the day for additional hands-on 18th century farm work. The event takes place 9-10:30am. $8 for adults; $5 for Children (6-12). For more info call 253-9062 or visit www.coggeshallfarm.org

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