Winter Break Fun

10 things to do in our area when schools are closed this month

BY KATELIN WALLING

This issue is chock-full of fun things to do for the holidays, and we couldn’t be more excited about it! But once that last present is unwrapped, you’ve probably had your fill of all things holiday. And who can blame you? After all, Christmas decorations hit the stores before the kids are done trick-or-treating! So, to balance everything out, here’s our top list of family activities to keep your kids—and you!—entertained while school is closed for winter break (that’s Dec. 24-31 this year).

TREAT THE KIDS TO A SHOW!

What’s more quintessential NYC than heading to Broadway?! There are so many shows running that are great for families, including The Lion King, Wicked, Dear Evan Hanson, and Aladdin. What’s more? You can enter to win 4 tickets to a few shows in our Winner Wonderland giveaway, including Mrs. Doubtfire, Come From Away, and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Turn to p. 12 for details!

TAKE A SPIN ON THE ICE.

Nothing says winter fun like gliding freely on the ice! Excuse us while we live out our Winter Olympic dreams (in our heads, at least…). Staten Island Skating Pavilion (3080 Arthur Kill Road) offers public sessions and lessons on its indoor rink, while WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink in Clove Lakes Park offers outdoor public sessions.

SEE THE VIEW OF NYC FROM ABOVE.

We live in greatest city in the world, and NYC’s observation decks will remind you of that wonder 2 when you feast your eyes on some amazing views. Old favorites are the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, but have you been to the Edge yet? Or NYC’s newest observation deck at Summit? It’s an experience you won’t believe until you see it.

GET LOST IN A MUSEUM.

Our area has such an abundance of museums that you’re 100-percent guaranteed to find one your family loves. Whether it’s the Staten Island Children’s Museum, Snug Harbor, or one in Manhattan, time spent at a museum is not wasted. Want something exciting to entice your kids with? American Museum of Natural History (one of our absolute favorites!) has a new exhibit opening Dec. 15: Sharks. It will feature dozens of life-size shark models ranging from the enormous megalodon to the adorably tiny pocket shark that fits in the palm of your hand!

SPEND AN AFTERNOON SLEDDING.

If there’s enough snow on the ground, of course! Bundle up, grab your sled, and head over to Clove Lakes Park for an afternoon of downhill fun! Want a little more thrill? Head to a nearby snow tubing park, like Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah, NJ, or Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon, NJ.

BOWL A STRIKE!

Or spare, or just try to knock some pins down…whatever your score ends up being, your family is sure to have a blast! Rab’s Country Lanes, located at 1600 Hylan Blvd., is open Sunday-Thursday, 9am-12am and Friday-Saturday, 9am-2am. In addition to regular bowling throughout the day, it hosts Cosmic Bowling most Friday and Saturday evenings, birthday parties, bowling leagues, and more.

EXPLORE THE OCEAN.

Sure, it’s winter. But that doesn’t mean you can’t explore sea life (you’ll just have to do it indoors). Head to Coney Island’s New York Aquarium, where you can check out weird and wonderful invertebrates in the Spineless exhibit. Or plan a day trip to American Dream, where you can visit New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium, an NYC-themed experience.

HAVE A MOVIE MARATHON.

Sometimes you just want to stay in your pajamas and lounge on the couch all day, especially when it’s freezing outside. And there’s nothing wrong with that! After all, Winter Break is the perfect time to slow down, spend uninterrupted time with your kids, and just relax. Let each member of the family pick out a movie or decide on a theme. The options are endless!

HELP YOUR KIDS FLEX THEIR DIY SKILLS.

Whether you pick up a craft kit at the store or find a cute and easy DIY on Pinterest, spending some time crafting is a joy! Bonus: Your kids will be so proud of what they made from scratch; it’ll make your heart smile.

CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Seriously! We strive to have the most robust roundup of things happening in Staten Island that are great for kids and the family. Whether you’re looking for a fun event at a library, a show, or something going on at one of our borough’s museums, you’ll find it at siparent.com/events.