You have a plan for next week? Ugh, me neither.
- With the chaos of the impending holidays, planning Christmas Vacation activities always seem to slip to a close second on my priority list (Jokes, just kidding. It’s not even on my list.)
I personally don’t like to over plan vacation time because it sets my kids up with a false expectation that they are entitled to absolutely all my money and free time without relying on their own imagination and resources. Who am I kidding. I’m toast. Check out these fun things happening next week during vacation and I’ll see you there.
1. Children’s Museums
You may have visited some of these museums, but have you ventured to the rest? They all have exciting exhibits to offer that appeal to all ages. Let your kids explore, create, build, learn and most importantly have fun!
- New Hampshire
- Children’s Museum of New Hampshire – Dover, NH
- Seacoast Science Center – Rye, NH
- SEE Science Center – Manchester, NH
- Maine
- Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine – Portland, ME
- Massachusetts
- Boston Children’s Museum – Boston, MA
- Discovery Museum – Acton, MA
2. Zoolights
When have you ever been able to visit the zoo at night? The Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA hosts Zoolights, where you can stroll along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. New this year, guests can visit black bears Smoky and Bubba, walk through the beautifully lit Yukon Creek and see bald eagles, Canada lynx, arctic foxes and more. Meet and take photos with live reindeer, take a spin on the carousel (and the Safari Jeep, Jungle Fun and Turbo Tub). Tickets are $8-10 for adults, $7-10 for kids (kids under 2 are free). Zoolights run nightly through Dec. 31 (closed on Christmas) from 5-9 p.m. Visit zoonewengland.org for more info or to purchase tickets.
3. Discounted Boston Theater
Want to take in a Boston show without breaking the bank? Take advantage of the annual “Mayor’s Holiday”, a two-month celebration of Greater Boston’s performing arts featuring thousands of discount tickets to over 500 holiday performances and festivities. Get tickets for up to 60% off for shows like the Holiday Pops, Frozen Sing-a-Long, Home Alone in Concert, Disney on Ice and more. Visit calendar.artsboston.org for a list of shows, available dates and tickets.
4. Road Trip (but not that far)
When I was a kid, there was literally nothing more fun than staying overnight in a hotel. As long as it had a pool and cable television, it could have been five minutes away from my house. So. Much. Fun. If you’re able to pull off a night away from home this week, find an inexpensive hotel with a nice indoor pool and go for it. Order pizza delivery, eat in bed and stay up late watching movies. Seriously, your kids will remember this trip forever.
5. Ice Skating
How about a little exercise? Bundle up and head to an outdoor skating rink or visit one indoors!
- Dover Ice Arena
- The Rinks at Exeter
- Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond
- Churchill Rink
- Doors Pond
Happy vacation!