What are you doing with the kids for school vacation?  Many families will visit the Children's and Science Museum, stop by the Aquarium, and maybe check out their local libraries, and of course, burn some energy at the local indoor mall playground.  While all of these trips can be beneficial, they can also be filled with chaos and stress.  Instead of waiting in lines to see special exhibits and battling with public transportation, think outside of the box and check out some local events happening near you during vacation week!

Growing up, my school winter vacations were always spent at the Blue Hills (http://ski-bluehills.com/), learning to ski and making friends.  I was spoiled- my father has worked there since before I can remember.  Every year, they offer two ski camps for kids the first one in December, and the second in February.  The camp is open to kids aged 7-15 from beginners to advanced skiers welcome.  Included with the camp is a crazy hat day, a race day, and the end off the week is an awards ceremony for all of the participants.  I made some of the greatest friends, while being outside in the fresh air, getting exercise, AND working on my pole plants!   

 
(That's my Dad on the right- If you stop by make sure you say "Hi, Mike!")

Do your little ones love history and pretending?  Why not take a drive to the Plimouth Plantation (http://www.plimoth.org/) where they have daily events such as plays,  music programs, indoor and outdoor activities to keep the kiddies engaged!

Got a comedian on your hands?  Let them test their skills at ImprovBoston (http://www.improvboston.com/) next week!  Learning techniques that will help them not only on but also off the stage as well.  This sounds awesome... I wish I knew about this when I was growing up, not that I was funny, or wanted to be the star of a show- but it just seems out of the box awesome. 

I never took gymnastics growing up; it didn't really interest me- but I did love the trampoline; which is why Sky Zone Sports sounds so awesome (http://www.everett.skyzonesports.com/).  Instead of being told to practice form on the horse, kids are allowed to jump around all day!  This sounds like it would have been right up my alley!

I love the Zoo- when I lived in DC, the Zoo was a free and majestic place to visit- I was a Nanny and would pack up the three kids and bring them there twice a month.  During school vacation, the zoo would be packed with tourists and families all trying to see the animals.  Which is why the South Shore Natural Science Center (http://www.ssnsc.org/about/ssnsc/) seems like it's a great hidden adventure. 

Vacation weeks always tend to go by too quickly- don't let those five days go by without doing something interactive to create a lasting memory for your little one(s).  While taking five day trips might not be possible, try to schedule at least one, and then let your kiddo's creative juices flow- acting out what they learned, or drawing picture of their favorite part of the day. 

What have you got planned for next week?

Stacy
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