As the holidays draw closer, I can’t stop thinking about one thing. How in the world am I going to keep my kid busy during winter break??

I am a parent of a new kindergartener, so you’d think I remember from the past 4 years, but school has spoiled me and my child! She now spends nearly every day with her closest friends, playing, laughing (and yes, learning) while I’m able to go my own pace at home, doing chores, catching up on emails, (maybe a little guilty pleasure daytime TV….) but now we’ll have nearly 3 weeks of completely unscheduled time together.

Don’t get me wrong, there will be plenty of time where we just enjoy being at home, without rushing to the bus in the morning, eating too many christmas cookies, visiting with relatives and celebrating the holidays, but I’m still racking my brain to figure out how to keep her active and happy the rest of the time!

Thankfully many businesses in the area are ready for their winter camp & activity sign ups. There is a type of activity for everyone’s schedule too. There are traditional 9-4 camps to help out working parents, but there are also single day events, or just in the morning or afternoon versions for families who only need a smaller break.

Bricks 4 Kidz- Website

The ever-popular Bricks 4 Kidz has several programs set up for the holiday season. They will be having drop-in & play days December 28-30, with two sessions each day (9AM-12PM & 1 PM-4PM). The cost is $30 per child. They also have drop-in & play days set for Martin Luther King jr. Day & President’s Day. Registration is required.

YMCA – Website

The YMCA, one of the larger child-care services in the area, will be hosting a week-long winter camp along with several celebration events like Swimming with Santa! Prices range from $20-$92 depending on the program details. Spaces usually go quick, so register early!

Bounce Roanoke– Website

Is your child like mine and craves physical movement? (Hamster Wheels for kids, it’d be a goldmine!)  Bounce! Roanoke has their Jolly Jump schedules starting Dec 18. Admission is $7.50 per child, but no registration is required.

Roanoke Children’s Theatre– Website

Perhaps your kids are older and you need something that also engages their mind? RCT is holding a December holiday camp the 29-30, as well as a single day camp for MLKjr Day (January 18). Prices range from $45-$90 and advance registration is required. (RCT also has registration open for their SUMMER camps already, so don’t forget to check those out!)

Salem Art Center- Website

Have a budding artist in your home? They will love the art day camps at the Salem Art Center. Ranging from $40-$50 per child (with a discount for sibling campers). They can explore many different styles of art- from painting to wood working even food decorating! Camps are held on December 23, 29 & 30.

Do you know how you’re going to keep your little ones busy during the holiday break? Let us know in the comments below or tag us on Facebook!