10 Ways to Enjoy Your Winter Break

Christmas break means no class, no homework and plenty of time to relax for the kids, but for mom and dad, this time of year is sheer madness. Luckily for them, Rye-area organizations have got their backs with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained and out of trouble. There are even some fun events the whole family can enjoy, from winter wildlife tours to free movie days, and more. 

Winter Creature Cruise

Bundle up and head to the Maritime Aquarium Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 at 12 p.m. for the Winter Creature Cruise. Sail around the Norwalk Harbor and Long Island Sound with the Aquarium's marine science educators to learn about life on the shores at this time of year, as well as what's lurking below the surface of the icy waters. 10 North Water St., Norwalk, CT, 203-838-5416

School Break Movie Series

Spend an afternoon at the Rye Free Reading Room, but not to cozy up with a book. Instead, family flicks will be playing as part of the School Break Movie Series. Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. the computer animated film "Monsters vs. Aliens" (G Rated) will be shown; Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. the animated movie "Up" (PG Rated) is playing as part of the Teen Movie Series, and on Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. "The Wizard of Oz" is playing. 1061 Boston Post Rd., Rye, 914-967-0480

Holiday Vacation Camp

Life doesn't stand still during winter, and the Rye Nature Center is determined to prove it. Dec. 28, 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Holiday Vacation Camp is open for children pre-K through elementary school where kids can explore hibernation, trees, birds in winter and hopefully snow. Kids should dress for the outdoors and bring a lunch. Camp costs $55 per day for members and $65 per day for non-members. 873 Boston Post Rd., Rye, 914-967-5150

Winter Owl Hike

Go on an evening hike and search for the owls at the Rye Nature Center Dec. 28 at 4:30 p.m. You will learn a bit of natural history before venturing out to call for the Great Horned Owl. After the hike, step inside to a warm fire and sip on some hot cider or cocoa while listening to tales of the winter solstice. Dress warmly and bring flashlights. Pre-registration is required. The hike is $8 for members and $10 for non-members. 873 Boston Post Rd., Rye, 914-967-5150

Ice Skating 

Take advantage of extended holiday vacation skating hours at some of the area's ice rinks. 

From Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 the Hommocks Park Ice Rink will be open to the public 11 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 1 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Saturday. Boston Post Rd. and Weaver St., Larchmont, 914-834-1069

The Playland Ice Casino's main rink and children's rink will both be open Dec. 21/22 and Dec. 28/29 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m in addition to the regular skating hours Wednesday through Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. And don't forget about Friday party nights and Saturday night grooves from 8:45 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Family Skating is open at Rye Country Day on Jan. 2 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your helmet and skates (no rentals available).

Visit the Firehouse

Take your kids on a tour of the firehouse Dec. 28 from noon to 2 p.m. where they'll get to see the inside of real fire engines and meet the brave firemen and women who serve the community every day. 

Tour the RyeTV Station

Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame on Dec. 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the RyeTV station. First you'll get a tour of the studios and learn about the cutting-edge art equipment used in broadcasts. And come camera ready, because anyone with an interesting short story, joke or trick may just end up on RyeTV. 

School Break Board Games

There's no better time than a cold winter day to break out the board games and there's no better spot than Rye Free Reading Room. So join the fun on Dec. 30 when kids ages 4 -6 can play Picture Bingo with Blue's Clues from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and kids ages 7 and up can play the brand new board game, Pictureka, and test their skills at finding hidden pictures from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Rye Recreation Open House 

Head over to the Damiano Recreation Center Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. for a day of family fun. The Hobby Quest Aviation Club will be doing a program demonstration at 1 p.m. and there will be a Big Top Science Show at 1:30 p.m. Indulge your sweet tooth in the Ice Cream Social at 2:15 p.m., then enjoy the Rock Island Sound Interactive Program Demonstration at 2:30 p.m. But stick around, because with family board games, Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Wii Bowling, and much more, there's more fun to be had. 

Winter Tree Identification Walk

Join Alison Beall, Curator of Marshlands Conservancy, Jan. 3 at 1:30 p.m. on a walk through the Bird Homestead grounds and Meeting House property to identify trees in winter by examining their buds and other clues. You can even bring winter twigs from your own yard. Afterwards, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with the group. Don't forget to wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring binoculars if you like.  Meet at the Bird Homestead, 600 Milton Road, 967-0383.