A Week's Worth of Vacation Activities

You knew it was coming. And like it or not, the schools doors are locked, the buses are empty and the teachers are nestled at home in their beds. And you? Well that's a different story because (gulp) the kids are on vacation.

Between last week's blizzard and the frigid temperatures that just won't quit, we don't blame you if you haven't had a free moment to batten down the hatches and prepare (mentally and physically) for midwinter break. So what's a busy mom (or dad) to do? Never fear. Even if you don't have Mary Poppins on speed dial, there are plenty of local options to stave off cabin fever and get keep those winter recess blues in check.

With that in mind we've surveyed the array of local family-friendly options and mapped out a week's worth of activities to keep your brood beyond busy. Sure you could just sit in the house all day waiting for the ground to thaw, bu tas they say, time flies when you - or better yet, your kids - are having fun. 

They've been totally tuned into the Olympics. But, triple axels in the living room?Instead, bundle the kids and trip it to the Newbridge Arena Ice Rink where they can freely practice their routines without threatening your furniture. Don't have the blades? Fear not, this old-fashioned rink will rent you a fresh pair for a few bucks. And to make things even cooler, they've extended their open skate hours during the winter recess, which means you can actually sit back, relax and watch them tire themselves out. After they've taken a few spins and hopefully not too many spills, head to A Taste of Home Bakery for everyone's favorite winter warmer: hot chocolate!

Tired of the kids expressing their creativity all over  your walls? Rather than risk having to re-decorate, head to Paint Me a Picture, a total paradise for any Picasso in the making. What's more, this week the kid-centric art studio will he holding a weeks worth of drop-and-go workshops (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 5 p.m.) complete with pizza or snack and, oh yes, plenty of paint. The best part, while your kids doodle and draw, you can take some red markers to that never ending to do list. And if that's not enough to cure your tot's Crayola cravings, pop over to Creative Corner. This week at the ceramic studio, they too have moms (and dads) in mind with a series of themed paint your own pottery events. Three hours of freedom, glorious freedom...can you picture it?

They've been acting up all week. So why fight it? Instead arrange a play day (literally at Bellmore's own Movie Theater). Sure, it's not quite a trip to Disney. But this week the local theater brings to a little of the magic to Bellmore with Blue's Clues Live every day at 11 a.m. and Cinderella on Saturday, Feb. 20. Just think while the kiddos watch their favorite four-legged pal and princess, you and a few of your grown-up gal pals can meet up and swap stories (and maybe even kids). 

By week's end your kids will probably be bouncing off the walls. But unfortunately the frigid temperatures makes it nearly impossible for them to bring their games outside. The solution: SportsPlex. Like a miracle cure for cabin fever, the 16,000-sq. ft. facility is packed with every athletic activity you can think of - batting cages, a pro-spec pitching mound and courts galore. There's also video games, air hockey, pool tables and ping pong. Basically, boredom doesn't exist here. So get going because we're pretty sure it's all better than just chilling.