Want to Keep the Kids Busy During Winter Break?

PLAINFIELD

Winter-funderland

WHAT: The sponsors these winter outdoor activities for families, including snowball fights, snow shovel relay race and snowman building. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served around a campfire.
WHERE:
WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 28 (deadline to register is Dec. 19)
COST: $3 residents; $4.50 non-residents
MORE INFO: Call 815-436-8935

Kids 'Time Out'

WHAT: Morning, afternoon and all-day programs for children ages 5 to 12 during winter break. Activities include crafts and games. Those who stay all day must bring their own lunch.    
WHERE:
WHEN: 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 27 to Jan 5.
COST: Half day: $21 for residents, $31.50 for non-residents; full day: $42 for residents, $62.50 for non-residents; full day for all six days: $168 for residents, $252 for non-residents
MORE INFO: Call 815-436-8935

Intro to Digital Movie-Making Animation

WHAT: Movie-making class for children ages 5 to 8, who will write scripts, create scenes and film movies featuring SpongeBob or Batman. There will be a screening for families at the end of the second day and participants will be given a CD copy of their movies.    
WHERE:
WHEN: 10:15 a.m. to noon Dec. 27 and 28
COST: $37.50 for residents, $68 for non-residents
MORE INFO: Call 815-436-8935

Rock Camps

WHAT: This camp will immerse beginners in music and performance, and also challenge the advanced student. Campers will end the week performing for family and friends at Black Finn's in downtown Naperville.   
WHERE: School of Rock
WHEN: The program runs Tuesday, Dec. 27 to Saturday, December 31, with beginner classes from 9 a.m. to noon and advanced classes from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
COST: $225
MORE INFO: Call 630-922-5400

Zoofari Camp

WHAT: This winter break camp for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 offers themed days with age-appropriate crafts, activities, circle time, songs, games, 30 minutes of pool time every day, outdoor time if weather permits, and mini classes such as Zumba, cooking, sports and pottery. Campers should bring a non-peanut sack lunch, snacks, water bottle, swimsuit and towel every day.
WHERE: Fry Family YMCA on 95th Street
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 23, Dec. 26 to 30 and Jan. 2 to 6  
COST: $36 for members and $66 for nonmember per day, or sign up for five days for $170 for members and $200 for nonmembers; there is a 10 percent discount for siblings
MORE INFO: Call 630-579-5709

Day Camp

WHAT: Children will participate in a variety of activities including games, arts and crafts, sports, and two field trips a week. Campers should bring a sack lunch, beverage and snack every day.
WHERE:      
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 19 to 22 and Dec. 27 to 29
COST: $149 for residents, $223 for nonresidents
MORE INFO: Call 630-353-3300

Football and Basketball Camp

WHAT: Instructors from Sports R Us will be training children ages 5 to 8.
WHERE: Darien Park District Community Center
WHEN: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 19 to 22
COST: $43 for residents, $48 for nonresidents
MORE INFO: Call 630-968-6400

Soccer, Whiffleball and Kickball Camp  

WHAT: Instructors from Sports R Us will be training children ages 5 to 8.
WHERE: Darien Park District Community Center
WHEN: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 26 to 29
COST: $43 for residents, $48 for nonresidents
MORE INFO: Call 630-968-6400

Volleyball Camp  

WHAT: Camp starts with basic skills and becomes more advanced as the camp continues. Instructors from Sports R Us will focus on teamwork, participation and good sportsmanship.
WHERE: Darien Park District Community Center
WHEN: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 19 to 22 and Dec. 26 to 29
COST: $43 for residents, $48 for nonresidents
MORE INFO: Call 630-968-6400

Camp Alotta Fun

WHAT: This Bolingbrook Park District camp is open to kids ages 6 to 14, who will participate in many fun indoor activities including arts and crafts, games, sports, music, and swimming.
WHERE:
WHEN: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, starting Dec. 21 and ending Jan. 3
COST: $25 per day for residents with ID, $37 per day for nonresidents
MORE INFO: For an extra $5 for residents and $8 for nonresidents, children can stay an additional two hours through 6 p.m. each day to help working parents. For more details, call 630-739-1700 or view a PDF on the Park District's website.

Nature Camp

WHAT: This Bolingbrook Park District camp is open to kids ages 6 to 12, who will search for winter wildlife at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center's woodlands, hike, sled, snowshoe, and participate in games and other activities inside the center.
WHERE:
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, Dec. 21 to 30
COST: $25 per day   
MORE INFO: Call 630-739-2600 or view a PDF on the Park District's website

Movies at the Library

WHAT: Watch holiday movies in the library's Vortex room, designed for students grades 6 to 12.   
WHERE:
WHEN: Dec. 21 and 22, and Dec. 27 to 29   
COST: Free   
MORE INFO: Call 630-685-4199

Arctic Adventure Camp

WHAT: The Recreation Department's Arctic Adventure Camp allows students ages 5 to 14 to take fun field trips, meet new friends, and play games. Fee includes field trips. Lunch and snacks are not provided.
WHERE:
WHEN: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, Dec. 21 to 30   
COST: $120 for residents, $180 for nonresidents
MORE INFO: Call 815-886-6222

Winter Reading Program

WHAT: Falling within the White Oak Library District, Romeoville children age 12 and younger are invited to participate in the Children's Department's Winter Reading program for a chance to win prizes and an invitation to the finale event. Register at the Children's Services Desk.
WHERE: Crest Hill branch, 1298 Theodore St., Crest Hill       
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21       
COST: Free
MORE INFO: Call 815-725-0234 or email efitzgerald@whiteoaklibrary.org

Tween Scene Book Club

WHAT: Falling within the White Oak Library District, Romeoville pre-teens ages 9 to 12 are invited to participate in the Tween Scene Book Club. The club reads a book every month and meets each week for a different fun activity, like gaming, writing, crafts and discussion. Registration is required.
WHERE: Community Room at the Lockport branch, 121 E. Eighth St., Lockport
WHEN: 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21
COST: Free
MORE INFO: Call 815-838-0755

Countdown to Noon Year

WHAT: Falling within the White Oak Library District, Romeoville residents of all ages are invited to come count down to the "Noon Year" by creating their own party popper, playing games and enjoying a countdown on a digital clock without having to stay up late. Register with the Children Services Department.
WHERE: Crest Hill branch, 1298 Theodore St., Crest Hill, and Lockport branch, 121 E. Eight St., Lockport
WHEN: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31   
COST: Free   
MORE INFO: Call Crest Hill at 815-725-5984 or Lockport at 815-838-0755

Kids Connection Winter Camp

WHAT: hosts this winter break camp with daily activities including trips to the movies, Sky High Trampoline in Naperville, Funway in Batavia, Lewis University to see “The Santa Claus Caper” and Water Works in Schaumburg.
WHERE: , The Wheatlands School, and
WHEN: Dec. 19 to 23, Dec. 27 to 30 and Jan. 2
COST: Varies by days of attendance
MORE INFO: Call 630-554-1010

Saturday Storytime

WHAT: The library hosts a weekly storytime for kids ages 2 to 6, featuring picture books, stories and rhymes.
WHERE: in Montgomery
WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturdays
COST: Free
MORE INFO: Call 630-554-9922

Related Topics: Activities, Park District, Winter Break, music camps, and sports camps Did we miss something? How do you plan to keep your kids occupied while they're off school for winter break?