The holiday break can seem never-ending. Some ideas on how to get the kids (and you) through it.
If you're staying home, how about...
* A pajama day: Be totally lazy, says Melissa Stanton, a mom of three and author of the The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide. Don't even get dressed. Cook together, watch movies, play board games.
"I find that if we have a day when we don't leave the house, we don't spend money that day," she says.
* Playdates: Let your kids invite their friends over for the day or to sleep over, says Stanton.
"It is a hard day for mom, but at least we're in the house and everyone is occupied," she says. "Hopefully, another parent will reciprocate and take my one, two or three kids."
* An obstacle course: Build one inside or set up a scavenger hunt using furniture and household objects, says baseball star Evan Longoria, spokesman for The Sportys: Baseball DVD, which teaches children about baseball.
* A game day: Set up several board games, such as Monopoly, Risk and Battleship, and rotate every 10 minutes from game to game, says Jen Singer, creator of MommaSaid.net.
* Some exercise: Take family walks, jogs or races around the neighborhood every morning or afternoon, says Longoria. Leave the car at home and, if possible, walk to the mall or movie theater instead -- or ride bikes, he says.
* Play outside: Have the kids organize a soccer or football game outside. If there's snow, build a snowman and get creative, says Longoria. If there isn't, let your kids sell hot chocolate lfrom a stand -- with your supervision, said Singer.
For a family outing, how about...
* A museum: Many musuems continue their special holiday programming into the new year. For example, George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate in Virginia has decorations, a Mount Vernon gingerbread house, a Christmas camel and chocolate-making demonstrations until Jan. 6.
The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station is at http://bushlibrary .tamu.edu. Young space enthusiasts won't want to miss the Beyond the Moon: NASA's Continuing Mission exhibit.
For a schedule of events at The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley in downtown Bryan, go to www.mymuseum.org. The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History in Bryan is online at www.brazosvalley museum.org.
Find other museums at www.aam-us.org.
* The library: Besides books, movies and magazines, many libraries have special programs for children of all ages. For example, the Naperville Public Library in Illinois has workshops to teach teens money management on Dec. 29 and Jan. 2. And for younger children, the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne, Wyo. has a movie day on Dec. 30 and a special holiday story time on New Year's eve morning.
Go to www.bcslibrary.org for holiday hours at the libraries in Bryan and College Station.
* The zoo: There's still lots to do at the Bronx Zoo at its Wild Winterland event, which runs until Jan. 4. Activities include Clydesdale horse-drawn wagon rides, animal and holiday ice sculptures, costumed character, a stilt-walking "fairy godmother," storytelling, and of course, visits to the amazing wildlife.
Cameron Park Zoo in Waco has a new Brazos River Country exhibit. For hours, admission prices and directions, go to www.cameronparkzoo.com.
In Houston, the zoo in Hermann Park is offering a free day on New Year's Day. Go to www.houston zoo.org.
For information about planning a trip to the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary, go to www.austinzoo.org.
Find other zoos at www.aza.org.
* The movies: It's still one of the cheapest forms of out-of-home entertainment, says Harry Medved, spokesman for Fandango. Take the kids to a matinee to see Walt Disney's Bolt, The Tale of Despereaux or maybe Bedtime Stories.
* The aquarium: Many aquariums have special holiday programs. For example, Newport Aquarium in Kentucky, which is open Christmas and New Year's day, has a Santa's Water Wonderland program with sea horses, "Scuba Santa" dive shows, crafts and games.
Moody Gardens in Galveston is open and will have its Festival of Lights operating through the end of the month. To plan a trip, go to www.moodygardens.com.
Find other Texas aquariums at www.aza.org.
* Ice skating: Many ice skating rinks have extended hours during the winter holidays. Check online at www.arcticwolfice.com for special holiday hours at the Arctic Wolf rink in College Station.
To find other Texas skating rinks, go to www.rinktime.com.
* Bowling: It's a great thing to do during the holidays, especially in areas where outdoor weather pushes more people inside, says Mark Miller, spokesman for the United States Bowling Congress. "It also is a very reasonably priced, value-conscious activity that doesn't take up a large amount of time," he says.
At Western Bowl in Arvada, Colo., a family of four can bowl two games, rent shoes and eat for about $50, according to manager Victoria Behrer. Some bowling alleys are even open on Christmas and New Year's.
For hours and events at Grand Station Entertainment in College Station, go to www.grandstationent .com. Or check www.bowl.com to find other bowling centers.
To give back, try...
* Volunteering: Habitat for Humanity has opportunities for children as young as 5, according to Desiree Adaway, Senior Director, Volunteer Mobilization Habitat for Humanity International. While children younger than 15 are not allowed to build homes, they can help put together welcome baskets for new homeowners or help with the nonprofit's newsletter.
Some high school and college students participate in the Collegiate Challenge, spending a week building a house with a Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
Adaway recommends checking to see if your local affiliate is building during the winter break. Find it at www.habitat.org.
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