Fun things to do with the kids during Vacation Week

Between all the holiday shopping, end of term projects,  ornament swaps, cookie exchanges, your job and giving back to the community, it’s no wonder you haven’t had time to nail down vacation week adventure plans for your brood. Because that’s what good parents do, right?

There’s good news: There’s plenty to be had over the busy holiday week. If you’re looking for educational, adventurous, or even simply a way to keep them busy, there are still ways to make vacation week fabulous.

Consider these itineraries for an easy yet interesting family adventure.

Sparkling city fun

Bundle up, head in to Boston and start your adventure at the Seaport with Snowport (https://www.bostonseaport.xyz/), a fun pop-up village of cool holiday themed shopping and food. It’s all served out of quaint sheds in a lovely setting, and the perfect way to spend whatever crisp bills were tucked into holiday cards.

From there, meander down Summer Street to Congress Street, Sudbury Street to North Washington, a lovely walk that takes you past the USS Constitution and along the waterfront (there are even historic marker signs).

Time that walk as the dusk settles (easy this time of year – so early) and walk through Boston’s Trellis of Lights at Christopher Columbus Park (110 Atlantic Ave.), a stunning experience where you walk under a 260 foot canopy of more than 50,000 blue lights.

Let that lead you to the North End where you can enjoy dinner at any number of outstanding restaurants and then have a family dessert vote off: Mike’s or Modern? Hop the train back and your adventure is complete.

Posh by the sea

Bet you’ve never brought the kids to Newport, R.I. Winter means less crowding, more hotel rooms and a chance to take in lovely sites in a winter setting.

Start by choosing a day trip (which works well) or overnight.  For overnight, the Newport Marriott sits smack in the center of things, meaning even with little legs along, you can probably park the car and pretty much forget it. But should you need to use your car, it makes access to it easy.

It also offers an indoor pool as an energy release option, and a full spa so parents can get their own little escape.

Bundle up and walk the Cliff Walk, an easy amble for any ages. You’ll see holiday decor and take in that azure winter ocean view. Downtown, shops are quieter (and full of post holiday sales).

Dine with the kids at The Midtown Oyster Bar (https://www.midtownoyster.com/) for a classic New England experience in a place that welcomes families.

And of course, tour a mansion. During vacation week you can do it from a kids point of view at the Colony House Kids Tour. (https://www.discovernewport.org/event/colony-house-kids-tour/80268/)

Fresh Air Fun

There are so many options for outdoor adventures that will thrill the kids. Ski Ward (https://skiward.com/) in Shrewsbury has great tubing. Ride out, soar down the tubing trails and then savor hot chocolate and snacks in the base lodge. It’s Hallmark movie worthy. If it’s a long ride home, pack the flannel PJs, have the kids change into those and let them doze off dreaming of the fun they had.

Or take the Ski Train to Wachusett Mountain in Westminster – two cool adventures in one – and get the kids into ski or ride lessons. The train ride itself is neat (chances are none of their friends have ever ridden a ski train), and while super busy holiday week, Wachusett (https://www.wachusett.com/)  never disappoints.