Winter Break Fun for the Kids

Kids programs are happening almost daily over at the Delaware Children’s Museum, where there’s endless options for hands-on fun for smaller children (grab lunch or dinner at one of the many Riverfront Wilmington restaurants nearby). Older children might appreciate the cool vintage airplanes at the Air Mobility Command Museum, where visitors 10 or older can “fly” the museum’s aircraft on a flight simulator, with the help of a museum instructor.

If you hurry, you can catch the Delaware Children’s Theatre production of “Disney’s Frozen Jr.,” which runs through Dec. 19 at the Wilmington theater, or head down to the Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach, which is staging “Scrooge” through Dec. 19. Over at the Penn Cinema Riverfront movie complex, they’re showing holiday favorite “Elf” on the big screen on Dec. 12, 13 and 15. And there are always plenty of just-released movies to choose from over at Milford Movies 9.

The youngsters get plenty of chances to burn excess energy at one of Delaware’s activity centers, which feature adventures ranging from rock climbing to trampolines. At Lefty's Alley & Eats in Lewes, they’ll find bowling, a game arcade, and laser tag (Mondays are Pasta Night!). Get them moving with laser tag, bowling & billiards and gravity ropes at the Main Event, near Christiana Mall, and close to an array of tempting restaurants. Climb to the top at the wall at the Delaware Rock Gym in Bear, which accommodates many ages and ability levels. In the Newark area, the Sky Zone Trampoline Park features “Wipe Out”-style games and a trapeze swing along with the bouncy stuff.

On sunny days, outdoor adventures also await. Delaware’s state parks are chock full of outside activities year-round: Gaze at the stars and look for owls at Abbott's Mill Nature Center’s “Owls, Stars, and S'mores” event (Dec. 11). Wander woodsy trails on a guided group hike at Lums Pond State Park (Dec. 19 and Jan. 9; details available here). Learn how to identify plants among the peaceful dunes at Cape Henlopen State Park’s Botany Wonders event (Dec. 29; make reservations here). And over at the Centre Ice Arena on the State Fairgrounds in Harrington, the kids can face off for some ice hockey, or crash the day away on the ice bumper cars.

Busy hands help ensure happy children, and there’s plenty to keep them engaged at Your Creation Station in Middletown, where kids of all ages can paint their own pottery, try their hand at canvas painting, tie-dye, fused glass and other crafty projects. You can even throw a kids’ birthday party there. Over at the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, there’s a special interactive space for families called the Kid’s Corner (even better, children 6 and under get in free).

December and January include some cool special events: Order make-at-home craft kit from Out of the Box DIY Experience and create some one-of-a-kind artwork together. Paint your own Colonial-era toy soldier at First State Heritage Park’s Winter Workshop (Dec. 11; get tickets here). Celebrate National Gingerbread House Day by creating your own back-yard birdhouse at Ashland Nature Center (Dec. 12; reservations available here). Make some fun edible squirrel treats and learn a little about what makes squirrels so cool at Brandywine Creek State Park’s Squirrel Appreciation Day (Jan. 21, reservations available here).