Eight Things to do with Your Family During the Holiday Break

The holidays are such a wonderful time of year, with family gathered from near and perhaps far, and kids home from school for winter break. We’ve got some great ideas to keep a house full of family, friends and children of all ages engaged during winter break!

The North State offers many opportunities to keep those little gray cells sharp while having tons of fun during holiday vacation. Enjoy the season!

1. Have a blast exploring linkages, cams, gears, pulleys and circuits, activating light and sound with electrical circuits, cranking gears to make toys spin and more at the “Toys: The Inside Story” exhibit at Gateway Science Museum. Thu-Sat, 11am-4pm, closed Dec. 22-Jan. 2.

2. Avid stargazers and curious beginners alike can explore the wonders of the night sky at Chico Observatory. Open most clear nights, this local treasure invites the public to gaze at the planets, stars and distant galaxies through high-powered telescopes free of charge. Check their Facebook page for announcements of clear night openings and cloudy night closings or call (530) 895-471.

3. Inclement weather harshing your groove? Terrain Park Climbing Center in Chico is a wonderful place for parents to sit at picnic tables, enjoy snacks and visit while their children play, rain or shine. One parent ticket included with child ticket if parent wants to go into the structure with their child. Tickets: hourly $15, 90 minutes $20, all day $25. Grip socks available to buy or bring your own. You can fill out waivers ahead of time online. terrainparkclimbingcenter.com. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm. Sat and Sun,10am-5pm. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

4. Do your cooped up family members have energy to burn? Rock climbing builds confidence, focus, problem-solving skills, coordination, strength, teamwork and resilience. Shasta Rock Club has rock climbing for all ages, with a Family Discount Night Dec. 27 at 5pm, free for members, $10 per family member. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Sign up for climbing classes for kids and teens and keep the fun going all year long. Spring classes start Jan. 8. shastarockclub.com/nsp.

Feeling jumpy and bouncy? Head to Rare Air Trampoline Park in Chico or Redding for some springy fun. Open Mon-Fri 2-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

5. Hit the road for science! Science Works on Main Street in Ashland, Oregon is worth the drive, especially if you make a day of it with a skate date at Ashland Ice Rink and grab a nosh at one of the many excellent eateries in downtown Ashland. A walk thru beautiful Lithia Park is also a perfect way to get the wiggles out. Science Works is closed on Christmas Day, but has a great Noon Year’s Eve event Dec. 29, 11am-2pm. scienceworksmuseum.org.

6. Read all the children’s books on your shelves 20+ times? Freshen up your reading selection by checking out some new-to-you books from your local library. Some libraries have more than books and videos to check out. Ask at your library if activity kits are available. Redding Library offers a recording studio and other creative activities for older kids. Are libraries closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

7. Do your kids love animals but your personal menagerie is limited to one, two or no pets? Take the kiddiwinkies to visit all the animals, fish and amphibians at Aquarium & Pets, 345 South Main Street in Red Bluff. Don’t forget to pick up a dog toy for your favorite canine. Open 9am-6pm. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.

8. Gem hounds and mystery sleuths unite! Go on a treasure hunt at Gaumer’s Mineral and Mining Museum in Red Bluff. Follow their treasure map to spy the sparkly gems and rocks and find out fun facts for hours of riotous rock hounding reconnaissance. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. Closed Dec. 25 and 28 and Jan. 1-3.