You’ve spent hours choosing just the right gifts for your kids, wrapped them with care, and given Santa all the credit, but somehow every year, the children are bored with their new toys and are begging for something to do by the third day of holiday break. Sure, you could suggest they clean their rooms or help take the tree down, but once those chores are finished, why not get them out of the house? There are kid-friendly activities aplenty, right here in the Blue Water area, and here are just a few of our favorites.
For Wee Busy-Bodies
Jump n Jam at 3160 Gratiot in Marysville
Cheryl Pilarowski, a mother of young children herself, knew how to keep kids active and entertained, and her legacy is Jump n Jam, the play center she created in Marysville. Featuring extended hours during the holidays, Jump n Jam is ideal for kids with excess energy to burn. Follow Jump n Jam on Facebook.
For Mermaids and Swamp Things
YMCA of the Blue Water Area at the corner of Third and Griswold in downtown Port Huron
The YMCA of the Blue Water Area offers fun for the whole family all year round, but over the holiday break, they make a special effort to be even more exciting for kids of all ages, interests, and ability levels. Two activities that are sure to be kid-pleasers: a family pool party and movie (Finding Nemo) on Dec. 29 and a family-focused New Year’s Eve Party featuring a cool countdown balloon drop. Details and registration information at bluewaterymca.com
For the Outdoors-y Types
St. Clair County Trails
There’s no way around it: Christmas break is going to be cold, REALLY cold, and possibly snowy, too. That’s why most of the activities on this list are indoors…but some kids actually enjoy the chill. For those children, may we suggest a nature hike on one of the Blue Water area’s beautiful hiking and biking trails? There’s the Wadhams to Avoca Trail, featuring the fantastic view from the trestle, or the much smaller and often overlooked BP Trail along the Pine River in St. Clair.
For Bookworms of All Ages
St. Clair County Public Library Branches
Your local branch of the St. Clair Public Library system is offering something for everyone over this Christmas break. There’s Family Story Time for the littlest kids, Teen Holiday Drawing for teens and tweens, and even grown-up coloring to keep mom and dad entertained. To see what’s going on at your library, visit http://www.sccl.lib.mi.us and tap the December calendar in the right corner, use the filter on the left to show only the events at your location.
For History Buffs
The Mariner Theater at 430 S. Water Street in Marine City
There are nearly a dozen historical attractions scattered across the Blue Water area, but only one that offers an extensive Titanic exhibit. The Mariner Theater was carefully restored to house the Titanic - The Building of an Icon Exhibit, and while little kids might be bored, older kids, especially those who have an interest in history, will love it. The Mariner also presents seasonally-themed classic films, and this month’s movies are The Polar Express (2004) and Christmas in Connecticut (1945). For more information about the Titanic exhibit or for movie showtimes, visit marinertheater.net.
For Popcorn-Loving Couch Potatoes
Sperry’s Moviehouse 12 at 301 Huron Avenue in Port Huron
Riverside Cinemas at 6746 River Road in Marine City
There’s no better time to get caught up on your favorite movie franchise than during Christmas break, and there are two locally-owned movie theaters in the area that are perfect for a midday matinee. Check out the new Star Wars movie at Sperry’s in downtown Port Huron, or The Star (an animated, faith-based Christmas-themed movie) at Riverside Cinemas in Marine City. Find showtimes at sperrysmoviehouse.com and riversidecinemas.com.
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