{"id":70491,"date":"2025-12-25T19:17:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-25T19:17:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/70491\/"},"modified":"2025-12-25T19:17:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T19:17:13","slug":"how-to-keep-your-family-active-and-beat-boredom-during-winter-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/70491\/","title":{"rendered":"How to keep your family active and beat boredom during winter break"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>            MORE EVENTS<br \/>For a comprehensive list of events and attractions throughout Northeast Pennsylvania, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/discovernepa.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DiscoverNEPA<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>With presents unwrapped and with most schools closed for winter break through next week, it\u2019s now time to keep the family active until the normal routine of work and school.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re on a budget or wanting to spend the gifted holiday money, there are a variety of events happening in the area for everyone to enjoy.<\/p>\n<p>Free activities\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Public libraries\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Having a library card can go a long way, especially for those looking for free activities to do.<\/p>\n<p>Families can enjoy events free of cost, while also being able to start their potential new year resolutions of reading more early.<\/p>\n<p>To look for the library closest to your backyard, look <a href=\"https:\/\/publiclibraries.com\/state\/pennsylvania\/\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">here<\/a> for the list of public libraries in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n<p>Holiday lights\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"The lights at Scranton's Nay Aug Park include a replica of the Electric City sign.\"  width=\"880\" height=\"603\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766690230_354_\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sarah Hofius Hall<\/p>\n<p>\/<\/p>\n<p>WVIA News <\/p>\n<p>The lights at Scranton&#8217;s Nay Aug Park include a replica of the Electric City sign.<\/p>\n<p>The holidays may be over, but plenty of different displays still run until the new year.<\/p>\n<p>Take the family to see different sparkling displays for free, while also creating lasting memories and new traditions for next year.<\/p>\n<p>For a list of different displays, click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wvia.org\/news\/local\/2025-12-04\/eventful-holiday-light-displays-brighten-northeast-and-central-pennsylvania-this-season\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Steamtown National Historic Site\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Want to know more about the history of the place you live?<\/p>\n<p>Visiting the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/stea\/index.htm\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Steamtown National Historic Site <\/a>allows you to do just that, for free.<\/p>\n<p>Learn about the history of railroads, see exciting exhibits and even take a ride on the train, seeing the Electric City like never before.<\/p>\n<p>Visit an ice rink\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Learn a new skill this holiday break with free ice rinks around the valley.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WilkesBarreCity\/posts\/ice-skating-rink-on-public-squarethe-ice-skating-rink-on-public-square-will-be-o\/1290873093071937\/\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Wilkes-Barre Public Square <\/a>offers free skating from dawn to dusk daily, and visitors can borrow skates for free on the weekends.<\/p>\n<p>Hillside Park in South Abington Twp., Lackawanna County, also offers free skating opportunities, updating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/aajrbHillSidePark\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Facebook <\/a>daily to let visitors know what to expect on the ice each day.<\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Lake Eston Wilson at Hillside Park in Clarks Summit draws people from all over the region to ice skate.\"  width=\"880\" height=\"660\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766690231_474_\"\/><\/p>\n<p>    Lake Eston Wilson at Hillside Park in South Abington Twp. draws people from all over the region to ice skate.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/grovedale.winery\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Grovedale Winery<\/a> in Bradford County has an ice rink for the community to enjoy. Check the winery\u2019s social media for daily updates on the rink.<\/p>\n<p>Visit a farmer\u2019s market\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Plenty of farmer\u2019s markets are happening year round, offering opportunities to buy local produce, shop from small businesses and to walk around free of charge to enjoy the community around you.<\/p>\n<p>For a list of current farmer\u2019s markets that are open, <a href=\"https:\/\/discovernepa.com\/events\/calendar\/?categories%5B%5D=61\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">visit here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Yuengling Brewery Tour\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Explore America\u2019s oldest brewery, located in Schuylkill County. All ages are allowed to attend, but those who wish to sample beverages must present their ID.<\/p>\n<p>Tours are free for all ages, and last for one hour.<\/p>\n<p>To look at different times, learn more information about the tour and plan your visit, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yuengling.com\/faq\/#tab_pottsville\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Yuengling website.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Paid activities\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Winter character train ride\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Travel to Jim Thorpe for an unforgettable train ride with scenic views, interactive surprises and visits from popular winter characters. Rides for the winter character train ride run from Dec. 26-29.<\/p>\n<p>For more information and to reserve tickets, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lgsry.com\/holiday-trains\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Nothing Much Pop-Up<\/p>\n<p>Visit the Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre Twp. for a unique pop-up store experience.<\/p>\n<p>Here for a limited time, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nothingmuchpopup\/\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nothing Much <\/a>is home of a slime and fragrance bar, charm making jewelry and more. It\u2019s open until Dec. 28.<\/p>\n<p>Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton Penguins games\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Sport lover or not, the Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton Penguins games are a fun activity for the whole family.<\/p>\n<p>Watch the game, fill up on snacks or walk around Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, For a full list of games and tickets, visit the WBS Penguins <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wbspenguins.com\/tickets\/\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Electric City Aquarium\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Fish, reptiles and more fill the<a href=\"https:\/\/electriccityaquarium.com\/\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> Electric City Aquarium<\/a> at the Marketplace at Steamtown.<\/p>\n<p>Witness animals how you\u2019ve never seen them before up close and personal while also keeping the family entertained.<\/p>\n<p>F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts<\/p>\n<p>Home of music, comedy shows and plays, the <a href=\"https:\/\/kirbycenter.org\/shows\/\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kirby Center<\/a> in Wilkes-Barre is an amazing spot to keep the family entertained for the night.<\/p>\n<p>For a full list of shows, visit the venue\u2019s website.<\/p>\n<p>Bloomsburg Children&#8217;s Museum\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Interactive learning experiences are perfect for kids who are on holiday break.<\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Noah Froehbrodt, 10, of North Carolina, plays checkers with his aunt, Sarah Froehbrodt, of Reading, at the Bloomsburg Children's Museum.\"  width=\"880\" height=\"587\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766690233_355_\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sarah Hofius Hall<\/p>\n<p>\/<\/p>\n<p> WVIA News<\/p>\n<p>Noah Froehbrodt, 10, of North Carolina, plays checkers with his aunt, Sarah Froehbrodt, of Reading, at the Bloomsburg Children&#8217;s Museum.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/the-childrens-museum.org\/\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Bloomsburg Children\u2019s Museum<\/a> offers different activities on both the upper and lower levels. Admission is $7 and free for those under 12 months.<\/p>\n<p>Long Live Playtime\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Long Live Playtime in Edwardsville is an indoor play area for children to learn and play with different toys. It also has a cafe inside for parents waiting for their kids to finish.<\/p>\n<p>To look into day passes and memberships, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.longliveplaytime.com\/passes\" class=\"Link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>                                    <script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"MORE EVENTSFor a comprehensive list of events and attractions throughout Northeast Pennsylvania, visit DiscoverNEPA. With presents unwrapped and&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":70492,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[178,180,179],"class_list":{"0":"post-70491","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-scranton","8":"tag-scranton","9":"tag-scranton-headlines","10":"tag-scranton-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70491","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70491"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70491\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70491"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70491"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70491"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}