Best (And Least Expensive) Places To Spend Time With Your Kids Over Winter Break

The kiddos will soon be home for a whole week! If you happen to be stay-cationing here in Boston take a look at the best (and least expensive) activities so you'll all keep your sanity. You'll be surprised at how much is right under your nose!

Mon. - Tue: 10 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Wed. - Fri: 10 a.m.–9:45 p.m.
Sat. – Sun: 10 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
DirectoryYouth 6 and under Free Youth 7-17 Free weekdays after 3 p.m., weekends, and Boston public school holidays; otherwise $10

Get artsy at The Museum of Fine Arts where they always have a variety of revolving activities to keep every member of the family happy. Learn mythical legends, uncover the mysteries of the Egyptians or take some time putting together a puzzle. Oh, and we heard if you ask they'll let you borrow a tote bag filled with a sketch book & colored pencils - look for the Art Carts (Art Carts open Saturday & Sundays 10a.m.-4p.m.)! Visit their website for the most current winter break activities.

Mon. -Thur.: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
DirectoryGet your geek on at The Boston Public Library it's truly a hidden gem! With branches all over the Greater Boston area there is bound to be one near you. Regardless of where you visit you will find children's film screenings and story times. The Central Branch in Copley Square has a chill Teen Lounge where your kids can safely surf the internet, play games, pick a book from a list of peer recommended books or just curl up and read. And since the BPL is always 100% FREE it's a win-win situation!

Boston Common Frog Pond

48 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 426-3115

Mon.: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tues. - Thurs., Sun.: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Fri.- Sat.: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Adult Admissions (14+): $4.00
Kid Admissions (13 & under): FREE
Directory

Get outdoorsy at the Boston Common Frog Pond. Okay, we know it's a little cold out, but by mid-week cabin fever may start to brew. So if you're brave enough grab some skates, a thermos of hot chocolate and some warm clothes - head on over! Never ice-skated before? Great place to learn! Children 13 and under are FREE!

Tues.: 3 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Toddler Time 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Wed.: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Thurs.: 3 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Toddler Time 9:30 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Fri.: 12 p.m.- 11p.m.
Sat.: 10a .m. - 10 p.m.
Sun.: 12 p.m.- 8 p.m.

30-min. jump: $8; 1 hour jump: $12; 90-min. jump: $16; 2-hour jump: $18;
Toddler Court Pricing (under 40") 30-min. jump: $6; 1 hour jump: $8

Get your fitness on at Boston's Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park! Who doesn't like to jump around? And this one's not just for the kids either.  Burn off those extra holiday party calories while the kids burn off a little energy of their own on Sky Zone's one-of-a-kind all-trampoline-walled playing courts. They even have a special Toddler Time for the munchkins 40" and under. Now it's not FREE, but $8 for a half hour of jumping in exchange for happy, exhausted children is money well spent. All Sky Zone sessions begin on the hour and on the half hour.

Lauren is a Boston area transplant trying to figure out life in the city after graduating from art school. Read more of her pursuits on her blog, Pack n' Play.