How to keep the kids busy (and from going berserk) this February break

I think it’s safe to say that this has been one of the toughest winters. Every week since the holiday break, there has been a shoveling snow day, a federal holiday, a sick day or a teacher-in-service day. And now February break is here. It’s enough to drive even the most patient parent (and kid) crazy. (Especially when you’re suffering from spring fever.)

If you’re not heading out of town for the winter break, don’t panic. There are plenty of things to do in and around Barrington, Rhode Island. All it takes is a little planning, patience and parent-to-kid communication. Even if you have to work part of the week, there are things you can do to help make this week beyond bearable for everyone.

1.    Go ice skating. We love bringing the kids to Legion Way Pond in Barrington. If skating on a pond is not for you, check out the Newport Sovereign Bank Skating Center or The Providence Rink at Kennedy Plaza. More information is available thanks to my friend Anisa at kidoinfo.com http://kidoinfo.com/ri/event/ice-skating-opens-providence/

2.    Host a playdate. It sounds so simple, but it works. It’s like a win-win for everyone because you get a chance to catch up on (laundry, work and your sanity) while your kids have fun. If your child is really young, invite the mom over too.

3.    Bake it off. Turn off the TV and bake something with your kids. Host a pretend Cup Cake War. See who can bake the most creative dessert using a selection of surprise ingredients.

4.    Movie and fro-yo. Call it a day work-wise and take the kids out for a movie and frozen yogurt. I love Yo Go Crazy in Barrington.

5.    Day trip. If you have a day off, why not escape with the kids? You could take them tubing at Yawgoo for a fraction of what it costs to go skiing. Or slide down a hill!

6.    Switch it up. Switch “fun for the kid” days with a fellow parent. Entertain the kids for the day or evening. Head out for pizza and hot chocolate or host a kid-friendly feast in the comfort of your own home. Then trade with that parent so you can have a day/evening to catch up on work.

7.    Around B town activities. Take advantage of programs available in Barrington. Arts Alive offers a February break camp at Yo Go Crazy. More information here http://www.artsalivebarrington.org/ The Bayside Y and WeirdGirl hosts a number of fun programs during vacation week http://www.ymcagreaterprovidence.org and http://www.weirdgirlcreations.com. There are lots of creative classes at Peacock and Parade too http://peacockandparade.com/.

8.    Make a fort together. Materials: Sheets, blankets, pillows, hockey sticks, you name it. Have the kids build a fort during a stormy night. Build a fire. Take it all in because they aren’t going to be this young forever!

9.    Celebrate the Olympics, literally. Don’t just watch the Olympics, host your own games at home. Materials: Board games, playing cards, checkers. Drum up some fun Family Olympic-style competition to help keep everyone busy. Start with easy games like Hang Man, checkers and Uno. Make sure the games are age appropriate. The winner plays the next person, and on and on it goes. We enjoy friendly matches of balloon volley ball tossing, air hockey, War, Connect Four, Life, Stratego and iPad Wheel of Fortune. (Big money, big money.)

10.  Read up. Stop by the Barrington Public Library or Barrington Books and catch up on some good books! Barrington Books hosts a free children’s story hour every Thursday at 10 a.m. http://www.barringtonbooks.com

11.  Spa time. Materials: Nail polish, brush, and mom's cosmetics. This one is great for moms (and dads) & their little girls. Let the girls take over and make you over. Manicure with blue nail polish? Bring it on. Lipstick on your cheek? So what! Who cares what you look like? It's all about having fun, staying warm and making memories.

12.  Get cultured. Take the kids to the 5th Annual Providence Children’s Film Festival. Details available here thanks to Kidoinfo.com http://kidoinfo.com/ri/event/5th-annual-providence-childrens-film-festival/

13.  Burn calories together. Bundle up and go snow shoeing or take a hike around town together. Bring your dog!

What are you up to this week?

No matter what you do, have fun and stay warm!

Jackie Hennessey is a pr consultant and author of the award-winning gift book, How to Spread Sanity on a Cracker. She blogs at www.ventingsessions.com. The native Texan lives in Barrington with her husband and two children.