5 Things to do With the Kiddies During School Break

The Babylon School District holiday break runs from December 24 through the 31st.  And while many kids will have lots of toys to entertain themselves, the "what are we doing today" mantra typically kicks in a few days into the week.

It's pretty cold out there, and with snow there comes sledding and skating but just in case the outdoors isn't your favorite place Patch offers up a list of five things to do with the kids that won't hurt your pocketbook or require a train ride anywhere.

1. Whether you're Irish, or you just love Irish culture, check out the offerings at Gerry Tobin Irish Language School at the Hibernian Hall.  The school, at 27 Locust Ave. in the Village offers free Mommy, Daddy, and Me Irish language immersions programs for young children and their parents, Thursdays at 7:15-8pm.  Call 631-471-2999 for more information and to reserve your spot.
2. The Winter Reading Club kicks off this January at the Babylon Public Library so stop in now while you have time and get a stack of books for your bookworm or wanna-be bookworm so they are ready to compete in the contest.  For every book your young child (2nd grade or younger) reads, they earn a prize.  For older kids, every 30 pages read garners a prize, up to 4 total prizes per child.  Register in person or online.
3. Kids love movies, and parents love free, so what's better than a free movie? The Babylon Clearview Cinemas hosts Tuesday afternoon movies, free to Optimum Rewards card holders (subscribers to Optimum phone, computer, and cable services).  The program runs year-round, but what better time that a winter holiday to watch a family flick, and actually make it home from work in time to catch the 5:30 pm show?  "Tangled in 3-D," the newest animated Disney blockbuster, is currently playing at the theater. Call to check for any blackout dates (Tuesday the 28th the theater is only offering discounted, not free movies) and show times: 631-669-3399.
4. On New Year's Day, head to the beach.  Sure it's cold but that's how the seals like it.  Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center at Jones Beach is hosting the Annual New Year's Day Seal Walk at 10:30 am.   The walk,  an hour and a half educational program, is for all ages.  Call for more information and for fee:  516-679-7254.
5. Further afield, take in a kids-friendly performance at Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts.  Annie is playing every day from December 26th through 31st, and again on Sunday January 2nd.  The matinee showings are at 2 pm and at $18 and $28 dollars for children and adults, less expensive than the evening shows at 7 pm.  Call for tickets and details: 631-724-3700.