If you’re working for part or all of your kids’ winter break, it’s not so merry. But with one of these fun camps, vacation can become a learning opportunity, or just the chance to try something brand new! Here are some great choices for keeping the kids occupied.

The Handwork Studio

Creative, project-based crafting is the name of the game at the Handwork Studio. Early care and aftercare are available at an additional cost. 

Kitchen Wizards

December 23 and 27, 10 am–1 pm

Haverford CREC, 9000 Parkview Dr., Haverford

Kitchen Wizards is running a “Christmas Sweet Surprises” class on December 23, where each kid will leave with plenty of homemade cookies and candy for Santa! Then on December 27, they can join a New Year’s Eve themed “Mocktail Party” where they will toast with Shirley Temples and enjoy some hors d’oeuvres. Ages 8-12.

Julian Krinsky School of Tennis

December 20–31 (closed December 25); see schedule for clinic times

Gulph Mills Tennis Club, 610 S. Henderson Rd., King of Prussia

Throughout break, kids ages 7-16 can participate in tennis clinics taught by full-time USPTA-, USPTR-, and JKST-trained professionals. Clinics are divided by skill level, and are $27 for 1-hour classes at the Red, Orange, and Green levels; and $50 for 1.5-hour classes at the Yellow and Blue levels. Sign up at the front desk of the club or sign up over the phone 610.265.3677.

Elmwood Park Zoo

December 23, 26, 27, and 30; 9 am–4 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

School’s Out Day Camp allows for children ages 6-8 and 9-13 to spend their day exploring and learning all about Elmwood Park Zoo’s animals.

Wayne Art Center

December 27, 9 am–3:30 pm

413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne

Children in grades K-5 can spend a day of break doing arts and crafts. Register online.

Young Sports

December 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31, and January 1 and 2; 8:30 am–3 pm (half days available)

133 Old Sugartown Road, Wayne

Kids ages 2.5-8 will enjoy a day of sports, games, crafts, and much more in a controlled, indoor environment.

Tyler Arboretum

December 27 and 30, 9 am–3:30 pm

515 Painter Rd., Media

These easy-going days are filled with discovery, games, crafts, hikes, and projects for kids ages 6-9. On December 27, kids can let their imagination run wild and build all kinds of creations, including a fort in the woods and a gingerbread house! On December 30, they’ll go on scavenger hunts throughout the day! Register for one day, or both.

Riverbend Environmental Education Center

December 23, 26, 27, and 30, 9 am — 3:30 pm

1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne

At Riverbend, focus on wilderness survival during spring break! Children will be engaged with real survival skills like starting fires and building shelters, all in the comfort of the local woods.  Before and aftercare is available. Ages 4-11.

Philadelphia Rock Gyms

Oaks and Coatesville locations: December 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31, and January 1, 9 am — 3 pm (half day available)

Switch up your child’s sitting at a desk all day routine to climbing walls! Make sure to check out the winter break climbing camps at the Philadelphia Rock Gyms. 

Sweet Mabel Studio

December 26 and 27, 9 am — noon
235 Haverford Ave., Narberth

Let your little artists (ages 8 — 15) explore their creativity with four half-day sessions led by a professional artist. Email sweetmabelstudio@gmail.com for more information or to register.

Kehler’s Gymnastics 

December 26 and 27, 10 am — 3 pm
680 Parkway Dr., Broomall

Swing into the foam pit, climb the rock walls, play in the massive fun zone and much more during a fun New Year’s party-themed break camp at Kehler’s.

The Center on Central

December 23, 26, 27, and 30, 9 am — 4 pm (before and after care available)
24 W. Central Ave., Paoli

This creative arts camp is offered on days when children are out of school. Head to their official website for details and rates for specific days. This camp is best for children in grades K — 5, and they also offer summer camp!

Sur la Table

Teens (age 12 and up) : December 26 and 27, December 30–January 1; 1 pm

Kids (ages 7-11): December 30-January 1; 10 am

690 West DeKalb Pike, Suite 2068, King Of Prussia

Kids and teens can up their culinary games at these multi-day cooking workshops. Young chefs will enjoy generous samples of each delicious dish and take home a packet of recipes. Book online.

Marple Sports Arena

December 23 — 31 (closed December 24 and 25)
611 Parkway Dr., Broomall

Let your kids enjoy an active break from school with rock climbing, skating, sports play, and arcade time at this fun center.

Tumbling With JoJo

December 27, 9 am-3 pm

Tumbling, strength training, and a huge dose of confidence-building are found in every session and camp run by Coach JoJo! Boys and girls welcome, age 6-14.

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Photograph courtesy of the Handwork Studio.