Upcoming winter break activities for kids

If winter break has your child stir crazy, you might consider some of the following options for getting out of the house.

Lawrence Parks and Recreation open gym offers a chance for kids of all ages to get some indoor exercise. For $5, Gymnastics Open Gym is held for two age groups at two locations.

Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Lane, has Gymnastics Open Gym for two age groups. Two sessions are coming up for children ages 1 to 5 (with a parent).
• Dec. 30, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

There are also three upcoming sessions for kids ages 6 to 14 at Sports Pavilion Lawrence.
• Dec. 28, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Jan. 3, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 E. 15th St., also has Gymnastics Open Gym for children ages 1 to 5 (with a parent). There are three upcoming sessions.
• Dec. 29, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
• Dec. 31, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
• Jan. 2, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.


Enrollment is open for a new theater camp for kids ages 6 through 12. The camp, SOTI’s (Schools Out, Theatre’s In) Got Talent, is being offered by Lawrence Parks and Recreation in partnership with Theatre Lawrence.

The camp runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 at Theatre Lawrence, 4660 Bauer Farm Drive. The cost is $80 per participant.

The camp will include a stage performance. Working with staff at Theatre Lawrence, participants will make props and costumes ahead of the performance where kids will sing, dance and act.

Enrollment may be done by visiting any Lawrence Parks and Recreation facility or on the department’s website. For more information, contact Jo Ellis, recreation program supervisor, at 330-7355.


The Lawrence Public Library also has events for the two final days of winter break. On Jan. 4, kids of all ages can participate in Music with Michael from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Readers’ Theater at the library, 707 Vermont St. Library staff member Michael Bradley’s interactive show includes drums, xylophone and puppets.

Whether your student got a new laptop, tablet or other device or has an old one you’d like to last another semester, Tech Drop-In can help. On Jan. 5, bring your device to the library’s Meeting Room B from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. to visit with knowledgeable staff who can help troubleshoot your technology woes.