Ideas To Keep The Kids From Getting Bored In St. Cloud During Christmas Break

UNDATED - It's one of the most anticipated stretch of days for most kids - the long Christmas break.  However, the excitement and enthusiasm for not having to get up and go to school lasts for about one or two days, three - if you're lucky.  Then you have to listen to a chorus "I'm bored", or "there's nothing to do".

Here's a list of just a few ways to get your kids up off the couch, out of the house, and being active while they're waiting to get back to school.

THE LIBRARY
Both the St. Cloud and Waite Park public libraries are great places for kids to go.  The St. Cloud location is open from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.  They're closed on Sunday.  Waite Park's hours are different, so check before you go.  (The library will be closed on Christmas Eve, and Monday, December 26th)

ICE SKATING
St. Cloud State University offers an open skate Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon until 1:30 p.m. The cost is $3.  (The rink will be closed on Monday, December 26th and Monday, January 2nd).

The city of St. Cloud maintains 11 outdoor ice skating rinks at various locations around town.  Some are for pleasure skating, others are for kids to play hockey, and some offer both.  The Lake George location has a warming shelter, which is generally open from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

SLEDDING
The Riverside Park warming shelter is at 1725 Killian Boulevard.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
The Stearns County Parks Department has four parks with groomed trails:  Quarry, Warner Lake, Mississippi River, and Kraemer Lake.  Check out their website for the latest on the condition of those trails.

STEARNS HISTORY MUSEUM
They have Two floors of exhibits provide visitors of every age with an entertaining learning experience.

EMERGENCY ROOM 101
The District 742 Community Education Department says they still have a few openings for this youth enrichment class.  It will be held on December 28th for kids in grade K through 5th, where kids can learn about the Emergency Room. The cost is $28.  You can register online.

SCSU BASKETBALL
All kids up to a senior in high school get into the game for free  (12/30 and 12/31) with the purchase of an adult ticket. Tickets are available at the door or at scsutickets.com

December 30^th vs. Minot State, Women @ 6:00, Men @ 8:00 – Halenbeck Hall
December 31^st vs. University of Mary, Women @ 4:00, Men @ 6:00 – Halenbeck Hall

POWDER RIDGE
They offer skiing, snowboarding and tubing on their hills near Kimball.  Check out their website for specific hours and special events.

PARKWOOD CINEMA - WAITE PARK
Christmas time is one of the best movie periods of the year.  Take in a movie.  Check out their website for the movies they're showing and the show times. They have several "Super Saver" days where ticket prices are reduced to $5.

AIRMAXX TRAMPOLINE PARK - ST. CLOUD
The trampolines are a great way for the kids to burn off some energy, and get some exercise.  Check out their website for specific hours and special events.

SKATIN' PLACE - ST. CLOUD
It's a throwback to your childhood. Get the kids to try rollerskating.  Check their website for specific hours and any special offers.

GREAT RIVER BOWL - SARTELL 
Bowling is a fun activity for the kids, and the whole family.  Check out their website for more information.