Vacation camps give kids some winter fun
Hampton Kids in East Hampton is offering winter camp for children who want to do a little of everything: baking, crafts, bouncy house fun and science experiments. Credit: Handout
Chances are that about two days into winter breaks, your kids start complaining they're bored.
Thankfully, Long Island has you covered with a multitude of December and February camps for every age group and interest level. But these camps tend to fill up quickly, so do your homework and sign up early.
Center for Science Teaching and Learning
1 Tanglewood Rd., Rockville Centre
DATES Dec. 23-24, 26-27, 30-31, Jan. 2-3
BEST FOR Budding scientists and kids who love experimenting.
WHAT THEY'LL DO ALL DAY Hands-on science experiments and explorations. Young campers also will get a chance to explore 17 acres of nature, visit and interact with live animals, conduct experiments and take part in science shows and demonstrations conducted by science teachers.
NEED TO KNOW The camp is full-day, and aftercare is available.
AGES 4 to 12
PRICE $50 a day
CONTACT 516-764-0045, www.cstl.org
Suffolk County Farm Winter Camp
350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank
DATES 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 17-21
BEST FOR Mini-farmers and animal lovers.
WHAT THEY'LL DO ALL DAY Children will learn how to take care of a farm and do hands-on activities to care for the animals. They'll get to play with the animals and spend time outdoors (dress warmly).
NEED TO KNOW You can pay for one day or sign up for the whole week.
AGES Kindergarten through sixth grade
PRICE $225 for the week or $50 a day
CONTACT 631-852-4603, ccesuffolk.org
Winter Wildlife Camp at Quogue Wildlife Refuge
3 Old Country Rd., Quogue
DATES 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 18-21
BEST FOR Kids who love the outdoors, animals and hiking
WHAT THEY'LL DO ALL DAY Every day, your child will go on a hike (so dress them warmly, with hats, gloves, sweaters and scarfs). They also will have a chance to feed and handle some of the animals that live in the nature center. And children will get to do a daily craft.
NEED TO KNOW Sign up for one day or all four days.
AGES 5 to 11
PRICE $30 a day or $100 for all four days
CONTACT 631-653-4771, quoguewildliferefuge.org
Hampton Kids
175 Daniel's Hole Rd., East Hampton
DATES Typically held whenever schools are closed, including Dec. 23-24, 26-31, Jan. 2-5
BEST FOR Kids who just want to do a little of everything, baking, crafts, bouncy house fun and science experiments.
WHAT THEY'LL DO ALL DAY Every day is different. In the 10,000-square-foot facility, they'll get to play arcade games and squeal while jumping in a bouncy house. There will be crafts and baking and other activities, too.
NEED TO KNOW Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are offered. There also is a tennis combo add-on available. Times: 9 a.m. to noon, noon to 3p.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
AGES 2-12
PRICE Pay per day. $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers for a half-day, and $70 for members and $100 for nonmembers for a full day
CONTACT 631-537-4614,hamptonkids.org
The Chai Center
501 Vanderbilt Pkwy., Dix Hills
DATES Feb. 17-21
BEST FOR An all-around winter camp for a little bit of everything.
WHAT THEY'LL DO ALL DAY Baking, science, music, soccer, treasure hunts and a Shabbat party.
NEED TO KNOW If you sign up for summer camp 2014, your child can attend this camp for free with some restrictions. Call for more details.
AGES 2 to 6
PRICE $200 for members and $250 for nonmembers
CONTACT 631-351-8672, thechaicenter.com
Musical Theater Camp
76 Main St., Westhampton Beach
DATES Feb. 17-21
BEST FOR Budding divas, little theater-lovers, future stars
WHAT THEY'LL DO ALL DAY The first day, they'll audition for the big musical theater production of "Robinson Crusoe." Everyone has a part, and they'll work on their roles every day, culminating in a final night show. They'll also take improv, music and movement classes.
NEED TO KNOW Your child doesn't need a musical theater background.
AGES 5 (in kindergarten) to 16
PRICE $400
CONTACT 631-288-2350, whbpac.org
