We love all things holiday season, but when it comes to finding things to do during winter break in Staten Island, we can get a little holiday-ed out! There are many things to do this week that are both holiday-themed and not holiday-themed. To help you plan your fun itinerary this week, here’s our list of top family activities to keep your kids—and you!—having fun while school is closed for winter break (that’s Dec. 26-Jan. 2 this year).
16 Things To Do During Winter Break In Staten Island and Nearby
1. Go Skating At An Ice-Skating Rink on Staten Island
Nothing says winter fun like gliding freely on the ice! Excuse us while we live out our Winter Olympic dreams (in our heads, at least…). Staten Island Skating Pavilion (3080 Arthur Kill Road) offers public sessions and lessons on its indoor rink, while WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink in Clove Lakes Park offers outdoor public sessions. Or head to another ice-skating rink near Staten Island, like one of NYC’s iconic rinks.
2. Rent An…Igloo?
Yep, you read that right! Egger’s Winter Wonderland at Snug Harbor lets you reserve a cozy igloo where you can enjoy hot cocoa, ice cream, treats and more. Now how cool is that?
3. Visit The New Titanic Exhibit
Learn about the passengers, heroes and heart-breaking history of the most famous shipwreck of all time at the NYC debut of Titanic: The Exhibition, which opened last month in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. The exhibit provides a great all-ages opportunity for both children and adults to learn about the legendary ship, which sank in the Atlantic Ocean after hitting an iceberg on April 15, 1912.
4. Ride the ‘World’s Largest’ Go-Kart Track
Head to Edison, NJ, and experience this new track being touted as the “world’s largest” multi-level indoor karting track! It has 10 elevation changes, and most of the track is about 20 feet wide—enough room to fit four karts side by side. (Quite an impressive way to burn rubber!)
5. Visit A Retro Arcade
Put a unique spin on classic family game time by embracing your inner 80s child at a really cool retro arcade. There are so many of these fun vintage arcades located throughout Staten Island and New Jersey. Your kids will get a kick out of you reminiscing about Pac-Man, his wife Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and all your favorite game-time characters of yesteryear.
6. Head to the NYC Winter Lantern Festival
There’s still time to visit the festival at SIUH Community Park! Wander through a world inspired by Chinese myths and legends at this beautiful and bright festive experience. The festival’s theme this year is “Journey to the East” and features more than 1,000 illuminated displays of hand-made Chinese lanterns.
7. Go on a Family-Friendly New Year’s Hike!
Ring in the new year with a healthy hike in the fresh air! Hiking is a great fitness activity that families can enjoy together. There are so many first-day hikes on Staten Island and nearby on Jan. 1 that your family will love.
8. Get Lost In A Museum
There are so many things to do during winter break in Staten Island and NYC, including visits to museums! Our area has such an abundance of museums that you’re 100-percent guaranteed to find a museum that your family loves. Whether it’s the Staten Island Children’s Museum, Snug Harbor, or one in the city, time spent at a museum is not wasted.
9. Spend An Afternoon Sledding
If it snows this week, of course! Bundle up, grab your sled, and head over to Clove Lakes Park for an afternoon of downhill fun! Want a little more thrill? Head to a nearby snow tubing park!
10. Bowl A Strike!
Or spare, or just try to knock some pins down…whatever your score ends up being, your family is sure to have a blast! Rab’s Country Lanes, located at 1600 Hylan Blvd., is open daily. In addition to offering regular bowling, it hosts Cosmic Bowling on Friday and Saturday evenings, birthday parties, bowling leagues and more.
11. ICYMI: See the Holiday Train Show
There’s still time to see the famous holiday train show at the New York Botanical Garden.
12. See Baby Shark! The Christmas Show
Tickets are still available for this exciting show that kids will love!
13. Have a Movie Marathon
Sometimes you just want to stay in your pajamas and lounge on the couch all day, especially when it’s freezing outside. And there’s nothing wrong with that! After all, winter break is the perfect time to slow down, spend uninterrupted time with your kids, and just relax. Let each member of the family pick out a movie or decide on a theme. The options are endless!
14. Explore the Ocean at A Nearby Aquarium
Sure, it’s winter. But that doesn’t mean you can’t explore sea life (you’ll just have to do it at a nearby aquarium instead of the beach). Head to Coney Island’s New York Aquarium, or plan a day trip to American Dream, where you can visit New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium.
15. Help Your Kids Flex Their DIY Skills
Whether you pick up a craft kit at the store or find a cute and easy DIY on Pinterest, spending some time crafting is a joy! Bonus: Your kids will be so proud of what they made from scratch; it’ll make your heart smile.
16. Check out Our Online Calendar For Even More Things To Do
Seriously. We strive to have the most robust of things happening in Staten Island that are great for kids and the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a fun event at a library, a show, or something going on at one of our borough’s museums, you’ll find it in our calendar.
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