Winter Break Guide For Kids

After the presents are unwrapped, the leftovers eaten and the last of the "Merry Christmases" said, local parents may start hearing another holiday refrain: "I'm bored!" Keep your kids busy this winter break with events happening in Vienna and Falls Church.

Free indoor fun

Feeling cooped up on these cold winter days? Let your kids burn off some energy while staying warm at these free, indoor events. 

-  Vienna Parks and Recreation will have special hours at the Community Center gym for open play. From Dec. 23 through Dec. 30, the gym will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. for ages 6 to 11 and from 3 to 5 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. The gym will be closed on Christmas day. Parents can drop-off their children to play, free-of-charge. Staff members do not lead any activities, and team practices are not permitted during these times. For info, call 703-255-6360.

Area libraries are going hi-tech with activities meant to test kids' video game skills. 

- The Patrick Henry Library in Vienna will host "Game on Afternoon" on Monday, Dec. 27, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Kids ages 6 to 16 are welcome to visit the library to play Wii Mario Kart or Super Smashbros. No registration needed.  For info, call 703-938-0405.

- The Mary Riley Styles Library in Falls Church will host "Wii Game Day" on Tuesday, Dec. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. Children ages 7 to 14 can play. Registration is required. For info, call 703-248-5031.

Other library events include:

- Drop-in Storytime for all ages at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library. For info, call 703-790-8088.

- Family Bingo for ages 4 to 14 at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29 at the Mary Riley Styles Library in Falls Church. Parents or guardians are asked to accompany kids younger than 7. Registration required. For info, call 703-248-5031.

- Drop-in Craft for all ages from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Dec. 30, at the Mary Riley Styles Library in Falls Church. For info, call 703-248-5031.

Winter camps

Think camp is just a summer activity? Think again.

The City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks hosts several winter camps for ages 3 to 12 during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Registration will be taken up until the first day of camp as long as space is available.

- Winter Fun Camp for ages 6 to 12 runs Dec. 27 through Dec. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fee is $115.

- Prospector's Mystery Sciensational Workshop is open to kids ages 6 to 11 and will be held Dec. 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fee is $160 for city residents and $170 for non-residents.

- Tiny Dancers Santa's Helper camp caters to 3- to 5-year-old children and runs Dec. 27 through Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to noon. Fee is $160 for city residents and $170 for non-residents.

All camps are held in the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls Street. For more information, call 703-248-5077.

New Year's celebrations

Ready to celebrate the new year (and the return of your school-day routine)? Check out these local events.

-   Rocknoceros, a favorite in the local children's music scene, will host two New Year's Eve parties at Jammin' Java in Vienna. Shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. will include a New Year's countdown and apple juice toast. Tickets are available at $10 for guests older than 1. For info, visit http://www.jamminjava.com.

- The City of Falls Church hosts its annual Watch Night from 7 p.m. to midnight at the intersection of Broad Street and Washington Street. The free, indoor/outdoor event features music, performances and kids' activities, including an obstacle course, Velcro wall, face painting, magic shows and more. The evening ends with a countdown and lowering of the historic star that was first displayed in Falls Church in 1948. For info, visit http://www.fallschurchva.gov/.

-  Kids in grades six through eight can attend a special party from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Falls Church Community Center on New Year's Eve. This event, which is supervised by Falls Church Recreation and Parks, features an inflatable obstacle course, gladiator jousting, moon bounce, music and karaoke. Cost is $30 for people who register in advance; $35 for day-of registration. For info, call 703-248-5077.