10 Best Activities for Kids During 2014 Holiday Breaks

Today is Veteran's Day and the kids are home from school. That has given you a reminder that you'll need to figure out things for the kids to do when they're out of school for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here are my top 10:

1
Carousel of Dreams
in south Kennewick off 395
Brand new facility, the building is gorgeous, the horses are beautiful, kids can go for the gold ring just like in traditional carousels. Food is sold and is reasonably priced. Right outside is a huge climbing toy. Tickets are a little pricey ($3 for one ride). It's far away for most Tri-Cities residents.
2
Bechtel National Planetarium
at Columbia Basin College (west side of campus)
The Spitz SciDome XD projection system and hemispherical projection surface with nanoseam construction is truly unique. There are only a few of them in the world. It simulates a 3-D effect. Ticket prices are reasonable. Several movies shown about different scientific topics. Only open Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets can get pricey if you have a lot of teenagers.
8
Columbia Park Playground of Dreams
located on the east end of Columbia Park in Kennewick
Likely the most popular playground in the Mid Columbia.
3
The REACH Museum
in Kennewick on Columbia Park Trail east of Bateman Island
Fantastic presentations about the Hanford Project, Mid Columbia geology, wildlife and Native American history. Large and attractive building. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for youth.
5
Children's Play Area in Columbia Center Mall
just outside JCPenneys on the north end
A contained in-door playground designed for very small children, this is an excellent and free place for kids to play when the weather is poor. It often gets crowded and it is not very large.
4
Franklin County Historical Society & Museum
on 4th Ave. in Pasco not far from Farmer's Market grounds
Fantastic collection of artifacts, antiques and photos from the settlement of Pasco. Open noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and by appointment. Now open Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
6
Go for a long walk
My children love Bateman Island, and the Bird Refuge (accessed from Columbia Park Trail west of 240). Chamna Preserve is accessed from Aaron Street in Richland. Badger Mountain has three trails to explore. McNary Nature Preserve east of Burbank.
7
Sacajawea Museum at Sacajawea State Park
far south east end of Pasco
This small building is jam-packed with modern displays about the Voyage of Discovery's exploration of the Snake and Columbia rivers 200 years ago. Entry to the park is by fee, but check calendars for free days.
9
Get Air Trampoline Park
on Columbia Center Blvd. south of Grandridge Blvd.
Tickets are $9 per person weekdays and $11 weekends and holidays. I've only heard great things about this facility and it appears to be worth the money.
10
Toy Stores on George Washington Way
in the Uptown Shopping Center and one block north
Octopus' Garden, Adventures Underground and Hastings on George Washington Way in Richland are all excellent toy stores to explore with kids. All three contain some adult content, so children should be accompanied, but these are fantastic stores to explore.

Filed Under: thanksgiving

Categories: Holidays, Newsletter