(WXYZ) — Winter break is almost here and if you're not careful, you'll have bored kids on your hands or kids who want to veg out on video games and cell phones.
In our Thursday's Top 7, we're here to help you engage your child's mind and body with the best activities for winter break.
We caught up with blogger and owner of metrodetroitmommy.com Amber Louchart for a rundown of the Top 7 things to do with kids on winter break. She says it you don't fill up that time, it could be a mess.
"You might end up with kids running around the house or having more than one child and they're arguing and fighting with each other," Louchart says.
#7 MUSICALS & SHOWS
So get out and check out a musical or another show. It's number 7 on Amber's list. Cirque Du Soleil - Corteo is in town.
#6 SPORTS CAMPS
We're getting physical with sports camps at number six! "Total Sports" has winter camps for elementary & middle schoolers in archery, soccer, capture the flag and more.
#5 INDOOR PLAY SPACES
Indoor play spaces are great for kids of all ages. Airtime is a local favorite. It has five locations in the area. Kids can jump and bounce and burn off energy typically used during recess when school is in session.
#4 SLEDDING, SKIING & ICE SKATING
Bundle up and get out for sledding, skiing & ice skating. Campus Martius in downtown Detroit is a great choice.
#3 A DAY AT THE MUSEUM
Try spending a day at the museum. From Ann Arbor's "Hands On Museum" to the Michigan Science Center, the DIA and Detroit Historical Society, there are whole worlds of art, history and science to explore
#2 HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS
Holiday light displays are a great way to get out during the evening. Wayne County Light Fest in Westland, the Big Bright Light Show in Rocheste and Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak are all standouts.
#1 WINTER CAMPS
According to Louchart, winter workshops at places like Robot Garage in Birmingham and Rochester comes in the top spot.
It's where we found Louchart and her preschool-aged daughter, who was learning and having a good time.
"Children are born curious," Louchart says. "And that if we encourage them to play that they will naturally learn through those play experiences. I think that's amazing."
Sarah Jacobs, owner of Robot Garage, says, "We still want every kid to leave saying, 'Oh my God, that was a blast.' I think one of the nicest things we hear from principals and teachers is I have never seen 100 percent of my kids engaged before like this."
That's the balance you want – mixing in learning with fun for kids of all ages. Now you need to act fast, school is out for winter break tomorrow.
To learn about all of these activities and more, click here.
