Holiday Break Fun: 10 Ways to Keep Kids Busy in Cayuga County
With two full weeks off for Christmas and New Year’s, kids are ready for adventure and parents are looking for ways to keep everyone active, entertained, and making memories. Luckily, Cayuga County offers plenty of family fun, indoors and out, to make the school break feel magical.
Here are 10 kid-approved ideas to keep little ones (and teens!) happy all holiday break long:
1. Tour Auburn’s Historic Treasures
Explore the Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum, where the Annual Festival of Trees is on display through the end of January. Marvel at more than 150 beautifully decorated trees and don’t forget to vote for your favorite! Then take a tour of the Seward House Museum both spots offer hands-on history experiences that spark curiosity and keep young minds engaged.
2. Go on a Winter Hike or Nature Walk
Hit the trails at Fillmore Glen, Emerson Park, or Sterling Nature Center. Give the kids a “winter scavenger hunt” have them search for tracks, pinecones, icicles for extra fun. Check out the Sterling Nature Centers website for days and times of special events designed just for the kids.
3. Christmas Light Drive-Through Night
Pile into the car with hot cocoa and take an evening drive to look for festive lights across Auburn, Fair Haven, and surrounding towns. Let kids “rate” each display!
4. Indoor Pool or Swim Day
Visit the local YMCA for a day pass and enjoy a day playing in the gym or swimming. Nothing wears out winter-energy like pool or gym time.
5. Visit Willard Memorial Chapel
Look at the stunning Tiffany glass and challenge kids to find patterns, colors, or shapes like a real-life art search.
Enjoy an afternoon of ice skating at Casey Park, skate rentals are available. Don’t forget warm treats after at the concession stand! Don’t have skate, no problem, retails are free with admission. Admission is only $5.00 per skater. Click here for more information.
See you at the rink!
7. Library Adventures
Libraries often offer kids’ programs, reading challenges, craft days, and free activities during school breaks. Check out local library schedules here.
Seymour Library Springport Free Library
Weedsport Free Library Port Byron Library
Aurora Free Library Powers Free Library
8. Make a Cayuga County Hot Cocoa Tour
Create your own mini trail hit local cafés like
Roast & Toast,
Simple Roast,
Café 108 and try different cocoa flavors.
Let kids pick their favorite.
9. Outdoor Sledding & Snow Play
If the snow cooperates, head to your favorite hill.
Pack snacks, build snow forts, or have a “snow creature” contest (snow dragons included).
11. Visit the Equal Rights Heritage Center
It’s educational, interactive, and engaging and gives older kids a meaningful look at leaders who shaped equal rights in America.
Two weeks off may feel long, but with a little creativity and all the fun spots in Cayuga County it becomes a chance to make lasting family memories. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor fun, the county has endless ways to keep kids learning, playing, and laughing this holiday break. Please be sure to check out hours of operation before your head out.
Want more ideas? Check out our events page for the latest holiday happenings!