So, it's vacation week, and maybe, just maybe you're looking for something to do beyond movie matinees and fast food runs? Here are four awesome ideas for keeping the kiddies in your life entertained during winter break, or as we're calling it right now, after rechecking the weather app repeatedly in disbelief, the December deep freeze. 

1. Cold Play: Last we looked, temps are supposed to be in the teens and twenties this week. If you're in search of sunshine and some tropical vibes, venture over to the Botanical Center at RWP. They're open from 11 to 4pm, and it's an inexpensive (Children under 6 get in free.), and happiness inducing, way to spend a few hours - because palm trees, balmy tempatures, and beautiful plants and flowers.

2. Breaktime Bowl: Older kids will get a kick out of this old time-y bowling alley, located in Pawtucket's Hope Artiste Village, and noteworthy as the oldest continuously operating duckpin establishment in the entire Northeast. From the pin people to the pencil and paper score keeping to the awesome vintage atmosphere, it's pretty sweet. Check them out starting at 4pm on weekdays, 12noon on Sat and Sun. 

3. Ice Cream Social: You'll rack up extra points with the kids after bringing them to the adorably retro soda fountain at Green Line Apothecary in Wakefield. Get a hot chocolate for yourself and ice cream sodas or sundaes for the littles. Snap an Insta Story of the soda clerk preparing your order, and you'll also be Queen (or King) for the day among your IG friends.

4. The Wild Life: There's a whole itinerary of activities happening this week, Wed Dec 27th thru Sat the 30th, over at the Audubon Society of RI in Bristol. One standout is the class on the 29th that teaches kids how to make Tweet-Tweet Trail Mix or Suet Sundaes for the birds in their backyards. 2nd on our list has to be on the 30th when you can learn about ice and how-to build your very own ice sculpture. Find more deets over on their Facebook Page.

Team Patty J