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WESTPORT, Conn. Winter vacation for Westport public school students kicks off Monday, Feb. 20. If your family is staying home this year, you wont have to go far to show the kids a good time. From swim lesson programs at the Westport Weston Family Y to folk art fun at the Westport Historical Society, theres plenty for kids to do right here in Westport.
Westport Weston Family Y (59 Post Road E.)
? Hafaday Swim Lesson Program
Designed for children ages 4 through 8, the Hafaday program offers lesson and free swim time, as well as arts and crafts and gym time. The program takes place from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every day during winter break. The children are divided into groups by age, and the groups rotate to each activity every 40 minutes. After two stations, the children have a snack and continue on to two more stations. Dismissal immediately follows.
Parents will enjoy the valet drop-off and pickup procedure in front of the Family Y on Church Lane. The cost is $265 per week for Y members and $290 for non-members.
? Vacation Gymnastics
Children ages 6 and up can learn and improve gymnastics skills during the Vacation Gymnastics and Swim program, held daily from noon to 4 p.m. In addition to gymnastics time, a free swim is included each day. Children should bring a snack and a drink. Children must be able to swim without a flotation device to participate. The cost is $165 for the week or $40 per day. No Y membership is required.
? School Age Vacation Special
The School Age Vacation Special program provides days packed with fun activities for kids in grades 1 through 6. Activities include games, gym time, daytrips, movies, snacks and swimming. Program runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
To register your child in one of these programs, or for more information, contact Tasha Dennison at tdennison@westporty.org or 203-226-8981, Ext. 113, or call the Y at 203-266-8981.
Earthplace (10 Woodside Lane)
Drop in at Earthplace during winter break for fun activities that are included with regular admission. From Monday through Friday at 10 a.m., Earthplace naturalist Miss Becky will introduce children to an animal and tell a story related to that animal. Every day at 2:30 p.m., children will participate in a different outdoor or indoor activity, such as walking the trails, tracking animals, and arts and crafts. For more information on each day's specific events, visit the Earthplace website.
The center also offers drop-off programs for children from 3-and-a-half to first-graders. The drop-off programs will take place Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The programs will include science and art projects, as well as free play and an animal visitor. Preregistration required. Cost is $40 a class for members and $50 a class for nonmembers. For more information, visit the Earthplace website or call 203-227-7253.
Westport Historical Society (25 Avery Place)
For three days during winter vacation, children ages 5 to 12 will explore what life was like 100 years ago for kids their age. Students will create classic folk art, make classic wooden animal plaques and learn fun facts about the Revolutionary War while making their own Revolutionary tricornered hat. Other activities will include storytelling, yoga, cooking and games.
On Feb. 21, historical humorist Christina Frei will stop by to present The Top 10 Most Embarrassing Things You Dont Know about George Washington, a comedy-improv meets history program.
The three-day workshop will run Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children should bring a lunch. Cost is $145 for members and $175 for nonmembers. Reservations are required. For more information, visit the historical society website. To register your child, call 203-222-1424.
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