Kansas City’s 2024 Winter Break Camps & Activities for Christmas Break
The kids are out of school, but what camps and activities are happening for Winter Break in Kansas City…?
There are tons of things to do over Winter Break, including fun kids’ activities at home and TONS of Winter Break Camps around town, so scroll all the way down for the latest and greatest details. And be sure to bookmark our official Guides to Christmas FUN in KC too!
Our team works hard to gather everything you need for Winter Break with kids, including fun winter camps. Be sure to verify dates and times before you register. We dig for these event details to get our guides updated for you early. Sometimes entities will change things up as the dates get closer.
Check it out now:
Kids Winter Break Camps, Activities & Things to Do
A winter break to parents means one thing NO SCHOOL! However, it often doesn’t take long before cabin fever sets in and they begin to become rambunctious or bored…
We can all agree, we are already trying to figure out what to do during winter break and planning fun stuff to do when bored at home! It’s hard to believe that Christmas break is already so close.
So, keep the kiddos entertained this Christmas break with the below activities & kids’ Winter Break camps in Kansas City…
Kids Winter Break Camps in Kansas City:
Winter break camps are the perfect option if you have to work while your children are out of school! Or, if you are just looking for fun things to do during the winter break to fill time away from school.
So, explore these fun kids’ winter camps around KC…
While Christmas Break activities look a little different this year, you can still enjoy many different things to do! Check them out below.
** We will update the camps as information is available, so keep an eye out!
You can also find other fun things to do in December with the 2024 Guide to Christmas in Kansas City!
Winter Camps for 2024
Winter Break Horseback Riding Camp
December 26th, 27th, 30th and January 2nd-3rd from 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
Sunset Trails: 2100 S.E. Ranson Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64082
Kids will learn to ride horses from experienced, trained staff at Sunset Trails Stables. Campers may choose half-day or full-day Winter Break Camps. You can enroll online.
Camp is rain or shine since they have indoor & outdoor arenas. Kids will have fun no matter what! Full-day sessions need to bring a sack lunch and all campers need to wear jeans & hard-soled shoes. Be sure to dress for the weather. Call 816-554-7699 if you have additional questions. A single half-day is only $59, and a full-day is only $99! Walk-in registrations will only be accepted if space is available.
If you’re looking for fun things to do over winter break, this camp is a great option! You can have the kids do one-day camps, half-day, both morning and afternoon slots available, or sign up for all week…
Winter Camps at Taste Bud’s Kitchen
Leawood, KS
Cookies for Santa Camp (4-8) December 23 9:00am-12:00pm
There is only one Winter Break cooking camp so far this year. You can also spend time bonding at Taste Bud’s Kitchen in Leawood for their Gingerbread House Class for ages 2-8 and a caregiver. Register online today! Check their online schedule for dates, times, and specific classes. You can even enroll completely online!
Bach to Rock Winter Camps
December 30th- 31st 9:00am-12:00pm
Bach to Rock music camps give your kids the opportunity to unleash their inner rock star — even if they’ve never played an instrument before! They not only have winter break camps but also spring and summer camps too. Camps are available for kids and teens, including week-long, partial-week, half-day, and day camps. The kids will have an absolute blast learning to play their favorite songs and performing with other campers.
Art Labs Winter Break Camps
Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center: 8788 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66212
This year, Art Labs Winter Break Camp will focus on character drawing. This camp is open for ages 11-17. Camp dates vary starting December 23rd.
Pinnacle Gymnastics Camps
Various camp types with multiple dates in December.
KCFC Winter Camp
Dates TBA
Homefield: 2115 E. Kansas City Rd, Olathe KS
This camp is for 2nd to 8th graders to learn football skills! There are safety precautions in place this year, so you can be sure your little ones are safe while they’re enjoying the break from school!
Great American Basketball League Camp
Dates TBA
15030 W. 106th St, Lenexa, KS
If your children are into basketball, this is the perfect camp for children in kindergarten to 7th grade! You can sign-up online and there are safety precautions in place.
JCC School Break Camps
Dates TBA
There are a variety of activities planned during winter break this year. Visit them online for details on winter camp times and days.
Impact Gymnastics Winter Break Camps
From December 26th to December 30th
Overland Park, KS
Spend winter break at Impact Gymnastics! Winter break camp will be $65 a day or $40 for a half day.Registration is required and can be completed online.
Kansas City Zoo Schools Out Camp
Kansas City, MO
Kids 5-12 years old can spend the day at the Kansas City Zoo exploring animals. There are different Winter Break camp themes depending on the day, so check them out below.
Winter Break is December 23rd, 26th, 27th, 30th, January 2nd, 3rd, and 6th
Youth Winter Classes at Nelson Atkins
The Nelson Atkins Museum offers a variety of winter classes for members and non-members. Each class varies by day and time.
Kansas City, MO
Kids learn a variety of different art mediums and topics at art classes provided by the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. They offer classes for 3-year-old kids to age 15, so there is a fun Winter program for all ages!
Liberty Winter Splash Camp
December 26th, 27th, 30th, and 31st
Camp is $35 a day for LCC members or $39 per day for non-members. Camp is 8:00am-4:00pm. Extended care is also available.
Kids can splash around in the water for 4 days during their Winter Break camp. This program is open to kids ages 5-11.
Other Fun Things to Do Over Winter Break: Attractions
If you are looking for fun things to do over Winter Break with your kids, check out these fun activities for kids around town…
Drive Thru Winter Magic KC Northland
This fantastic drive thru experience will make winter break one to remember. Load up the car and check out their newly updated location.
Release Some Energy at Urban Air Trampoline Park
Lenexa and Overland Park are open.
Lenexa, KS
With various themed nights/toddler times and open jumps, Urban Air is a great place to spend time during winter break. Check their online calendar for times, prices and themes!
Visit the Library!
Locations & Winter Break programs throughout the Kansas City metro.
1/2 Price Studio Fees at Paint, Glaze & Fire
Overland Park, KS
Studio Fees are always 1/2 price when kids are out of school for Winter Break. Just mention the Winter Break special at the studio!
You can also check for other daily deals. There are always great specials like 1/2 price studio fees Tuesday to Thursday, Girl Scout/Boy Scout discounts, free tile footprint for newborns to 18-month-olds, military discounts & other deals.
Learning2Fly
This year, Learning2Fly is hosting Chakra Circus Camps!
When: December 23, 26, 27 & Decmeber 30, January 2, 3
Learning about our bodies and maintaining health is of primary importance. We love sharing our 7 Habits of Health and look forward to seeing your kids thAIR.
$70 per day.
9:00am – 3:00pm
Learn the art of aerial silks. They have classes for all ages. This is a great place to visit during winter break.
Learning about our bodies and maintaining health is of primary importance. We love sharing our 7 Habits of Health and look forward to seeing your kids thAIR.
Visit Kaleidoscope…it’s Free!
They offer at-home kits and online creative videos.
Kansas City, MO (downtown)
Create for an hour, for free. There’s no catch! Hallmark just wants Kansas City Kids to have fun.
Jump Around at Kangas Indoor Playcenter
Independence, MO
Kangas is Independence’s largest indoor play place. Enjoy slides, climbing, jumping and more.
Ceramic Cafe
Overland Park, KS
There are never studio fees at Ceramic Cafe, so come create whenever for just the cost of the pottery! The ceramic studio is open every day of the week, so head over whenever your schedule fits this fun winter activity for kids.
Visit SuperKidz Club
This indoor play place has epic slides, ball pits, soft play areas for littles and special creator space times.
Get in the Game!
Visit The College Basketball Experience in downtown KC. This immersive museum is full of fun and unique experiences. Save $2 on admission with this special offer!
Go Ice Skating at Park Place, Crown Center Ice Terrace, or at a Great Rink Near You
Kansas City, MO
Luminary Walk
Overland Park
This annual tradition is back and brighter than ever. Take a stroll through the Arboretum and take in the sights of the holidays.
Things to Do Over Christmas Break at Home
Winter break activities make for fun times to enjoy family over the holidays between parties and get-togethers.
If you are looking for fun Winter kids activities you can do with your children, we’ve got you covered on things you can do anywhere. You and the kids will keep busy while having TONS of holiday fun…
To keep things fun & your kids engaged, explore these fun things to do over Winter Break at home. These fun winter activities are sure to beat the winter blues!
Pajama & Movie Party
Put on your coziest pair of pj’s, pop some popcorn, and watch family Christmas movies! We’ve got your holiday movie guide, broken down by age group, ready to go for you so be sure to check that out as you plan to watch your favorite family Christmas movies this season.
Go ice skating
NEED I SAY MORE? Check out where to go ice skating outdoors in KC!
Bake cookies!
Tis’ the season for holiday baking. Get the kids involved with helping you bake or the age-old tradition of cookie cutters and decorating Christmas cookies! They will love getting creative and helping mom in the kitchen.
Before Christmas, we love to get my kids together and bake cut-out sugar cookies and decorate them! They never turn out “magazine perfect” but my kids LOVE doing it and they are perfect in my eyes! Here’s the recipe I use for our Christmas cut-out cookies:
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Combine 1 cup butter, sugar, and egg in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy. Add all remaining cookie ingredients; beat at low speed until well mixed. Divide dough into thirds; wrap in each plastic food wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until firm.
Heat oven to 400°. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface, one-third at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with 2-inch cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 6-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack. Cool completely.
Make Snow Ice Cream
If there’s snow this year, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to get out and play in the snow! Sledding, snowboarding, snowball fights, and snowman building are all things I’m going to add to our winter to-do list! Snow ice cream, anyone? Check out this simple recipe for snow ice cream:
- 10-12 cups of snow
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 10 oz of condensed milk
- Mix together and enjoy!
Decorate a Gingerbread House
Gingerbread houses are a holiday tradition & a delicious one at that. The kids will have a blast with this! Build a big one as a family or let each kiddo make their own! What you will need is graham crackers, frosting, gumdrops, peppermints, candy canes, licorice, M&M’s, and whatever other candy you’d like!
You can also purchase at-home gingerbread kits that come with all the fixings. Local pick-up is even available!
Host a Family Game Night
Spend some time as a family with these fun family game night ideas. What better way to spend the night than playing games in your PJs by the fire?
Invite some friends over and bring out the classic family board games and compete against each other! Our Squad loves to host game nights at home and we’ve got your guide for fun games the whole family can enjoy. Let us know what your favorites are!
Make Your Own Slime
Make slime/goop/floam! There are so many recipes out there so the possibilities are endless! Here’s a recipe we made recently called “Frozen Silly Putty”
- 1 bottle of Clear School Glue (147ml)
- The same amount of water (147 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon of Borax
- 1/2 cup hot water
- A few sprinkles of silver & blue glitter
- A few drops of blue food coloring
Make Ornaments
Homemade ornaments are such a wonderful gift idea for parents and grandparents. We made some super cute trees out of salt dough with food coloring and dipped their fingers in shiny paint to resemble lights on the tree! You could also do handprint salt dough ornaments.
Make Homemade Wrapping Paper
This is a fun way to get the kids involved in the gift-giving of Christmas plus it puts an adorable personal touch to your gifts!
For small gifts, you can use the inside of paper grocery bags or you may need a roll of brown or white paper. You can use acrylic paints, markers, or crayons. To get perfect Christmas shapes you can trace cookie cutters or if using paint you can use sponges. Also if you’re feeling brave enough to let the kids get a little messy they can use their handprints!
Visit a museum
Visiting the museums in KC is probably one of my favorite things to do! ‘
Most museums are free and have tons of cool stuff that will keep everyone happy. Check your closest museum for special kid activities, they are sure to have plenty during the wintertime!
Go sledding
Like having a snowball fight, this is one activity that is sure to use up that extra energy! I mean they are basically running up hills! HAHAHA
Explore the sledding hills around town – there are 46+ to enjoy!
Make Paper Snowflakes
Since winter is here but the snow has yet to make an appearance, you can decorate your place with paper snowflakes. Your kids will love creating crafts that range from simple homemade snowflakes to more labor-intensive crafty snowflakes.
Blow Frozen Bubbles
If you want to add a little science to your break, try out this fun activity and make frozen bubbles on a really cold day. Try other fun science activities at home, too!
Have an In-Home Drive-In Movie
If you save some of those larger boxes from holiday gifts, then your kids can make their cardboard box cars. After they are done, you can park them in front of a movie and sell concessions with Monopoly money. Use a tutorial for making a car to take the guesswork out.
Make Some Healthy Winter Snacks
If you want to make some edible crafts, try some healthy and fun options that can be done at home.
Indoor Obstacle Course
If your kids are getting stir-crazy here is a fun way to burn off some energy. You can create an indoor obstacle course with everyday items.
Winter Sensory Play Activities
You can try your hand at making some winter sensory play activities. Kids of all ages love to play and get a little messy. Sensory play is a great learning opportunity.
Play Outside
Outdoor play in winter is important for your child and there are so many activities that they can try. So bundle up and have a little adventure!
Be Your Own Weather Reporter
The weather changes so much this time of year. It is a great time for kids to learn about the weather. They can make their own backyard weather station and report on the weather each day!
Do Some Exploring & Make Winter Murals
This is a great time to head outside and explore. You can look for any objects that they can collect and turn them into a craft project. This activity is for winter murals using real outdoor items. It’s so fun, that they can do it more than once, and each time the outcome will be different!
Visit distant family members
One sure way to avoid cabin fever is by taking trips! Long or short, a change of scenery will keep the entire family pleased!
Declutter the House
Make room for new toys and clothes and clean out closets/rooms. Donate unused toys and clothes to charity.
Get a Head Start on 2025
Work on your “Summer Family Bucket list” and come up with a list of ideas to do when school is out for the summer!
Build a snowman
Most of the time there is snow on the ground, so why not play in it!? Get all bundled up and head outside to build your own Olaf or snowman. No snow? No problem! Make your own indoor snow with baking soda and a white hair conditioner!
Have a family talent show
If it’s TOO cold to go outside, have a family talent show. My kids love, love, love America’s Got Talent, so they are always up to show what they can do! Let the kids practice during the day and after dinner let the show begin!
Play Winter “I Spy”
Create your own winter-themed “I Spy” sheet with clip art images that the kids can find inside or outside the house! See who can complete their list the fastest!
Start a Book Series
Start a new book series to read aloud with your kids! Choose a series above their reading level to challenge them a bit!
Host a movie marathon
If I could, I would watch Netflix all day! There are so many different movies and shows available it would probably take years to watch everything! So make a list of the ones you want to see, grab some snacks and enjoy!
Have a scavenger hunt inside
What kid doesn’t like a game where you seek hidden treasures?! Make a list of little toys, random items, or shapes, and let the kids explore around the house!
Have a slumber party
Turn your front room into a fort and let your kiddo’s imaginations run wild! Or if you don’t want to risk losing a night of sleep, wear your pajamas during the day and make little beds in the front room.
Redecorate rooms/home
When the kids are older, this one is definitely a go-to! They can help with heavy lifting, and deep cleaning and even give you a break by decorating their own space.
Make a special brunch
Brunch is my favorite so why not make a special one during their winter break? They can invite their friends and you can invite yours! Really feeling hum drum during the break? Make it special with unique invites and dress up!
Snowball fight
This one in my opinion is more for the kids themselves lol. Let them burn off some energy with a friendly snowball fight in the yard.
Karaoke party
We love music in my family so we are always singing! So why not take it up a notch and invite some family or close friends over?
Read your favorite childhood books
This one is more for me than the kids lol. I love reading classic books I grew up with to my kids. Plus the looks on their face when they hear a new book is always a great feeling.
Go to a sporting event
Just about every major city has some form of sports team. NFL, NBA, MLB, Arena, or Semi-Pro If you aren’t sure, just look your city up, google knows everything!
See a musical or play
There are always special plays or musicals that come to town around this time of year so the pickins aren’t slim!
TIP: want to cut costs on those expensive play tickets, call your local box office and ask for group rates! Get the whole family or group of friends involved so you won’t have to pay as much.
Have a dance party
Sometimes you just gotta dance! Forget the dishes, stop folding laundry, or whatever chore you have, and spend 10 minutes just dancing! You will feel more relaxed and the kiddos will get a break from “boredom.”
Invite family friends over that have kids
Play dates are a win-win. You can still do an activity with your kids but also have adults to talk to! Everyone is happy!
Update family photos
Winter break is the perfect time to update those family photos. There are no after-school activities, and no homework to do and you have more time throughout the day to get the whole family picture ready. Plus, they are usually ready in time for when they go back to school!
Go shopping
Taking the kiddos shopping is always eye-opening even if it’s only window shopping. You find out what they like, and dislike and can even get some ideas for birthday presents!
Learn about other countries and what they do in winter
The world is a big place, and whatever you are doing, someone may be doing the complete opposite. Research and discover what other countries are like during winter!
Make Popsicle Stick Ornaments & Decorations
Popsicle sticks are the ultimate craft because you can make almost anything out of them including Christmas decorations! Christmas a tree, reindeer, snowmen, snowflakes, picture frames, sleds, or Santa the possibilities are endless. All you need is Popsicle sticks, glue, paint or markers, beads, googly eyes, glitter, and string if you want to make it into an ornament. For more ideas on Christmas crafts made with Popsicle sticks click here.
Christmas Card Making
Continue your and your kid’s work as Santa’s little elves and decorate your very own Christmas cards. It is an activity that the kids will enjoy and your friends and relatives will cherish when they receive them.
If you have other kid’s activities families can do over winter break, drop them in the comments. We can all use more ideas to keep our kiddos busy…
Dance in the Snow
If you are reaching the end of break and your kids are looking for an extra day or two off or maybe a bit of snow is on its way, then you can do a snow dance. There are a few fun rituals you can do to bring on a snow day!
Winter break has so many opportunities for fun. I hope that you find some enjoyment in these family fun activities!
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From our family to yours, iFamilyKC.
