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Ten Things to do with Kids over School Break Near Henry County

Keep elementary kids, middle schoolers, and teens busy during next February winter break

By Jennifer Sheran, publisher Macaroni Kid McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, Locust Grove February 16, 2023

It's that time of year again! Schools across Henry County, Georgia are out of session for a week, leaving kids and parents with a big question – what to do with all the extra time? Fortunately, Henry County has a number of fun and educational activities for kids and families. Here are some ideas to help make the most of a week off. Head outside! Henry County is home to numerous parks, trails and outdoor recreational areas. From hiking and biking, to picnicking and bird-watching, there's something for everyone in nature's backyard. Pack a lunch and explore the great outdoors! Get creative indoors. If the weather isn't cooperating, don't worry. Henry County also has plenty of great indoor activities. Head to the theater for a movie or show or maybe go bowling or ice skating. For a hands-on experience, plan a visit to one of the area's art studios or explore a Virtual Reality arcade. This is also an opportunity to catch up on things around the house. Plan a spring cleaning day or get organized to start your Spring garden. No matter what you choose to do during the school break, make sure to savor the moments and practice safety first! Have a great week off!|

Ten Things to Do During Winter Break

Enroll the kids in a Winter Break Camp. 

Henry County Parks and Recreation has a day camp for $125 residents and $150 nonresidents. Registration is open now at www.hcprd.org. You can find more information by calling 770-288-7300. Check your local church for camps as well.  

Covington YMCA also has a camp for ages 5-13, you must register by this Friday.

Spark Creativity.

There are a number of local studios to try all sorts of art many offer classes and take home kits.  Cre8tivity Cafe'2005 Jonesboro Rd., McDonough, GA has classes and an open studio and offers a number of mediums. 'Stache StudioGriffin, GA is a great place to create a pottery masterpiece. Henry County Libraries have craft kits you can pick up and take home every week. Stop by your local library and pick up an activity to do at home.

Visit an Indoor Play Center.

Starlight Family Fun Center has skate and play specials all week long. Pin Strikes Stockbridge is a great family fun center with bowling, an arcade, VR, and Laser tag. Take the kids for a play session at Sky Zone or Urban Air. They can get out some extra energy and they offer free WIFI for those who need to get some work done. For the young ones, Woody's Jump n Play is a fun play world of jump houses, arcade games, and more. Most of these places have a parent lounge too!

Get some Fresh Air and explore Panola Mountain State Park

Panola Mountain State Park offers a number of adventures for you and the kids to explore. You can choose self-guided hikes or go on a guided leaded hike or activity. Younger ones can explore the playground. 

Plan At Home Activities. 

Check out these indoor boredom busters for ideas to keep boredom at bay. (BONUS! This article has ten more activities!)

Visit the library. 

The Henry County Libraries have a number of events planned throughout the week from all ages from preschool - adult. Events include storytime, crafts, chess, Dungeons & Dragons, family movie nights, and more. One super fun activity they offer is to explore different cultures and cuisine through a monthly cooking kit. Check out our events calendar to see what activities are happening at the libraries this week.

Go on a Hike on the Dauset Trail.

There is so much to do at Dauset Trail Nature Center including reptiles (in Wonder Room below Visitors Center), Memorial Garden Trail, barnyard, native flora, hiking and biking Trails, horse riding trails, Tree ID Trail, Woodland Garden Trail, a picnic area with charcoal grills, and a playground.

Go Explore the Bushy Art Trail.

The Bushy Art Trail is a whimsical trail of creative picnic tables, for squirrels. You can find the locations on the Bushy Art Trail with this Bushy Trail map. Have a photo Scavenger Hunt with friends to see who can get a photo at the most locations over the break.

Enjoy Train watching in Locust Grove.

You can see dozens of trains go by from the Train Watching Platform in Locust Grove. Pack a picnic or dine in one of the local restaurants across the street on Hwy 42 South.

Play Disc Golf

Disc Golf is an affordable outdoor game, with accessible courses, disc golf is a perfect family pastime. The J.P. Mosley Disc Gold Course is a champion-level course good for all skill levels. Learn more about playing disc golf as a family here.