Five Places to Take the Kids During Vacation

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, and opened with glee. The presents under the tree were a hit for the first three hours, but now you are stuck staring at bored, school-age children for the next week. What will you do with them? Don't fret, dear readers, we've got plans for you.

1. The offers a variety of different museum passes at reduced prices, or in some cases free, to Grafton residents. Visit their website to learn how to obtain the passes and where you can go. Among the choices are the Boston Museum of Science, the Discovery Museum in Acton, the EcoTarium and many more.

2. Love to ski? Did you get new skis for Christmas? Ski Ward in Shrewsbury is a great place to visit. They are currently making snow and open for skiing. They plan to open for tubing on Dec. 26. Check the website for conditions.

3. Do you love to skate? There will be a public skate at 12:45 p.m. Dec. 27 at the North Star Figure Skating Club, 15 Bridle Lane, Westborough. The North Star Youth Forum is excited to offer this event to the public.

4. There is now open play inside the showroom located at Backyard Adventures, 178 Turnpike Rd., Westborough. The cost to play is $5, and it is asked that you call ahead to make sure a birthday party is not in progress. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 am to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.  

5. If all else fails, and the lack of snow prevents using the new skis or sleds, we suggest a family game day. Dig out all of those old-fashioned board games such as Monopoly or Life, insist on an electronics-free hour or two and play away.