When new toys are not enough: Ideas to entertain kids during the holiday break

First, they're crazy because they cannot possibly wait for Christmas because "OHMYGOSH! TUESDAY IS SO FAR AWAY!" Then they're crazy because "NEW TOYS!!!" Quickly followed by sobs of "WHY DIDN'T SANTA BRING ME WHAT I REALLY WANTED?!"

And New Year's doesn't mean as much to those who can't drink/stay up to midnight. So how do you entertain them during the break when the shimmer of the holidays tarnishes?

Here are your answers. (To add an event or activity to this list, email anndwyer@annarbor.com.)

ONGOING

• From ice candles to snow games to seeing heat to learning about international holiday traditions, it's a Hands-On Holidays 2012: Hot & Cold at the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, running Dec. 26-Jan. 6.

• Winter is ice-skating season, and the City of Ann Arbor offers public-skating times at its municipal ice rinks. Veterans Memorial Ice Arena offers an indoor rink, while the city also offers outdoor skating fun at Buhr Park. (Click the links for information on dates, times and prices.)

• If we get enough snow, you might want to go cross-country skiing at Hudson Mills Metropark.

• You simply HAVE to see Garden of Eden & Tree of Life: Snowflake Paper Cuttings by Dr. Thomas L. Clark at Gifts of Art Gallery at the U-M Hospitals. The most intricate and beautiful paper snowflakes you'll ever see. Go home and make your own!

• While you're there, check out Brain Fitness Puzzle Art: Interactive Installation by Alli Berman at Gifts of Art Gallery at U-M Hospitals. Art you can play with!

• Join the Whole Kids Club at the Whole Foods Market! This unique club introduces kids ages 3-12 to the tasty world of food and cooking.

WEDNESDAY

• There's a Sing Your Heart Out Screening of Les Miserables at the Michigan Theater!

• Yay! Family Fun Vacation Matinees at the Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker Road

• There is also the School Break Book-to-Movie Matinees at Ypsilanti District Library - Michigan Ave.

• Love videogames? There's always Wii Wednesdays at the Ypsilanti District Library - Superior Twp.

THURSDAY

• It's Storytelling: New Year Nonsense! at the Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown (main) Branch.

• Yay! More Family Fun Vacation Matinees at the Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker Road

• It's time for a School Break Drop-in Craft at the Ypsilanti District Library - Michigan Ave.

• Check out Winter Break Fun for Teens at the Ypsilanti District Library - Michigan Ave. Today: Girls Only Gaming.

• Join the Secret Comic Society at the Ypsilanti District Library - Michigan Ave.

• Make a Rain Cloud Mobile at the Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown (main) Branch.

FRIDAY

• Catch good old Family Fun Time at the Westminster Presbyterian Church.

• Make Decoupage Craft Boxes at the Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown (main) Branch.

• There is a Lantern-Lit Full Moon Walk at the Leslie Science and Nature Center.

SATURDAY

• It's still time for a School Break Drop-in Craft at the Ypsilanti District Library - Michigan Ave.

• Weekly Children's Story Time at Nicola's Books

• Learn the history and development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season at Planetarium Show: Season of Light at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History.

• Enjoy Saturday Stories For All Ages at the Ann Arbor District Library, Malletts Creek Branch.