Six Fun Winter Break Activities in Genesee County
President’s Week Recess is coming up next week for many local schools in Genesee County! That can only mean one thing: find enjoyable and creative ways to entertain the kids. Here are six fun locations that your children will love visiting while off from school.
Make a Splash at Palm Island Indoor Water Park (8250 Park Road, Batavia). No matter what the weather is outside, it’s always tropical inside the only indoor water park in Western New York. Located inside the Quality Inn & Suites, numerous water slides, a playful lagoon, a large spa and game room are just some of the features of this warm oasis in February. The best way to experience Palm Island Water Park is to enjoy a “stay & play” package at the attached hotel.
Bowl some strikes at Rose Garden Bowl (21 W. Buffalo Road, Bergen). Bowling is fun for all ages and skill levels. The Rose Garden’s lanes are open every day during winter break. Let the alley’s electronic scoring do all the work as bowlers try to improve their score with each game. Afterwards, stop in the Rose Garden’s restaurant for some post-bowling eats.
Go for a skate at the Faletti Ice Arena (22 Evans Street, Batavia). Genesee County’s ice arena is open and available every day for public skating during winter break. Bring your own skates or rent a pair for $3. Whether you're a beginner or an old pro, ice skating provides exercise which can help you beat the winter blues. If you want to try this sport as a family, there is a Sunday Family Package which saves you money while having a great time.
Explore nature both indoors and outdoors at Genesee County Park & Forest (11095 Bethany Center Rd, East Bethany). There’s so much to explore at the park, your first decision will be to go inside or outside. The 430 acre park features over 10 miles of hiking trails, a sledding hill and numerous opportunities to encounter nature. No matter what the weather, children love being outdoors and this is just the place. If you need to warm up, go inside the park’s Nature Interpretive Center which is filled with education displays. You’ll be amazed at their collection and what you learn by visiting this Genesee County gem.
Play at Game at Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle (8 Center Street, Batavia). Since 1918, Adam Miller’s has been specializing in unique toys and bikes from yesterday and today. The winter months are a fine time to sit around a table playing a game or building a model. They specialize in many “vintage” games that are familiar to most adults. There is so much to look at when visiting this store…it makes you feel like a kid again.
Immerse yourself in history at the Holland Land Office Museum (131 W. Main Street, Batavia). Stimulate the brain while being away from school. Open Tuesday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. during winter break, bring the children to the museum for an up-close encounter with history. There are countless items in the museum that display how “life used to be” – which can start an interesting and intellectual conversation between adults and kids.
