Windham offers abundant activities over school break

Students on holiday break will be able to participate in many
activities put on by the Windham Public Library and Windham
Parks and Recreation Department. COURTESY PHOTO

By Elizabeth Richards

The year is winding down, and students will soon be on school break. Windham Parks and Recreation and the Windham Public Library have some upcoming activities and events for students and families looking for ways to fill this free time.

“We have had a very full schedule of events and activities leading up to the holiday but will not be doing too much over the holiday itself,” said Windham Parks and Recreation Director Linda Brooks. Still, the department has a couple of opportunities for families to enjoy some time together.

“We will be publishing a map with all of the homes and businesses that entered into this year’s Holiday Decorating Contest so that families can drive by and enjoy the decorations,” said Brooks This map will be posted on the website, www.windhamrecreation, by Friday, Dec. 17.

Caregivers can bring children ages 5 and under to “Kiddie Gym” on Thursdays during the break, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The indoor fun includes balls, slides, parachutes and plenty of playmates, Brooks said. Cost for the drop-in program is $2 per child.

The department’s winter photo contest is also underway, so families should keep an eye out for the perfect moment to capture while kids are home. Entries will be accepted until Friday, March 18.

The Windham Public Library also has activities available for children and teens over the break. Children’s librarian Samantha Cote provided a list of events for the remainder of December that includes science, art and family fun.

On Friday, Dec. 17, Cote said that children can drop off their favorite stuffed friends for the Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Participants will receive a slideshow of what their friend was up to overnight, along with a small surprise upon pick up. There are twenty spaces available, and registration is required.

Children curious about electricity and circuits should stop by the library on Thursday, Dec. 23 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to tryout a snap circuit kit in the children’s room.  This activity is best for independent workers ages 8 or up, or younger children with adult assistance.

Science in Space will take place on Monday, Dec. 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. This event includes discussion on the science behind telescopes, instruction on one way to make space claws, and exploration of how these things work. Pre-registration is required for this event.

On Tuesday, Dec. 28, the children’s room will have card making supplies available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Create a card using one of the prepared suggestions – like a birthday card for the library, which turns 50 in April - or create a card of your choosing.

For some great family fun, try indoor mini golf on Wednesday, Dec. 29. A small, goofy course will be set up in the meeting room. Each session lasts for half an hour and will be limited to one group of up to six people. Pre-registration is preferred. Sessions begin at 10:30 a.m., and the last half hour session starts at 3:30 p.m.

If you fancy yourself a sleuth, try cracking a code in the library on Thursday, Dec. 30 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. There will be codes and ciphers appropriate for all ages available.

Regular library events will also continue during the school break, including Online story time and Books for Babies, as well as the Anime Club (for students aged 12 and up) which meets the third Tuesday of each month.

Masks are required for all in-person activities at the library. For more information or to pre-register for activities, call the children’s room at 207-892-1908. <