What to watch: Parents are always on the hunt for ways to calm that present and sugar-induced craze before school goes back in session. These local camps, events, and spots offer active outlets to burn off the wiggles, from STEAM adventures and bounce parties to indoor gyms and outdoor trails. Here’s some help to keep the little ones entertained and exhausted.
  • Petroleum Museum STEAM-Break Camps – Monday, Dec. 29 & Tuesday, Dec. 30, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dive into a world of imagination, engineering, and thrill during the Holiday STEAM-nival on Dec. 29, where kids design carnival games and experiment with physics behind attractions. Then chill out with Frozen Science on Dec. 30, exploring ice, snow, and cold-weather reactions through interactive STEAM projects. Choose from three sessions: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., OR 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Bring a water bottle plus snacks or lunch.

 

  • The Little Gym Winter Camps – Monday, Dec. 29 & Tuesday, Dec. 30, Friday, Jan. 2, Monday, Jan. 5, & Tuesday, Jan. 6, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Let your children stay active, giggling, and discovering during winter break with exciting themed days full of games, artistic projects, and tasty snacks! Pick morning or afternoon sessions for ages 3+ (must be potty-trained). Drop-ins and bundle passes offered.

 

  • Midland Merry Lights: Jingle Jump Night – Tuesday, Dec. 30, 6–8 p.m.

Bounce away the holiday energy and sweets at this lively closing event to Midland Merry Lights. This event features massive inflatables, an exciting slide, and a mechanical reindeer for rodeo-style challenges. Enjoy free laughter, twinkling lights, and that last glimpse of seasonal fun.

 

  • Frosted Fun Art Camp – Tuesday, Dec. 30–Friday, Jan. 2. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

    Dive into a cozy snow-themed art camp, where kids ages 4-14 create projects in acrylic, ice, crystal, and resin, along with puffy paint snow scenes, cozy mugs, snow globes, and more. Take a packed lunch or eat there for $5/day. Register online to secure your spot.

 

  • Snapology Winter Holiday Camp – Monday, Jan. 5 & Tuesday, Jan. 6, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Join this creative, learning-focused break activity! Participants dive into LEGO constructions, STEM tasks, group collaboration, and plenty of seasonal enjoyment in a secure, stimulating setting. Full or half-day choices available.

 

  • Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park – Open Mon.–Tue. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 12–8 p.m.

Let kids bounce off the walls (literally) with endless trampolines, dive into foam zones, play dodgeball, scale walls. and more. Kids favorite high-energy fun, recommended for ages 2+. The perfect place to sit back and watch your kids jump around and have fun.

 

  • Children’s Museum and Planetarium at Museum of the Southwest – Open Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sun. 2–5 p.m.

Suitable for all ages, with the Children’s Wing stocked full of games, hands-on exhibits, and interactive play to keep your little ones entertained all day. Winter themes add festive flair, with Family Fridays offering special hands-on activities, science experiments, and more.

 

  • Sibley Nature Center and Watersong Trails – Open 8 a.m. (Watersong) and 9 a.m.(Sibley)–6 p.m.

Enjoy a day outdoors with self-guided hikes through desert trails and wetlands for kid-led exploration, spot birds, plants, and wildlife. Experience Midland’s native beauty during this unseasonably warm weather. No cost to enter.

 

  • Green Acres Mini Golf – Open Wed.–Thu. 5–9 p.m., Fri. 5–10 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sun. 1–8 p.m.

Featuring mini-golf, kart racing, arcade, and outdoor games, suitable for every age group. With bundle deals to try it all, and a fully stocked snack bar Green Acres is a great family-friendly space to spend the day.

 

  • Cinergy Midland South or Tall City – Showings start at 10 a.m. Fri.–Wed., opens at 12 p.m. on Thursdays

Catch new releases such as Zootopia 2, Wicked: For Good, or David, at Cinergy. Experience the newest addition at Tall City and enjoy the known recliners, food, and games, along with so much more.

 

  • Legacy Extreme – Open Sun.–Thu. from 12–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–12 a.m.

The ideal place for indoor family entertainment, especially with older kids. The venue features a jump park with trampolines, a parkour course, basketball, dodgeball and more.