10 ways to keep the kids busy — and happy — over winter break

It's winter break, and the kids are home. As a parent, you're thrilled for some family bonding, but you know it's only a matter of time before you hear the dreaded “I'm bored.”

To help your kids beat the winter blues — and save your own sanity — check out our 10 ideas for keeping busy over break, both indoors and out.

Take note: Places listed below are closed Christmas Day unless otherwise noted, and hours may be shortened for Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, so check before you go.

Sky High Sports: The Trampoline Place

Get ready to bounce off the walls — literally. Naperville's new 50,000-square-foot trampoline park just opened. Jump, bounce and spring on an enormous main court, visit the high-flying dodgeball court or play in the super-size foam pit. There's also a tot court and adult workout classes.

“At Sky High, we're mostly about fun, but we're also about fitness,” says owner/president Jerry Raymond. “Trust me, after an hour or two of bouncing, your kids will be tuckered out. For adults, try our AIRrobics class and burn up to 1,000 calories in an hour. It's infinitely more fun than running on a treadmill.”

Info: Located at 2244 Corporate Lane, north of I-88 and east of Route 59, Naperville, (630) 717-5867, and 6424 Howard St., Niles, (847) 801-5867. Hours and prices vary; regular jump rate is $11 an hour, with specials offered. See jumpskyhigh.com.

“Dr. Seuss & the Art of Invention”

Chicago's newest temporary exhibit, “There's Fun to be Done! Dr. Seuss & the Art of Invention,” runs through Jan. 8 at the Museum of Science and Industry and celebrates the life and art of Theodor Seuss Geisel, one of the best-selling children's authors of all time. View a collection of his early editorial cartoons, paintings and sculptures, and take part in whimsical, hands-on activities that let the imagination run wild.

“The imagination and ingenuity of Dr. Seuss is so inspirational, and it really speaks to the museum's mission to inspire the inventive genius in everyone,” said museum spokeswoman Anne Rashford. “As children, we grew up reading his books. As adults, we can now understand how innovative and gifted he was as an artist and writer.”

Info: MSI is located at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17-23 and 26-31. Tickets cost $5 for adults and seniors; $2 for kids 3-11, in addition to museum general admission prices of $15 for adults, $14 for seniors and $10 for kids. Visit msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/seuss/ or call (773) 684-1414.

Raging Buffalo Snowboard Ski Park

Itching to get outdoors? Algonquin's Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park, officially the world's first snowboard-exclusive area, features two rope tows, half pipes, kickers, table tops, staircase and a magic carpet on the beginner hill. Weekday, weekend and holiday rates are offered for any budget; season passes also are available. The park has a full line of rental equipment for beginners to experts. Check online for special events, such as Ladies Night — women get a free lift ticket every Wednesday.

Info: Located on Route 31 on the McHenry-Kane County border between Algonquin and Carpentersville at the Buffalo Park Forest Preserve. Hours vary by day, typically 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. over break. Open Christmas Day. Rates vary. See ragingbuffalo.com or call (847) 836-7243.

Cuneo Museum Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show

This holiday lights show in Vernon Hills will get everyone in a festive mood. The grounds of the Cuneo Estate are covered with lit animal figures, elves and characters from children's stories. The decorated mansion has a holiday open house from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, that includes Santa, crafts, movies and more. The Drive Through Holiday Light Show is an annual highlight, with 97 acres of scenic holiday lights. Santa visits Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Info: The light show entrance is located north of Route 60 on Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Open from 6 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 31; closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The cost is $10 per car on weekends; $5 on weeknights. Visit cuneomansion.org or call (847) 362-3042.

Ben's Christmas Tree Farm

Ben's Christmas Tree Farm, located on 55 acres in Harvard in McHenry County, offers free horse-drawn wagon rides and tractor rides, free hot chocolate and coffee, farm animals, Santa, nature trails for hikes, farm crafts and more. There are thousands of trees in 12 varieties of firs and pines, from 6-feet to 15-feet tall. A second location, called Ben's Fraser Fir Farm, specializes in Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir and Norway spruce. Both locations use organic farming practices, and all trees are pesticide-free.

“It gives kids a great exposure to nature that they otherwise might be missing,” said tree farm spokesman Chris Czarnowski. “It gives a break from the hectic life of school and activities and is a chance to step into the outdoors, breathe the fresh air and just have fun. It's a blast for the whole family to wander through the fields in search of the ‘perfect' Christmas tree.”

Info: Ben's Christmas Tree Farm is located at 7720 Ryan Road in Harvard. Open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18. Ben's Fraser Fir Farm is on Capron Road, seven miles west of Harvard and a mile south of the town of Capron and Route 173. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18. Free admission. Visit benstreefarm.com or call (630) 279-0216.

“The Nutcracker”

Treat your family to the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” presented by State Street Dance at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18. This year's performance features former Joffrey dancer Randy Herrera as the Snow King and Cavalier. A preshow with a local chorus group and other special musicians occurs throughout the two performance days.

Info: Located at 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Shows are 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. Tickets cost $27 for adults and $22 for children 10 and younger. Visit statestreetdancestudio.com/events.htm or call (630) 232-0444 for tickets.

“Chocolate: Around the World”

This sweet exhibit, a chocolate-lover's dream, is back by popular demand at the Field Museum. First premiering in 2002, this year's display runs through Sunday, Jan. 8, and explores the relationship between chocolate and human culture. Learn about the cacao tree, see how candy packaging looks from around the world and share your own experiences with chocolate. Watch pastry chef Omar Martinez from Food for Thought transform blocks of white chocolate into a festive replica of the Field Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 26-30.

Info: Located at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except on Dec. 25. Basic admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students with ID and $10 for kids ages 3-11. Special exhibits, including “Chocolate: Around the World,” cost extra. See archive.fieldmuseum.org/chocolate/ or call (312) 922-9410.

Volo Auto Museum

The 30-acre Volo Auto Museum has drawn international attention with its collection of more than 300 classic, antique, muscle and Hollywood cars, making it one of the country's top auto attractions. The museum was constructed from a dairy farm, built in 1848, and has been deemed haunted by The Discovery Channel. The haunted Trolley Tour tells this story.

“The Volo Auto Museum is the ideal family destination. With two city blocks, all indoors, you can easily spend the entire day here,” says museum director Brian Grams. “There is something for everyone — the Combat Zone, a lifelike battle scene and military museum, five antique malls to shop at, and a diner. It's family fun and easy on the wallet.”

Info: Located at 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $9.95 for adults and $5.95 for children ages 5-12. Visit volocars.com or call (815) 385-3644.

Chicago Bulls/Sox Academy

The Bulls/Sox Academy is the only year-round youth player development facility in the country that's owned and operated by a professional team. Whether your kids want to sharpen their skills or learn the basics, the academy offers holiday packages specifically for children home on winter break. Options include three-day baseball and basketball camps in Glen Ellyn and Lisle from Dec. 27-29, as well as combo basketball and baseball day camps.

“It's a great way to keep kids active over the long winter break and to either help with their training or to get them started,” said Pete Kelly, the Academy's director of marketing and sales.

Info: Locations are at 6200 River Bend Drive, Lisle, (630) 324-8221, and 800 St. Charles Road, inside the new Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center, Glen Ellyn, (630) 317-0150. Costs vary. See bullssoxacademy.com.

“Touching on Traditions”

Discover winter holiday traditions from all over the world at the Elgin Public Museum's “Touching on Traditions.” The authentic and culturally inclusive winter holiday exhibition runs through Saturday, Dec. 31, and features displays and objects of traditional holiday significance from 62 different cultures.

“It's really decorated beautifully with a lot of trees and lights,” said Peggie Stromberg, the museum's executive director. “It began with 10 exhibits in 1986 and has continued to grow over the years.”

Info: Located at 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin. Open from noon until 4 p.m. most days through Dec. 31; closes at 3 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 31; closed Dec. 25. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. Check elginpublicmuseum.org or call (847) 741-6655.