While on Winter Break, do you ever find yourself sitting in front of the TV for countless hours complaining about how there’s nothing to do? Most people do not realize all the fun holiday opportunities just a short drive from Kings. So work off some of that “holiday weight” and check out some local attractions. 

The Festival of Lights

If you like really colorful and decorative places, the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo is the perfect place for you to visit. The festival is open every week Sunday-Thursday from 5pm- 9pm and Friday and Saturday 5pm-10pm until January 2nd, 2016. You can see the lights only during the day on Christmas Eve, but the Zoo will be closed on Christmas Day. A huge misconception is that the only thing to do at the Festival of Lights is to walk around and see the lights, but there is so much more. There’s activities such as a Toyland Express Train Ride all the way to a Gingerbread Village, which is a must-see. Gate prices go for about $2 more than the online price. Adult tickets are for ages 13-61 and the online price is $16 while children ages 2-12 and seniors 62 or older are charged an online price of $11. The Festival of Lights also offers group discounts if that is an interest.

The Beach Waterpark/Beach Mountain

If you want a place that offers Snow Tubing but is more local than Perfect North, go to Beach Mountain, also known as the Beach Waterpark. The park’s open hours differ upon the day, so going to the website and checking out the hours is the best option to fit your availability. The park’s last open day is March 6th, 2016. The price for tubing is $18 per person and all guests must fill out a waiver before tubing. The waiver is available online as well as in the park. Beach Mountain has different nights such a Teen Night, Toys For Tots, College Night, and Santa and Reindeer.

Fountain Square Ice Rink

The Fountain Square Ice Rink is one of the most popular activities to do during the holiday season in Cincinnati, Ohio. The hours of the rink are listed on the official website of Fountain Square. Admission for everyone is $6 and skate rentals are $4. To help keep everyone safe, children under 55 inches must be accompanied by an adult while on the ice. There is also a concession stand offered for skaters who need to get a bite to eat or just take a break. Lockers are available to skaters to keep their items safe and secure as well. For parties, private rink rentals are available.

Playhouse In the Park

Playhouse in the Park’s Marx Theatre is one of Cincinnati’s most popular theaters. This holiday season the theater offers multiple plays but the one everyone seems to be talking about is, A Christmas Carol which was published by Charles Dickens in 1843. The last day that Playhouse in the Park shows A Christmas Carol is December 30th, 2015. Tickets are on sale online, and the price range is $45-$96 depending on the seating you choose. Due to the length of the show, children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the theatre. The show runs 2 hours and 5 minutes with one intermission. The tickets sell out fast, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to order tickets.

Perfect North Slopes

A lot of people know of the popular ski resort, Perfect North, but most don’t realize Perfect North offers more than just skiing. Snowboarding and Snow Tubing are incredibly fun activities that many people love, and both are welcomed at Perfect North. Ski or snowboard rentals for a day is $25 per person and a ski lift ticket good for up to 8 consecutive hours costs $47 for General Admission. For ages 12 or under, age 60 or older, and active military members prices are reduced to $35. Snow Tubing general admission for 2 hours starts at $25. Ages 12 or under, ages 60 or older, and active military members have a reduced fee of $20 for 2 hours. If you decide you really like Perfect North season passes are available to buy.

NOTE: The unusually warm weather has kept Perfect North from opening its slopes so far this season. But the attraction’s website says they have started making snow and expect to announce an opening soon.