Kids Free During School Vacation Week at Old Sturbridge Village Starting Dec. 26, 2012;
Free admission for children extends through Jan. 31, 2013
Indoor crafts and performances, plus sledding, skating, and outdoor fun
Old Sturbridge Village is celebrating the season by offering free admission for children starting Dec. 26 for school vacation week and extending through Jan. 31, 2013. During this time, all kids age 17 and younger get free admission to the Village (an $8 value per child) when accompanied by a paying adult. There is no limit on the number of free youth admissions per adult, but the offer does not apply to school groups or Discovery Adventure programs.
OSV historians and educators have planned lots of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the kids busy - and happy - during December school vacation week (Dec. 26- Jan. 6) and beyond. Outdoor fun includes ice skating (weather permitting - bring your own skates), sledding on 1830s-style sleds, and horse-drawn sleigh rides (snow permitting).
School vacation week visitors can also meet the OSV oxen, dip candles, and enjoy a host of puppet shows and family-friendly entertainment performed daily throughout the week. Hands-on activities include making an 1830s-style birch twig whisk for the kitchen, whipping and tasting whipped cream, making a cider mulling spice bag, and making a 19th-century animation toy, called a thaumatrope.
In addition, Old Sturbridge Village is offering Winter Warmth, a two-day Discovery Adventure set for Dec. 27-28 and open to children ages 6-17. Children learn first-hand what life was like in the 1830s by dressing in authentic period costume, learning to cook food over the hearth, and celebrating winter festivities. Older children will piece small quilts and younger children will make 1830s-style toys, and take part in early New England children's winter games and pastimes. Discovery Adventure hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., with extended day care available until 5:30 p.m. For details: 508-347-0285 or register online: www.osv.org/discovery.
Old Sturbridge Village celebrates New England life in the 1830s and is open year round. The museum is open daily during school vacation week from 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission: adults $24; seniors $20; children age 17 and under, free (from Dec. 26 - Jan. 31, 2013). For details on all programs listed: www.osv.org or call 800-733-1830.