Local options to entertain children on Christmas break

Two days before Christmas Eve and two days after Christmas Day, parents will have the chance to let their children experience special activities offered by Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department and the Missouri Department of Conservation Nature Center.

Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department's Christmas vacation day camp at the Arena Building, for ages 5 to 12, provides parents with an alternative to day care, with activities for children.

Day camp hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23. Snacks are provided but a sack lunch from home should be brought unless otherwise noted.

Activities include baking Christmas treats, singing Yuletide carols, listening to Christmas stories and watching Christmas classics.

Holiday games will be played and Santa will stop by for a visit.

To register or for more information call 335-5421 or e-mail sseyer@cityofcapegirardeau.org. Deadline to register is Wednesday. There is a cost.

This year's theme for Cabin Fever Days theme at the Nature Center is "Life Along the River." This free event will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 26 and 27. Featured events will help all ages discover life along the river through stories, crafts, hikes and programs.

Activities begin on the hour: story time at 10 a.m.; nature crafts at 11 a.m.; hike at 1 p.m.; naturalist program at 2 p.m.

No registration is required. Call 290-5218 for more information.