You need not be in the sun in some far-flung locale to make your spring break quake for the next week and a half as classes halt briefly. There’s plenty on the homefront to keep you and yours as happy as if you had your toes dug into the sand. Here are a few choices.
1: kidscommons children’s museum, 309 Washington St. in Columbus. The museum typically is open Tuesday through Sunday, but it will also be open on the following Mondays in addition to normal hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 14, 21 and 28.
Lego Building Basics Camp, 9 a.m. to noon March 14 though 18. Ages: 5 and older. Cost: $105 members/$120 nonmembers. This is an introductory Lego class where participants can learn the building blocks of design and engineering.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Camp, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 14 through 18. Ages: 8 to 12. Cost: $105 members/$120 nonmembers. Each day, campers will be challenged to try a new experiment, hone their math skills with giant games or explore an engineering concept using Lego components. Information: 812-378-3046 or kidscommons.org.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
2: YES Cinema, Fourth and Jackson streets in downtown Columbus. “Zootopia” animated movie. Officer Judy Hopps (the voice of Ginnifer Goodwin), the very first bunny on Zootopia’s police force, jumps at the opportunity to crack her first case, even if it means partnering with fast-talking, scam-artist fox Nick Wilde (the voice of Jason Bateman) to solve the mystery. $4 matinees everyday for all ages and $4 for those 12 and younger and $6 for adults after 6 p.m.
Also showing “Allegiant.” Tris (Shailene Woodley) must escape with Four (Theo James) and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Information for showtimes: 812-378-0377 or yescinema.org.
3: Columbus Youth Camp, 12454 W. Youth Camp Road. Day camp 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (plus early bird and late-day hours) March 14 through 18, featuring sports clinics, arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, cranial challenges, activities linked to science, technology, engineering and math and other programs. Information on openings and fees: 812-348-4558 or foundationforyouth.com.
4: Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave. in Columbus. 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 14 through 18 and March 21 and 22. A variety of activities from games to swimming. Information: 812-348-4558 or foundationforyouth.com.
5: Shireman Homestead, 7060 W. County Road 200N in Columbus. Visits of families or groups by appointment March 14 through 18 and 21 and 22. Trick horse shows, tour of the farm and Western town, close-up meeting and petting of farm animals from baby pigs to baby donkeys and others. Also horse riding lessons by appointment. Cost: $5 per person. Information: 812-372-2946 or shiremanhomestead.com.
6: Hamilton Center Ice Arena, 2501 Lincoln Park Drive in Columbus. Public skate from 1 to 3 p.m. March 14 through 18. Cost: $4 for those 17 and younger, plus $2 skate rental. Adult admission is $4.50 plus $2 skate rental. Also Princess Tea for young girls, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 17. Girls dress as princesses and make crowns, have cookies and tea and then skate with the arena’s princesses. Cost: $15. Information: 812-376-2686.
7: Columbus Skateland, 2660 N. Talley Road in Columbus. Public skates: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays with $6 admission, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays with $4.50 admission, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturdays with $5 admission, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays with $4.50 admission. Skate rental is $2 (or $3.50 for inline skates). Information: 812-372-6677.
8: The Commons, Spring Break Bounce!, noon to 5 p.m. March 19 upstairs at 300 Washington St. Fun at multiple bounce houses for children up to age 12. Parental or adult supervision required. Information: 812-376-2681 or thecommonscolumbus.
