Guide: Entertaining Activities in Farmingdale for School Break

The gifts are opened, the food is almost gone and the kids are getting bored. What's a parent to do? Farmingdale offers many interesting and fun diversions during the school break for all ages. From bowling, swimming, hockey and shuffleboard to learning about Farmingdale's aviation history, here's ten break activity options to fill the week.

1. will be offering two open play sessions Monday through Friday during the Christmas break for children eight years old and younger. The sessions are available from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 12 noon to 2 p.m. Cost is $12 per person. 1835 New Highway, Farmingdale. 631-752-2324

2. invites children to celebrate the holiday week at one of its open bounce sessions. Call or check its online calendar for session times: www.bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny. 101 Carolyn Blvd, Farmingdale, NY 11735 (631) 777- JUMP (5867)

3. A variety of special children's events for all ages will be offered at the throughout the holiday week. On Tuesday Dec. 28 from 10-11 a.m., a Fairytale Bingo will be held; from 7-8 p.m. that night a baseball trivia hour for kindergarten through fifth grade will be offered. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wed. Dec. 29, a snowflake walk-in craft will take place. Thursday Dec. 30 from 10-11 a.m., a craft clean-up event will allow children to use the library's extra craft material to make something new.

4. Use the holiday for kids to learn about Farmingdale's heritage. The at displays vintage airplanes from World War II along with other memorabilia. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. 631-293-6398

5. Looking to swim a few laps and bask in the balmy warmth of a pool? The Hilton Hotel Long Island in Melville allows non-guests of the hotel to swim in its beautiful heated indoor pool. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. It's best to call ahead to ensure that no private birthday parties are being held. Prices for an all-day swim are $20 for children under 16; $30 for adults. The pool is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., open Christmas and New Year's Day. 598 Broad Hollow Rd., Melville, 631-577-1577 

6. arcade and restaurant offers a mix of video games, shuffleboard, bowling and hundreds of other classic and new-age games in its midway to win prizes. It is open New Year's Eve from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and all other days Sunday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. One adult per six minors.  261 Airport Plaza Blvd., Farmingdale. 631-249-0708

7. will be offering holiday specials for kids and families. During the holiday week all day, the Kids Combo Pack includes two bowling games, shoe rental, soft drink, and either a hot dog, jumbo pretzel, nachos and cheese, or French fries for $11.99 per child (a 40% discount). The Family Fun Package is available for two hours every Saturday and Sunday till 6 p.m. and it includes bowling for up to six people per lane, shoes, pitcher of Pepsi, and a large pizza pie, all for $49.99. 999 Conklin St., Farmingdale. 631-249-4300.

8. For aspiring hockey players, SkateSafe America will be holding open hockey from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the holiday break. Boys and girls need to bring their own skates, helmets, sticks, and hockey gear where, for $10 per person, they will be formed into teams to compete. The facility boasts two rinks. 182 Bethpage Sweet Hollow Rd., Old Bethpage. 516-249-1717.

9. Looking for exercise with your babies and toddlers? Stroller Strides will be offering a free one-hour class at from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Monday Dec. 27 and Tuesday Dec. 28. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program for moms that they can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of body toning using exercise tubing and the stroller. Taught by nationally certified instructors (who are also Moms), it's a great workout for any level of exerciser. In 60 minutes, attendees will get a total body workout improving cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility. The classes are equally beneficial for babies as instructors will weave songs through the workout and incorporate activities to make it fun. Babies as young as six weeks as well as toddlers are welcome. Bring a sturdy stroller, sneakers, a mat or towel for floor work. 45 Motor Ave., Farmingdale. 516-729-2866

10. Open play hours on its slides, swings, bouncers, and climbing areas will be available at . Hours are Monday Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday Dec. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Thursday Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Friday Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $8 per child. 111 Milbar Blvd., Farmingdale. 631-845-3804