Looking to do something different in your homeschool during the holidays? Or, maybe you want to use some of your holiday downtime to take some fieldtrips you just haven't found time for in your regular schooling schedule.
There are plenty of fun and learning opportunities during the holidays in the Raleigh area, ranging from festive shows and celebrations to very worthwhile and educational museum exhibits to explore. Some of these holiday exhibits and activities can be combined with educational exhibits at the same time and location to make your excursion a complete day trip.
Activities have been broken down into categories and listed chronologically for convenience and planning purposes.
Holiday and Seasonal Celebrations
Through Dec. 24. The Nutcracker by the Carolina Ballet. Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets required.
Dec. 20, 3 - 9 p.m. Jewish Cultural Festival, Cary Arts Center, Cary. Whether you are Jewish or not, enjoy a variety of activities, displays and entertainment. Free.
Dec. 22, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Teddy Bear Tea, The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill. Traditional tea for the adults and sandwiches and special treats for the children followed by a visit with Mrs. Claus. Advanced registration and tickets required.
Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. North Carolina Symphony: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh. Tickets required.
Dec. 29, 3:00 p.m. Town of Cary Kwanzaa Celebration, Cary Arts Center, Cary. A cultural celebration, vendor marketplace, and entertainment for everyone. Free.
Dec. 31, 2:00 p.m. First Night Raleigh, Raleigh (Children's celebration in the area of the North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences). Crafts, activities, and entertainment. Badges required for ages 6 and up. Badges can be purchased at a discounted price here. The price increases if badges are purchased that day at the event.
Museum and Educational Exhibits
While you are waiting for the First Night activities to begin, catch special exhibits at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Musuem of History. Both have excellent educational temporary exhibits.
For children 12 and older, or younger world history buffs, the Genghis Khan exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is one not to miss. Authentic items on loan from museums in Mongolia, including a mummified princess and interactive exhibits keep everyone's interest. Admission is required. Exhibition closes January 16, 2012.
Another special exhibit not to miss before it leaves the area is the Rembrandt in America collection at the North Carolina Museum of Art. A presentation of the largest Rembrandt collection in an exhibit and on the East coast. Admission is required.
Not far from Raleigh, the Museum of Life and Science in Durham has two temporary exhibits that will close in January.
Closing January 15, 2012 is Carolina Wonderland Express. For train enthusiasts, young and old, a 2,200 square foot exhibit of model trains traveling through tunnels and North Carolina landmarks. Admission is required.
Through January 22, 2012, RACE: Are We So Different?. An exploration behind the biology of differing races and the history and current issues relating to race. Admission is required.
Special Library Events and Activities
Homeschoolers love libraries! And there are many special activities and events planned for the two weeks before and after Christmas. From special story times to holiday movies and activities, there is something for all ages during school downtime, even teens.
To discover what activities are occurring in your area, view the Wake County Library Events Calendar.
Enjoy your break! If anyone has further suggestions for holiday or educational activities to explore, please share them.
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