How to Keep the Family Busy During Thanksgiving Break

Holiday vacations are a welcome break for parents and kids. It's a chance to spend some quality time together and escape the rigor of school. However, kids get restless, parents have to work, so Patch wants to help you be prepared. Read on for our guide to filling your Thanksgiving week with family fun.

1. Thanksgiving Camp

• Where/When: , Monday-Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Why go: The City of Agoura Hills Community Services Department has come up with a fantastic way for your kids to spend their holiday break. All you need to do is pack a lunch, a drink and drop them off by 9 a.m. Take your pick of three full days of fun. Buses will take kids to the following places:

Monday, Nov. 21: Build-A-Bear and Paint Pals

Tuesday, Nov. 22: Bowling and Lazertag

Wednesday, Nov. 23: Bright Child and a movie

• Pricing: $50 per child, per day. Register online, at the or by calling 818-597-7361.
• Ideal for: Families with children ages 5-10.

2. Go Ice Skating

• Where/When: The Lakes in Thousand Oaks, Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Why go: Though we live in Southern California where outdoor skating rinks are in short supply, but we are fortunate to have one just a few miles away. Take advantage of the ice skating rink at The Lakes before it's too late. It's a novel and exciting way to spend time as a family. After a few laps around the pond, everyone will likely be hungry, so take advantage of the dining options just steps away.
• Pricing: $9 per person, skates are an additional $4.
• Ideal for: Families with children of all ages.

3. Visit Santa Claus

• Where/When: The Commons, Westlake Promenade and The Oaks Mall, daily.
  
• Why go: Take the kids to deliver their Christmas lists to Santa in person and get a picture with Mr. Claus himself.
• Pricing: Visit with Santa for free; picture prices vary by location and package.
• Ideal for: Families with children of all ages.

4. Pumpkin Squash

• Where/When: Santa Barbara Zoo, Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Why go: If you're the chef of the house, send your spouse out with the kids to the zoo while you prepare Thanksgiving dinner. The kids will get a kick out of watching zoo animals playing with pumpkins, and you'll be able to prepare a meal in peace.
• Pricing: Standard admission rates apply: adults 13-64, $12; children 2-12 and seniors 65+, $10; children under 2 get in free. Parking is $5.
• Ideal for: Families with children of all ages.

5. Hit The Cinema

• Where/When: Edwards Stadium at The Commons and Regency Agoura Hills, daily.
• Why go: Tis' the season for family movies, and there will be plenty to see during the week of Thanksgiving. From young kids to teenagers, you will definitely be able to find a flick to suit everyone's taste. Puss in Boots, Happy Feet Two and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 are already playing, and Arthur Christmas and The Muppets open on Wednesday.
• Pricing: Varies by theater.
• Ideal for: Families with children of all ages.