School is out, the holidays are winding down, and parents everywhere are wondering…
“How do we keep the kids busy during December vacation?”

Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! From art studios and STEM labs to skating rinks and outdoor adventures, here are some of the best December School Vacation Camps on the North Shore of Massachusetts for 2025. These programs offer creativity, movement, learning, and plenty of winter fun to get kids out of the house and off the screens.

❄️ 1. YMCA Vacation Camps (Beverly, Haverhill, Methuen, Marblehead & More)

The YMCA continues to be one of the most reliable choices for families looking for full-day vacation programming. Kids stay active with swimming, crafts, team games, STEM activities, and outdoor play.
Ages: Typically 5–12
Dates: December 2025 school vacation week
Best For: Families needing full-day care with lots of variety
🔗 Check your local YMCA branch for the 2025 schedule once released.

🎨 2. Create & Escape DIY Studio (Peabody)

This popular creative studio offers festive winter break workshops where kids can build, craft, paint, make slime, and bring home something amazing every time.
Ages: 6+
Dates: Select days during December 2025 vacation week
Best For: Craft lovers and hands-on makers
🔗 2025 schedule will be posted on Create & Escape’s website.

❄️ 3. The Children’s Piazza (Beverly)

A perfect option for younger children, The Piazza offers open play, sensory sessions, and themed winter activities throughout vacation week.
Ages: 0–6
Dates: Multiple sessions during 2025 vacation week
Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers who need structured indoor play
🔗 Visit The Children’s Piazza event calendar for updates.

🧬 4. Code Wiz Winter STEM Camp (Reading)

Kids dive into robotics, coding, Minecraft engineering, and game design in these highly engaging STEM sessions.
Ages: 7–14
Dates: December 26–30, 2025
Best For: Kids who love technology, gaming, and hands-on problem-solving
🔗 https://thecodewiz.com/

🧊 5. Talbot Rink Holiday Hockey & Skating Clinics (Haverhill)

Holiday-week skating lessons, hockey clinics, and open ice time make Talbot Rink a great option for active kids.
Ages: Varies by program
Dates: December 2025 vacation
Best For: Skaters of all levels and hockey players
🔗 Check the 2025 rink schedule as the season approaches.

🐴 6. Windrush Farm Holiday Riding Programs (North Andover)

Windrush offers unique winter vacation riding sessions where kids can enjoy horseback riding, farm chores, winter nature walks, and small-group activities.
Ages: 5+
Dates: Select days during December 2025 vacation
Best For: Animal lovers and outdoor adventurers
🔗 https://www.windrushfarm.org/

⚽ 7. Local Sports Clinics (Danvers, Peabody, North Andover)

Many North Shore sports facilities offer 2025 clinics for soccer, basketball, flag football, lacrosse, and more.
Examples include:

• New England Sports Center (NESC)
• Danvers Indoor Sports
• North Shore Elite Sports programs
  Ages: 5–14
  Dates: December 2025 vacation week
  Best For: High-energy kids who love teamwork and skill-building
  🔗 Check individual facility websites for 2025 registration.

🎭 8. North Shore Dance Academy Winter Workshops (Peabody)

A magical way to spend a winter morning! NSDA typically offers themed dance camps with ballet, jazz, crafts, and mini performances.
Ages: 3–10
Dates: Select vacation days in December 2025
Best For: Kids who love movement, music, and performing
🔗 Schedules typically release in late fall 2025.

🧱 9. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Mini Camps (Somerville — easy drive from North Shore)

Holiday building challenges, interactive rides, and seasonal LEGO fun make this a winter break crowd-pleaser.
Ages: 5–10
Dates: December 2025 vacation
Best For: LEGO lovers and creative builders
🔗 https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/boston/

🌲 10. Trustees Nature & Farm Programs (Ipswich, Topsfield, & Surrounding Areas)

Many Trustees properties offer winter family programs, farm adventures, holiday crafting, and outdoor exploration during the break.
Ages: Varies
Dates: December 2025 vacation
Best For: Kids who love nature, animals, and outdoor play
🔗 https://thetrustees.org/

✨ Tips for December Vacation 2025 Planning

• Register early — spots fill fast for winter programs.
• Pack warm layers for camps with outdoor activities.
• Bring refillable water bottles and snacks (some programs may be nut-free).
• Review cancellation and weather policies ahead of time.