Christmas vacation in Boston is almost here! When school takes a pause between Christmas and New Year's, it's nice to kick back and relax from the usual routines. Here are 20 enriching activities, from cooking workshops to STEM crafts and nature classes, that are sure to nip "I'm bored" in the bud.

For more things to do in Boston with kids over winter break, consult our Winter Fun Guide and our holiday guide. Plan to have a great time with your kids during the upcoming, and much-needed, school break. And have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

Most places are closed on Christmas, but we’ve come up with 20 things to do with kids and found out what's open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Boston. These ideas can add some multi-generational family fun to Christmas, whether you want to be warm and cozy indoors or get outdoors for some fresh air. Finding things to do on holidays can be a really special activity, whether your staying home with immediate family, or gathering with siblings, cousins, grandparents, and other loved ones.

For more ideas, explore our Holiday Fun Guide.      

Not only are there a bunch of amazing restaurants open on Christmas in Boston, but these spots have all kinds of special holiday plans for guests as well. As cozy as it is at home during the end of December, there's something about the idea of someone else doing the cooking for the family that is just so appealing—no matter what holiday you celebrate. We've complied a list of some of the best, including Boston restaurants open on Christmas Eve and those doing Christmas takeout. So read on for the restaurants open on Christmas in Boston, and make your reservations before they're all booked up.

And with all that spare time not preparing Christmas dinner, you can try some of these 101 Christmas Activities for Kids. If you're looking for more family-friendly holiday fun, explore our list the Top Holiday Activities and Christmas Events for Boston Kids.

Easier than skiing and more thrilling than sledding, the best snow tubing is a wicked big deal here in Massachusetts! Snow tubing provide a low-stress, relatively low-cost family day set at a giggle-inducing pace. It also helps you earn major points with the kiddos. For the best snow tubing near Boston, kids (and adventurous parents) have their choice of several well-groomed trails to launch down on a soft-sided inner-tube. Go a little further and be rewarded with lengthy runs and breathtaking views. All of these tubing parks are located within 3 hours of Boston, and many are also open on winter holidays!

For other ways to hit the slopes, check out our favorite Boston-area sledding hills, a roundup of New England ski resorts that cater to families, and list of more ski resorts in the Northeast. Also, our Boston Winter Fun Guide can always be relied on to get kids off their devices and out in the fresh winter air.