The Yuletide season is here, and that means school is out! If you are worrying about ways to keep your kids engaged, thankfully Kolkata has many fun, educational and engaging workshops lined up. From storytelling to art, STEM to gymnastics – there is something to spark every child’s interest.
Orange Door
The preschool and activity centre has weekly winter camps spanning an entire month. Each week has a different theme and you can pick and choose what works for your little one. Orange Door offers a fun, engaging and safe environment with a magical Christmas and polar adventures.
When: December 16, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Ages: 1.5 to 5.5
Contact: 9830922253
Aakaenksha Pattwari
A mystical time with stories, music, paints, yoga and dance. Patwari is a certified Early Childhood Educator and has curated this four-day camp with utmost care. With age-appropriate activities that promote fine and gross motor skills in early stages, this camp is sure to keep the kids entertained.
When: December 24- 27, 2024; December 3, 2024- January 3, 2025
Ages: 2-5
Contact: 9903977740
Little Nerds
Vidhi Bagaria Gupta has come through again with multiple workshops that you can pick from based on your child’s interest. A fun-filled Christmas Workshop for ages 3-6, a creative writing program for ages 6-8 and a winter workshop with Sochu books. The Christmas and Winter workshop focuses on storytelling and art and craft, the creative writing workshop is designed to unleash creativity and allows kids to step into Willy Wonka’s magical world.
When: December 16 - 31, 2024
Ages: 3-8
Contact: 9830733900
Active Brain Club
An enchanting five-day winter adventure with exciting hands-on festive fun, Anshula Bubna’s ABC Winter Wonderland should not be missed. Split in two groups for ages 2-5 and 5-10, ABC offers it all – STEM, storytelling, art and dance. The kids will get to make adorable Christmas baubles and bake treats too!
When: December 23-27, 2024; December 30, 2024 - January 3, 2025
Ages: 2-5, 5-10
Contact: 9831724000
The Little Gym
Transform your child’s holiday season into a magical adventure at The Little Gym. The winter fun will be in full swing with activities to boost confidence and creativity, while learning new skills. The weekly camp will focus on gymnastics and craft.
When: December 16, 2024 - January 3, 2025
Ages: 3-6, 6-12
Contact: 9330997287
Makers Loft
This one is for budding designers and engineers. Sign up for a jewellery making/ car building workshop offered by Makers Loft, Kolkata. Children will learn to turn Lego bricks into beautiful jewellery in this unique creative workshop. Alternatively, aspiring engineers can dive into a camp focused on building car models using Lego. Whether it’s assembling suspension systems or crafting home accessories, these workshops promise an educational experience for every young innovator.
When: December / January
Ages: 6-14
Contact: 8585022249
British Council
The British Council offers a holiday camp for children to develop skills to communicate confidently. This short intensive course is for children between ages 6 to 17 and allows each age group to engage with a different topic to build their presentation, communication and discussion skills. Parents get a unique opportunity to watch their child’s progress by attending the Presentation Showcase on the final day of the course.
When: December 23-27, 2024
Ages: 6-17
Contact: 01169032222
More details here
South Kolkata Trekkers Association (SKTA)
Winter is the perfect time for nature camps iStock
This one’s for the adventurous older kids who thrive in the great outdoors. SKTA offers a four-day camping expedition in Horhap Forest for children above 10 years of age, allowing for children to reconnect with nature. From identifying plants, trees, insects and simultaneously mastering trekking, bouldering and river crossing, the experience is both educational and thrilling. Participants also receive hands-on training in basic camp life such as tying knots, building shelters, and cooking, all under expert supervision.
When: December 25-29, 2024
Age: 10-14
Contact: 9903712818
More details here
Beyond the camps, my son and I enjoy Park Street and Allen Park. The Kolkata Christmas Festival is now an annual event in the city. Park Street comes to life with spectacular lighting, Christmas carols, unique choir performances, food booths, and live music from the city’s prominent artists and bands. This year too, there will be food stalls down Park Street and at Allen Park. If your children are old enough, do attend the midnight mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Kolkata truly comes alive with the joy of Christmas!
The author is an economist and full-time millennial mother, struggling to cope with daily chores
