Even though there's no snow on the ground, that thing called "winter break" is quickly sneaking up on us. Kids are looking forward to it – parents, probably not so much. You're probably in frantic search of some great activities to suggest once those inevitable "I'm bored"s make their dreaded appearance. Well, you need look no further than Corning & the Finger Lakes.

If you've ever spent the day at The Corning Museum of Glass, you know why it deserves to be on Budget Travel magazine's list of "15 Places to See before 15." Kids love all the hands-on activities they find when they visit the glass museum. Give the museum a "thumbs up" every day through next Tuesday, February 21, and make sure it gets the recognition it deserves.

The Corning Museum of Glass is a haven for kids and parents alike. With special activities running from February 17-25, there's lots that will keep your kids (and you!) both busy and happy. Whether they're taking in a live glassblowing demonstration, watching a flameworking show, or participating in the glassbreaking demo, they'll be excited to see such a common material in a brand new light. Sure they drink their juice out of a glass each morning, but do they realize molten glass is hotter than lava? They will now!

Some of the museum's great programs for kids include You Design It; We Make it! which gives children the opportunity to draw a picture and enter it to be chosen by a gaffer (glassworker) to be made into glass. The child gets to keep the piece after it cools. Kids of all ages can have a glassmaking experience when they "Make Your Own Glass." Whether they want to blow an ornament or created a fused picture frame, opportunities for hands-on glass experiences abound.

Need other creative projects? From 12-4 p.m. during Winter Break at the museum, make a new craft every day. Make a fused bead sun catcher, a mosaic, snowflake, lampshade, rubbing and more. Take a family Hidden Treasures Tour and explore the museum on a child-geared, one-hour tour through the history of glass. Tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Remember, kids and teens 19 and under are always free at The Corning Museum of Glass – and the Rockwell Museum of Western Art!

If you're looking for something special to do not only over winter break but on President's Day Weekend as well, head to the Rockwell for FREE FunDay Sunday, where parents can get in for free, too!

"President's Day weekend equals family fun at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art. Design your own Cowboy Concho Pin, make your own musical shaker and use it to participate in a percussion rhythm circle, and become a detective along the Art Trail. Kids and teens are always free and all activities are offered at no charge. On Sunday, February 19, the Museum is free for all," says Beth Manwaring, marketing director at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art.

Come back on Monday for President's Day School Recess and have an afternoon of rhythmic fun at the Rockwell. "School's Out: We've Got Rhythm" lets children design their own musical shaker and then use it to participate in a percussion rhythm circle and listen to stories in the Lodge from 1-3 p.m.

Still looking for more fun? Visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport where your kids will learn about a very special aviation pioneer from right here in the "cradle of aviation." Known as the "Father of Naval Aviation," Glenn Curtiss had his hand in almost everything with a motor. Explore the exhibits with everything from motorcycles to giant airplanes Curtiss used to fly right off Keuka Lake. With collections that house everything from classic boats to dollhouses, everyone will find something enjoyable at the Curtiss Museum. Discover aviation history and local history, as well. Student admission (ages 7-18) is $5.50, and kids 6 and under are free. There is a family rate of $25.

If it's fun you seek during these breaks from school, Corning & the Finger Lakes is where you'll find it. Kids and parents alike will delight in the activities we offer and the knowledge you gain while you're here. Learning becomes fun when you visit these extraordinary places. Once you've experienced it, you'll want to come back for more. See you soon!