Holiday Break Guide

Vegas Kids Zone

HOLIDAY BREAK

GUIDE

Day and Holiday Break Camps Deals & Discounts Can’t Miss Attractions & Shows Plus!

Holiday Markets

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Contents Winter Break Camps & Programs

4 Young Leaders Inspiring Homeschoolers Through Recess 7 Steam Camps 8 Sports & Movement Camps 9 Theater & Music Camps 10 Be a VKZ Cover Kid 11 Arts & Crafts Camps 12 Be a Kidpreneur 13 Rec Centers & General Camps Holiday Events & Deals

17 Holiday Calendar 18 Leona Lewis Holiday Special 19 The VKZ Deals 21 Bellagio Conservatory Activity Kit 22 VKZ Holiday Games 25 Oreo Truffle Ornaments 27 Birthday Ideas

Meet Maddie & Ella

Young Leaders Inspiring Homeschoolers Through Recess Maddie and Ella are two standout members of the Recess community who have been part of the platform since its earliest days.

Recess is an online learning and social community for kids ages 8 to 15, designed to foster creativity, leadership, friendship, and self-directed exploration through live classes, clubs, and collaborative experiences.

Maddie and Ella have shaped what is possible for kids on Recess with their Recess Rundown Podcast. They share their homeschool journey and explore what it means to learn in a selfdirected, curiosity driven environment.

A bit about Maddie Maddie, 11, leads the Recess Book Club for younger readers, ages 8 to 11. She is also a published author who recently released her second book. She loves creative writing, Dungeons & Dragons, art, and helping other kids find their voice (and she’s really good at it too!).

VKZ Fave Quotes from Maddie: “I am traumatized by a pickle.”

“Don't be afraid to reach out to people who inspire you, because they might say yes.”

A bit about Ella Ella, who is 13, hosts the Young Adult Book Club for teens. She is an avid artist who has created her own virtual art galleries with the support of her art teacher and the Recess community. She also enjoys creative writing, Dungeons & Dragons, and taking on leadership roles as a Recess Ambassador, making sure new kids feel seen and included.

VKZ Fave Quotes from Ella: “Remember, children are just tiny adults with wild imaginations. No matter how young you are, you can achieve anything you put your mind, too! Never let your age limit you.”

Recess.gg is proud to celebrate kids who learn, lead, and level up — on the playground and beyond.

Want your child featured in our next spotlight?

Visit Recess.gg/spotlight to submit their story.

The VKZ HOLIDAY BREAK GUIDE Your Family-Friendly, Low-Stress, Las Vegas Winter Break Holiday, winter and day camps can be a fantastic opportunity to expand on your child’s interests, find new friends and skills!

Local camps offer a variety of benefits for kids and their parents. Sure, they provide a structured and supervised environment for children with a large mix of educational, recreational, and social activities. But! It’s the fun and leveling up the thrill of the season that make holiday camps so special.

Camps can focus on specific skills such as arts and crafts, sports, science, or technology, allowing children to develop new abilities.

Trying new activities, making friends, and achieving goals at camp can boost your kiddo’s self-esteem and confidence as they venture into the world.

Day camps are a great place for children to make new friends, learn how to interact with their peers, and develop important social skills. Some day camps incorporate cultural or themed activities, exposing children to new traditions and perspectives.

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Vegas Family Insider | Page 47

STEAM Camps in Las Vegas If your kid is the type who takes apart the remote “just to see how it works,” builds elaborate cardboard contraptions, or casually explains black holes at the dinner table (been there), STEAM camps are about to become your holiday break lifesaver.

These camps mix science, technology, engineering, art, and math into hands-on fun that keeps kids learning and gives curious minds a place to explore big ideas while you enjoy a few blissful hours of quiet.

Below you’ll find some of the best STEAM camps around the valley this season— organized, easy to compare, and full of options for every age and interest. iCode 4950 W. Craig Road (702)930-5505 centennialhills@icodeschool.com Camps every day through December here! Book early for the week of Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 to secure your spot and soar over the holiday break! STEM.org certified curriculum sparks excitement and curiosity as kids dive into hands-on experiences with robotics, drones, AI, 3D printing, and more. Through its unique Belt system, students build real-world skills like coding, problem-solving, and teamwork while having so much fun, they don’t even realize they’re learning. With instructor-led classes, exciting projects, and regular progress updates for parents, it’s easy to see why so many families trust us to help their children thrive.

Code Central 10545 S Eastern Ave #110 (702) 790-3930 info@mycodecentral.com Code Central has quietly become the winter break favorite for Vegas families — and it’s not just because kids get to dive into STEAM. This camp goes beyond coding lessons and cool tech projects; it’s a place where creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and confidence all get a serious glow-up. Kids learn to build, design, experiment, and think like innovators… while having so much fun they forget they’re technically learning.

Sports & Movement Camps Sports programs channel all that high-energy enthusiasm into skillbuilding, confidence-boosting fun!

It’s also a lifesaver for parents who need the living room to stop doubling as a wrestling arena.

Our city has no shortage of ways to keep active kids engaged over the break.

Below you’ll find a lineup of great sports and movement camps around the valley designed to help kids burn energy, build skills, and come home happily tired.

Scan the QR code for a complete list and links to local sports camps.

Indoor 5 No School Camps Star Sky Gymnastics Camps Desert Gymcats Camps PGA Junior Golf Camp (TPC Las Vegas) Nasri Academy STEAM Camps The Refuge Climbing and Fitness Camps Breakthrough Basketball Camps Champ Camp Las Vegas Circus Center Camps Kids Acro Camp Kids Golf Association Camps Horses4Heroes Farm Camps

Theater & Music Camps Ready to go live? Theater and music camps give kids the chance to explore the magic of performance: acting, singing, dancing, improv, stagecraft, character creation, and even behind-the-scenes production skills.

They build creativity, teamwork, communication, and self-confidence.

Kids love them because they get to dress up, play, express themselves, and be part of something wildly fun.

Below, you’ll find a roundup of the valley’s best theater arts camps for the holiday break — from musical theater intensives to drama workshops and everything in between.

Scan the QR code for a complete list and links to local sports camps.

School of Rock Camps Positively Arts Camps Drama Kids Camp Camp Broadway

Your Child Could Be the Next Cover Star!

Does your kid light up every room?

Show off that sparkle!

Enter the Vegas Family Insider Cover Kid Contest for a chance to see your child on the front or back cover of Vegas Family Insider magazine.

What Winners Get: A professional photo shoot—coverworthy and frame-worthy.

Keepsake copies and digital files to share with family and friends.

A citywide spotlight reaching 200,000+ local families. .

How to Enter: Upload a high-resolution photo.

Share 100 words about what makes your child shine.

Submit by Oct. 21

Meet our November Back Cover Kid - Hugo!

It’s free, fun, and unforgettable

Enter Today!

Vegas Kids Zone – Celebrating the amazing families who make our city sparkle.

Vegas Family Insider | Page 20

Arts and Crafts Camps in Las Vegas Does your kiddo live for glitter, glue sticks, paint splatters, and the magical moment when a blank page becomes something? These arts and crafts camps will be their happy place this holiday break.

Holiday break is the perfect time to let them slow down, make something beautiful, and explore new artistic skills without the rush of the school week. And the best part? They come home brimming with joy, and usually a stack of keepsakes you’ll be proudly displaying on the fridge until spring.

Below you’ll find some of the most inspiring arts and crafts camps in Las Vegas, from cozy studios to full creative workshops. Whether you have a budding illustrator, a craft-loving kiddo, or an aspiring maker, these camps turn winter days into colorful, hands-on magic.

Art Classes for Kids Holiday Break Art Camps Wed., Nov. 22 & Fri., Nov. 24, 9 am-5 pm For ages 6-12 Bash & Design Dec 22, 23, 26 and Dec 29, 30, Jan 1, 2 King Art Studio Nevada Museum of Art

Scan the QR code for a complete list and links to local sports camps.

Kidpreneur Curious?

Celebrate triumphs and shop local handmade items Dec. 13!

The biggest highlight of the entire kidpreneur year is coming up! Our market Dec. 13 at Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet is a festive, high-energy celebration of creativity, courage, and kid-run businesses. It’s also the day we host our Annual Kidpreneur Awards, where judges and community leaders recognize outstanding young entrepreneurs in categories like creativity, kindness, innovation, best display, customer service, and more. Spots are open here.

Every kid who participates will receive their very own VKZ Kidpreneur Pin, their official entry into our yearround Rewards & Points System, where kidpreneurs earn badges, prizes, spotlights, and special opportunities just for showing up, growing, and giving their best effort.

What to Know if You Have a Mini Mogul

Kidpreneur Market Dec. 13, 11-4 p.m.

Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet 1717 S Decatur BLVD

Discover unique, handmade treasures and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of these talented kids.

Wondering how does this whole Kidpreneur thing actually work? You’re in the right place. Our VKZ Kidpreneur Markets are simple, supportive, and seriously fun for first-timers. And right now, you can jump in for just $20 if you sign up by Dec. 5 for the Dec. 13 market.

Let’s inspire the next generation together — join us at the VKZ Kidpreneur Market! Every 2nd Saturday at Fantastic!

Click here to learn more and grab the holiday deal before it’s gone!

VEGASKIDSZONE.COM

The VKZ Kidpreneur Program is where passions turn into businesses… and businesses turn into confidence. Below, we walk you through the vibe, the prep, the perks, and all the magic in between.

KID’S GUIDE TO

STARTING A BUSINESS

The ABCs of Kid’s Markets in 3 Steps The very basics are right here: 1.Sign up and pay for your booth (use the registration button above).

2.Read the Welcome Email — it includes what to bring, simple setup instructions, and pro kidpreneur tips.

3.Arrive ready to shine — sell, meet other entrepreneurs, learn new skills, and maybe even take home an award!

Want in? Join our free Kidpreneur Weekly Newsletter for business-building tips, creative challenges, and chances to win prizes that help you grow your skills and your business.

Fuel your child’s big ideas with this dynamic duo! The Kidpreneur Start Kit and companion Goal-Setting Workbook turns those dreams into action! Help your young entrepreneur set smart targets, track progress, and celebrate wins.

Vegas Family Insider | Page 7

Winter Break Camps Our City of Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, and YMCA programs are some of the valley’s best-kept secrets. They offer full days of supervised fun, themed activities, sports, crafts, games, and plenty of chances for kids to make new friends.

Affordable, structured, and run by experienced staff who know how to keep kids engaged from morning drop-off to afternoon pick-up. Kids love them because every day feels like a new adventure with a wide variety. From art projects, playing gym games, exploring STEM activities, or heading outside for some sunshine.

These camps are perfect for working parents, families looking for consistent full-day care over the break, or anyone who wants a trusted, local option backed by the parks and recreation teams who know our communities best.

Below, you’ll find a roundup of winter break options from city centers, county rec programs, and YMCAs across the valley. Reliable, fun, and easy on the budget — what’s not to love?

Let’s dive in and find your closest camp!

YMCA Winter Break Camps and Day Camps Dec. 22-26 and Dec. 29-Jan. 2 (Closed 1/1)

Clark County Holiday Break and Day Camps For a full list of day camps and holiday break camps, go to the county's site.

Vegas Mom's Guide Tip: Each recreation center has its own registration. Find the one near you and sign up via their portal here.

City of North Las Vegas Registration for Winter Camp at Silver Mesa Rec Center is now open. Kids in Kindergarten through 5th Grade will spend the days doing arts and crafts, playing games and having adventures. Call 702-633-2550 to learn more and to sign up.

Winter Break Camps City of Las Vegas Holiday Break Camps The City of Las Vegas will offer all-day supervised fun, recreation and enrichment for youth ages 514 when the Clark County School District (CCSD) takes a winter break. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday-Friday, Dec. 22-Jan. 2. There will be no camp on the holiday Thursdays, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Prices vary by location. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Winter Break Camp Locations & Costs: Cimarron Rose Community Center, 5591 N. Cimarron Road, 702.229.1607; ages 5-11; $120/week.

Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St., 702.229.6374; ages 5-10 and 11-14; $80/week.

Dula Community Center, 451 E. Bonanza Road, 702.229.6307. This adaptive recreation camp is for ages 5-18; $80/week.

Mirabelli Community Center, 6200 Hargrove Ave., 702.229.6359; ages 5-11; $120/week.

Stupak Community Center, 251 W. Boston Ave., 702.229.2488; ages 5-11; $80/week.

Veterans Memorial Community Center, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive, 702.229.1100; ages 5-10 and 11-14; $120/week.

For more information and to register, click here, call 702.229.PLAY (7529) or call one of the centers listed above.

City of Henderson Winter Break Camps Registration can be submitted online or inperson at any Henderson recreation center until programs and classes reach capacity.

Scan the QR code for a complete list and links to local sports camps.

Vegas Family Insider

VKZ Holiday Events & Deals

VEGAS KIDS ZONE

Calendar NOVEMBER

Explore holiday events and family fun throughout the Las Vegas Valley!

Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden Nov. 6-Jan. 3 2 Cactus Garden Dr., Henderson Wander through a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and visit Santa.

Dia de Muertos Nov. 7-9 333 S Valley View Blvd.

Celebrate the colors and life rooted in Latin American culture at the Springs Preserve.

Glittering Lights Nov. 7-Jan. 4 7000 Las Vegas Blvd N. Drive thru or hop aboard the Santa Tram for festive holiday fun at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Kidpreneur Market Dec. 13 1717 S. Decatur Local kid entrepreneurs sell their handmade treasures and curated items.

Youth Festival Nov. 11 1401 N. Rainbow Nevada Child Seekers presents its annual holiday festival at Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix.

Includes a toy drive and visit from Santa

Magical Forest Nov. 28-Dec. 31 6300 W. Oakey Explore Opportunity Village’s holiday forest of lights.

Ride the Forest Express train, play mini golf and enjoy treats and music.

Farmer's Market Nov. 22 3939 Bradley Rd Stroll through the Rose Creek Farm Farmer's Market, filled with homegrown veggies and fall fruits. Meet local artisans too.

The Turkey Rock Nov. 27 9200 Tule Springs Rd. Start your Thanksgiving with The Turkey Rock 10k/5k/1M. You can run, jog or walk at Floyd Lamb Park.

Soulful Nights and Shimmering Lights

Leona Lewis Finds Her Home at Voltaire Las Vegas

By Sam Schierholz

The glow inside Voltaire Theater inside The Venetian feels like something out of a dream. Soft purples and pinks bounce off crystal chandeliers, a glittering Christmas tree is tucked into the corner, and you sit in velvet couches so plush you’ll want to stay long after the last note fades. It’s elegant but cozy, like Vegas’ best-kept secret hiding inside a bustling casino.

And now, it’s home for Leona Lewis.

“When you come in, it’s just so breathtaking,” she said, eyes wide with genuine delight. “It’s nice as a performer to actually look out and be like, ‘Oh, this is so nice.’”

Lewis’ residency will fill the intimate theater with the soulful, shimmering sound she’s known for—and a little something extra.

“It’s gonna be very soulful,” she said.

“We’re gonna have a kind of jazzy feel as well—there’s a brass section, and I love that energy.”

Family is at the heart of it all. Her husband, Jauch, who produces several Vegas shows, helped her bring the vision to life.

“My little girl has had a lot of input, especially in the dresses,” Lewis laughed. “‘Mommy, you should wear this one!’ she’ll say.”

Purchase tickets here.

Click here to read all about her holiday show, her 3-year-old daughter’s input and her holiday plans! Purchase tickets here.

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VEGA S KID S ZON E

Ask the Zone Got a question that keeps you up at night—or just makes you laugh? Send it to Kim@vegaskidzone.com. No topic is too quirky, too serious, or too Vegas.

Q: “We want to make this holiday week special, but everything feels expensive. Are there actually fun, free things to do?”

A: Oh yes. Yes there are. And they’re good.

In fact, Vegas is quietly one of the most magical cities for families in December ... if you know where to look. And lucky for you, we basically live for finding things that make your kids light up. For a full list, go here.

VKZ Fave? The Bellagio Conservatory Every year, the Bellagio transforms into a jaw-dropping garden of holiday wonder — oversized ornaments, glowing trees, twinkling scenes, and flowers arranged so perfectly it feels like the poinsettias hired their own stylist.

It’s free. It’s stunning. And it’s easy to get to.

Translation: You can absolutely make this a family tradition. Of course, we’re making your visit even better.

Your Free VKZ Holiday Pack We dropped a fresh batch of freebies in the VKZ Shop, and they’re designed to turn a simple outing into an experience your kids will remember forever — and that gives you a break from the “What are we doing next?” chorus. The Bellagio Holiday Adventure Pack has: A themed scavenger hunt Helps kids stay engaged, curious, and focused on something besides asking for $18 hot chocolate.

A guide to the Conservatory flowers Including the meaning behind each bloom so you can sound delightfully knowledgeable without doing hours of research.

Coloring pages Hold onto these for the car ride home — your future self will thank you. A letter to Santa template Perfect for capturing a little holiday magic (and maybe clarifying that wish list one more time). And yes — it’s completely free. Because this season?

Families need wins, not more stress.

Maze of holiday ribbons!

Find a way through and under the ribbons to help the elf deliver a gift to Santa.

Scan here for the solution and a free holiday activity kit for the whole family!

Can you spot the 8 differences between this Christmas Cheer Scene and the next?

Christmas Crossword

Across

Down

1) They help Santa on Christmas Eve

4) The big day

2) Jolly Old Elf Himself

7) --- "to the world"

3) They help Santa in small ways

8) What you give to others

5) What you decorate

9) Wrapped and put under the tree

6) Holiday feeling

10) They are put on 5 across

11) ----- and good will

13) #1 pulls it and #2 drives it

This worksheet is copyright protected. © Vegas Kids Zone. For personal use only, not to be copied, distributed, altered or sold. vegaskidszone.com

www.vegaskidszone.com

12) They are hung by the chimney with care

Oreo Truffle Ornaments Ingredients Twizzlers Pull N Peel Mini peanut butter cups 2 cups white or colored candy wafers or almond bark 1 14.3 oz pack of Oreos 8 oz cream cheese Holiday sprinkles, optional Toothpicks (or wooden skewers) Directions Split the Twizzlers into 1-inch pieces.

Crush 10 Oreos.

Add cream cheese to cookies and mix until incorporated.

Scoop into balls of filling.

Freeze 20 minutes.

While the Oreo and cream cheese balls are firming up, gather toothpicks and unwrap the peanut butter cups. Melt white candy melts or almond bark according to the package instructions. Stir until smooth, or add 1 tsp. of coconut or vegetable oil at a time until it’s smooth (but not runny).

Remove the Oreo balls from the freezer. Dip ONLY the ball part into the chocolate. Add sprinkles if using. Press wide holes in the BOTTOM of the peanut butter cup with toothpicks (or a skewer) and place a Twizzler piece doubled in half into the hole.

Nudge the Twizzler end pieces into the peanut butter cup. Once they are about 1/4-inch in, push the toothpick through to connect it to the Oreo ball.

For more detailed photos and more recipes, scan the QR Code!

FREE BIRTHDAY SWAG MAP It’s our favorite time of the year, birthday time!

We have found 20+ places to get a free goodie or gift during your birthday month or only when you arrive on your actual birthday.

From a cookie or a Bundlet to lipstick, eye makeup and candles, there is an abundance of goodies for you to grab on your birthday!

FREE FOOD, DRINKS,& DISCOUNTS ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

VIEW ENTIRE LIST, CLICK HERE

BIRTHDAY PARTY SPOTLIGHT Make your kid the talk of the playground with a wildly fun birthday bash at Dinosaur Outpost at Town Square Las Vegas. From epic photo ops to hands-on dino adventures, this spot is a total crowd-pleaser.

Choose from two awesome party packages, or go full DIY and bring your own party magic.

What Local Parents Say “Great place for a birthday party!

The team called ahead, helped with everything, and let us bring in our own food. Such a unique experience—kids AND adults had a blast. Highly recommend!” Erica “We celebrated my daughter’s 7th birthday here and it was amazing!

The staff was friendly and helpful the entire time. There’s so much to explore and enjoy for the whole family. Thanks for making her birthday unforgettable!” Jessica

From birthdays to weddings, and every celebration in between, Pedro brings the magic, the details, and that wow factor that turns an event into a memory.

📞Call Pedro and let the celebrating begin. 702-303-5903