By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Dec 24, 2012 at 3:02 PM Photography: shutterstock.com

Families with school-age kids will have a lot of time with the little ones over the holiday break. And a lot of that time will be spent inside with family.

Need an excuse to get out of the house and do something fun? The Milwaukee Public Library has a slate of events that can help. We've got a complete list below.

But, first, please note that the Milwaukee Public Library system will be closed Monday, Dec. 24-Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Sunday, Dec. 30-Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013.

Play Group with Stories at Central Library
Wednesday, Dec. 26, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Story time for children ages 0-2, includes finger plays, songs or other activities that help children learn important literacy skills. A snack is provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Games and Crafts at Various Locations
Children ages 6-12 are invited to play games and make crafts during winter break.

Tippecanoe Library, 3912 S. Howell Ave.
Wednesday, Dec. 26, 1-3 p.m.

Atkinson Library, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave.
Thursday, Dec. 27, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Winter Break at the Martin Luther King Library
310 W. Locust St.
Wednesday, Dec. 26 – Book Jacket Bingo
Thursday, Dec. 27 – Get Crafty
Friday, Dec. 28 – Movie and a Snack
2-3 p.m.
Over winter break, come to Martin Luther King Library for Book Jacket Bingo, a snack and other fun games. On Friday, come for popcorn and a movie. For children ages 7-12.

Dance Party at Tippecanoe Library
3912 S. Howell Ave.
Wednesday, Dec. 26, 4-5 p.m.
Dance like crazy to "Dance Revolution!" Prizes will be awarded. For children grades 6-12.

Preschool Story time at Various Locations
Preschoolers are invited for fun stories, songs and finger plays all designed to help them learn the Six Skills of Early Literacy. Child care centers are welcome.

Capitol Library, 3969 N. 74th St.
Thursday, Dec. 27, 10:00-10:30 a.m.

Atkinson Library, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave.
Thursday, Dec. 27, 10:15-11 a.m.

Mill Road Library, 6431 N. 76th St.
Thursday, Dec. 27, 10:15-10:45 a.m.

Forest Home Library, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave.
Thursday, Dec. 27, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Martin Luther King Library, 310 W. Locust St.
Friday, Dec. 28, 10-10:30 a.m.

Tippecanoe Library, 3912 S. Howell Ave.
Friday, Dec. 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St.
Friday, Dec. 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Washington Park Library, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd.
Friday, Dec. 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Countdown to New Year's Eve
Say "Goodbye 2012" and "Hello 2013" by ringing in the New Year with celebratory stories, songs and rhymes. Imaginative play for families and young children.

Play and Learn at Washington Park Library
2121 N. Sherman Blvd.
Saturday, Dec. 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

 

Board Games Galore
Saturday Afternoons at Central for Tweens
814 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Saturday, Dec. 29, 1-3 p.m.
Children ages 6-12 are invited to play a variety of card games, board games and puzzles.

Play Group with Stories at Central Library
814 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, 9:30-11 a.m.
Come for a 25 minute story time followed by open play time with educational toys and a snack. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Movie and a Snack at Forest Home Library
1432 W. Forest Home Ave.
Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, 2-4 p.m.
Kids ages 6-12 are invited to enjoy popcorn and a movie at the library.