Getting the Most out of your Kiddo’s Christmas Gifts
The presents have been opened, the wrapping paper is (mostly) cleaned up… and now your kids are fully into a select few gifts.
You know the ones: the karaoke machine that’s somehow turned your house into a Taylor Swift tour at 6am, the Lego set that’s living permanently on the table, the art kit that’s getting more use on your walls instead of on paper.
Here’s the fun part about those “can’t put it down” gifts: there’s a camp for that. Including camps for those no-school days (like January 5th) which is coming right up! When work starts again and you need a safe place for the kids to be, Recess has you covered. On Recess, you can find camps that match nearly any new obsession, so their favorite gift doesn’t just entertain them for a week: it helps keep the passion going. Whether they’re into sports, singing, or X, we’ve rounded up our favorites for you to choose from:
For the kid who got new sports gear for Christmas and is now using your windows as the goal:
Sportball is a fun, non-competitive, multi-sport program for kids ages 3–12 that channels all that energy into something you can actually feel good about (and your house can recover from). Instead of pushing early specialization, Sportball introduces kids to a mix of sports: soccer, basketball, hockey, and more, through imaginative, play-based games that build core motor skills, confidence, and teamwork. Think: hopping through “lava” and other story-driven activities that teach real fundamentals without it ever feeling like practice. Book now directly on their site by clicking the link below.
For the new performer in your household with the microphone her aunt gave her:
If your morning alarm clock is your kid belting Taylor Swift karaoke at 6am, we get it.
And if you’d rather the concert happen somewhere else, Balance Dance and their sister studio, the Dance Spot’s “Taylor Swift: In My Sparkle Era” is the perfect plan. Kids dance through their favorite eras with high-energy choreography and Taylor-inspired fun. There are sparkly crafts, too—because obviously.
Perfect for dancers ages 6–10 who are ready to shine. Check them out below!
For the kid who got the Messi jersey:
If they’ve been wearing it nonstop and turning every open space into a “stadium,” lean into it with SoccerPups: a soccer program built for little athletes. They’ll work on dribbling, passing, and coordination through upbeat games and kid-friendly drills that keep everyone moving. It’s a great way to build confidence, learn teamwork, and burn off some of that post-holiday energy. Click the link below for their upcoming camp!
For the kid who got a new laptop or Nintendo Switch:
If they’re already living on that new laptop or can’t stop playing with their Nintendo Switch, My Coding Place is a great next step. They offer live, instructor-led coding and STEM camps for ages 7–18, with options like Scratch game-making, Roblox game development, 3D printing, and more, so that shiny new laptop turns into something creative, not just screen time. Check out their Minecraft Modding and Roblox Studio Single Day Camp for kids ages 7-18 coming up down below.
For the kid who’s riding their new bike around your house:
Austin Youth Fitness has biking programs that turn that new-bike excitement into real skills: starting, stopping, turning, maneuvering, and building confidence on two wheels, all in a positive, coach-led environment. Their Beginner Biking options are designed for kids who are transitioning off a balance bike or training wheels, with built-in lessons on road safety, trail etiquette, and the “rules of the road.” And for kids who are already comfortable riding, Cycle the City takes it up a notch with group-riding skills and safety-first adventures to Austin destinations.
For the kid who got Legos for Christmas:
If your house is now a permanent build zone (and you’d love to stop finding bricks in your slippers and sneakers), Bricks 4 Kidz camps are a perfect next step. They offer hands-on LEGO® learning experiences that build creativity and critical thinking: plus LEGO®/Robotics STEAM fun for kids who want to level up beyond the instruction booklet. Best for ages 5-12 (depending on the specific camp/program).
For the up & coming artist who’s obsessed with their new paint set:
If your kiddo is leaving a trail of sketches, glitter, and “masterpieces” all over the house, The Nest is a perfect next step. Founded by two former public school teachers, it’s a creative studio offering art-focused enrichment camps and classes, made to help kids explore, experiment, and grow their skills.
When the holiday break energy is still going strong but real life is creeping back in, leaning into what your kids already love can make all the difference. Whether it’s sports, music, art, or building things that somehow end up underfoot, there’s a camp that keeps that spark going while giving you reliable coverage for those upcoming no-school days like January 5. Browse, book, and breathe a little easier knowing your kiddo is having fun, learning something new, and doing what they love, all in one place with Recess.
Looking for something else? You can find more recommendations on the Recess events page!
