School's out: 7 winter break camps for the active Atlanta kid

These are the winter camps being held in Atlanta over the winter break,

It's almost time for school to let out for winter break, but you don't want your kids climbing the walls or playing video games all day.

Well, there's good news, parents: you'll find a wide variety of seasonal camps throughout metro Atlanta, offering exciting, creative and educational options for your child's time off from school.

From circus skills to nature hikes, you're sure to find the right fit for your children throughout winter break with these top picks:

This barred owl accompanied Lori Watterson of the Chattahoochee Nature Center to a recent owl prowl. Winter is prime breeding time for barred, great horned and barn owls. Contributed by Charles Seabrook. HANDOUT PHOTO - NOT FOR RESALE

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Chattahoochee Nature Center, Camp Kingfisher, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, 770-992-2055

Dates: Dec. 27-29, Jan. 2-3 or Jan. 2-5

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (extended care available)

Ages: Kindergarten to 7th grade

Cost: $156 to $316 per camper

Winter Break Camp experiences are packed full, with live animal encounters, outdoor games, educational hikes, hot chocolate breaks and cool hands-on science activities. One highlight every year is the Starlab, a mini-observatory perfectly suited for the changing seasons. The time inside the Starlab feels like a night under the stars in the mountains. Free extended care included from 8-9 a.m. and 4:00-6:15 p.m. each day.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Winter Break Camp

1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, 404-876-5859.

Dates: Jan. 4-5

Time: 9 a.m. to noon

Ages: 4 to 6

Cost: $59 to $69 per camper

Join the Botanical Garden for a winter adventure. Campers will discover winter's botanical beauties and learn about winter wildlife. Enjoy two glorious mornings of exploration, activities and artwork.

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Alliance Theatre Winter Break Camp

1280 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, 404-733-4650

Dates: Dec. 20-22

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages: Kindergarten through 5th grade

Cost: $75 per camper, per day

Join the Alliance Theatre on the campus of the Woodruff Arts Center. Each day has a special theme: Warrior Wednesday (Stage Combat), Throwback Thursday (Dickens Classics) and Freaky Friday (Musical Mash-ups). Camp days are sold separately, so you can buy all three days or just one! The curriculum includes warm-up exercises, improvisation games, group discussion of topics related to theatre or their lives, script readings, writing time, set decoration and, of course, rehearsal for the showcase.

5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody, 770-394-3322

Dates: Dec. 21-22, 26-29, Jan. 2-3

Time: 9:30 a.m. to noon for half day, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for full day (extended care available)

Ages: 3 years through 5th grade.

Cost: $100 to $240 per camper.

Keep your kids active and engaged during their break with Dunwoody Nature Center's Winter Break Camp. Three separate sessions of fun and adventure allow kids to explore the winter climate and study its effect on the animals, plants and habitats of Dunwoody Park. Winter camp is open for half-day sessions for 3 and 4 year olds and full day sessions for kindergartners through 5th graders.

Circus Holiday Camp

Credit: Courtesy of Greg McMahan

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Credit: Courtesy of Greg McMahan

Circus Holiday Camp

862 Columbia Drive, Decatur, 404-370-0001

Dates: Dec. 26-29

Time: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Ages: 5 through teen

Cost: $65 per day, $265 per session

Your kids will jump for joy when they learn you've signed them up for Circus Holiday Camp. Throughout the day, highly-trained counselors teach circus skills like trapeze, tightrope, juggling and magic in preparation for the big showcase. Younger children have a more structured day, but are still able to participate as much as they're comfortable with. In addition, the instructors out on their own performance each day.

Roswell Professional Center, 11050 Crabapple Road, Building D, Suite 115-B, Roswell, 770-642-0004

Dates: Dec. 26-29, Jan. 2-5

Time: Varies by age group

Ages: 6 through 16

Cost: $225 to $245 per camper (plus $20 computer rental)

This program was created to introduce young learners to essential STEAM concepts through fun activities and short screen sessions. Participants will code a game (like Angry Birds) while learning about debugging, algorithms and conditionals. Balancing screen time with hands-on learning, they'll build obstacle courses & bridges for our codable tiny robots to explore. Additional projects includeworld exploration & building in Minecraft and making a take-home robot on Friday!

Autrey Mill Winter Break Camp

9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek, 678-366-351

Dates: Jan. 2-5

Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (extended care available)

Ages: 6 through 11

Cost: $180 to $200 per camper

Each day at Autrey Mill's Winter Break Camp brings nature and history to life. Based on their popular summer camps, activities include theme-based hikes, crafts and games. Daily themes like Cooking & Crafts, Nature Explorer and Water Camp keep things exciting. Sign up for one day or for the enitre session.