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The kids are on vacation this week, you have relatives over, and you are looking to get everyone out of the house and do something together that won't cost an arm and a leg. Good news, I've got you covered with some ideas. There are some events that charge an admission fee, and there are plenty of free events you can check out. It's also a good time to check out one of the holiday light displays if you haven't yet because this is the last week for most of them. I'm always happy to include your events, activities, fundraisers, and press releases in my weekly things to do. Email them to me at TheMaineWriter@outlook.com Have a great week!

Colorado gets magical around Christmas time, and Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center near DIA takes center stage each year. In 2022, ICE! returns with scenes from Charlie Brown, snow tubing, and ice skating, and that is just the start of the fun at Gaylord Rockies.

The snowflakes on the map represent houses that have light shows and the stars represent public places. Most of the light shows at the houses are synced to music. Many of them even have a radio station to turn to for the music. It’s just so much fun to ride around and see them! 🤗

Colorado is a top family travel destination year-round, but during Christmas it is truly magical. Here are our top picks for the things to do with kids in Colorado: The Gaylord Rockies Resort becomes a winter wonderland come December. From extravagant Christmas decorations to a variety of holiday events designed especially for kids, including the Mistletoe Village with its two-story ice slides and ice sculptures at ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole is a short drive away from Denver, at the base of Pikes Peak. It's a magical adventure for kids, with more than two dozen amusement park rides and Santa's House. Camp Christmas is another top Colorado holiday attraction where grandiose holiday extravaganza will put the whole family in the festive season spirit with a walk through an immersive indoor installation. Camp Christmas features mesmerizing displays and decorations from Christmases through the ages.

Looking for a birthday party venue for kids and teens in Lancaster, PA?. As it gets cooler outside, parties for kids are often held indoors. If you're expecting a big crowd, having the party somewhere else than your house may be a good idea.

(HANOVER, MA) Calling all "South Shore ghouls and gals, it's time to get spooky!" Starland is hosting a family-friendly party that is sure to provide more treats than tricks! From carnival games to group games, there is fun to be had for every member of the family at this Halloween event.

Whether you have a toddler who is all about dressing up or a pre-teen into all things virtual, options are many within Lancaster City. Here are four fun places to go with kids this season:

The Hanover Fire Department has announced the return of their Open House! This community favorite annual event is back after a 2-year hiatus "for public health reasons." The Open House will feature representatives from local first responder organizations, live demonstrations, life safety lessons, and so much more!

(PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MA) Calling all crafters! Whether you're someone who has never picked up a paint brush or you're someone who loves art with all your heart, you're invited to attend these fun, free crafty events! Hosted at local libraries on the South Shore, these events feature activities for all ages that will get your creative juices flowing!

(Photo by Charles Parker) (MENDON, MA) Southwick's Zoo has announced the date of its annual Harvest Fest for 2022, this year taking place on Sunday, October 23rd! This fun family event is expected to feature the same exciting and entertaining activities from past years' Harvest Fest, such as live music, local vendors and makers, a craft market, and much more!

(ABINGTON, MA) You're invited to"come together with fellow Moon enthusiasts and curious people worldwide" on the night of Saturday, October 1st to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night at Reilly Field! This event is open to all ages and hopes to inspire others to explore the sky, and specifically, the moon!

(MASSACHUSETTS) Whether you're a fan of carving them, eating parts of them, or just looking at them, these fun pumpkin-themed festivals are sure to be a hit for every member of the family!

(Photo by RODNAE Productions) (KINGSTON) You're invited to "join the fun for a great cause!" On Sunday, October 9th the Hilltop Athletic Association will be hosting a Family Funday event that will help "support the Naylor family as their son Tristan battles two forms of rare leukemia."

(Photo by Charles Parker) (MASSACHUSETTS) The following festivals promise to be fun for the whole family- there's even an event for the furry members of the house! If you're looking for a way to celebrate fall then look no further- from haystacks to pumpkin carving and everything in between, these festivals will leave event attendees feeling spooky!

(WESTBOROUGH, MA) You're invited to the 12th annual neighborhood festival, Arts In Common! Created by the Westborough Cultural Council in 2009 both as a fun family festival and as a means to raise local funds to support arts and culture within the community!

(DOVER, MA) You're invited to "bring your best flannel, friends, and family for a fantastic fall day on the farm!" Starting on September 10th the historic Powisset Farm will be hosting this festive fall event every Saturday and Sunday. To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience this is a timed ticketing event. Ticket prices for this event are $12 for children, and $20 for adults, while children under 2 can attend for free. Entrance ticket includes free parking, access to trails, Storywalk, barnyard animals, climbing haystack, hayride, scavenger hunt, and live music. Food, drinks, and local in-season produce will be available for purchase.

(Photo by Kendall Hoopes) (EASTHAM, MA) "Bring your family and join us for our first full-day event dedicated to bringing recognition and celebration to the night sky on the Cape." states the Cape Cod National Seashore, inviting you to their first Dark Sky Festival. The event is being held for one day only on Saturday, September 24th, in partnership with the Cape Cod Astronomical Society.

(Photo by Jonas Von Werne) (PEMBROKE, MA) The Town of Pembroke is celebrating"those that volunteer & work for the town of Pembroke with a great FIREWORKS display!" This fun, family event will kick off before the fireworks display, earlier in the afternoon with a 'Family Tailgating' party. This event is being held at the Pembroke High School athletic fields, which will provide plenty of free parking for event attendees. In addition to the fireworks show and tailgating party, this celebration festivity will include delicious fares from local food trucks, vendors, live music, and kid-friendly activities!

We hiked to Jefferson Rock in Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. This location offers stunning views of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.

Looking to end the summer with some memorable family fun attractions in the area? There are plenty of options in Lancaster, and I'm highlighting three today, covering everything from an adrenaline-filled theme park to farmland fun in the countryside.