1. Pinz — The popular entertainment center is running a vacation special. From 8:30 a.m. to noon each day this week, $10.97 per person gets you unlimited bowling, laser tag and “balladium,” free shoe rental and a $5 arcade playcard. Keep the kids occupied all morning, have a little lunch at the Blue Dog Sports Bar and Grille, and that’s half a day down.

2. ZigZagZone & Pump N’ Play — These play areas at John Smith Sports Center are open all week. Bring the kids and let them jump and run around to their hearts' content. You may even get a nap out of them when it’s over! Vacation hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday. Admission is $7 for non-members and $5 for those who have paid the $15 membership fee. The admission is good for both play areas all day.

3. Get a Hotel Room — Consider staying overnight in one of the hotels right here in town. Kids can swim in the pool and eat a fancy (usually free) breakfast and feel like they’re on vacation without having to pack a big bag and ride in the car for a long time. Stay as a family, or maybe let them bring a friend.

4. Panera — All of the people who go to Panera Bread to get some work done are going to hate me for this,  but kids love it there. After you’ve been out for a bit, maybe spending some gift cards, go to Panera and let the kids order a hot cocoa or tea in a real mug and pick out a cookie or muffin and just relax.

5. The Great (and free) Outdoors — The weather is still pretty mild, and getting some fresh air and exercise is the best antidote to being cooped up and eating too many cookies. You can of course chuck the kids out in the backyard, but why not make an outing of it? There’s a whole new section of the Milford Upper Charles bike trail you may not have explored yet. If your kids got new bikes or roller skates, take them out for a spin. Or just model your new hat and scarf and explore on foot. With no school in session, the playgrounds are free for little ones to climb and bigger ones to play a game of hoops. Everyone will be in a better mood when you’re done.