Looking for things to do with the family during the Christmas holidays? Over the last couple of weeks, we have talked about winter activities in Banff and Jasper. Why not try some of the old, always popular standbys in the city?

Of course, there is always something to see at the Calgary Zoo. The zoo is open every day from 9:00 - 5:00, except for Christmas Day. Zoo Lights is on again this year in the evenings from 6:00 - 9:00 (the gates stay open and start charging Zoo Lights pricing at 4:30). The Kids Winter Fun-derland includes Snow Bowling, Reindeer Stables, Snowball Alley and SnIgloo where you can build your own igloo.The zoo also has a family celebration, Zoo Year's Eve , from 6:00 - 9:00 on December 31st.

The Telus World of Science has a great display, Einstein and Darwin, on over the Christmas vacation.Among other great activities, Einstein's Workshop is an interactive display in which children can produce sound with lasers, create their own constellations or consider time travel! Daily Darwin Critters allows children to experience Darwins' discoveries while viewing live reptiles and amphibians.

When my children were younger, I was always on the lookout for fun free activities for them. What could be better than skating outdoors on the beautiful Bowness Lagoon or on the skating ring at the Olympic Plaza? Calgaryarea.com features a number of places for outdoor skating at locations all over the city.

Don't forget to visit the library to stock up on great books, music and DVDs. We will be closed December 25th, 26th and January 1st.