Children’s Discovery Center hosts festive holiday hoopla

Celebrate a good old-fashioned holiday at the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, which next month is sponsoring some fun Christmas activities.

On Dec. 12 and 13, the Kakaako facility will have Santa’s Secret Workshops for keiki and their families. “Our education staff will lead the children in doing various holiday crafts, as well as singing songs, a story time, and gingerbread cookie decorating,” said Liane Usher, president of the center. Kids can make tree ornaments, Christmas wreaths and also learn to decorate their own wrapping paper.

The workshops will be from 10 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on both days, with participation limited to 10 families each session. Mask-wearing, social distancing and other safety measures will be strictly observed. Participants will also get an hour to visit the center’s exhibits, which include displays on rainforests and rainbows.

“It’s a chance to celebrate the holidays and just spend time together as a family,” Usher said.

Cost is $35 for nonmembers and $25 for members; extra adults are $10. Register at discoverycenterhawaii.org/events.

If you’re not able to attend a workshop, you can still get in on the crafting fun by purchasing prepared kits to make items at home. Children can create a mini Christmas tree out of a pine cone or make a sparkling star ornament. Kits are $5 and can be purchased at discovery centerhawaii.org/events. Curbside delivery is available. The center is located at 111 Ohe St. in Kakaako.