1. Take Five
What’s the one downside to Christmas break? Having to figure out what to do with the kids for the two weeks that school is out. Look no further than Winter Break Movies at the Camas Public Library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas, Dec. 20 through Dec. 28. Shown on a big screen with popcorn and all show times at 2 p.m., watch “The Boss Baby” (Dec. 20), “Cinderella” (Dec. 22), “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (Dec. 26), “Captain Underpants: The Epic First Movie” (Dec. 27), “The Lego Ninjago Movie” (Dec. 28). 360-834-4692 or www.ci.camas.wa.us/library-events/events
2. Make it up as you go
Since the holidays can be stressful, take in some improvised fun to lighten the mood at Magenta Improv Theater’s Christmas Show from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 23. The show is family friendly. Many famous actors and comedians got their start doing improv, such as Will Ferrell, who began at Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles, and Amy Poehler and Aubrey Plaza, who both went on to star in NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” So you never know what future star might grace the stage at Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver; $10 to $12. 360-635-4358 or www.magentatheater.com/page/december-23rd-mit-performance
3. All Aboard!
Enjoy Christmas on Mount Hood Railroad’s Train to Christmas Town the weekend before Santa arrives. Based on a children’s book, the Train to Christmas Town traverses Oregon’s Hood River Valley and offers cookies, hot cocoa, a special book reading, singing and entertainment with Santa’s elves. The ride includes a special stop to pick up Santa, who delivers gifts to each car. Meet characters such as Bumblebee the polar bear, Wabash the squirrel, Zephyr the cat, Squeak the mouse, The Conductor and Santa’s elves. Trips are at 11:30 a.m. and 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 22-23 and 26-28. Rides leave from Mount Hood Railroad, 110 Railroad St., Hood River, Ore. Tickets range from $55 to $85. 800-872-4661 or www.mthoodrr.com/train-to-christmas-town
4. Ready for liftoff
Some things in life actually are free. Such as the free, open day from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 23 at Pearson Field Education Center, at 201 Reserve St., Vancouver. Experience the Flight Simulator Lab, vertical wind tunnel, glider-building station as well as historic airplanes on-site for viewing and other collections on display at one of the oldest continuously operating airfields in the country. There are various ongoing educational programs that will propel students of all ages into the wonderful world of flight. 360-816-6232 or clarkcountylive.com/open-saturday-pearson-field/?event_rdate=20171223130000,20171223170000
