The Noblesville Parks Department is offering a variety of special activities and events to keep children and families active and having fun this holiday season.

“Now through the end of the year are busy times for families. There are occasions when families want to be together and others when children need to be with their peers. We have several options to keep everyone smiling during the joyous holiday season,” Recreation Director Nichole Haberlin said.

Holiday activities taking place this holiday season include:

Elf Party – Welcome Forest the Elf back to Noblesville for his third consecutive year with a theme night at the Ice Plaza at Federal Hill Commons from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 1. Forest also is helping the Noblesville Fire Department provide toys for less-fortunate families in Noblesville. Those who bring a new, unwrapped item for the toy drive will receive $10 admission to the ice rink during the Elf Party.

Parent’s Shopping Day Out (ages 3-12 ~ children need to be potty trained) – Need more than just a few hours to accomplish tasks? Get your Christmas shopping done without the kids as parks staff keep them entertained from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 2 and 9 in the Forest Park Lodge basement. Kids will need to bring a lunch, two snacks and dressed to play outside. Cost is $30 per child. Pre-registration is required.

Little Elves (ages 2-5) – The Littles program has expanded to a month long experience. Drop your little one off for games, activities and make crafts to learn and celebrate the fun holiday season.  Little Elves is held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, November 27 through December 18 at the Recreation Annex. Cost is $48 per child for the month for residents ($56 for nonresidents).

Winter Break Camp – To assist parents with kids (kindergarten through fifth grade) home from school, the parks is offering camp Wednesday through Friday, December 27-29 and January 3-5 at Forest Park Lodge. Join the recreation staff for games, crafts, nature, laughter and friendship. Campers should bring their lunch, two snacks, a water bottle and wear gym shoes. Camp is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Before and after care is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $5 per day. Youth can attend the camp for a day or the week. The weekly cost is $90 for residents ($103 for nonresidents) and the daily rate is $30 for residents ($40 for nonresidents).

For more information or to register for events, contact the Parks Department at 770-5750 or visit www.noblesvilleparks.org.