Starting December 19 and running through the end of the year, we’re suspending our normal programming so that we may help those of you with kids on winter break find stuff to do. Every day through year’s end we’ll throw out an idea intended to get you and the kids out of the house and have the kids exhausted upon your return. Consider it GetGoingNC.com’s gift to you.

Today: Explore the winter woods

You may think there’s nothing to see in the forest come winter. In fact, there could be more. True, the leaves are gone, the wildflowers in retreat, and a good number of critters are chilling — literally. But what is out is exposed and so much easier to see in the barren woods. Train your eye to pick up on what nature doesn’t have to hide come winter at a ranger-led hike such as the one today at 2 p.m. at Fayetteville’s Lake Rim Park, 2214 Tar Kiln Drive. Advises the park: “Bring binoculars to view birds and learn about a variety of evergreen plants that bring color to the forest even in winter.” It’s free.

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Previously in our Holiday Escapes series …

Dec. 19: Go paddling
Dec. 20: Hit your neighborhood park
Dec. 21: Climbing the walls
Dec. 22: Take a guided hike
Dec. 23: An educated walk
Monday: Go play in a parking lot
Tuesday: I spy a bufflehead
Wednesday: Explore your neighborhood