School’s out: Here are some fun activities for your children

February 20, 2025

Emily Goodwin,

JACKSON, Tenn. — Due to the winter weather, many schools in the area are cancelled for the remainder of the week.

Snow days can keep kids inside, and they tend to have a lot of built-up energy. One opportunity to get out of the house and burn off some energy is to visit Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store and Casey Jones Village.

There will be free admission for kids at the Railroad Museum and Train Store Thursday and friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

While you’re there, why not grab a bite to eat in the restaurant. The kids buffet is discounted to $5 per child for ages four to ten.

That’s not all! Among the museum and southern cuisine, there is also Miss Anne’s Ice Cream Shop, a variety of antiques to peruse and a gift shop.

Owner, Brooks Shaw enjoys doing these things with his own children.

“You know one of my favorite things to do with Grace Ann when she comes here is, we just walk around the gift shop and look at all the different toys, and the different souvenirs, and the different antiques. I ask her interesting things that she sees. It’s nice to just be able to come here in the warm with a hot meal and enjoy time with family,” said Shaw.

Another place children can hangout in a cozy, warm environment is at the library. Kids can stay busy with a variety books and toys at the Jackson-Madison County Library.

In the children’s area, there are also computers to play on and the teen space is open Friday and Saturday.

Teens can hangout with a warm cup of hot cocoa, catch up on homework or play Xbox with friends. Some experts argue break from school-day routines can improve a child’s mental well-being, and allows for more family-time. Others say it is necessary to give parents a break and kids some space.