The Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department has an idea for kids out there looking for something active to do over their winter break — hang out in the warming houses.

Recreation Program Supervisor Jenny Davis said the warming houses have either Foosball or ping pong or both. They also have board games, crafts and more.

“They can hang out in there and play games,” Davis said. “The buildings are there for them to use.”

An attendant will be present during the open hours at the warming houses. The four warming houses that are open are at Academy Park, Hawthorne Park, Hayek Park and Lakeview Park.

The warming houses at four parks will be open and staffed over the school’s winter break from Saturday to Jan. 1. Hours are 1 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve the hours are 1 to 5 p.m. The warming houses will be closed on Christmas Day but open on New Year’s Day.

“We like to open them for break, and once they’re back to school we’ll play it by ear,” Davis said.

There’s no ice rinks set up yet, and Davis said it might not be until January or even February that they’re ready. Some years they open in December, but in 2012 the ice rinks were open for just a few weeks in January.

“It depends on the weather,” Davis said.

The four open warming houses are all equipped with restroom facilities. Davis said children of all ages are welcome to come to the warming houses for games or just to hang out with friends over the winter break.

For more information call the Parks and Rec office at 377-4370.