Children play at a park in Patna on Monday. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

Patna, Jan. 10: There is no better holiday than an unexpected one, and schoolchildren in the capital are taking full advantage of their extended winter vacations this year.

Parties and eating out top the schedule of merrymakers, said a source. Visiting parks, zoos, watching the latest releases or simply enjoying themselves at the play station can also be a lot of fun. Some families have even gone out of town.

“It is good that schools are closed. If we adults are feeling so cold, think of the children. How can they go to school in the morning in this weather?” said Monalisa Singh, a parent.

Singh said her children go to parties with their friends to enjoy themselves.

“If it is sunny in the weekend, we go for pool parties. As a lot of families gather there with their children, there is a lot of fun for everyone. We also take our children to various parks,” added Singh.

If the weather is inclement and confine them to home, her children are glued to their play stations, where they can indulge in everything — table tennis to boxing — albeit, in a virtual world, said Singh.

Some families, allowed by the long vacations, have extended their holidays out of the city. Most of them have taken off to Goa or Puri in search of warmer climes and the sun and the surf.

“It is difficult to stay here and tolerate the biting cold. Since the winter holidays were extended, we had gone to Goa with our children,” said Lovleen Sharma, another parent.

But with examinations round the corner, studies cannot be put on the backburner, said Sharma.

“Now that we have returned from the vacations, the children have to return to their books,” added Sharma.

Some children prefer to stay at home and enjoy themselves rather than brave the cold winds outdoors.

Sunidhi, a Class IV student of Notre Dame Academy, said she had been spending her holidays watching cartoons. Her favourite series are Ninja Hattori and Terman. “I like the way Ninja always rescues his friends when they are in trouble. I also love Terman as he is superhero,” she said.

Class II student Suman loves Oggy and the Cockroaches. “The three cockroaches are always trying to irritate and trouble the cat. It is all very funny. I love watching them,” said Suman.

It is not just holidays and fun time for the children. Some of them are taking this opportunity to catch up on their talents like singing or dancing.

“Sheila ki jawani and Munni badnaam are the favourites of my children. They are always dancing to these songs,” said Sonam, a mother of two.

Sonam also said it is difficult to discipline children when they are at home but appreciated the decision of the human resource development department to keep the schools closed in view of the extreme cold conditions prevalent in the state.

“My children are also playing carom and chess at home. Indoor games are good for the development of their analytical skills,” said Sonam. They also visit their relatives and friends when the weather permits, said she.