‘Splat the Cat’ program coming to Yakima Valley Libraries in April

He rhymes with bat. He doesn’t usually wear a hat, and – oh! – we could go on about that.  It’s Splat the Cat!  And Yakima Valley Libraries around the valley will host programs based on the character.

Made famous in Rob Scotton’s “Splat the Cat” books, the cuddly feline is the focus of “Pat Splat the Cat” programs offered this April. Activities include stories, rhymes, crafts, songs and games.

Here’s the schedule for YVL’s “Pat Splat the Cat” offerings:

• April 19 at 10:30 a.m.: Sunnyside Library, 621 Grant, Sunnyside; 509-837-3234.
• April 22 at 11 a.m.: Moxee Library, 255 W. Seattle, Moxee; 509-575-8854.
• April 23 at 10:30 a.m.: Yakima Central Library, 102 N. Third St., Yakima; 509-452-8541.
• April 23 at 3:30 p.m.: Naches Library, 303 Naches Ave., Naches; 509-653-2005.
• April 24 at 10:30 a.m.: West Valley Library, 223 S. 72nd Ave., Yakima; 509-966-7070.
• April 24 at 1:30 p.m.: Selah Library, 106 S. Second St., Selah; 509-698-7345.
• April 25 at 10:30 a.m.: Terrace Heights Library, 4011 Commonwealth Drive, Yakima; 509-457-5319.
• April 25 at 3 p.m.: Granger Library, 508 Sunnyside Ave., Granger; 509-854-1446.
• April 26 at 10:30 a.m.: Toppenish Library, 1 S. Elm, Toppenish; 509-865-3600.
• April 26 at 4 p.m.: Wapato Library, 119 E. Third St., Wapato; 509-877-2882.

Yakima Greenway’s Kiddin’ Around kicks off in April

Yakima Greenway will offer a number of daily and ongoing activities for its Kiddin’ Around program starting in April and running through the summer. Check out this list of daily activities for April and May:

April 14: Spring Thaw Jamboree
April 20: Yoga for Kids
April 27: Kids’ Fish-In
April 28: See Spot Run
May 5: Golfin’ Around
May 10: Runnin’/Walkin’ Around
May 11: Family Field Day
May 18: Disc Golfin’ Around
May 18: Golfin’ Around
May 19: Color Naches Fun Run

Other ongoing activities are planned. The “Techin’ & Trekkin’” program runs Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The free activity lets you check out a GPS to record your mileage as you walk, run or bike the Greenway.

The “Photo Scavenger Hunt” is also available Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. You’ll use a digital camera to take photos as you walk the Greenway. Free.

“Walkin’ the Dog” is available Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-3:30 p.m. This free activity lets you check out a dog from the Humane Society of Central Washington and go for a walk. Kids need to be accompanised by an adult. For this activity, call the Humane Society at 509-457-6854.

For information on all other activities, call the Yakima Greenway at 509-453-8280 or visit yakimagreenway.org.

Kids’ Fish-in April 27

It’s fishing time, for “reel”!

The Yakima Greenway will host its annual Kids’ Fish-In event 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m. April 27. The first 1,000 kids, ages 5-14, will receive a rod, reel, tackle and bait, angler education and T-shirt. Each child has a chance to take home two fish, and there will be plenty of fish for the taking: the pond is filled with 5,000 rainbow trout.

The fun takes place at the Greenway’s Reflection Pond, 111 S. 18th St., Yakima. Call 509-453-8280 for more info.

Allied Arts continues art programs this spring

Kids have been shut indoors for too long by now, leaving parents wondering just what to do with them. It’s time to get artsy.

Allied Arts of Yakima has several new art programs lined up in the next few months.

Fly Your Kite & Rock Your Banner. 9:30-11 a.m. Thursdays through March 28. Instructor Mindy Clark helps kids create kites and banners using markers and watercolors on recycled materials, emphasizing shape, color, value, line and pattern. Cost: $10 per person; register at Allied Arts of Yakima, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930. Classes are held at the Selah Library, 106 S. Second St., Selah.

Magazine Beads. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays through March 30. Instructor: Diane Smith. Cost: $10 per person. Drop-ins welcome. Classes held at Allied Arts of Yakima, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930.

Open Studios. 12-3 p.m. Saturdays through April 27. Open, drop-in studio. Art teacher on-hand to facilitate projects. Cost: $5 for one adult and child together; $2 each additional child. Art supplies included in cost. Classes held at Allied Arts of Yakima, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930.

Pop Art Portraits. 9:30-11 a.m. Thursdays, April 4-25. Clark teaches students to create portraits using markers, glue, oil pastel, printing and collage to study line, color, pattern and balance. Cost: $10 per person; register at Allied Arts of Yakima, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930. Classes are held at the Selah Library, 106 S. Second St., Selah.

Collage with Rausenburg and Beardon. 9:30-11 a.m. Thursdays, May 2-30. Instructor: Mindy Clark. Cost: $10 per person; register at Allied Arts of Yakima, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930. Classes are held at the Selah Library, 106 S. Second St., Selah.

Easter Egg Hunts

Fri., March 22 – Sun., March 31

EASTER BUNNY AT THE VALLEY MALL Kids can meet the Easter Bunny and have their pictures taken with him in the Center Court of the Valley Mall. Photo sessions will run each day for most of the mall’s hours of operations. For more info, contact the Valley Mall at 509-469-9308.

Sat., March 23

COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT
1 p.m. arrival; all hunts begin at 1:30 p.m. Easter egg hunt, Easter bag decorating and pictures with the Easter Bunny and Sparky the dog. For children 12 and under, with three age groups. Hosted by West Valley Fire Department. Location: West Valley Training Center, 10000 Zier Road; 509-966-3111.

Sat., March 30

COMMUNITY EGG HUNT AT LOWER NACHES COMMUNITY PARK 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Face painting, balloon animals, inflatable bouncy house, hot dogs and popcorn. Various egg hunts for kids up to 10 years old, with more than 5,000 eggs! Bring your own Easter egg basket. Presented by Memorial Bible Church. Located at Lower Naches Community Park, 111 E. Gleed Road, Gleed. Call Chris at 509-966-6500.

DAVIS COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT Starts at noon. The hunt takes place at Davis High School soccer field, at 7th Ave. & Tieton Drive, Yakima. Bring your own basket. Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Yakima. Contact: Shan, 509-248-7940, ext. 142 or shan.trick@fpcyakima.com.

EVANGELICAL CHURCH EASTER EGG HUNT 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Multiple Easter egg hunts for age-specific youth. Games, hot dogs, on-site DJ and music, prizes, face painting, family portraits and a bouncy house. Free. Yakima Evangelical Church, 7901 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-965-5216. yakimaec.com

CHALET PLACE 5TH ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT Begins at 10 a.m. Free Easter egg hunt. Bring your own baskets, and stick around to see the Easter Bunny. Chalet Place, 56th and Summitview avenues, Yakima.

PROSSER’S ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT Starts at 10 a.m. Kids up to age 9 can bring their Easter egg baskets to go on an Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny will read stories and be available for pictures. Each egg hunter will get a storybook to take home. Prosser City Park, 7th St., Prosser (across from Prosser High School). Contact Prosser Chamber of Commerce: 509-786-3177.

SUN., MARCH 31

WHITE PASS 1 p.m. Ages 12 and under. Egg hunt at High Camp Lodge. Ski up to the lodge to start hunting. Children must be chair-lift riders to get to the lodge. Located 50 miles west of Yakima on U.S. Highway 12. Call 509-672-3101 for more details. skiwhitepass.com

CHANGING POINTE CHURCH EASTER AT  THE SUNDOME Service starts at 11 a.m., followed by activities at 1 p.m. Easter service in the Yakima Valley SunDome, followed by an Easter egg giveaway with 50,000 eggs. Light shows, bouncy houses, live Mixed Martial Arts demo, dance exhibition and bands — including Avory — and vendor booths. Joe Parsons will be present to sign autographs. Free. Concessions stand available, including hot dogs, Mexican food and desserts. Hosted by Changing Pointe Church. Call Frank Ramirez at 509-949-9762 for more information.

Spring Sports

SOCCER

Spring Break Soccer Camp
Your kids will get a kick out of Ike’s Spring Break Soccer Camp, which runs two days in April. The camp, at Gilbert Elementary, is from 9-10:30 a.m., April 2-3.
The soccer camp is designed for boys and girls, grades K-6. Kids will work with the Ike soccer players to learn soccer skills and have fun. Cost is $20 per child. Registration began March 1. To register, contact coach Tyler Suhm at 509-573-2672 or email suhm.tyler@yakimaschools.org.

ITTY BITTIES INTRO TO SOCCER Boys and girls, ages 3-4. 6-6:45 p.m. Thursdays, May 10-31. Kids learn dribbling, passing, shooting and basic motor skills. Cost: $40/$48, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. At Chesterley Park. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

PEE WEE SOCCER LEAGUE Boys and girls, ages 5-6. 6-7:15 p.m. Thursdays, April 5-26. Fundamentals of dribbling, passing and shooting learned with noncompetitive games. Cost: $40/$48, depending on residency; includes T-shirt and ball. At Chesterley Park. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

YMCA ITTY BITTY SOCCER Boys and girls, ages 3-6. Soccer basics, plus teamwork and sportsmanship. Season begins: TBA. Registration: Opens in mid-April, closes in May. Cost: $45/$55, depending on membership. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-248-1202. Contact: Doug Berndt, Youth Programs Director: 509-972-5273 or dberndt@yakimaymca.org. yakimaymca.org

FOOTBALL

SELAH FLAG FOOTBALL Boys and girls, grades 2-6. Divisions by grade. No-tackle, pass-only league. Cost: $47.61/$58.43/$69.25, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. Registration: Through April 12. League play: April 30-June 6. At Lince Fields in Selah. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

YMCA FLAG FOOTBALL Boys and girls, ages 5-12. Season starts May 20; registration runs March 15-April 30. Cost: $65/$75, depending on membership. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-248-1202. Contact: Doug Berndt, Youth Programs Director: 509-972-5273 or dberndt@yakimaymca.org. yakimaymca.org

T-BALL

SELAH T-BALL Boys and girls, ages 5-7. Teams play once a week, plus one or two practices per week. Cost: $38.92/$49.77/$60.59, depending on residency; fee includes T-shirt. Registration: March 1-April 9. League Play: Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 30-June 6. At Lince Fields in Selah. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

GOLF

PEE WEE GOLF Boys and girls, ages 4-6. Four sessions: 3-3:30 p.m. Mondays, May 6-20; 3-3:30 p.m. Mondays June 3-17; 3-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, May 14-28; 3-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, May 22-June 5. Preschoolers will learn basics of golf and etiquette, stance, swings and putts. Class size caps at four students. Cost: $24/$29, depending on residency. Fisher Golf Course, 823 S. 40th Ave., Yakima; 509-575-6075.

JUNIOR CHIPPERS Boys and girls, ages 7-11. Three sessions, all Wednesdays-Thursdays: 3:30-4:30 p.m. April 17-May 2; 4:45-5:45 p.m. May 8-23; 4:45-5:45 p.m. June 5-20. Develop proper etiquette, swings, stance and confidence. Cost: $71/$80, depending on residency. Fisher Golf Course, 823 S. 40th Ave., Yakima; 509-575-6075.

JUNIOR DRIVERS Boys and girls, ages 12-16. Three sessions, all Wednesdays-Thursdays: 4:45-5:45 p.m. April 17-May 2; 3:30-4:30 p.m. May 8-23; 3:30-4:30 p.m. June 5-20. Develop proper etiquette, swings, stance and confidence. Cost: $71/$80, depending on residency. Fisher Golf Course, 823 S. 40th Ave., Yakima; 509-575-6075.

Fisher Park offers two Friday Night Glow Ball sessions
This spring you’ll have two chances to golf in the dark with glow balls, May 17 or June 7. Participants will take glow sticks on a nine-hole course and receive glow-in-the-dark necklaces. Cost: $25 per person; includes greens fee, one glow ball and glow stick, necklace and light snacks. Register one week prior to either event. Fisher Golf Course, 823 S. 40th Ave., Yakima; 509-575-6075.

Want disc golf? Disc golf has become quite the popular sport. (Or is it recreation? You be the judge.) Now, disc golf enthusiasts and those new to the game have a special place of their own.
The Wide Hollow Creek Disc Golf Course is now open at Randall Park in Yakima, near the side CLOSEST to 48th Avenue. The nine-disc golf course was made possible by a $4,000 grant from Legends Casino along with more than $2,000 in donations from area businesses.

White Pass Kids’ Clinic Boys and girls ages 5-12 can experience full-day skiing or snowboarding clinics with specialized children’s instructors. The remaining sessions are March 23-24. Registration takes place from 8-9:15 a.m. on those dates in the Talus Room. Clinic participants meet at The Learning Center at White Pass at 9:30 a.m. each day. The cost is $90 single day, $130 weekend; includes lunch, snacks and lift tickets.
Register for either program with The Learning Center at White Pass, 509-672-3101, and check out skiwhitepass.com for more info.

Junior League Starting Kids’ Marathon

Junior League of Yakima wants to get your kids moving! The league is starting its first Kids’ Marathon, which is open to kids 5 and older.
Don’t worry, parents. Your child is not expected to run all 26.2 miles in one shot. Instead, your kids can get started now and have their miles logged along the way.
The actual marathon is set for 10 a.m. May 18 at West Valley Park. On that day, kids will run the final mile of the marathon together. Kids completing the marathon will receive a medal. The last day to register for the marathon is March 28.
A Family Fun Run is scheduled the same day, with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. There is no cost to participate, but families are asked to bring canned food donations to benefit Northwest Harvest.
To sign up, visit the group’s Facebook page, facebook.com/JlYkidsmarathon2013, where all required forms can be found. You can also contact the Junior League office, 509-966-0930, or email kidsmarathon2013@gmail.com.

Winter Carnival March 2-3 at White Pass

Come March, most people are looking ahead anxiously to spring, but White Pass has a reason for you to celebrate winter a little while longer: the 27th annual White Pass Winter Carnival.

Come help out with the interactive snow castle, enjoy carnival games and races, live music, a torchlight parade and fireworks.

Free, open admission is offered into the snow castle and other attractions. Be sure to bring along those extra quarters to play the carnival games.

For more information. call The Learning Center at White Pass, 509-672-3101, or visit skiwhitepass.com.

Junior Leage starting kids’ marathon

The cold weather is sticking around a little while longer, and many kids have been cooped up for too long.

Junior League of Yakima can help remedy this situation.

A team of new members from the league is starting its first Kids’ Marathon, which is open to kids 5 and up.

Don’t worry, parents. Your child is not expected to run all 26.2 miles in one shot. Instead, your little tykes can get started now and have their miles logged along the way.

The actual marathon event is set for 10 a.m. May 18 at West Valley Park. On that day, kids will run the final mile of the marathon together. Kids completing the marathon will receive a medal.

A Family Fun Run is scheduled the same day, with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. There is no cost to participate, but families are asked to bring canned food donations to benefit Northwest Harvest.

To sign up, visit the group’s Facebook page, facebook.com/JlYkidsmarathon2013, where all required forms can be found. You can also contact the Junior League office, 509-966-0930, or email kidsmarathon2013@gmail.com.

Disc Golf Course now open at Randall Park

Disc golf has become quite the popular sport. (Or is it recreation? You be the judge.)

Now, disc golf enthusiasts and those new to the game have a special place of their own.

The Wide Hollow Creek Disc Golf Course is now open at Randall Park in Yakima, near the side closest to 48th Avenue.

The nine-disc golf course was made possible by a $4,000 grant from Legends Casino along with more than $2,000 in donations from area businesses.

Embrace winter for sports, inside and outside

“Baby, it’s cold outside…” Yep, and in places there’s lots of snow still. What are you and your family going to do about it? Sure, snow angels can get you so far, but if you want real adventure, look no further.

SOCCER

IKE HOSTS SPRING BREAK SOCCER CAMP Your kids will get a kick out of Ike’s Spring Break Soccer Camp, which runs two days in April. The camp, at Gilbert Elementary, is from 9-10:30 a.m., April 2-3.

The soccer camp is designed for boys and girls, grades K-6. Kids will work with the Ike soccer players to learn soccer skills and have fun. The cost is $20 per child. Registration begins March 1. To register, contact Coach Tyler Suhm at 509-573-2672 or by email at suhm.tyler@yakimaschools.org.

INDOOR TINY TYKES SOCCER. Boys and girls, ages 4-5. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays, Feb. 5-21. Indoor soccer teaches kids passing, dribbling, shooting, teamwork and sportsmanship. Cost: $28/$34, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. At Roosevelt Elementary. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

ITTY BITTIES INTRO TO SOCCER. Boys and girls, ages 3-4. 6-6:45 p.m. Thursdays, May 10-31. Kids learn dribbling, passing, shooting and basic motor skills. Cost: $40/$48, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. At Chesterley Park. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

PEE WEE SOCCER LEAGUE. Boys and girls, ages 5-6. 6-7:15 p.m. Thursdays, April 5-26. Fundamentals of dribbling, passing and shooting learned with non-competitive games. Cost: $40/$48, depending on residency; includes T-shirt and ball. At Chesterley Park. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

SELAH FC. Boys and girls, grades K-6. Games played Saturdays and weekday evenings, March 9-April 27 (no games held March 30-April 6). Cost: $46.53/$57.35/$68.17; fee includes uniform. Registration: Jan. 2-Feb. 20, with $4 late fee if registered after Feb. 5. At Lince Fields in Selah. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

TINY TOTS SOCCER (SELAH). Boys and girls, ages 3-5. Play: Saturdays, March 9, 16, 27 & April 13, 20 & 27. Registration: Jan. 2-March 8. Introduction to soccer, including basic fundamentals, new skills and sportsmanship. Cost: $35/$45/$55, depending on residency; fee includes T-shirt. At Lince Play Field across Naches Ave. from Lince School in Selah. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

YMCA ITTY BITTY SOCCER. Boys and girls, ages 3-6. Soccer basics, plus teamwork and sportsmanship. Season begins: TBA. Registration: Opens in mid-April, closes in May. Cost: $45/$55, depending on membership. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-248-1202. Contact: Doug Berndt, Youth Programs Director: 509-972-5273, or dberndt@yakimaymca.org. yakimaymca.org

FOOTBALL

SELAH FLAG FOOTBALL. Boys and girls, grades 2-6. Divisions by grade. No-tackle, pass-only league. Cost: $47.61/$58.43/$69.25, depending on residency; fee includes T-shirt. Registration: Jan. 2-April 12. League play: April 30-June 6. At Lince Fields in Selah. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

YMCA FLAG FOOTBALL. Boys and girls, ages 5-12. Cost: $65/$75, depending on membership. Season starts May 20; registration runs March 15-April 30. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-248-1202. Contact: Doug Berndt, Youth Programs Director: 509-972-5273, or dberndt@yakimaymca.org. yakimaymca.org

T-BALL

BEGINNER PEE WEE T-BALL. Boys and girls, ages 4-5. Four-game season: 6:15-7:15 p.m. Wednesdays, March 20-April 10. Register by March 8. Cost: $15/$20, depending on residency. Games played at Gateway Sports Complex or Kiwanis Park. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

SELAH T-BALL. Boys and girls, ages 5-7. Teams play once a week, plus one or two practices per week. Cost: $38.92/$49.77/$60.59, depending on residency; fee includes T-shirt. Registration: March 1-April 9. League Play: Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 30-June 6. At Lince Fields in Selah. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

BASKETBALL

ITTY BITTY BASKETBALL. Boys and girls, ages 3-6. 5:30-6:20 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays (ages 3-4), and 6:30-7:20 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays (ages 5-6). First practice starts March 5. Registration closes Feb. 18; $10 fee added after deadline. Cost: $45/$55, depending on membership. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-248-1202. Contact: Doug Berndt, Youth Programs Director: 509-972-5273, or dberndt@yakimaymca.org. yakimaymca.org

ICE

Learn to Skate and Beginner Hockey classes at Yakima Ice Rink Ice skating and hockey do have a place in Yakima, and your child can learn how to do one — or both! The Yakima Ice Rink, 1700 Beech St. in Yakima, offers Learn to Skate lessons each Monday, 6-6:45 p.m. for tots as young as 3 and other brand-new skaters, and at 6:45-7:30 p.m. for beginners. Figure skating lessons are Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Public skating sessions take place each Friday, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, 5-8 p.m. The cost is $6 per person, with an additional $1 fee for ice skate rental. Call the rink at 509-469-0597 or visit yakimaicerink.com for more info.

Chalet Place Ice Rink. Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, this new ice skating rink is made from sheets of polyethylene, which isn’t as cold as ice and doesn’t require refrigeration or electricity. That means this outdoor rink could potentially be open year-round.  “Come July,” says Frank Hieber, co-owner of Incline LLC, which operates Chalet Place Ice Rink, “you might see people in shorts and tank tops skating next to the shaved ice area.” The cost is $5 per person, including a skate rental, or $4 if visitors bring their own skates. Once on the “ice,” patrons have an unlimited amount of time within the hours of operation. The Chalet Place Ice Rink is located in the Chalet Place shopping center at 56th and Summitview avenues in Yakima.

…AND SNOW

White Pass Kids’ Clinic continues through March The dates are set, and more kids’ clinics will be offered at White Pass in February and March. Boys and girls ages 5-12 can experience full-day skiing or snowboarding clinics with specialized children’s instructors.
The remaining sessions offered are Feb. 23-24, March 9-10 & March 23-24. Registration takes place from 8-9:15 a.m. on those dates in the Talus Room. Clinic participants meet at The Learning Center at White Pass at 9:30 a.m. each day. The cost is $90 single day, $130 weekend; includes lunch, snacks and lift tickets.

The Ski 4 Kids Race Weekend is scheduled for March 2-3 in conjunction with the Winter Carnival. These races are open to intermediate skiers and riders, ages 6-12. All-day training takes place Sat., March 2, and races commence Sun., March 3, followed by an awards ceremony and hot dog banquet. Register for either program with The Learning Center at White Pass, 509-672-3101, and check out skiwhitepass.com for more info.

EZ Ski/Ride 1,2,3. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 21, Feb. 15 & Feb. 21. Yakima Parks and Recreation leads groups to White Pass to teach kids an introduction to snow sports, including skiing and snowboarding. Cost: $140/$147, depending on residency; fee includes transportation and three days of lift tickets. Transportation only fee: $15/$17, depending on residency. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

YAKIMA LITTLE LEAGUE. Ages 4-14. League play: April 8-June 7. Registration: 5:30-8 p.m. Feb. 19 & 21 at Big 5, 2801 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 5-7 p.m. Feb. 26 & 28 at Kimmel Athletic Supply, 2105 W. Lincoln, Yakima. Also register by calling Mike Saxton at 509-952-1716 or Nicole Delp at 509-910-5248. Cost: $65 T-Ball (4-6 years); $75 Farm League (6-8 years); $105 Minor League (8-10 years); $105 Major League (11-12 years); $150 Junior League (13-14 years); cash and check accepted, and debit for a small fee.

Family Open Gym in Selah
So you want to get exercise with your family without going broke? Try the free Family Open Gym at Sunset Gym in Selah. The gym is open to families only 4-6 p.m. the first and third Sundays of each month through March. Sports activities include basketball, wiffle ball, volleyball and more. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

White Pass Kids’ Clinic continues January-March

The dates are set, and more kids’ clinics will be offered at White Pass January-March.

Boys and girls ages 5-12 can experience full-day skiing or snowboarding clinics with specialized children’s instructors.

The remaining sessions offered are Jan. 12-13, Jan. 26-27, Feb. 9-10, Feb. 23-24, Mar. 9-10 & Mar. 23-24.

Registration takes place from 8-9:15 a.m. on those dates in the Talus Room. Clinic participants meet at The Learning Center at White Pass at 9:30 a.m. each day. The cost is $90 single day, $130 weekend; includes lunch, snacks and lift tickets.

Register with The Learning Center at White Pass, 509-672-3101, and check out skiwhitepass.com for more info.

Yakima Parks & Rec teams up with White Pass for EZ Ski/Ride program

“Baby, it’s cold outside…”

Yep, and there’s lots of snow, too.  What are you and your family going to do about it?  Sure, snow angels can get you so far, but if you want real adventure, why not try skiing or snowboarding?

If you’re not sure how to start, especially for the little ones, Yakima Parks and Recreation and White Pass are teaming up to offer “EZ Ski/Ride 1,2,3,” a program designed to teach kids an introduction to snow sports, including skiing and snowboarding.

Three dates and times are set: Jan. 21, Feb. 15 & Feb. 21, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.  The cost is $140 or$147, depending on residency; the fee includes transportation and three days of lift tickets. If you’d rather just tag along, a transportation only fee is $15 or $17, again depending on residency. Contact Yakima Parks and Rec for more info at 509-575-6020.

Check out the new Chalet Place Ice Rink!

A brand-new ice skating rink has come to town.

Chalet Place Ice rink, which opened Nov. 14. It features a small rink made from sheets of polyethylene, which isn’t cold and doesn’t require refrigeration or electricity, allowing for the possibility of a year-round outdoor skating rink.

“Come July,” says Frank Hieber, co-owner of Incline LLC, which operates Chalet Place Ice Rink, “you might see people in shorts and tank tops skating next to the shaved ice area.”

The cost of admission is $5 per person, which includes a skate rental. If you already have your skates, the cost is $4. There is an unlimited amount of time within the hours of operation, which is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

Chalet Place Ice Rink is located in the Chalet Place shopping center at 56^th Ave. and Summitview Ave., Yakima.

Check out their Facebook page at Chalet Place Ice Rink.

Halloween, Harvest & Fall Fun

Whether it’s Halloween or other harvest fun, here’s the lowdown on what’s in store for you this fall:

MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS

APPLE AND PUMPKIN FESTIVAL. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Saturdays, Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27. U-pick/we pick pumpkins and apples, make your own cider, warm apple cider donuts, pony rides, hay rides, barnyard hay rides, fire pit and marshmallows, live music, all-American food, demonstrations and classes. Bill’s Berry Farm, 3674 N. County Line Road, Grandview; 509-882-3200. billsberryfarm.com

BARNYARD MYSTERY CORN MAZE AT BILL’S BERRY FARM. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, & Saturdays, Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27. Farmer Bill has gone missing … what a mystery! Help figure out which barnyard animal kidnapped him by navigating a 7 1/2-acre corn maze, plus nearly four miles of trails. Bill’s Berry Farm, 3674 N. County Line Rd., Grandview; 509-882-3200. Billsberryfarm.com

BLACKBERRIES JUBILEE. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, through Oct. 13 (Friday-Sunday by appt.). U-pick blackberries. Take your pick of blackberries on the half-acre vineyard. At 600 Arrowsmith Road, Sunnyside.

GRANDVIEW’S ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE. Oct. 26-27, 5:30-10 p.m. Haunted house, games, food and more. Cost: $4 age 13 and older, $3 ages 12 and younger and seniors. Sponsored by Miss Grandview Program and Grandview Music Boosters. 135 Division St., Grandview; 509-882-3198. visitgrandview.org

FIFTH ANNUAL HAUNTED TRAIN AND DEPOT. Oct. 27-28 & Oct. 30-31. Schedule: 7-11 p.m. Oct. 27; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 28, 30, & 31. Come see ghosts, goblins and other scary surprises at two haunted trains. Cost: $5 per person (recommended age is 13 and older). Northern Pacific Railway Museum, 10 S. Asotin Rd., Toppenish; 509-865-1911. nprymuseum.org

JONES FARMS STRAW MAZE AND STRAW MOUNTAIN SLIDE. Sept. 15-Oct. 31. Straw maze and straw mountain slide. Free. Jones Farms, 2020 Thacker Road, Zillah; 509-829-6024.

OCTOBER HARVEST DAYS. Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, & 27-28. Old-fashioned cider squeeze, hay rides, hay maze and pumpkin patch. Washington Fruit Place at Barrett Orchards, 1209 Pecks Canyon Rd., Yakima; 509-966-1275.

SCHELL’S MASSIVE CORN MAZE & FALL HARVEST FUNLAND. Open in October: 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays. Ten-acre corn maze, and a 2-acre maze with no dead-ends for kids, straw pyramid with slides, hay rides, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pumpkin chucker, haunted house, bonfire pits and barbeques. Admission includes carving pumpkin: $9.50 adults/$6.50 children ages 3-10 and seniors 65+/children ages 2 and younger free with paid adult. Schell’s Produce. Two locations: 3213 Tacoma St. in Union Gap, 509-453-3200; and three miles east of Toppenish on Highway 22 at Harris Road, 509-865-4511.

DAILY EVENTS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20

HARVEST MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL. 4:30 p.m. Finals at 6 p.m. Cost: $15 adults for all-day pass, $10 for finals only; $10 for students and seniors. Zaepfel Stadium, 40th Avenue and Tieton Drive. harvestbands.org

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21

YAKIMA ADVENTIST FALL FESTIVAL. 12-3 p.m. Hay ride, bounce houses, dunk tank, toddler pumpkin patch and games. Hosted by Yakima Adventist Christian School and Washington Fruit Place & Gift Shop. Yakima Adventist Christian School, 1200 City Resevoir Rd., Yakima; 509-966-1933. yacsschool.org

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27

ANNUAL PUMPKIN RUN. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 27. Family-friendly event includes caboose and pump car rides and museum tours. Each child gets a free pumpkin. Cost: $5 adults, $3 for children 12 and under. Northern Pacific Railway Museum, 10 S. Asotin Road, Toppenish; 509-865-1911. nprymuseum.org

MINI PUMPKINS COME TO LIFE. 10-11 a.m. Oct. 27. Master Gardeners host this class to teach children how to decorate pumpkins. Free. Ahtanum Youth Park Barn, 1000 Ahtanum Rd., Union Gap.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS. 12-5 p.m. Sugar skulls, sand painting and crafts for the entire family. Festival also features food and music. Cost: $3 suggested donation. Mighty Tieton Warehouse, 608 Wisconsin Ave., Tieton; 509-847-3034. mightytieton.com

HARVEST FESTIVAL. 3-5 p.m., Oct. 28. Fun child-centered event, particularly for kids ages 2-8. Photo booth, games, arts and crafts, bake sale, prizes and more. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes. The festival also serves as a school fundraiser, and open to the community. Cost: $5 per person. The Montessori School of Yakima, 511 N. 44th Ave., Yakima (on the corner of Englewood and 44th avenues). For more info, call 509-901-2031.

TRUNK-OR-TREAT EVENTS

Selah Civic Center. 6-8 p.m., Oct. 31. Harvest Community Church (and local area merchants) is hosting the Selah Community Halloween Party. Kids birth-10 years. Kid-friendly costumes welcome.

New Hope Community Church. 5:30-8 p.m., Oct. 31. Located at 29 Channel Drive, Yakima.

Wesley United Methodist Church: 6-8 p.m., Oct. 31. Food, costumes, games. Free, open to the public. Located in church parking lot, at 14 N. 48th Ave., Yakima.

Westminster Presbyterian Church: 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 31. Halloween-themed carnival games and more. Free, open to the public. Located in the church parking lot, at 6015 Summitview Ave. Yakima.

Ike Gearing Up for Soccer Camp August 23-24

Eisenhower High School kicks off its soccer camp Aug. 23-24. The two-day camp runs 9-10:30 a.m. at Gilbert Elementary, 4400 Douglas Drive in Yakima.

The camp is designed for boys and girls, from Kindergarten through 6^th grade. Cost is $20 per child. Contact Tyler Suhm at 509-573-2672, or by email at suhm.tyler@yakimaschools.org for questions or to sign up. Children may also sign up the morning of the camp.

Go “Fourth” and celebrate!

The good ol’ U.S.A. is a whopping 236 years old—and here’s how we’re celebrating the red, white and blue.

Yakima’s 4^th of July Celebration begins at noon and ends at midnight at State Fair Park, located at 1301 S. Fair Ave. in Yakima. The park will be packed with food vendors, activities, games, rides, stage shows  and other attractions. A fireworks show starts at 10 p.m.

Independence Day fun begin at State Fair Park on June 29, however. The 2012 Carnival runs from June 29-July 8 (closed July 5). For more details, hours, prices and updates, head to yakima4thofjuly.org.

 

You don’t have to stay within the Yakima city limits to celebrate!

The Naches Valley Independence Day Festival will kick off at 10 a.m. in downtown Naches. Family fun activities are scheduled throughout the day, culminating in a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. If you’d like to learn more, contact Randy at RJ Tires in Naches at 509-653-2165.

There are also a couple of lower valley options available to you. Zillah’s 4^th of July celebration begins at 8 p.m. and features professional and local fireworks at Stewart Park, located at 107 First Ave.

Traveling farther down I-82, you’ll find Prosser’s Old-Fashioned 4^th of July Celebration. Early festivities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include a car show, concession stands, sack races, obstacle courses and bingo. Stick around or come back for a fireworks show at 10 p.m. The fun takes place at Prosser City Park, located at Seventh and Sommers streets.

Moses Lake water park a great day trip option

Summer usually means road trips, and you don’t have to go far if you’re looking for a real water park adventure.
Moses Lake is home to Surf ‘n Slide Water Park, which attracts visitors from all over the area. There are plenty of attractions for the brave swimmers, but there’s no need to be shy; the water park offers fun options for all ages and abilities.
There are plenty of ways to make a splash at the park. Some highlights include two 200-foot water slides, a 300-foot “river,” an artificial surfing simulator, volleyball courts, pools and diving boards, and a tube slide.
This year’s early season opens May 26 until June 7, when operating hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends, and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Regular season commences June 8 until Aug. 28, when the hours expand to 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Late season spans Aug. 29-Sept. 3, when hours go back to 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends, and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday.
It’s advised to call ahead of your trip to make sure hours haven’t changed.
Cost: $9 adult, $8 student (ages 13-17), $7 seniors and children (ages 5-12), free for children under 4. Call or check website for season and family passes.

If you go:
Surf ‘n Slide Water Park
401 W. 4th Ave.
Moses Lake
509-764-3842
surfnslide.com

Moses Lake Water Park – Make it a day trip!

Moses Lake Water Park

Summer usually means road trips, and you don’t have to go far if you’re looking for a real water park adventure.
Moses Lake is home to Surf ‘n Slide Water Park, which attracts visitors from all over the area. There are plenty of attractions for the brave swimmers, but there’s no need to be shy; the water park offers fun options for all ages and abilities.
There are plenty of ways to make a splash at the park. Some highlights include two 200-foot water slides, a 300-foot “river,” an artificial surfing simulator, volleyball courts, pools and diving boards, and a tube slide.
This year’s early season opens May 26 until June 7, when operating hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends, and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Regular season commences June 8 until Aug. 28, when the hours expand to 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Late season spans Aug. 29-Sept. 3, when hours go back to 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends, and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday.
It’s advised to call ahead of your trip to make sure hours haven’t changed.
Cost: $9 adult, $8 student (ages 13-17), $7 seniors and children (ages 5-12), free for children under 4. Call or check website for season and family passes.

If you go:
Surf ‘n Slide Water Park
401 W. 4th Ave.
Moses Lake
509-764-3842
surfnslide.com

Time for sports and outdoor fun!

Sports!

• Youth Soccer. Registration is open in May and June. Practices run July-August, and games are played at Yakima School District fields.

• Youth Flag Football. Registration is open in April and May. Practices run late May-July, and games are in June and July. Coed divisions only. Ages 5-12 with four age divisions.

• Youth Baseball. Registration is open in May and June. Practices run from June-August, and games are in July and August. Yakima and West Valley divisions: ages 6-9 coach pitch; ages 10-11 minors; 12 years majors.

Cost for each program: $65 members, $55 nonmembers

Itty Bitty Soccer and T-Ball for spring and summer: Call YMCA for details. Call Gilbert at 509-972-5273 or Tyler at 509-972-5276.

YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-248-1202. yakimaymca.org

 

Itty Bitty Soccer league. Boys and girls, ages 3-4. Parent-child class teaches kids the fundamentals of dribbling, passing and shooting. Learn teamwork, make new friends and play games. Meets from 6-6:45 p.m. Thursdays, April 12-May 3 at Chesterley Park. Cost is $40-$48, depending on residency; includes a T-shirt and ball.

Pee Wee Soccer League. Boys and girls, ages 5-6. Kids learn fundamentals of soccer, including dribbling, passing and scoring. Positive, noncompetitive atmosphere. Meets 6-7:15 p.m. Thursdays, May 10-June 7 at Chesterley Park. Cost is $40-$48, depending on residency; includes a T-shirt and ball.

Soccer Camp. Boys and girls, grades 3-6. Meets 6-7:30 p.m., April 3-5 at Chesterley Park. Camp teaches kids the fundamentals of soccer, including ball control, shooting, offense and defense drills, and scrimmages. For beginning and moderate players. Cost: $30-$36, depending on residency; includes T-shirt.

 To register for all soccer programs, call Yakima Parks and Recreation. 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima. 509-575-6020.

 

 

 

 

 Golf!

 Golfin’ Around: May 6, 1 p.m. Ages 5-14. Free. Call 509-949-6349 or visit firstteeyakima.org to register. Must preregister by May 1.

Friday Night Glow Ball. 8 p.m., May 18 and June 1. Nine holes of glow-in-the-dark golf. Cost: $25 each; includes greens fee, one glow ball and glow stick, glow-in-the-dark necklace, and snacks. Register a week before each event.

 

Selah sports and activities

Selah T-Ball. Boys and girls, ages 5-7. Registration runs through April 16. League play runs May-June at Lince Fields in Selah. Cost: $38.92/$49.77/$60.59, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 509-698-7300.

Selah Youth Flag Football. Boys and girls, grades 2-6. Coed play with two divisions: grades 2-3 and 4-6. No-tackle play. Registration runs through April 16. League play runs May-June. Cost: $47.61/$58.43/$69.25, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 509-698-7300.

 

Selah offers family survival course

In April, Selah Parks and Rec is offering a “Family Basic Outdoor Survival Course.” Instructor Danny Snider will teach families survival skills, which include starting fires, building shelters, addressing hypothermia and heat exhaustion and working with maps, compasses and survival kits.

The meetings are set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, April 2-16, and Saturday, April 28, at Selah Civic Center. Cost: $50/$55/$60, depending on residency. Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 509-698-7300.

Yakima Greenway offers Kiddin’ Around program

Yakima Greenway’s Kiddin’ Around resumes this spring, summer

It’s back! Yakima Greenway’s Kiddin’ Around program begins April 28 with its “Kids’ Fish-In” program for ages 5-14. The cost is $8 per child, which includes rod, reel, bait and a T-shirt. Fish will be cleaned and bagged in ice on site. Registration limited to first 1,000 sign-ups; register by April 27 to reserve T-shirt size. The event is located at Reflection Pond at Sarg Hubbard Park, 111 S. 18th St., Yakima.

“Family Field Day” is scheduled 1-4 p.m. May 12. The free event combines fun activities and nutritional information, bringing families together with physical activities such as kayaking, canoeing, tennis, hula hoops, jump rope, soccer, obstacle course and tag. Check out fruit and vegetable sampling and nutritional games. All ages are welcome. Held by Subway, CWU’s Dietetic Internship, FitKids USA and the Yakima Greenway Foundation.

Check out the Yakima Greenway’s website, yakimagreenway.org, for a full lineup of this year’s Kiddin’ Around program. We will update the offerings on our website, too!

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