Scott Klepach Jr.

For this game, you will need:

• Four players or more (two players on two teams)
• A sled
• A box or basket
• Snowman supplies (carrot, hat, scarf or rocks)
• Station markers for three stations

Set up three stations:

Station 1: Snow Angels

Station 2: Snowmen
 Station 3: Sledding to Dress up the Snowman

1.           Create a starting line and mark three stations around the yard, using landmarks or household objects to designate each. Place one member of each team at the starting line and the second team member of each team at Station 2 (Snowman).

2.           When “go” is called, the team members at the starting line will race to Station 1 to make snow angels. Once finished, confirm that the snow angel looks complete and then team members will race to meet their teammates at Station 2.

3.           At Station 2, both teams will create their own snowman with three sections.

4.           When the snowman is finished, partners will run together to Station 3, where a sled and a box containing the snowman’s decorations are waiting. One player will sit on the sled and hold the box while the other partner will pull the sled back to Station 2 where the snowman is waiting to be decorated.

5.           Dress up the snowman for his date with winter!

6.           Both partners must race together back to the starting line, which is now the finish line.  Whoever crosses this finish line first, after having completed all of the steps properly, wins!

• Note: You can certainly modify the rules if only two people are playing a one-on-one match. The only real part of the game to take away in this case would be the sledding component.ereHere

Do you suffer from the winter blues? If so, why not throw yourself — and your family — a tropical staycation? This activity can stir your imagination and give you a break from the blustery reality outside!

Throw down beach blankets in your living room and have an indoor beach party… • Grab some shades, an umbrella, put on your swimsuits and turn up the heat • Wear grass skirts and Hawaiian leis • Put on some tropical music • Do the limbo rock with a broom • Serve a ham and pineapple dinner with citrus drinks • Get out a beach ball and play volleyball

Make Tropical French Toast
(recipe courtesy of Kathy Sali)

Ingredients
6 – 8 thick slices bread
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 small can crushed pineapple (1/3 of can for topping)
2 ripe bananas (1 banana sliced is for topping)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp brown sugar
Powdered sugar (called fairy dust at our house)
Shredded coconut (optional topping)

Directions
Combine eggs, milk, most of the crushed pineapple, one banana, vanilla and brown sugar in a blender (reserve some pineapple and one banana for topping). Pour mixture into a shallow bowl.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.

Dunk each slice of bread in egg mixture, soaking both sides. Place in pan, and cook on both sides until golden. Serve hot with the reserved crushed pineapple and banana slices on top.   Sprinkle with a little fairy dust and syrup.

…or Tropical Fruit Pizza
Spread out Pillsbury cookie dough on a pizza pan or cookie sheet; bake according to package directions
Spread yogurt on baked dough (you choose the flavor!)
Cut up banana, kiwi and strawberries and place on top of yogurt (these are your pizza toppings!)
Sprinkle with coconut
Enjoy!

Get artsy this fall with these options:

*Allied Arts of Yakima Valley, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930. alliedartsyakima.org

Mommy and Me Art Class. 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 20 to Oct. 6, Oct. 18-26, Nov. 1-22, and Nov. 29-Dec. 15. Moms can enjoy art class with a pre-kinder child. Moms are required to stay on site, and they can sit and socialize with other moms. Cost: $10 for members per session/$12 for non-members per session; $210/$252 for entire series (two free classes with series).

Special Needs Art Class. 3:45-5:15 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 14 & Dec. 12. Cost: $20 per session for members, $25 per session for non-members; $60/$75 for series (one free session with series).
Homeschool Art Class. 12:30-2 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept, 28-Nov. 16, and Nov. 30-Dec. 14. From elementary to high school courses. Art history and art creation. Cost: $20 per session for members, $25 per session for non-members; $200/$250 for entire series (2 free sessions for series).

• Hands on Art, 5603 Summitview, Yakima; 509-966-4248. Call for classes and schedules. hands-on-art.com

• Red Art Studio & Sunflower Studio, 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-469-2766. Classes start Oct. 3.

Teen Art Studio. 3:30-5:30 p.m. For ages 10 and up. 4 weekly classes.

Kids’ Clay Studio. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. For ages 6 and up. 4 weekly classes.

Itty Bitty Art. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays. For ages 0-5; drop-in classes.

Kids’ Open Art Studio. 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. All ages drop-in classes.

Also…

Laurie Kanyer to teach parenting classes at First Pres
A series of parenting classes will be offered to the community this fall at First Presbyterian Church.

Laurie Kanyer, who has authored several parenting books and has years of experience teaching classes on parenting, will lead “Parenting with Love and Limits” at 11 a.m. each Sunday from Sept. 25 to Nov. 20, with a break on Oct. 16. (See our daily calendar for weekly topics.)

The goal is to teach parents how to develop skills that encourage positive behavior, help them gain insight and improve family organization, which can reduce family stress and give parents a greater understanding of childhood development.

Childcare is provided for each class, and kids are permitted to gather in the gym.

For more information, visit First Presbyterian Church, located at 9 S. Eighth Ave. in Yakima, or call the church at 509-248-7940.

And…Summer’s over…time for Fall Sports!

SOCCER

Itty Bitty Soccer. 6-6:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 27-Oct. 17. For boys and girls ages 3-4. Learn the fundamentals of soccer. Cost: $48 non-resident, $40 resident. T-shirt and ball included. Located at Gateway Sports Complex at Kiwanis Park. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

PeeWee Soccer. 6-7:15 Thursdays, Sept. 29-Oct. 20. For boys and girls ages 5-6. Fundamentals of soccer taught, and kids can improve on basics. Located at Gateway Sports Complex at Kiwanis Park. Cost: $48 non-resident, $40 resident. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

BASKETBALL

Little Dribblers. 6-6:45 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 7-Dec. 12. For boys and girls ages 4-6. Learn the basics of basketball with group exercises and games. Registration: Oct. 3-Nov. 2. Cost: $32/$42/$52, depending on residency. Sunset Gym, Selah; register with Selah Parks and Recreation, 216 S. First St., Selah; 509-698-7300.

One-Day Events:

Oct. 8:  Pumpkin Decorating for Kids – 10 a.m.
Class, supplies and pumpkin are free. Sponsored by Master Gardeners of Yakima County.
Located at Ahtanum Youth Park. 509-574-1600. mastergardeners-yakima.org

Oct. 15:  Harvest Marching Band Festival – 4:30 p.m. Finals at 6 p.m.
Cost: $10 adults for all-day pass, $7 for finals only; $7 students and seniors.
Zaepfel Stadium, 40th Avenue and Tieton Drive. harvestbands.org

Oct. 16:  Yakima Adventist Fall Festival – 1-4:00 p.m.
Games, prizes, bounce houses and hay rides to Washington Fruit Place.
Yakima Adventist Christian School, 1200 City Reservoir Road, Yakima; 509-966-1933.

Oct. 29:  Annual Pumpkin Run – 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Caboose ride, pump car rides, museum tours and a free pumpkin for each child.
Cost: $5 adults, $3 children 12 and younger.
Northern Pacific Railway Museum, 10 S. Asotin Ave., Toppenish; 509-865-2409.
nprymuseum.org

Oct. 30:  Halloween Farmers Market – 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Activities for kids plus special events. In front of The Capitol Theatre,
19 S. Third St., Yakima; 509-457-5765. yakimafarmersmarket.org

Nov. 1:  Cash 4 Candy – 3:30-6 p.m.
Kids 0-14 can trade their candy for money. Each pound of wrapped candy will be worth $1.
The candy will be sent to U.S. military troops overseas.
Yakima Pediatric Dentistry, 3909 Creekside Loop, Suite 140, Yakima; 509-834-2004.

Ongoing events in October:

Bill’s Berry Farm Apple & Pumpkin Festival
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays, Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22.
Pumpkins and apples available for picking. Make your own apple cider. Warm apple cider donuts, pony rides, hay rides, barnyard train rides, fire pits and marshmallows. Free admission.
Bill’s Berry Farm, 3674 N. County Line Road, Grandview; 509-882-7810.
billsberryfarm.com

Granger Pumpkin Patch
11 a.m.-6 p.m. every  day in October.
Hay ride, corn maze, jumpers, haunted house, petting zoo daily, and face painting and pumpkin carving during the weekends. Hot dogs, hamburgers, hot cocoa, and marshmallows for sale. Fire pit available for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Admission: $4.50 children, $5 adults. Babies younger than 1 are free. 1733 Beam Road, Granger. 509-376-2561.

Fun at Jones Farm Fruit Stand
Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Oct. 31.
Straw maze, hay-bale pyramid with slide, duck pond and pumpkin patch, self-guided orchard
walk, picnic area. Free admission. Pumpkins and produce for sale at the fruit stand.
2020 Thacker Road, off East Zillah Drive, Zillah. 509-829-6024. jonesfarmsinc.com

October Days at Washington Fruit Place
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays each weekend in October.
Cider tasting, hay rides, pumpkin patch, hay maze and apple variety tasting. Free events.
Barrett Orchards, 1209 Pecks Canyon Road, Yakima; 509-966-1275. treeripened.com

Schell’s Massive Corn Maze & Fall Harvest Funland
9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Open daily through October, beginning Oct. 5.
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 barbecues. Admission includes carving pumpkin: $8.50 adults/$6 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.

Suncadia 6th Annual Harvest Festival
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday; noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7-9 and Oct. 14-16.
Pumpkin patch, straw maze, beer garden, vendors, pony and tractor rides, canine
costume contest and live music. Free admission.
Located at the historic Nelson Dairy Road, Cle Elum.
Contact Karen Porter at 509-649-6204. suncadia.com

Thompson’s Farm Pumpkin Patch
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Pumpkin patch, pumpkin cannon, hay rides, farm animals, U-pick and U-select apples,
cornstalks, squash and gourds.
Thompson’s Farm, 9535 Old Naches Highway, Naches; 509-949-3450.
thompsonsfarm.com

Get Haunted!

Yakima Haunt Night
Oct. 28: Time TBD (call for details)
Visit local haunted houses in a group led by Yakima Public Works. Meet at Public Works for pizza first. Cost: $18 non-resident, $15 resident. 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima; 509-575-6020.

Grandview’s Annual Haunted House
October 28-29, 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

Haunted Depot at Northern Pacific Railway Museum
October 28-31, 7-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7-10 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
Ghosts, goblins and a fright around each corner as patrons tour the haunted depot and
two haunted railway cars. Cost: $5 per person; for ages 13 and older.
10 S. Asotin Ave., Toppenish; 509-865-2409. nprymuseum.org/npmuseumschedule.htm

Halloween Trolley
October 29-31, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Brace yourselve for a haunted journey on a trolley and take a pumpkin home.
Call for cost and details.
Yakima Valley Trolleys, S. 3rd Avenue and W. Pine St., Yakima; 509-249-5962. yakimavalleytrolleys.org

Trunk or Treat:

Montessori Harvest Festival
October 30, 3-5 p.m.
For kids ages 2-7. Games, activities, crafts, prizes and a bake sale. Kids encouraged
to dress up in costumes. Fundraiser; open to the community. Cost: $5 per child.
511 N. 44th Ave., on the corner of Englewood and 44th avenues, Yakima; 509-930-8789.

WestPress Carnival
October 31, 5:30-7 p.m.
Halloween-themed carnival games and more. Takes place in church parking lot.
Free/open to the public.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6015 Summitview Ave., Yakima.

Harvest Community Church Halloween Party
October 31, 6-8 p.m.
Harvest Community Church (and local area merchants) is hosting the Selah
Community Halloween Party at the Selah Civic Center. Kids birth-10 years old.
Kid-friendly costumes welcome. 509-697-8300.

Books

Sure, there’s always What to Expect When You’re Expecting and the other titles in the series, but you might want to check out these reads for ideas, inspiration and a variety of perspectives (sometimes controversial) on topics from pregnancy to parenting.

Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives by Annie Murphy Paul.

Paul examines (mostly from a scientific perspective) just how important these early stages of life are and how they can affect many areas of development, from diet and nutrition to stress and other environmental factors.

Pregnancy Haiku: Three Short Lines for Your Nine Long Months by Eugenie Olson.

In honor of the haiku form (three lines with five syllables in the first, seven syllables in the second and five syllables in the third), here’s a haiku to describe the book:

Fun and creative,

Poetry allows a voice

For expecting moms.

NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave when we consider contemporary parenting styles, and maybe we weave a greater web when we share our ideas with others. Bronson and Merryman aren’t shy about this topic, though, and in their book they argue that most of the techniques and beliefs that guide us as parents might be ineffective, misguided and even dangerous.

Hatched!: The Big Push from Pregnancy to Motherhood by Sloane Tanen.

A humorous take on pregnancy and parenting, as chickens take on such subjects as gestation, epidurals, labor, stretch marks and being a parent.

There’s Going to Be a Baby by John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury.

A great story by the acclaimed writing and illustrating married couple, and a great story to share with your children to help them get ready for a new sibling.

Indestructibles (series). These are for the little ones, not for you, Mom or Dad! (Unless your stress levels get too high …) For ages 0 and older, these amazing, inexpensive creations are waterproof, bite-proof, tear-proof and economic recession-proof (OK, just kidding on that last one).

Films

Babies (2010).

This documentary follows four families in different parts of the world as they raise their babies.

The Business of Being Born (2008).

The filmmakers of this documentary explore the possibilities that birthing is a profit-motive business, and explore alternative methods, such as home pregnancies.

Happiest Baby on the Block (2003).

This film (see also the book with the same title) features Dr. Harvey Karp’s techniques on calming babies, reducing crying and helping them sleep better and longer.

Here is a listing of times and locations:

Yakima (Downtown) Library, 4 p.m. January 11. 102 N. Third Street, Yakima. 509-452-8541.

Granger Library. 3 p.m. January 12. 508 Sunnyside Ave., Granger. 509-854-1446.

Buena Library, 3:30 p.m. January 13. 801 Buena Road, Buena. 509-865-3390.

Southeast Library, 11 a.m. January 14. 1211 S. Seventh Street, Yakima. 509-576-0723.

Summitview Library, 11 a.m. January 15. 5709 Summitview, Yakima. 509-966-7070.

Zillah Library, 3:30 p.m. January 18. 109 7th, Zillah. 509-829=6707.

Sunnyside Library, 4 p.m. January 20. 621 Grant, Sunnyside. 509-837-3234.

White Swan Library, 3 p.m. January 24. 391 First Street, White Swan. 509-874-2060.

Wapato Library, 3 p.m. January 26. 119 East 3rd Street, Wapato. 509-877-2882.

Selah Library, 3:30 p.m. January 27. 106 South Second Street, Selah. 509-698-7345.

You can also visit yvl.org or call 509-452-8541 for more information.

Here’s the round-up of Winter/Spring 2011 sports offerings around the area:

BASEBALL

Beginner Pee Wee T-Ball. Boys and girls, ages 4-5. This introduction workshop includes 30 minutes of instruction followed by a 30-minute game. Meets 6:15-7:15 p.m. Wednesdays, March 23-April 13 at the Gateway Sports Complex at Kiwanis Park. Cost: $15-$20, depending on residency. Register by March 14 with Yakima Parks, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima; 575-6020.

Selah T-Ball. Boys and girls, ages 5-7. Teams will be assigned and games played on T-Ball fields once a week, with one to two practices each week. League play in May and June at Lince Field, 316 W. Naches Ave., Selah. Cost: $35-$55, depending on residency. Register February 28-March 30 with Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 698-7300.

BASKETBALL

Little Dribblers. Boys and girls, ages 4-6. Basketball basics, including dribbling and passing, sportsmanship and teamwork will be taught. Group exercises and games will promote coordination and balance. Parents are encouraged to assist. Meets 6-6:45 p.m. Mondays from Jan. 17-Feb. 21 at the Selah Civic Center. Cost: $31-$45, depending on residency. Register with Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 698-7300.

FOOTBALL

Selah Youth Flag Football. Boys and girls, grades 3-6. Boys and girls will play together in this no-tackle, pass-only league with six on a side. Two divisions: Grades 3-4 and grades 5-6. League play will be in May and June at Lince Field, 316 W. Naches Ave., Selah. Cost: $43-$65, depending on residency; includes a T-shirt. Register March 14-April 11 with Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 698-7300.

SOCCER

Indoor Tiny Tykes Soccer. Boys and girls, ages 4-5. Introduce soccer basics in a warm, dry environment. Meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 15-24 at Whitney Elementary. Cost: $28-34, depending on residency, includes T-shirt. Register with Yakima Parks, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima. 575-6020.

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 7-28 at Chesterley Park. Cost is $40-$48, depending on residency; includes a T-shirt and ball. Register with Yakima Parks, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima. 575-6020.

YMCA Itty Bitty Soccer. Boys and girls, ages 3-6. Games and practices in YMCA Shinn Gym. 5:30-6:30 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday nights. Cost is $35-$55, depending on YMCA membership level. Session: Jan. 18-Feb. 24. Registration open until Jan. 12.

Spring Break Soccer Camp. Boys and girls, grades 1-8. High quality soccer coaching program teaches youth fundamental and advanced skills of the game. Sponsored by Yakima Parks and Rec and Sun City Strikers Club, this 3-day camp runs Mar. 29-31 at Chesterley Park. Two sessions: 8 a.m. to 12 noon, & 1-5 p.m. Cost is $60-$72, depending on residency, includes water, snacks, and a T-shirt. Register with Yakima Parks, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima. 575-6020.

Selah Football Club Spring Soccer League. Boys and girls, grades K-6. Weeknights & Saturdays, March 13-April 24 in Selah. Cost: $42-$60, depending on residency; $4 late fee after Feb. 19. Jersey replacement fee is $15, if play has outgrown or lost jersey from fall season. Register Feb. 1-18 with Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 698-7300.

Selah Tiny Tots Intro to Soccer. Boys and girls, ages 3-5. Meets 10-10:45 a.m. Saturdays, March 12-April 23, at Lince Play Field, across Naches Ave. from Lince Elementary in Selah. Cost: $38-$50, depending on residency; includes a T-shirt. Register Feb. 1-Feb. 18 with Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 698-7300.

Upward Soccer Program (West Valley). Boys and girls, ages 4 through grade 6. Promotes fundamental soccer skills and building self-esteem, giving each child equal playing time and recognition. Season runs for 10 weeks, with practices one hour per week and games on 8 Saturdays, from March 14-May 22. Early registration is Dec. 13 until Jan. 24, 2011. Registration cost: $70, which includes a full uniform (shorts, jersey, and socks). The deadline for late registration, which costs $80, is Jan. 31, 2011. Contact Lisa at 966-1550, ext. 60 or upward@westvalleychurch.com. West Valley Church, 7109 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima. westvalleychurch.com.

SWIM LESSONS

Lions Pool. Various classes and times offered. Pool fees: $3.75 adult, $2 youth, $10 family. Three-month pass: $89 adult, $46 youth, $190 family. 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 575-6046.

• Recreational Swimming. Schedule now until Feb. 20: 1:30-3 p.m. Saturdays and 7-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 5-6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Starting Feb. 21: 3:15-4:45 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-3 p.m. & 7-9 p.m. Saturdays.
• Baby and Me, for tots 6 months to 3 years, 10-11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
• Preschool H2O Play, 10-11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
• Funky Friday Nights (‘80s theme), 7-8:30 p.m. Fridays. Cost: $0.50 for kids, $1 adults, $0.75 seniors (62 and older), or $3.25 per family.
• Home-School Swim, which gives home-school students an opportunity to receive P.E. credits or just socialize with fellow home-schooled kids, begins Feb. 21. Meets 1:30-3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

YMCA Swim Lessons. Ages 6 months and up. Parent/child classes are offered for children ages 6 months and up. Session: Jan. 24-Feb. 16. Two times: 6 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Call for cost and other information. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 248-1202. yakimaymca.org.

WINTER FUN AT WHITE PASS

White Pass Kids’ Clinic. Boys and girls, ages 5-12. Full-day skiing or snowboarding clinics with specialized children’s instructors. Sessions offered Jan. 15, 16, 29, and 30; Feb. 12, 13, 26, and 27; Mar. 12, 13, 26, and 27. Cost: $85 single day, $120 weekend; includes lunch, snacks and lift tickets. Register with The Learning Center at White Pass, 509-672-3101.

Ski 4 Kids Race Weekend. Open to intermediate skiers and riders, ages 6-12. All-day training on Saturday, races on Sunday followed by awards ceremony and hot dog banquet. Winter Carnival, Mar. 5-6. For more information, call The Learning Center at White Pass, 509-672-3101.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Family Open Gym. Open for families who love sports, including basketball, whiffle ball, volleyball and more. Meets 4-6 p.m. the first and third Sunday of each month through April at the Sunset Gym in Selah. Cost: Free. Register with Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 698-7300.

Horsemanship Class. Ages 5 and up. Beginning class teaches the nature of horses and covers safety, grooming, leading, haltering, saddling, bridling and mounting. Participants will also play games and make a stick horse. Meets 3:30-4:30 p.m. Two sessions: Tuesdays, Jan. 11-Feb. 1; and Tuesdays, Feb. 15-Mar. 8. Cost: $25-$35, depending on residency. Register with Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 698-7300.

Indoor Preschool Playtime. For preschoolers and parents. Time allows for kids to play and parents to meet other parents. Bring own trikes or wheeled toys. Meets 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, from Jan. 6-Mar. 24 at Selah Civic Center. Call for availability. Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 698-7300.

KIDS Intro to Rock Climbing. Learn basic skills of rock climbing and how to Top Rope Belay. Meets 10 a.m. to 12 noon Feb. 5 at Central Washington University’s Rock Wall in Ellensburg. Cost: $20 per participant. Register with Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 698-7300.

Brrr, it’s still cold outside!  But that’s good news for those of you wanting to get out in the snow and have some fun.  Here are a few selections:

Cardboard Snow Sled Derby. Create a sled and race as a team of 2-5 people. Sleds judged on speed and artistry/construction. Check-in at 12:30 p.m.; begins 1 p.m. Jan. 23. Location TBD. Cost: $5 per sled entry; includes cookies and hot cocoa. Pre-registration required. Contact Yakima Parks, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima; 575-6020.

Snow Sculpture Family Challenge. Families of all ages are encouraged to participate in the first Snow Sculpture challenge. Each family is allowed 90 minutes to build any type of snow sculpture they wish. Bring your own construction tools. Meets 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 23; judging begins at 2:30 p.m. Location TBD. Cost: Free, and cookies and hot cocoa are provided. Pre-registration required. Contact Yakima Parks, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima; 575-6020.

White Pass Kids’ Clinic. Boys and girls, ages 5-12. Full-day skiing or snowboarding clinics with specialized children’s instructors. Sessions offered Jan. 15, 16, 29, and 30; Feb. 12, 13, 26, and 27; Mar. 12, 13, 26, and 27. Cost: $85 single day, $120 weekend; includes lunch, snacks and lift tickets. Register with The Learning Center at White Pass, 509-672-3101.

Ski 4 Kids Race Weekend. Open to intermediate skiers and riders, ages 6-12. All-day training on Saturday, races on Sunday followed by awards ceremony and hot dog banquet. Winter Carnival, Mar. 5-6. For more information, call The Learning Center at White Pass, 509-672-3101.

Kids all crave snow days, but how about one out of town? Yakima Parks and Recreation is offering four sledding field trips at Snoqualmie Pass in December. Kids in grades 5-8 can enjoy snow-tubing adventures, which include machine-groomed lanes, commercial-grade tubes with covers and surface tows to bring you back up to the top of the hill. Transportation is provided; kids meet at Public Works, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima.

Dates: Dec. 20, Dec. 22, Dec. 27 and Dec. 29. Cost: $54 nonresident, $45 resident discount. 509-575-6020.

• Recreational swimming, 1:30-3 p.m. Saturdays and 7-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 5-6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
• Baby and Me, for tots 6 months-3 years, 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Preschool H2O Play, 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Funky Friday Nights (’80s theme), 7-8:30 p.m. Fridays. Cost: $0.50 for kids, $1 adults, $0.75 seniors (62 and older), or $3.25 per family.