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.

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.

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!

Hold a Winter Triathlon!

Ready for a Winter Triathlon?

 

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

LET IT SNOW! How to enjoy winter weather

By Heather Caro
If spending another winter holed up with restless children has you shaking in your mukluks, rest assured, there is another solution: Teach your children (and maybe yourself) to enjoy the frosty tundra by trying a new winter sport.

From sledding to snowboarding, snowshoeing to skiing, there is something to turn even the most devout sun worshipers to the snow side.

WHERE TO PLAY Hyak Sno-Park Online: parks.wa.gov/winter, click the Blewett section on the map Directions: The park is situated next to the Iron Horse State Park trail head. Take I-82 to Ellensburg, then I-90 west to Exit 54. Distance from Yakima is about 90 miles. Note: Sno-Park permits are required. Permits are $20 for a day, or $40 for the season. Details are available at parks.wa.gov/winter/permits.asp Snoqualmie Pass Summit Tubing Online: summit-at-snoqualmie.com Directions: Take I-82 to Ellensburg, then I-90 west to Exit 53. Distance from Yakima is about 90 miles. White Pass Online: skiwhitepass.com Directions: Head west on U.S. Highway 12. The ski area is 50 miles west of Yakima. Park along either side of the highway. _______________________________ GET THE GEAR Secondhand gear is plentiful. Check with family and friends whose kids may have outgrown their gear. Ski swaps and thrift stores are also great places to stock up. Or, try these local snow gurus for rental gear in children’s sizes: Little Red Schoolhouse, Naches; 509-653-2041 Sporthaus, Yakima; 509-966-6695 Mountain High Sports, Ellensburg; 509-925-4626

For the winter novice, it’s hard to go wrong with a good sled run. Franklin Park in Yakima has one of the best sledding hills around but if you’re ready to venture further from home, the possibilities are endless.

For something new, try Hyak Sno-Park on Snoqualmie Pass, a popular spot with a 300-foot sledding run. Bring your own sleds or tubes; there are no rentals or tow rope, but the slope is an easy climb.

Snoqualmie Pass also boasts its own weekend Summit Tubing Area (formerly Snowflake), located near the Summit Central Ski area.

In season, Summit Tubing is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The park offers groomed lanes, covered tubes and tow ropes to get you back up the hill. Daily rates are $5 to $20.

Sledding and tubing also are allowed off any forest service road and finding your own family hill can be fun.

If downhill skiing or snowboarding are more your interest, family-friendly White Pass offers a variety of lifts and classes for all skill levels, even childcare. Snoqualmie offers similar services and was recently named one of the Top 10 Terrain Parks in the U.S. and Canada by Freeskier Magazine. Both mountains offer groomed trails, equipment rentals and dining facilities.

If the crowds and lift ticket prices have scared you away from the downhill variety, perhaps cross-country skiing is for you. Groomed trails make skiing a breeze and the relative quiet creates ideal wildlife spotting.

Children old enough to walk are able to begin cross-country skiing, though the first few outings should be short to avoid frustration. If Mom and Dad are confident skiers, even the youngest tots can enjoy the snow when tucked into a pack or towed along in a ski sled.

Similarly, snowshoeing is an activity the whole family can easily master and enjoy together. New lighter production materials and children’s sizes help ease little legs and can turn a snowy hike into an exciting adventure.

So now that you know, what are you waiting for? Put down that mug of cocoa, bundle up and go have some fun!

TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE SNOW WITH KIDS

• Dress the part
  • Try to layer clothing, avoiding cotton, which holds in moisture.
  • Bring an extra set of gloves to change into mid-day; you’ll be glad you did.
  • Consider investing in gaiters. Snowy socks can dampen the day of even the most enthusiastic outdoor aficionado. Gaiters are the answer.
  • Also, it may be cold outside but don’t forget the sunblock! Protect little eyes from glare with kid-sized ski goggles or sunglasses attached with Croakies.

• Safety first
  • Scope out routes ahead of time for obstacles that could cause injury. Choose sledding hills that do not cross traffic and are free from large trees, fences, rocks and telephone poles. Never play on ponds or frozen water which may give way under pressure.
  • Enforce the use of helmets. A majority of snow-related injuries could be avoided with this simple practice.
  • Try to avoid overcrowded areas which increase risk of collision, among other frustrations. Identify a meeting spot should you and your child become separated.
  • Always supervise outdoor play. You may not prevent injury, but medical attention can be obtained more quickly if it occurs.

• Prepare, prepare, prepare
  • Choose terrain that will be accessible to everyone in the group. Don’t go out when it’s bad weather and try to choose short outings when first learning skills.
  • Turn outings into an adventure by choosing fun destinations and playing games. Animal tracking and I-spy can be fun.
  • Set goals, such as reaching a destination or a planned picnic lunch. And, remember to bring lots of snacks — we like M&M’s, PowerBars, gorp and hot chocolate — and push fluids.

Discover Cowiche Canyon

By Sara Bristol

Enjoying the great outdoors as a family doesn’t always mean loading up the ice chest, marshmallows and tent poles into the SUV and driving for hours in search of a nice, quiet place.

Nature, it turns out, is right here in our backyard.

Just a few miles west of Yakima, the Cowiche Canyon Trail is a great place for little legs to get some trail time. Built on the bed of an abandoned railroad line, the 2.9-mile trail is flat and wide; a sturdy jogging stroller should be able to handle the gravel trail bed. On foot, the walk is definitely more of a stroll than a hike – especially with dawdling preschoolers.

“I think it’s a great place for kids,” says David Hagen, a board member of the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, the non-profit group that owns and manages the trail. “Being an old railroad bed, the trail is so flat and wide that it’s really safe. It’s a great place for kids to be out in nature.”

In July, six families with young children joined Hagen for a guided tour of the Canyon Trail, which features nine trestle bridges over Cowiche Creek. Our bunch, the most intrepid, made it to bridge No. 6 before stopping for a snack and turning back.

Be sure to use sunscreen, bring plenty of water and plan your walk during the cooler hours of the day. The trail is especially sun-blasted in summer when the sun is high. When the sun is lower on the horizon, the canyon walls may provide some shade.

Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit the canyon, recommends Hagen. “Spring has all the flowers, so it’s prettier and it’s green,” he says, adding that the trees’ fall colors are lovely, too, beginning in mid-September.

The canyon’s towering cliffs are mostly Columbia River basalt, a volcanic rock that spewed up from the earth’s surface up to 17 million years ago. Swirly formations along the top of the canyon’s north side are a different type of volcanic rock called andesite.

Want some more rockin’ trivia? This is the longest known flow of andesite in the world. (Hey, I knew you’d like that.)

Along the trail, a lush border of trees and shrubs line Cowiche Creek, but the trail’s overall topography is more representative of our region’s arid shrub-steppe environment. It’s not a desert, Hagen says.

Rather, “steppe” is a word that refers to vast treeless grasslands. In areas such as the Yakima Valley, where the dominant vegetation is shrubs, the term “shrub-steppe” applies.

Plants in Cowiche Canyon include lupine, purple sage, tall buckwheat and the Western White Clematis. On our visit, we spied several small birds and two hawks.

“If you’re lucky, in the spring or fall, when it’s not too cold or too hot, you might see a Yellow-bellied Marmot,” Hagen says, referring to a native ground squirrel that weighs up to 11 pounds. “They live in the rocks and they have a kind of shrill whistle.”

Just for kicks, keep your eyes peeled for coyote. However, Hagen notes, “You’d probably have to be pretty lucky to see a coyote.”

Lizards and toads are more likely. But cautious parents should also be on the lookout for rattlesnakes.

“Usually, if they’re out there, they’re going to be right out on the trail in the sun,” Hagen says. “They hear you coming and slither away. They’re shy and they want to get away from you.”

What to do if you see one?

“Stop,” Hagen says, “and stomp your feet. They respond to vibration.”

Overall, the trail is safe for little explorers, Hagen advises. Just use common sense: It’s OK for kids to pick a sprig or two from the plants, but avoid plucking leaves by the handful.

It’s also OK to let kids climb a bit on the rocks, or toss a few stones in the creek. “Kids like to climb on rocks,” Hagen says.

The hiker’s rule of thumb is to leave things as they were. Pack out your trash and try not to disturb the plants or wildlife.

“It is a nature preserve,” Hagen says. “We have this tension between preserving (the land) and wanting it to be used.

“We want kids to have a hands-on experience. They don’t have to walk down the middle of the trail with their hands in their pockets. We want them to enjoy themselves.”

When they grow up, Hagen hopes, our children will spread the Conservancy’s message to their own children.

GETTING THERE
From Yakima, drive west on Summitview Avenue to Wiekel Road, about 5 miles west of 72nd Avenue. Turn right onto Wiekel Road, then follow the signs to the parking lot.

LEARN MORE
www.cowichecanyon.org

Bird watching can be a fun family adventure

With foliage off the trees, winter is a great time to go birding at the Yakima Area Arboretum. This free activity can be a fun outdoor adventure for the entire family.

The Arboretum is a non-profit outdoor museum featuring more than 2,000 different kinds of trees and plants on 46 acres of display gardens and natural areas. It’s located at 1401 Arboretum Drive in Yakima. Access the drive from Nob Hill Boulevard, across from Kmart.

Among the Arboretum’s trees, birders might spot up to two dozen different birds including robins, geese and bald eagles.

If you plan a visit, be sure to bring binoculars, a bird identification book (borrow one from the library), a notebook, pencil and the following checklist. Expect your birding adventure to take at least 60 minutes.

California Quail
Common Loon
Horned Grebes
Mourning Dove
Western Screech-Owl
Black-billed Magpie
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
Spotted Towhee
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
House Sparrow
Cooper’s Hawk
Bald Eagle
Canada Geese
NOTE: Tell the staff if you find any birds not on the list so they can pass the information onto the Yakima Valley Audubon Society, which tracks of these types of things.

All of these birds have been spotted at the Arboretum this winter, and many on the same day. Most can easily be found in the Sparrow Patch located in the compost area in the northeast part of the Arboretum. Birds can be found even with snow on the ground.

HERE’S THE HOW-TO:
1) After parking your car, visit the Jewett Interpretive Center for a self-guided tour map. You might find this helpful.

2) Head towards the Arboretum’s Natural Area and the Yakima Greenway. Look for Canada Geese around the pond. Look also in the trees for the daytime roosting of owls and other birds.

3) Walk on the Greenway trail heading north just until you can spot the river. Look high up in the trees, especially across the river for Bald Eagles. Six were spotted on one day the week before Christmas.

4) Trek a little farther north along the Greenway and look towards Buchanan Lake. Can you find any Red-winged Blackbirds, Canada Geese, Common Loons or Horned Grebes? How about floating platforms with trees and fisherman? The platforms are actually there to encourage nesting habitat for water fowl, not just for giggles.

5) Finally, turn back and head towards the Arboretum’s Natural Area. Take the first path you come to. As you walk along the path look for the Arboretum’s Compost Area on your right. Walking quietly into the compost area you will be amazed at the bird activity. From a distance find the large plastic garbage can (full of bird seed). This is the headquarters for the Arboretum’s Sparrow Patch and is maintained by the volunteers with the Yakima Valley Audubon Society. For the greatest success rate be sure to stand far enough away so you don’t scare the birds. Use the binoculars for identification. Look high in the trees for other predator birds who are also maintaining vigil on the Sparrow Patch such as the Cooper’s Hawk. After your visit feel free to spread more seed for the birds. The birds and the next birders will be thankful you did.

6) After visiting the Sparrow Patch be sure to walk through the Natural Area looking for other birds and critters. Pay special attention to any large tree cavities you see high up in the trees. A Western Screech Owl has made his home in one. Kids might enjoy trying to spot the manmade bird houses too.

7) Notice how the Natural Area looks like a wetland again. The recent snow melt and rise in water levels has brought plenty of water into the Natural Area. For years the Arboretum’s Natural Area was an active wetland with all sorts of wetland critters and ponds. Then, after the gravel pit to the north was turned into Buchanan Lake the Army Corps of Engineers rerouted the drainage for the lake from the Arboretum’s natural area into the Yakima River, bypassing the Arboretum’s wetlands altogether. Now, only during flood type conditions do we see much water in the natural area.

Finally, if there is snow on the ground, look for animal tracks. Kids will love trying to identify the prints that they see, i.e. rabbits, bird, mice, dog and Sasquatch. LOL

9) Enjoy your visit and oh… check out the trees while you visit the Arboretum, too!

– Reprinted with permission from the Yakima Area Arboretum’s January 2009 newsletter.

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