by Tara Bone
It’s January in Cache Valley and that means both beautiful, snow-capped mountains and unfortunate days of thick, hazy air. When an inversion sets in, cabin fever threatens to set in too.
Active kids – and parents – need to burn some energy even when the great outdoors isn’t so great. Fortunately there are a lot of things to do around the valley that will keep your family active and out of the inversion.
Hit the Slopes and Trails
Climb above the fog and head 27 miles east in Logan Canyon to Beaver Mountain Resort for downhill skiing. A variety of classes and programs are offered from experienced instructors. Open seven days a week, 9am to 4 pm.
There are cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails waiting to be explored! Don’t be intimidated if you’re new to these sports, look to Nordic United, a Cache Valley not-for-profit group that sponsors classes, grooms trails, and provides information on their web site. Most trails are easily accessible and free and open to the public. Kids cross country ski classes are coming up in January.
Cherry Peak Resort is a new ski destination in Richmond that will offer skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and tubing. It’s not open yet, but an opening date could be announced anytime. Check their website for up-to-date information.
For the figure skater or hockey fan
The Eccles Ice Center in North Logan offers extensive youth figure skating and hockey programs as well as skating classes. Every Monday is family skate night and curling or broomball could be your next favorite winter pastime.
While you’re there cheer on the Utah State Hockey Club – these games are exciting.
Games Galore
Find something for every family member under one roof. Bowl, roller skate or play laser tag or arcade games at the Cache Valley Fun Park. There’s even country swing dance on Monday and Wednesday nights. Dance nights are hopping according to Kim Bartlome, Fun Park team leader. Bartlmone said an average of 400 people come to dance every night. Dances start at 9 p.m. and there’s a $5 admission charge.
Jump and Play on a Massive Scale
Visit The Jump Zone, Cache Valley’s indoor trampoline park or Adventure Zone, a park featuring 17 huge inflatable attractions for non-stop, energy burning excitement (a.k.a. tire the kids out).
The Jump Zone
1510 North 200 West, Logan, www.thejumpzonegetair.com
Adventure Zone
Located in the Cache Valley Mall – 435.232.4281
*According to Adventure Zone owner, Dave Gordon, the trampoline park will be moving to a new, permanent location during the first part of March. Call the above phone number for more information and watch for a web site coming soon.
Indoor Sport
Rock Haus Indoor Climbing in North Logan has over 12,000 square feet of climbing area for people of all ages and abilities. Try something new and get those little monkeys swinging.
A variety of fitness classes, youth sports, and swimming lessons are available at many places around the valley.
Logan Recreation Center: loganutah.org/PR/
Smithfield Recreation Center: smithfieldrecreation.com
Stang Aquatic Center (Mountain Crest High School): 435.245.7962
The Sports Academy: sportsacademy.com
Don’t forget the Arts
The Cache Valley Center for the Arts offers art classes for all ages at The Bullen Arts Center and a variety of entertainment at the Ellen Eccles Theatre. Upcoming entertainment ranges from comedian Paula Poundstone on January 17 to the production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers on January 31.
Every week features something different and wonderful at The Caine College of the Arts at Utah State. Whatever your interest, whether jazz, guitar ensemble, choir, art, theater – it’s all there.
The Museum of Anthropology at Utah State also offers a FREE program called Saturdays at the Museum. The first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. a new country and culture is explored. Children and parents learn traditional dances, listen to music, eat authentic food and experiment with hands-on arts and craft projects. Activities are for the whole family, but specifically designed to engage kids ages 3 to 12.
http://anthromuseum.usu.edu/saturdaysprogram.aspx
