After the “big feelings” of the holidays sometimes kids can get a little bored or blue. In the North State, there are dozens of fun options for the whole family to enjoy over winter break.
TAKE A WALK
Short and sweet, these easy hikes are the perfect way to enjoy fresh air and a taste of nature.
Lithia Park Loop Trail, Ashland, OR. This 2.1 mile partially paved trail is stroller and kid friendly in the heart of town. Duck ponds and Japanese garden. Picnic tables and restrooms available. Dogs not allowed. Parking within Lithia Park area.
One Mile Recreation Area, Chico. A 1.3 mile paved kid friendly hike or bike trail with forest and river views. Park at Bidwell Park parking lot off Vallombrosa Ave.
Chico Seed Orchard, Chico. Beautiful nature conservancy with 1 mile paved loop trail for little hikers. Bamboo forest, bridges, stream. Bathrooms, picnic tables, and stroller friendly. Take Skyway (Exit 383). Drive a quarter of a mile and turn right on Dominic Drive. At the end of the road turn left onto Morrow Lane then take the next right onto Cramer Lane.
Sisson Meadow Trail Loop, Mt., Shasta. A one mile paved trail ideal for bird watching. Wheelchair, stroller, dog and kid friendly. Heavy boots recommended. Paved parking off East Alma St.
Brad Freeman Trail. Oroville. This three mile dirt trail follows Thermalito Diversion Pool and through a long tunnel. Bathrooms, water fountains, and stroller friendly. Park at the end of Old Ferry Road.
Inks Creek Point, Red Bluff. Occasionally rocky unpaved 3.8 mile unpaved trail. Good for dogs and older children. Gorgeous views of the Sacramento River and Lassen Peak. May see Tundra Swans and other waterfowl at different times of the year. 19300-19316 Jelly’s Ferry Rd.
Arborerum Loop Trail. Redding. This 2.1 mile paved trail circles the McConnell Arboretum with Sacramento River views and water fowl. Kid friendly. Road biking and dogs on leash allowed. Picnic tables, bathroom, water stops along the way. Park off Sundial Bridge Drive at Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
From aircraft to science, check out these small museums.
Chico Air Museum, Chico. Historic aircraft, classic uniforms, NASA artifacts. Free admission. Th-Sun, 10am-3 pm. (530) 345-6468. 165 Ryan Ave.
Gateway Science Museum, Chico. Fossils and Formations exhibit featuring geological formations with marine and animal fossils. $7 adults, $5 youth (3-17) Th-Sat, 11am-4pm. December 30 hours 11am-3pm. (530) 898-4121. 625 Esplanade.
National Yo-Yo Museum, Chico. Free admission. Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. (530) 893-0545. 320 Broadway.
William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park, Red Bluff. Interpretive programs, recreated historic buildings. Free admission, $6 parking. Fri-Sun 10am-4pm. (530) 529-8599. 21659 Adobe Rd.
Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding. Exhibit: How People Make Things through Jan. 9. Hands-on learning on how things we use everyday are made. $18 adult (16-64), $14 child, $7 seniors, free children 3 and under. (530) 243-8850. 844 Sundial Bridge Dr.
Wintu Cultural Museum, Shasta Lake. Prehistoric and historic cultural artifacts of the Wintu and other indigenous peoples. Tu, Th & Fri 11am-4pm, second Sat of the month 10am-3pm. (530) 605-1726. 4755 Shasta Dam Blvd.
Siskiyou County Museum, Yreka. Exhibits from prehistoric to settlement times with farm machinery and recreated historic buildings. $3 adults, $1 kids 6-12, Free children 5 and younger. Tu-Sat 10am-3pm. (530) 842-3836.910 S. Main St.
DAY TRIPPING
For those who have the time a day trip can be just what the family needs to brighten short winter days.
Sacramento Zoo. Say hello to lemurs, lions, giraffes and more. Advance purchase tickets online and recommended. 9am-4pm daily. (916) 808-5888. 3930 West Land Park Dr.
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, Sacramento. This children’s interactive museum is loaded with live demonstrations and science exhibits. $15 adults, $12 kids 12-17, free under 2. Daily 10am-5pm. (916) 674-5000. 400 Jibboom St.
Science Works Hands On Museum, Ashland, OR. Science-based films, hands-on exhibits in life science, physical science and engineering. $12.50 adults, $10.50 kids. Wed-Sun 10 am-5pm. (541) 482-6767.1500 E Main St.
Mike Shellito Indoor Pool, Roseville. Sometimes in the middle of winter a good swim is all it takes to remember summer days gone by. Sat-Sun 1pm-4pm. $6 ages 2 and up. (916) 772-7529. 10210 Fairway Dr.
FUN THINGS TO MAKE FOR FREE
Busy hands make big smiles. Holiday hours may apply so check before heading out with your child.
Home Depot. All locations. The first Saturday of the month a new DIY project is released and is free at the customer service desk on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Michaels Craft Stores. Online. Printable activity sheets and craft ideas.
Lego Saturdays. Butte County Library, Oroville. There are tons of Legos here and only your imagination can limit your fun. Sat, 10am- 3pm (530) 891-2726. 1820 Mitchel Avenue.
Lego Days. Orland Free Library. Consult online calendar for dates and times.(530)-865-1640. 333 Mill St.
Learning Adventures. Red Bluff Library. Drop-In open play and crafts Tu 10:30am-noon and 3pm-4:30 pm. (530) 527-0604. 545 Diamond Ave.
Create Your Own Podcast. Redding Library.. Create your own podcast with professional studio equipment. Reserve Studio C on the reservations page. Open to all ages with children under 10 needing adult supervision. Call to reserve Studio C.(530) 245-7250.1100 Parkview Ave.
WINTER SPORTS
Indoor rock climbing at Shasta Rock Club, Redding. Mon-Sat 10am-10pm. Ages 3 and older. All day pass $13.50, shoe rental $5.50, chalk rental $3.50 (530) 691-4505. 2325 Athens Ave.
Lassen Volcanic National Park:
- Snow play for little ones— Pavilions and restrooms available. Take Hwy 44E. As you turn into Lassen Park go 25 ft and make an immediate left down the road to the Interpretive Center.
- Snow shoeing — Beginner friendly 1.5 mile Manzanita Lake Snowshoe Loop. Begin at Loomis Ranger Station and circle around lake. Stay off lake ice. Views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags.
Snow Tubing at Mt. Shasta Ski Park, McCloud, CA. $25 adults, $15 kids 5-12. Includes tube rental. 10am-4 pm. (530) 926-8610. 4500 Ski Park Hwy.
ICE SKATING
Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink., Ashland, OR. Open through Feb. 14. $5 14 and older, $4 6-13. Skate rental $3. Check website or call for hours (541) 552-8189. 95 Winburn Way.
Chico Ice Rink. Open through Jan. 9. Admission includes skate rental. 18 and older, $12; 12 and under $9; free under 4. Waiver required. Check website or phone for hours (530) 345-6500. City Plaza, 132 W. Fourth St.
Paradise Ice Rink. Open through Jan. 17. Admission includes skate rental. $12 individuals, $15 lessons and adult sessions, $5 teen skate night. Check website or call for hours. (530) 872-6393. Terry Ashe Recreation Center, 6626 Skyway.
Siskiyou Ice Rink. Mt. Shasta. Open through Feb. 6. 18 and older $10; seniors, kids 4-17 and active military $8. Skate rental $2; skates free for groups of 10 and more. Check website or call for hours. (530) 926-1715. Shastice Park, 800 Rockfellow Dr.
