Have the winter doldrums caught up to you? Or maybe you are looking for something to challenge that friend – you know the one – the one that seems to always be doing something cool while you’re binging Netflix every night. City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation has got you covered!
Don’t Miss Oly On Ice
Plan a date with your sweetie, a girls’ night out or quality time with the family at Oly on Ice, open now through January 20. This pop-up skating rink in Olympia has become a beloved tradition!
“Oly on Ice brings a unique magic to Olympia,” shares Kati Sagawa, director of marketing and communications at South Puget Sound Community College. “Those who grew up in this area know we don’t get a lot of opportunities to ice skate – that’s something we only see in the movies! But having Oly on Ice in town has allowed the community to enjoy that fun wintery feeling and build new traditions with family and friends – and in our case, students!”
SPSCC has been a sponsor of Oly on Ice since 2021, helping to make all the magic possible. “This fun annual pop-up is a great opportunity to show our support for our Thurston County community,” Kati says. “Oly on Ice brings out the whole family, and the whole family can benefit from the wide range of offerings at SPSCC. Sponsoring each year is a no-brainer!”
No need to vibe check at Oly on Ice – everyone is always having a good time! Special events on select dates are not to be missed, including sensory-friendly times on Sundays and Mondays, and Latin Caribbean Night with DJ DominicoBoricua on January 17.
Don’t be Basic, Sign Up For Winter Activities Today!
Does your gen Zer accuse you of being basic? Break the cycle and actually be cool with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation’s winter programs. Registration is open online.
Ever dreamed of making tracks through the snow like Bigfoot? Take your trekking to the next level by learning how to snowshoe at Mount Rainier National Park. Bring your kids too…they will be too tired by the end to call you anything, except maybe awesome.
“Our classes are designed for beginners to get people started on these fun outdoor activities,” shares Mike Baker, outdoor program specialist with the City of Olympia. “We do the driving and guide participants throughout the day. We also, offer several indoor classes during the winter including wilderness skills courses, Intro to Fly Fishing and more.”
Anyone 12 and over can learn to be a real-life superhero with their Kayak Rescue Pool Clinics. (Or just use it as an excuse to spend the day in the pool at The Evergreen State College, we won’t judge). Other winter recreational opportunities with the City of Olympia include kayak trips, a hiking trip to Big Creek and more. Share the adventure with your family and friends or take the chance to recharge with a solo outing—it’s your call!
The Cure for Hiber-Teens
The hiber-teen: a parent’s worst nightmare. Worse than hibernation – where they just sleep all winter – hiber-teens skulk around the house, getting moodier with each passing day. Warning signs include frequent sighs, constant screen use and responding to everything you say with just a jerk of the head. The cure? A bussin winter activity with peers!
Kristen Rubis has been teaching youth and female-orientated programs in Thurston County since 2007. Her winter recreation program with the City of Olympia, My Body My Power, is for she/they youth to explore self-empowerment through movement, mindfulness, creativity and connection. “It’s designed to help participants build confidence, embrace their individuality, and develop tools for self-care and resilience,” she explains. “Our activities range from yoga and journaling to community discussions and art projects, all with a focus on fostering a safe and supportive environment.”
“My Body My Power offers a chance to energize the body, mind, and spirit in a creative and nurturing way,” shares Kristen. “The combination of movement, art, and connection makes it both engaging and empowering. Participants leave each session feeling uplifted, more connected to themselves and others, and with tools they can use every day. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new friends and build community during the colder months!”
Keep the Fun Going Through Winter (and Beyond)
Get your glow up on with the City of Olympia Arts, Parks and Recreation by signing up for classes now online at the City of Olympia website.
Also, set a reminder for Summer Camp registration – it opens March 1 at 8 a.m.! Delaying may mean you don’t get your kid out of your house for the whole summer…and the only thing worse than winter hiber-teen is summer kid-itis. That’s where they hang out in their room playing loud music constantly or hog the TV. Don’t let that happen to you. Maybe set two reminders…
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