Fighting Cabin Fever

By Heather Shields

Dance

Description: Whether you have an interest in dance, want to wow family and friends at special events or are looking for a way to get back in shape, the class schedule at Capital Ritz Dance Studios has something for everyone. Swing, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Tango, Belly Dance, Ballroom and Ballet are a just a few of the classes offered. Dancers ages 12 to 75 are welcome (as long as the student is old enough to understand the instruction and has the attention span of at least one hour). Ballet classes are offered with a variety of skill levels for children, beginning at 6 years old.

Cost: Class prices vary

Location: Capital Ritz Dance Studios, 2712 Plaza Drive

Phone: 573-893-7787

Web site: www.capitalritz.com

Climb

Description: The indoor YMCA climbing wall has 33’ peaks and is open to all ages. Belay certification is required (available for $20) for climbers 12 years and older before their first climb, but certification includes a free month of climbing. Children 5 and under climb free. January to May 2010 climbing hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 to 3 p.m. Climbing wall may be rented for special occasions.

Cost: Ranges from $3 – $13 for a single climb, unlimited monthly passes also available

Location: Firley YMCA, 525 Ellis Blvd.

Phone: 573-761-9000

Web site: www.jcymca.org

Bounce

Description: Leapfrog Fun Center is a child’s dream: 10,000 square feet of bounce houses, inflatable mazes, slides, crawl-through obstacle courses, remote control trains, ball pits and a tunnel maze. When the kids are bouncing off the walls, bring them to Leapfrog where they can literally bounce around. Leapfrog is open seven days a week: Monday througha Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 10 p.m. Children ages 11 and under are welcome.

Cost: Admission gets an all-day pass: ages 3 – 11, $6; ages 2 and under, $3.

Location: Leapfrog Fun Center, 190 W. Simon Blvd., Holts Summit

Phone: 573-298-2014

Web site: www.leapfrogfun.com

Paint

Description: If you’re looking for something to brighten up the grayness of winter, Unique Creations Pottery Studio is the place. It’s light, airy and vibrant. Visitors can choose a piece of pottery (in varying sizes and shapes) to paint. Choosing bright colors and intriguing color combinations for a uniquely you piece is only half the fun. Once painted, the pieces are left at the studio for firing in the kiln and can be picked up in about a week’s time. Unique Creations is good for all ages and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Price varies depending on pottery piece chosen

Location: Unique Creations, 3218 W. Edgewood Drive

Phone: 573-893-6111

Skate

Description: It might be cold outside, but a little cold inside can be fun. Open for public sessions as well as classes for children and adults, hockey leagues and figure skating, the Washington Park Ice Arena is a fun-filled way for the entire family to enjoy the cold season. Contact the ice arena for a schedule of public sessions or to sign up for classes or teams.

Cost: Public sessions for adults $4, ages 17 and under $3; skate rental $2; lessons and team skating fees vary

Location: Washington Park Ice Arena, 711 Kansas St.

Phone: 573-634-6580

Web site: www.jeffcitymo.org/parks/icearena.html

Splash

Description: The polar opposite of the ice arena, Timber Falls Indoor Water Park is an indoor summer splash party. Parents can float the lazy river while the snow swirls outside and children ride down the water slides. Top the day off with snacks at the concession stand, and a soak in the 21-seat whirlpool. Timber Falls is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday year-round, but visit the Web site for hours and selected weekday hours, as the schedule might change.

Cost: Water park passes are not included in Tan-Tar-A room rates. Passes are $17 per person per day for hotel guests and $22 per person per day for non-hotel guests.

Location: Tan Tar A Resort, 494 Tan Tar A Drive, Osage Beach

Phone: 573-302-5024

Web site: www.tan-tar-a.com