With children on winter break from schools and the holidays in full swing, local attractions have plenty of activities planned to occupy you and your families. Here are some of things going on near you:
Activities for kids
• The Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., is hosting “Winter Break Fun.” Part of this series is movie time, where children are invited to come relax and enjoy a film. Movie times are at 1 p.m. Dec. 28 (“Minions”), Dec. 29 (“Ant-Man”) and Dec. 31 (“Shaun the Sheep Movie”).
• For Lego-loving children, Arvada Library is hosting “Lego Play & Build” at 1 p.m. Dec. 30. Children are welcome to make new friends and create Lego masterpieces.
Activities for families
• Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St. in Arvada, will be open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Saturday. The nature center is a great break destination because “families can look for tracks in the snow and see the patterns that birds leave, and where their resting spots are,” said Karen Miller, the director of the center. The nature center also offers natural crafts.
• The Apex Center at 13150 W. 72nd Ave. in Arvada holds public skating hours from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 3-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Arvada Library hosts families for “Family Night Story Time” at 7 p.m. Dec. 29. Stories are chosen with children ages 3 to 6 years old in mind; however, all children all welcome. There also will be crafts. Pajamas are optional.
• The Apex Center hosts a family day Dec. 27 and Dec. 29. These days includes family activities at a discounted family admission price.
Day camps
• The Secrest Youth Center, 6820 W. 66th Ave. in Arvada, holds daily field trips including indoor and outdoor sports, and educational trips. The camps are for children ages 7-12, and children can sign up for as many days as they would like. The camps run from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 21-24, Dec. 28-31 and Jan. 4-5. Register at .
• The Creekside Cubs Winter Camp, 10425 W. 64th Place in Arvada, is a camp for 3- to 6-year-olds. The camp runs in the mornings for two weeks. Activities at the camp include winter-themed crafts, cookie decorating, and gift exchange. Register at .
Church-hosted activities
• Arvada Covenant Church, 5555 Ward Road in Arvada, is looking for volunteers for Growing Home Week, Dec. 27-Jan. 3. During the week, homeless families in Jefferson County stay at the church, and community members are welcome to bring meals or spend a night with the families. “It gives a place for homeless families to stay while they’re out looking for jobs,” said Chandra Regan, front desk receptionist at the church. “In the meantime, they come here to sleep and eat, and the church members help them do their laundry, as well.”
• Westminster Christian Church, 3575 W. 96th Ave. in Westminster, will hold a reception in the Fellowship Hall on Dec. 27 following the One Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. This event is focused on food and fellowship.
• Arvada United Methodist Church, 6750 Carr St. in Arvada, welcomes people for Christmas in the Park, an event where local churches gather in Denver at noon Dec. 25 to hand out socks, scarves, hats, gloves, etc. to homeless folks. “Several groups of homeless people that are close to each other get to pick stuff out from our collection,” said Deb Williams, office manager. Call the church at 303-421-5135.
Athletic activities
• The Winter Youth Sports Camp, held at Lincoln Academy Charter School at 7180 Oak St. in Arvada includes basketball, volleyball, track, dodge ball, and floor hockey. Coaches will be there to assist players in improving their skills. The camp runs Dec. 28-30. Register at .
• Box Lacrosse for ages 7-13 will be held at the Apex Field House, 5724 Oak St. in Arvada, Dec. 28-31. Register at .
Catherine Elsby: celsby@denverpost.com
