‘Twas the long break for Christmas and all through the house;
Complaints of “I’m bored” came from the kids and the spouse.
But there’s no need to squabble and no need for fights;
Clark County has lots of family delights.
So whether it’s clear or whether it rains;
Put down those cell phones and hit Crosley Lanes!
And if that’s not your thing, don’t worry, don’t pout;
Here’s a list of more things to check out:
1. Allen’s Crosley Lanes
2400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver.
360-693-4789
Hours: 9 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays. 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The smaller of Vancouver’s two bowling alleys (Big Al’s at 16615 SE 18th St. being the larger of the pair) has 42 lanes, a host of weekly specials including $1 games at some times on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; and $12 cosmic bowling on Fridays and Saturdays.
2. Lacamas Lake Regional Park
3344 N.E. Everett St., Camas.
Other trailheads at Northeast Oak Street and Northeast 3rd Avenue.
Hours: 7 a.m. to dark.
The park has more than 6 miles of trails for hiking and biking around the forested lake and waterfall. There are ample opportunities to see birds, raccoons, beaver, deer, bald eagles and other animals. Also features picnic shelters, play areas and restrooms.
3. Drinks by the fireplace!
A few watering holes around town offer coffee, hot cocoa or harder drinks by a cozy fire. Here are some suggestions:
The Heathman Lodge, 7801 N.E. Greenwood Drive, 360-254-3100.
Gray’s at the Hilton, 301 W. Sixth St., 360-828-4343.
Coffee Villa, 13011 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., 360-892-0233.
The Grant House, 1101 Officers Row, 360-906-1101.
4. G6 Air Park
2200 N.E. Andresen Road, Suite J
360-828-1444
Holiday Hours (Dec. 22 to Jan 2): 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Christmas Eve 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Christmas. New Year’s Eve 10 a.m. to midnight. New Years Day regular hours.
Cost: $11 first hour, $8 additional hours. Group packages also available.
The indoor trampoline park has an open jump area, trampoline dodgeball, a basketball dunk section and a separate jump area for children under age 8.
5. Skating! Pick your pleasure: ice or wheels
Ice: Mountain View Ice Arena
14313 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver.
360-896-8700
Dec. 20 Special: Dream Big Community Center will host a free family fun night for all ages, with free admission and skate rental, 1 to 4 p.m., visit dreambigcc.org/events-page/family-fun-night-mt-view-ice-arena for info.
Public skates: 10 to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. most days; 7:40 to 9:40 on Friday nights. Closed on Christmas. See website or call for details.
Cost: $9 admission; $3.50 skate rental, group deals and packages available.
Wheels: Golden Skate
4915 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver.
360-696-0368
Holiday public skates: 1 to 3:30 p.m.; 2:30 to 5 p.m. or 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturdays; 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays; 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays. Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.
Cost: $7 for most skates. $8 for 7:30 to 10 p.m. skates.
6. Fort Vancouver Regional Library District
Several locations throughout the county.
Main branch: 901 C St., Vancouver.
360-906-5000
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Fridays through Sundays; Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The library system has a wide array of events including arts and crafts, games and special exhibits. The Downtown community branch has an Early Learning Center and several play and educational options for young children.