Indoor respite Skip the bitter weather for indoor recreation

By J.K. Perry

When the weather turns cold or you’re sick of slopes, head indoors for some recreation.

The Breckenridge Recreation Center offers oodles of affordable activities for the entire family to occupy themselves.

“The recreation center and ice rink probably offer the best (indoor) option in Breckenridge as a whole,” said Helen Cospolich, spokeswoman for the center. “It’s affordable, which is a good thing.”

There is a water park, replete with pool, water slide, leisure pool and a rope swing into the middle of the pool. Kids can keep busy in the pool, as well as by playing basketball or climbing the rock wall.

While the kids are entertained, parents can lift weights, swim laps, run, hit the cardiovascular equipment or play racquetball. The center offers a childcare program called “Bearly Big” for children from two months to 5 years-old. The service costs $5 for each child.

Another activity for kids includes “Family Can Play Time.” The program allows toddlers to horse around on gym equipment on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. Check the center’s Web site for prices.

Here are some other area indoor hideouts–

• Silverthorne Recreation Center Visit www.silverthorne.org or call (970) 262-7370. * See the coupon section of The Parents Handbook for money savings offers.

• Stephen C.West Ice Arena Visit www.townofbreckenridge.com or call (970) 547-9974.

Breckenridge Recreation Center details–

Address- 880 Airport Road in Breckenridge

Web site www.townofbreckenridge.com Phone: (970) 453-1734

Hours- Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission- Adult $10, $6 for youth ages 13 to 17, $5 for children ages three to 12. Children under three are free.

Family Fun Day- Every second Sunday of the month admission costs just $25 for a family of four.

Rock Wall- $10 for three belay rides. Participants don’t have to pay admission.