Winter Activities for Kids in Athens, Ohio

With winter days nearing, it's good to have some activities lined up to occupy the kids when cabin fever strikes. Even a small town can present many opportunities. Following are just some available winter activities for kids in Athens, Ohio.

Swimming. Kids may miss the opportunity to swim during the winter months, but the Aquatic Center at Ohio University has an indoor swimming pool open to the community during certain hours. The facility may also be rented for events such as birthday parties. The Aquatic Center may be closed for certain university classes and events.

Recreational swim hours . Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Cost. Adults are $3.50 and children under 18 are $3.00. Quarterly, annual and family passes are available.

Location. The Aquatic Center is located on the Ohio University campus. You can find a building map and information on parking through links at the bottom of the webpage.

Contact. The Aquatic Center office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number is 740-593-9901.

Ice Skating. A true winter activity, kids can ice skate indoor at Ohio University's Bird Arena. Lessons are available. The facility may also be rented for events such as birthday parties. Bird Arena may be closed due to certain university events.

Recreational skate hours . Tuesday, Thursday: 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. and Sunday 1:30 - 3:00 p.m., 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Cost . Adults are $4.00 and children under 18 are $3.50. Quarterly, annual and family passes are available.

Skate Rental . You can rent ice skates for $3.00 or have your own skates sharpened for $5.00.

Location . Bird Arena is located on the Ohio University campus. You can find a building map and information on parking through links at the bottom of the webpage.

Contact . Bird Arena office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number is 740-593-4676.

Fun Barn at Movies 10. Just north of Athens on US33, the Fun Barn is an aptly named indoor arcade. A virtual roller coaster, life-size claw machine, bumper cars and a game similar to ski ball can keep kids (and adults) amused for hours. You can even see a movie in the connected Movies 10 theater.

Hours : Sunday: 12:30 - 10:00 p.m.; Monday through Thursday: 3:00 - 10:00 p.m.; Friday: 3:00 - 10:30 p.m. and Saturday: 12:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Cost . The cost of games and activities varies. You need to purchase a card through a machine and money can be added to the card with cash or credit/debit card.

Location . Located on US33 just outside the City of Nelsonville, 7 miles north of Athens. You can find a link to a map and directions at the upper right corner of the webpage.

Contact . The phone number is 740-753-3400.

Bowling.Rollerbowl Lanes offers open bowling to the community and special times for leagues. You can rent the facility for events such as birthday parties as well. This is the information listed on the website. You will have to call or email them for more information as I did not get a response.

Hours . Hours are listed as Sunday: 1:00 - 11:00 p.m.; Monday through Thursday: 6:00 - 11:00; Friday: 6:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. and Saturday: 1:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Cost . There are specials for $9.00 an hour per lane, but regular prices are not listed.

Location . 28 Palmer Street, Athens, Ohio.

Contact . The phone number is 740-593-7888.

Roller Skating. Enjoy roller skating at Dows Roll Arena. They even have skating games you can participate in while you are there. This facility can be rented for events such as birthday parties.

Hours . Thursday: adult skate if from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., all from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.; Saturday: 7:00 - 10:30 p.m. and Sunday: 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Cost . $4.00 on Thursday and Sunday, $5.00 on Saturday.

Skate rental . Skates can be rented for $1.00. If you bring your own skates they need to be inspected before taking on the rink.

Location . 15329 Elm Rock Road, Nelsonville, Ohio, just off of US33. (Turn onto Twp. 36, it changes its name).

Contact . The phone number is 740-753-3706.

Other Winter Activities for Kids in Athens, Ohio. The Athens Community Center offers classes and more. You can find these on their brochure page as they become available.

Wayne National Forest also offers a Wild Weekend Discovery Series. On the first Saturday of every month, kids age preschool through 5 ^th grade can enjoy a lesson with an activity and related craft project. You should register at least a week ahead of time for the desired lessons listed on the webpage. Being more than a winter activity, this program runs through October 2011. The Discovery Series will be held at the Wayne National Forest office on US33 on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The phone number for registration and more information is 740-753-0101.

The Athens County Historical Society and Museum has collections and exhibits for the public to enjoy Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. The cost for adults is $4.00, seniors and students ages 13-18 is $2.00 and students under 12 are $1.00. Located at 65 North Court Street, free parking is available. The phone number is 740-592-2280.

Winter Activities for Kids in Athens, Ohio. Although Athens is fairly small, there are many activities available for kids and adults even during the winter. You can find even more opportunities for enjoyment both indoors and out from the Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the local libraries.

REFERENCES:

Aquatic Center

Bird Ice Arena

Fun Barn at Movies 10

Rollerbowl Lanes

Dow's Rollarena

Athens Community Center

-Brochure Page

Wild Weekend Discovery Series - Wayne National Forest

Athens County Historical Society and Museum

Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau