Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

2017-2018 Winter Break activities for students and families

Alaska Public Lands Information Center 459-3730 Inside the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center at 101 Dunkel Street, Suite 110

The Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center supports the appropriate use and enjoyment of Alaska's public lands and resources through "one-stop shopping" for public lands information, trip-planning assistance, and resource education. It encourages visitors and residents to seek meaningful, safe and enjoyable experiences on public lands and inspires to conserve and sustain the natural, cultural and historic resources of Alaska.

Alyeska Pipeline Celebration of Lights 452-8671 Downtown Fairbanks

Alyeska Pipeline Celebration of Lights—8:00 pm on Saturday, December 23. A large fireworks show will be launching from Griffin Park, viewable throughout downtown, with premium viewing along the Chena River. A great event for all ages combines well with a night downtown – and last-minute, local Christmas shopping. So bring your ears and eyes downtown to celebrate the passing of the darkest day of the year and the light’s return. Special thanks to sponsors Alyeska Pipeline and North Haven Communities.

Arctic Bowl 456-7719 952 10th Avenue, Fairbanks

Winter Break: Call for open bowling schedule.

Ben Franklin Crafts 488-8544 301 N. Santa Claus Lane, North Pole

Craft class schedules are available the first of each month at the store. Call or stop by the store for further information.

Big Dipper Ice Arena/Parks & Recreation 459-1104 1920 Lathrop Street, Fairbanks

RECREATIONAL ICE SKATING Saturday, December 23: 5:00-6:30 pm, SKATE WITH SANTA! Sunday, December 24: CLOSED~Christmas Eve Monday, December 25: CLOSED~Merry Christmas! Tuesday, December 26: 11:45-1:15 pm, 3:30-5:00 pm Wednesday, December 27: 11:45-1:15 pm, 3:30-5:00 pm, 5:30-6:45 pm Thursday, December 28: 11:45-1:15 pm, 6:00-7:30 pm Friday, December 29: 11:45-1:15 pm, 3:30-5:00 pm Saturday, December 30: 5:00-6:30 pm Sunday, December 31: CLOSED~New Years Eve Monday, January 1: CLOSED~Happy New Year!

Big Dipper Ice Arena (continued) 459-1104 1920 Lathrop Street, Fairbanks

Tuesday, January 2: 11:45-1:15 pm Wednesday, January 3: 11:45-1:15 pm, 3:30-5:00 pm, 5:30-6:45 pm Thursday, January 4: 11:45-1:15 pm Friday, January 5: 11:45-1:15 pm, 3:30-5:00 pm Saturday, January 6: 4:30-6:00 pm Sunday, January 7: 1:00-2:15 pm Monday, January 8: 11:45-1:15 pm

FREESTYLE Tuesday, December 26: 1:30-2:45 pm Tuesday, January 2: 1:30-2:45 pm

ADULT RECREATIONAL HOCKEY Wednesday, December 27: 1:30-2:45 pm Thursday, December 28: 4:15-5:45 pm Wednesday, January 3: 1:30-2:45 pm Friday, January 5: 1:30-2:45 pm Monday, January 8: 1:30-2:45 pm, 3:30-5:00 pm

Recreational Skating/Hockey Fees: Ages 0-3, Free. Ages 3-17, $4.00. Ages 18-59, $6.00. Ages 60 & over, $2.00

TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE: Call the number above or check daily ice schedule at www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/parksandrecreation/facilities/BigDipper

Birch Hill Recreation Area/FNSB 457-4488 101 Wilderness Drive, Fairbanks

The Parks and Recreation Department, through partnership with the Nordic Club of Fairbanks, offers the Birch Hill Recreation Area and the Jim Whisenhant Cross Country Ski Trail system for recreational use.

Winter Season Hours of Operation: Monday thru Friday: 12:00 pm-9:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am-6:00 pm Sunday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm

Cold Weather Closure: During extreme cold temperatures (-25° or colder) the Cross Country Ski Center will not be open. At this temperature, the trail lights will be shut off. The warm-up hut will remain open.

Boys & Girls Club 457-5223 645 8th Avenue, Fairbanks

• The Boys & Girls Club of Fairbanks is open during Winter Break! • Hours are 12:00-6:00 pm. Club will be closed on December 25, 26, and January 1. • Memberships are $50 a year and scholarships are available! (Ages 7-17 or still in high school) • If you are not sure you want to become a member right away, you can visit for free up to 5 days. • Meals and snacks provided, fun activities, field trips • NEW Teen Center • Teen Open Gyms & Teen Nights

Christmas In Ice 907-590-2522 101 St. Nicholas Drive, located next to Santa Claus House in North Pole

December 2, 2017-January 9, 2018

Christmas In Ice is a winter ice park located next to Santa Claus House in North Pole, featuring Christmas-themed ice art pieces, ice slides and a maze and twirlers, adding color and light to the Interior Alaska winter!

Local and international ice carvers compete in single, multi-block and junior division ice carving competitions, transforming massive blocks of ice into beautiful and creative pieces of art. Come enjoy the ice maze, plenty of ice slides and twirlers. If you want to try your hand at carving, sign up for the Amateur Exhibition and work on your piece throughout the month.

Special events include BP's Community Picnic, Military Appreciation Day, Christmas Day with Santa, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

Discount admission coupons are delivered to all elementary school children in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, and a senior admission rate is offered daily.

We will have trailers set up between Santa Claus House and the Reindeer as our warming area where you can enjoy beverages and light concessions, and shop for logo gear and clothing, sleds and unique post cards.

Hours of Operation: Open Daily 11am to 10pm Christmas Eve 11am to 6 pm Christmas Day 12pm to 6 pm

New Year's Eve Fireworks and Snowflake Drop

Free admission 10 pm -11:45 pm

Count down with Santa at MIDNIGHT

Admission Daily Prices: Adults $9.00, Youth (6-12 years) $6.00 Punch Pass-10 visits for $60.00 Senior rate (60+) $5.00 5 and under-Free Season Passes: Adult $30.00, Youth (6-12 years) $15.00 Group Rates for 10 and more in a group. Educational demonstrations upon request.

Please visit www.christmasinice.org for more information.

Christmas Party for Children 389-2164 Chatanika Lodge, Mile 28.5 Steese Highway

Friday & Saturday, December 15 and 16. Party held at the Chatanika Lodge. Santa will make an appearance and give gifts at 6:30pm each night! Call or visit www.chatanikalodgeak.com for further information. On Friday, December 15 the event will be focused to allow more time children with special needs. Saturday, December 16, the event is open to all families. Gift and free buffet for every child.

FNSB Parks & Recreation 459-1070 Birch Hill Recreation Area, E. Birch Hill Road, Fairbanks

Join the Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation Department for their Winter “Try-Athlon Series Race #1” (skate ski/snowshoe/classic ski) at Birch Hill Friday, December 29, from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Registration begins at 4:00 pm in XC Ski Center. Race starts promptly at 5:00 pm. May race as individual or relay team. Choose between competitive race or family fun race. Light refreshments and warm drinks provided.

Competitive Race: 3km skate ski, 3km classic ski & 2km snowshoe. Family Fun Race: 1km freestyle ski, 1km freestyle ski & 1km snowshoe.

Racers must provide own equipment (or rent from local stores). This is a FREE event.

FNSB Parks & Recreation Adaptive Program 459-1097

Adaptive Recreation works within the Department of Parks and Recreation to provide recreational programs for the population of Fairbanks and North Pole who have a disability. Their programs change with the seasons, from biking and hiking in the summer to snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter with almost everything else in between!

The Adaptive Program requires a current registration form be on file and that anyone wishing to participate call the Adaptive Office at 459-1097 to register as well as speak with staff about program participation. The program does require that any youth be accompanied by a parent or care provider for the activity.

For more information and a current newsletter and CALENDAR of activities, please visit: www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/pr/Pages/Adaptive-Program.aspx

Fairbanks Children’s Museum 374-6873 302 Cushman Street, Suite 101, Fairbanks

The Fairbanks Children's Museum is open from 10 am-5 pm Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-5pm Sunday, and closed on Mondays. They will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

December 27: Mess Makers at 11am. - Fun, hands-on messy play in the museum.

December 28: Pint-Sized Science at 11am. - Age-appropriate science topics focusing on STEM topics.

December 31: Noon Year's Eve at Noon. - Celebrate the New Year with a special family-friendly party at Noon!

January 2: Tinkering Tuesday at 3:30pm. - Learn to create and build using a wide variety of tools.

January 3: Mess Makers at 11am. - Fun, hands-on messy play in the museum.

Fairbanks Children’s Museum (continued) 374-6873

January 4: Pint-Sized Science at 11am. - Age-appropriate science topics focusing on STEM topics.

January 5: Story Movers at 11am. - Learn the secrets to interactive storytelling!

Daily Admission Prices: $8.00 (Ages 1-99), $7.00 for active duty military and dependents. Please visit https://www.fairbankschildrensmuseum.com/ for more information!

Friends of Creamer’s Field 452-5162 Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge 1300 College Road, Fairbanks

Holiday Ornament making workshops: Saturdays: December 9, 16, & 23. Make ornaments using natural materials (provided) in Creamer’s Farmhouse by the barn. Noon-4:00 pm

Winter Solstice Walk: Saturday, December 23, 1:00 pm. Discover Creamer’s Field refuge on one of the shortest days of the year!

Hamme Pool 459-1086 931 Airport Way, Fairbanks

OPEN SWIM TIMES, DECEMBER 23, 2017-JANUARY 7, 2018

Weekdays; 2:00-3:45 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm Saturdays: 2:00-4:30 pm Sundays: 1:30-4:30 pm

Holiday Closures: December 24- 26, January 1. Pool Fees: Ages 0-3, Free. Ages 3-17, $4.00. Ages 18-59, $6.00. Ages 60 & over, $2.00

Joel’s Place 452-2621 1890 Marika, Fairbanks

Joel’s Place has been serving youth in our community for over 18 years. From a vision into a reality, Joel’s Place is the only facility of its kind in Fairbanks offering adrenaline-seeking youth the opportunity to board and bike year round.

Joel's Place is so much more than a skate park. While hanging out in the facility, youth have access to a pool table, air hockey table, ping pong table, video games, and so much more! Snacks are offered on weekdays and a snack and delicious dinner is provided Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays.

Joel's Place will be open over break from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on weekdays, 6:00 to 10:00 pm on Fridays; 2:00 to 7:00 pm on Sunday.

Mention that you saw this in the Winter Break Activity guide and get a “Two for One” special! Lessons are $10 per hour. Call to check availability. $5 for 3 hours of shredding. Youth Center Access: FREE

Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts 458-7177 250 3rd Street, Fairbanks

Schedules available the first of each month at the store.

Mary Siah Recreation Center 459-1082 805 14th Avenue, Fairbanks

OPEN SWIM TIMES, DECEMBER 23, 2017-JANUARY 7, 2018

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00-11:15 am, 3:30-4:45 pm and 6:30-8:45 pm Thursday 10:00-11:15 am, 3:30-4:45 pm Saturdays: 10:00-12:30 pm and 2:15 -3:45 pm Sundays: 9:30-11:45 pm

Holiday Closures: December 24- 26, January 1. Pool Fees: Ages 0-3, Free. Ages 3-17, $4.00. Ages 18-59, $6.00. Ages 60 & over, $2.00

Michaels Arts and Crafts 456-6046 34 College Road, Fairbanks

Schedules available the first of each month at the store.

Moose Mountain Ski Resort 459-8132 3840 Moose Mountain Road

Moose Mountain Ski Resort is interior Alaska’s largest alpine ski and area. With 750 acres, over a mile wide and a mile long, and 1300 vertical feet, “the Moose” has everything from a short beginner tow at the base lodge to long gentle cruisers and steep, narrow black diamond runs that can challenge the best skiers and boarders.

Moose Mountain has many south facing runs, allowing for sunny skiing above the inversion every day of the season. The average inversion is 20-30 degrees warmer than the flats of the Tanana Valley, and the views are impressive. The prevailing cold weather wind in winter is from the northeast, and southwest facing runs are fully sheltered with tree cover to the top of the mountain.

Moose Mountain is the only known ski area with the primary lift system a fleet of school buses, capable of 100 skiers per hour per bus. When they need to up the capacity, they add more buses. Enjoy a snack, post a pic of your last run on social media, chat with your friends, and unzip your coat. It is only a 10-minute ride, while a standard speed would take 13-15 minutes to get you there, unprotected from the elements. After 25 years, they have never had a compelling reason to change, and the buses allow them to remain one of the least expensive ski areas of their size.

RENTAL PACKAGES $30 per day includes /boots/poles or snowboard/boots $20 Kids Package (12 and under)

EQUIPMENT RENTAL $20 per day for skis or snowboard $20 per day for boots Ski helmets are available for loan thanks to the Zach Hanson Memorial Fund.

Moose Mountain Ski Resort (continued) 459-8132 3840 Moose Mountain Road

BUY YOUR SEASON PASS ONLINE! Adult–$500 Military–$450 Student (13-18) & UAF full time (9+ hours)–$400 Child (7-12)–$300 Senior (70+)-$5

Call 459-8132 for snow conditions, hours of operation, and ski report, or visit www.shredthemoose.com.

Mt. Aurora/Ski Land 456-7669 2315 Skiland Road, Fairbanks

Skiing and Snowboarding Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. The season normally starts around early December and runs until around mid-April. Ski Land is closed until there is enough snow, please call 456-7669, or visit www.skiland.org, for snow conditions, hours of operation, pass sales events, and ski report or check out Ski Land’s Facebook page.

Ski Land will be open its normal days (Saturdays and Sundays) over the break for skiing and snowboarding. Lessons and rentals will be available. On the days it is open, Ski Land will also be running a shuttle from Fairbanks this season, which will be great for teens!

Ski Land offers the farthest north chairlift in North America, a day lodge with spectacular view, the Aurora Cafe serving up pastries, breakfast, snacks, soups, sandwiches, beverages, desserts, alpine and snowboard equipment rentals, and Ski Land is patrolled by National Ski Patrol.

Aurora Viewing 9:00 pm to 3:00 am every night of the week, mid-September through mid-April. (Open for the 2017/18 season!)

Noel Wien Library Fairbanks 459-1052 1215 Cowles Street, Fairbanks

PLEASE NOTE: The Noel Wien Library will be closed Sunday, December 24 through Tuesday, December 26, and on Monday, January 1.

Dec. 21-23-Button Making, Noel Wien Public Library Berry Room, Thursday through Saturday, Stop by the Berry Room with a small photo (not bigger than 2.5 inches) and have a button made to wear or give as a gift. Free.

Dec. 27-Drop-in Animal Sculptures Craft, Noel Wien Public Library Berry Room, Wednesday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Cats, frogs, turtles, chicks, and more: make an animal out of paper strips. Create some animals with paper and glue and your imagination! Take your creativity and they will supply the materials. For children ages 3 and up. Free.

Dec. 28- Drop-in Fly-Catching Frog Craft, Noel Wien Public Library Berry Room, Thursday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Do frogs eat flies? Create a frog and see if you can help him catch the fly. All materials supplied by the public library. For children ages 3 and up. Free.

Noel Wien Library Fairbanks (continued) 459-1052 1215 Cowles Street, Fairbanks

Dec. 29-Hour of Coding: Minecraft and Frozen versions, Noel Wien Public Library Auditorium, Friday, 10:15 am (Minecraft) and 11:30 am (Frozen). For beginning coders in grades 2 to 5. Advanced registration required. Call 459-1052 to register. Each session is limited to eight participants. The library will provide iPads to use. Free.

Dec. 29-Movie, Noel Wien Public Library Auditorium, Friday, 1:30 pm. Call the Berry Room at 459-1052 to find out the title of the film being shown. Popcorn munchies served. Auditorium doors open at 1:20 pm. For children ages 3 and up Free.

Jan. 2- Food Fun Play Day, Noel Wien Public Library Berry Room, Tuesday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Stop by any time between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, and get ready to feast on some fabulous food-related fun! (Actual food not included.) No registration required Free.

Jan. 3-Drop-in Amazing 3D Mazes Craft, Noel Wien Public Library Berry Room, Wednesday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. How fast can you roll from start to finish? Depends on how many twists and turns you design. Watch out for booby-traps! All materials supplied by the public library. For children ages 3 and up Free.

Jan. 4-Cars in Motion Program, Noel Wien Public Library Auditorium, Thursday, 1:30 pm. You create a car, then race it against your friends under different conditions while learning about inclines, ramps and friction. For children ages 3 and up. No registration required. Free.

Jan. 4-Teen Maker Program: Tiny Book Accessories, Noel Wien Public Library Auditorium, Thursday, 7:00 pm. For teens in 7ththrough 12th grade. What’s better than your favorite book? A tiny version of your favorite book! Join us for a step-by-step 90-minute workshop as we create book jewelry and keychains. Email the Berry Room ([email protected]) with your 2-3 favorite titles by Wednesday, January 3, so we are sure to have your titles. Free.

Jan. 5- Kids’ Cooking Creations Club, Noel Wien Public Library auditorium, Friday, 1:30 pm. Sign-up by Thursday, January 4 by calling 459-1052 (sign up required).Make something that relates to a children’s book, or from one of the children’s literature related cookbooks at the library. Enjoy sampling different foods; share your love of food and children’s books, make new friends, and socialize! Limited to 20 participants. For children/teens ages 5 to 16. Free.

Jan. 8-Drop-in Penguin Craft, Noel Wien Public Library Berry Room, Monday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Make a friendly winter penguin pal out of an empty water bottle. All materials supplied by the public library. For children ages 3 and up. Free.

North Pole Branch-Library 488-6101 656 North Pole High School Blvd., North Pole

Movie Matinee Tuesday 12/28 at 2:00 pm Young master builder Lloyd, also called the Green Ninja, and his secret ninja warrior friends must defeat the evil warlord Garmadon, also known as Lloyd’s dad. Father is pitted against son in an epic showdown that forces the undisciplined, young ninjas to check their egos and unite forces. Rated PG, 1 hour 41 min. Free popcorn!

Drop-In Craft Friday 12/29 at 1:00-5:00 pm Create a cool tea light candleholder or a vase with our creative decoupage craft! All materials provided. No registration is required. Call 488-6101 for more information.

Drop-In Craft Thursday 1/4 at 1:00-5:00 pm All kids are invited to drop in and make a fun snow scene with snowmen and plenty of “snow!” All materials provided. No registration is required.

Resource Center for Parents and Children 456-2866 726 26th Avenue, Suite 2, Fairbanks

RCPC knows parenting is hard, which is why they provide a wealth of resources available for families. The mission at the Resource Center for Parents and Children is to create a culture that values parenting and keeps children safe through education, respect, advocacy and strong families.

They welcome you to stop by their office, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm, to browse the “Ma Poole” lending library and to check out books and videos on topics such as positive discipline, sibling rivalry, loving your teenager, becoming a new parent and so much more. If you need assistance with a specific parenting issue, the staff is always willing to assist.

For additional information visit RCPC on Facebook or visit www.fairbanksfamilies.com.

The Alaska Parent Line Statewide: 1-800-643-5437

The Alaska Parent Line is a statewide phone line for parents, guardians, or childcare providers to call and speak to a Parent Educator about their parenting questions and concerns. This phone line is staffed from 9 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week. Callers will also receive referrals and find out what resources and services are available within their community. Find the Alaska Parent Line on Facebook as well!

UA Museum of the North 474-7505 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks

EARLY OUT DAYS:

Wednesday, December 20. 2-4pm. Open Creativity Lab Fun for all ages! Paint, draw, or make something in the Creativity Lab. Supplies and inspiration provided. Free with museum admission.

UA Museum of the North (continued) 474-7505 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks

Thursday, December 21. 2-4pm. Open Creativity Lab Fun for all ages! Paint, draw, or make something in the Creativity Lab. Supplies and inspiration provided. Free with museum admission.

Friday, December 22. 10-Noon. Early Explorers For five and under (with adult). Siblings (all ages) welcome. Drop in with your toddler or preschooler to create and discover. Materials and activities provided. Free with museum admission. Adult supervision required.

WINTER BREAK:

UA Museum of the North The museum is open during winter break! Try gallery scavenger hunts (bit.ly/uamnactivities). Watch a movie. Discover activities in the Family Room. Drop in for a program in the Creativity Lab. See polar bear art in their special exhibit, Polar Passion, and take an Arctic selfie. Closed December 25-26 and January 1-2.

Saturday, December 23. 1-3pm. Holidays at the Museum Join the museum each Saturday in December for live holiday music, complimentary treats, and special store sales. This week features the Alaska Cello Intensive.

Saturday, December 30. 1-3pm. Holidays at the Museum Join the museum each Saturday in December for live holiday music, complimentary treats, and special store sales. This week features Fairbanks Clarinet Students.

Wescott Pool with Water Slide 488-9402 300 E. 8th Avenue, North Pole

OPEN SWIM TIMES, DECEMBER 23, 2017-JANUARY 7, 2018

Weekdays; 1:30-3:45 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm Saturdays: 1:30-3:45 pm Sundays: 1:00-2:45 pm and 4:00-5:45 pm HOLIDAY MOONLIGHT SWIM: December 28 from 7:00-9:00 pm Holiday Closures: December 24- 26, January 1. Pool Fees: Ages 0-3, Free. Ages 3-17, $4.20. Ages 18-59, $6.30. Ages 60 & over, $2.10

This resource list is provided for informational purposes only and does not reflect an endorsement of the programs or agencies by the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District or the Community After School Programs. Updated 12/11/17

Brought to you by: Fairbanks North Star Borough School District 21st Century Alaska Community Learning Centers After School Programs