Free swimming, ice skating and several other events are offered this week as part of the Celebrate Bellingham! series of family activities held annually while local schools are closed for the holidays.
As it has in previous years, the Sportsplex soccer venue and ice-skating rink is partnering with the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department to offer free ice skating, including skate rentals, from 9 to 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29; Friday, Dec. 30; and Saturday, Dec. 31.
GaPac Community Federal Credit Union is an additional sponsor.
The Sportsplex concession stand will be open for snacks and soft drinks during the free activities.
In addition, free horse-drawn wagon rides are offered from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday through Saturday at the Sportsplex, 1225 Civic Field Way.
Free swimming is offered from 6:45 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, 1114 Potter St.
Ring in the new year at a Sportsplex party from 6 to 9 p.m. New Year's Eve featuring free soccer, ice skating, horse-drawn wagon rides and other family-friendly activities, including live entertainment, carnival games, face painting, spin art, bouncy toys and an obstacle course.
Activities planned for Sunday, Jan. 1, include a free Resolution Run/Walk around Lake Padden at 11 a.m., followed by the annual noon Polar Dip in the lake - which was a chilly 39 degrees last year. The events start from the bathhouse at the park's west entrance.
Afterward, there will be warm showers and treats served under patio heaters.
For more information about any of the Celebrate Bellingham! events, call Bellingham Parks and Recreation at 360-778-7000.
