This week at a glance
- Sun Jan 11 - Lace up at the Roosevelt Park Ice Pavilion for public skating and relaxed family sessions. Warm layers, thin socks, and a thermos of tea make the outing extra cozy.
- Mon Jan 12 - Library evenings are ideal for quiet study, with a low-key board game hangout for teens in a side room. The Rec Center hosts beginner-friendly lap swim and a gentle strength class.
- Tue Jan 13 - Morning indoor pickleball at the Senior Center welcomes all skill levels. Later, a community-led knit-and-mend circle downtown helps you refresh winter gear.
- Wed Jan 14 - Winter bird walk at Sandstone Ranch Open Space. Expect hawks, juncos, and maybe a great horned owl at dusk. Dress for icy paths and bring binoculars if you have them.
- Thu Jan 15 - Creative night out: drop-in art making at a local studio, plus an open mic with acoustic sets. Families can try a kids clay handbuilding activity earlier in the evening.
- Fri Jan 16 - Downtown lights and live buskers make for a festive stroll. Look for pop-up cocoa stands and shop late hours at participating storefronts.
- Sat Jan 17 - Guided winter nature hike in the foothills above town, weather permitting, with tips on traction and trail etiquette. An indoor winter market pop-up features produce storage tips, baked goods, and local makers.
Family and kid picks
- Storytime and craft: The library hosts a cozy winter tale with a simple paper snowflake craft. A toddler tumble hour at the Rec Center gym helps little ones get the wiggles out. On the ice, early afternoon sessions tend to be calmer for new skaters, and skate trainers are usually available in limited numbers.
- STEM Saturday lite: The museum staff offers a hands-on table with magnets, gears, and building challenges. Short, drop-in friendly and great for ages 6 to 12.
Arts and culture around town
- Gallery hop: Local galleries are rotating winter exhibitions with small works, ceramics, and photography. Many offer artist demos this week, so ask about short talks or meet-the-artist windows in the late afternoon.
- Community choir open rehearsal: Curious singers can sit in on a warmup, learn a harmony line, and see if the group is right for them. No audition pressure, just bring a water bottle and a pencil.
- Maker meetup: Bring a project for a craft-and-chat evening. Common supplies are shared, but special materials are BYO.
Outdoors and wellness
- Trails update: Packed snow and freeze-thaw are likely. Microspikes or traction devices recommended for Greenway bridges, Rabbit Mountain area, and Button Rock access roads. Keep to the center of trails to avoid widening and yield to uphill hikers.
- Skating tips: For smoother glides at Roosevelt Park, aim for earlier sessions when the ice is fresh. Helmets are a good idea for new skaters.
- Winter riding: If you bike around town, add a front white light and rear red blinker by late afternoon. A thin liner glove under a windproof shell helps on breezy days.
Volunteer corner
- Lend a hand at a food pantry restock, assemble hygiene kits, or join a litter sweep along a Greenway segment. Teens can earn service hours with adult chaperones. Dress warm and bring work gloves if you have them.
Practical notes
- Parking: Downtown street parking often turns over quickly near Main and 4th. For longer visits, choose peripheral blocks and walk a few minutes to your destination.
- Weather readiness: Keep a spare pair of socks, a compact ice scraper, and a small bag of traction sand in the car. After sunset, temperatures drop fast even on clear days.
Later this month
- Sun Jan 18 - Family swim afternoon with obstacle floats, plus a parent and child water safety mini-clinic.
- Fri Jan 23 - Acoustic concert in a small auditorium setting; expect folk, bluegrass, and a singalong encore.
- Sat Jan 24 - Community seed swap and garden planning chat. Bring labeled extras and take home a starter assortment.
- Thu Jan 29 - Final January open studio night for artists and hobbyists. Light critique circle at the top of the hour.
- Sat Jan 31 - Winter trails skills workshop covering layering, navigation basics, and cold weather first aid.
Have a listing to share for next week? Drop by a local community desk and add it to the neighborhood board. Stay warm, be neighborly, and enjoy the week across Longmont.
