By Amy Hopf, Digital Content Associate

When cold weather rolls around, Parks & Rec programming heats up! Our recreation centers and playgrounds offer affordable activities to keep you busy year-round.

Here are ten Parks & Rec staff recommendations to check out this season.

1) Dance combo class

  • When: Saturdays, January through May
  • Time: 9 a.m.-10 a.m. (ages 3-6) and 10 a.m.-11 a.m. (ages 6-9)
  • Where: Palmer Playground (3035 Comly Rd., 19154)
  • Cost: $25 per month, plus $10 registration fee
  • Ages: 3-9

This class consists of 30 minutes of ballet and 30 minutes of tap. Children are taught the basics of each dance genre and will work on a piece to perform on stage in May. For more information, contact the rec center at 215-685-0371.

Check out other dance programs at Parks & Rec.

2) Thursday tots program

One Thursday a month, bring your little one for an hour of discovery at the Tree House at Wissahickon Environmental Center. Each month, we will explore a new topic that celebrates the season, such as birds and maple syrup. Learn more or register on the environmental center’s Facebook page.

Check out other environmental programs at Parks & Rec.

3) Ceramics

  • When: Tuesdays, now through the end of the school year
  • Time: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Olney Recreation Center (100 E. Godfrey Ave., 19120)
  • Cost: $5 per class,with a two-class minimum
  • Age: All ages

Interesting in creating pottery? Participants in this class learn how to create ceramic artwork using wet clay. Sign up by calling 215-685-2889.

View other Parks & Rec ceramics classes.

4) After school community arts project

  • When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January through May
  • Time: 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
  • Where: Mount Airy Playground (7001 Germantown Ave., 19119)
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: 10 to 14

Attendees will learn basic drawing and painting skills, and then later paint murals for a local restaurant. Presented in partnership with the Mt. Airy Art Garage. Call 215-685-9297 to register.

Find other cultural programming at Parks & Rec.

5) Martial arts

  • When: Wednesdays and Fridays, now through June
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Max Myers Playground (1601 Hellerman St., 19149)
  • Cost: $40 per month
  • Ages: 5 and older

Max Myers offers a program to teach all ages the ins and outs of martial arts. To learn more or register, call 215-685-1242.

6) Knit a hat

  • When: Thursdays, now through March 28
  • Time: 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
  • Where: Rivera Recreation Center (3201 N. 5th St., 19140)
  • Cost: $2 per hat; supplies are included
  • Ages: 8 to 14

Learn how to make a hat using a round loom! Create one for yourself or to give away. Registration is required. Please call 215-685-9887 for more information.

7) Vision boarding

  • When: Mondays and Wednesdays, now through February 18
  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Where: Mander Playground (2140 N. 33rd St., 19121)
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: 12 years and up

This program will explore the benefits of internal growth for prosperity. Learn how to advance socially, financially, mentally, and health-wise, and create a budget to help you reach your goals. Learn more or sign up by calling 215-685-3894.

8) Princess in Bloom

  • When: Tuesdays (6 p.m.-8 p.m.), Thursdays (6 p.m.-8 p.m.), or Saturdays (10 a.m.-12 p.m.), starting in February
  • Where: Kingsessing Recreation Center (4901 Kingsessing Ave., 19143)
  • Cost: $5 monthly dues, plus $25 registration fee
  • Ages: 5-16

A pageant and etiquette program for young girls, taught by facilitator Jamila Abdur-Rahman. Sign-ups will begin in February. Register and get more information at the rec center, or by calling 215-685-2695.

9) Random Acts of Kindness Club

  • When: Mondays, twice a month
  • Time: 6 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
  • Where: Columbus Square Playground (1200 Wharton St., 19147)
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: 7 and older

The Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Club aims to show the importance of being kind and giving back. Participants make arts and crafts and bring them to a local nursing home; cook and package food for homeless shelters; collect jackets for the homeless; and more. Learn more or sign up by calling 215-685-1890.

10) Girl Power Club

  • When: Mondays, January 28 through March 4
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Northern Liberties Recreation Center (321 Fairmount Ave., 19123)
  • Cost: $30 for 6 weeks
  • Ages: 2nd-8th grade

This club builds up girls’ self esteem by forming quality relationships, listening to one another, and doing fun activities like cooking, painting, and science experiments. Email nolibsrec@gmail.com or call 215-686-1785 to sign up.

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