Groups
Whether it's indoor or outdoor adventure, parents can find a place in the Bay Area to entertain their children and give them an opportunity to learn new things at the same time.
The North Bend and Coos Bay libraries offer weekly programs for young children. Toddler Time programs include stories, crafts and play designed for toddlers younger than 3 years old. Story Time is for those a little older and includes similar activities. North Bend library also offers Music Time. Toddler Time requires pre-registration. For more information on library programs, contact the North Bend Public Library at 756-0400 or the Coos Bay Public Library at 269-1101.
More learning opportunities can be had at the South Slough National Estuarine Reserve Interpretive Center, which offers a monthly âœTide of the Toddlersâ" program, targeted at ages 1 through 5. It includes singing, dancing, crafts and storytelling. South Slough also holds activities such as paddling tours, film festivals, guided hikes during the summer and other learning activities on estuary life. Visitors also can go on self-guided hikes. Winter hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During the summer (June through August), hours are Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center is located at 385 Seven Devils Road near Charleston. For more information, those interested can call 888-5558.
More energetic activities can be found at Outdoor-In. The business gives children a chance to get some playtime in regardless of the weather. The building houses a 2,000-square-foot indoor playground with a climbing structure, bouncing castle and cars to drive. Outdoor-In also has several nonviolent arcade games for older kids. In addition, the restaurant offers a wide variety of meals. The cost for playground use is $3. It is located in downtown Coos Bay at 305 S. Fourth St. For more information and business hours, those interested can call 266-8111.
If getting fresh air is in the forecast, similar fun can be stirred up at local parks. Children can play, feed ducks and enjoy short trail walks at Mingus Park, at the corner of 10th and Commercial streets in Coos Bay, and John Topits Park, near the corner of Fir Street and Newmark Avenue. Other local parks in North Bend include Oak Street Park; Simpson Park and Ferry Road Park, located on opposite sides of Highway 101 just before the McCullough Bridge; and Boynton Park, which is highly popular with young children, at the corner of Newmark and Sherman avenues. The parks are outfitted with playground equipment.
If you're looking for more regimented exercise, the Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon offers gymnastics and dance programs to children year round. Class sessions and times vary by age group, but generally run from Monday to Friday. There also are dance camps offered for students during the summer. Participants will have to pay the $15 membership fee and additional fees for equipment and class costs. For more information, those interested can call 267-3635.
