Olympia Teens Find Fun During Winter Break

Let's Paint provides classes where new or experienced artists can try their hand at painting.
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By Sara Hollar, Olympia High School Intern to Thurston Talk

Local teens gather at the South Sound Sports Center to play volleyball during open gym.
Local teens gather at the South Sound Sports Center to play volleyball during open gym.

The weeks of winter break are highly anticipated by teenagers during the previous months of school but once vacation begins, it can be hard to find ways to stay entertained. There are plenty of businesses around the area to keep teens busy while out of school.

Teens who enjoy sports and being active can appreciate volleyball open gym at South Sound Sports Center in Tumwater, open every Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. Many local volleyball players love to spend their nights playing casual games but open gym is also available to the public. The facility has several volleyball courts for games. Some are leisurely while others are competitive but there are games for everyone to participate in. Courts are mostly first come, first served, so the ability to get an open court depends on how busy the gym is.

Joining pre-existing games can be just as fun as starting your own, and a great way to meet new people from your community. Admittance is only $3 per person which is easy to manage with some leftover babysitting money or on a teen’s allowance.

Lydia Soto, a sophomore at Olympia High School, is a regular to open gym. She says, “It’s just fun playing volleyball. I like seeing all the different levels that come and play.” She and many others are always open to playing with new people. So, if you’re feeling a little weighed down by the cookies you’ve been eating all break, or if you want a chance to try out a different sport, open gym at South Sound Sports Center is a great option.

Let's Paint provides classes where new or experienced artists can try their hand at painting.
Let’s Paint provides classes where new or experienced artists can try their hand at painting.

Let’s Paint is a painting studio in downtown Olympia. Open most of winter break, it’s perfect for teens looking to get creative. Let’s Paint offers classes with

step-by-step instruction of a designated painting. Most classes are aimed for 16 and up so they are a great activity for older teens but weekends are “family days” which are more ideal for younger artists. Paintings range from nature scenes to painting the family pet. Classes cost between $25 and $45 depending on the painting.

After months of schoolwork, students welcome the chance to get creative. Being able to paint and work on a project can be a great way to spend a winter afternoon. To top it off, Let’s Paint includes a complimentary beverage during the session for each artist. Classes last between 2 and 3 hours so it’s best to carve out a block of time in your schedule. The studio is located in the middle of Olympia, making it a perfect addition to an afternoon spent in browsing the shops and restaurants.

Classes appeal to people of all ages, opening an opportunity for generations to bond through art and shared experience. Whether you bring along your grandmother, a gaggle of friends or simply go by yourself, Let’s Paint is a memorable way to spend a few hours of your winter break.

Playing laser tag at the Laser Fun Zone is a great way for teens to stay active with friends over winter break.
Playing laser tag at the Laser Fun Zone is a great way for teens to stay active with friends over winter break.

For an action-packed afternoon, teens needn’t look any further than Laser Fun Zone in Lacey. The arena also includes an arcade for more fun. There are special holiday hours over winter breaks so teens can play all through the afternoon and well into the evening. Prices vary depending on how many games you play, starting at $7.95 for one.

These next few weeks come with wet and freezing weather, making it hard to stay active outdoors. Owen Thompson, a sixteen year old who attends Olympia High School shares, “Laser tag is a lot of fun during winter because you get to run around and play while it’s cold and rainy outside.” Owen and his friends enjoyed the arcade as well, concluding that it was an afternoon well spent. Laser tag, while enjoyed by all ages, is held in high regard by teens especially. Groups of friends hardly ever give up the chance for some healthy competition in order to receive bragging rights for the next couple of weeks. “Teaming up against each other is really fun. The winners tease the losers but we all just have a great time,” he added. Even when running the risk of being made fun of by your friends, Laser Fun Zone is definitely worth checking out.

These three options are just a few of the fun things for teens to do during this second half of their winter break.  Options abound in Thurston County with outdoor activities, cool coffee shops, and even the old fashioned favorite of bowling.  Don’t waste your free week on the couch.  Try something new with your friends or family before its back to the grindstone at school.

 

 

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