Bullitt and Oldham County school systems announced mid afternoon today that they would again be closed this Friday, February 20th (as of publication).
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has also closed Friday, February 20th; make up day June 1, 2015. Jefferson County Catholic Schools will operate on a two hour delay on Friday, February 20th.
This marks the end all be all for many parents. An entire snow week? We're not talking about just a snow day here or a snow day there. This has been five days of juggling schedules for working parents, figuring out a safe place for school children to be, and for stay at home or work at home parents, it's been close to nightmarish. I'm sure many local stores around Louisville were hit up for National Drink Wine Day on February 18t. Last year I put together a list of indoor places to go with kids in tow and I think it is helpful to share again this time of year. Here are ten highlights from that list: my top ten picks for parents with the preschooler in tow. (I stay home with my three year old and have had my 6th grader home with me all week. It's time we go somewhere.)
1. Open Gyms such as the ones at Kazoing, All About Kids and Kentucky Gymnastics Academy are always great choices to burn some energy off. Call ahead to be sure they haven't altered their times or have had to close due to road conditions or weather forecasts.
2. Play areas at Chick-Fil-A, Oxmoor Center or Awesome Outdoor Products offer more fun-filled options. My kids and I went to Chick-Fil-A Glenmary this morning before the lunch hour hit and had it almost all to ourselves. The free coffee was delicious, by the way.
3. Head to the library. We all know and have heard Mayor Greg Fischer announce that the public libraries are open (with the exception of Jeffersontown Branch which closed Thursday due to heating problems). Head into the libraries to warm up, grab a book to read, enjoy a storytime and or other drop in program. Its a great option to just get out of the house and off the beaten path of boredom.
4. Take advantage of the $5 February deal along Museum Row downtown. This deal goes through the end of February and is a real steal.
5. Check out area bookstores. Many of them offer story hours, author visits, different book groups or reading events. Some are suitable for children.
6. Stop into Mama's Hip in the Highlands. They have kept their hours open this week and always update their Facebook page if they will be closing. They offer music times, yoga and playgroups among other options.
7. Join the Y if you're not a member already. They have tons of options for family play, or childcare so adults can get some exercise and time alone. Winter is hard on everyone, getting some energy out is a great way to release stress for all family members.
8. Head to a kids eat free option around town. One local place that comes to mind is Havana Rumba in Middletown. They are offering a kids eat free deal through the end of February, Mondays-Thursdays.
9. See a children's play at Derby Dinner Playhouse. If the roads allow, trek over to Clarksville and see the play The Tooth Fairy. It opens this weekend starting on Saturday, February 21st with breakfast shows at 9am and lunch shows at 12pm. Tickets are $16 and $21, respectively.
10. Check into a Parent's Night Out option such as the ones held at My Gym Louisville.
Here is the link to last year's list which includes dozens of ideas. Note: Incredible Dave's has closed and the listing for Frazier Museum was from 2014. Always call ahead to double check!
Photo courtesy of shutterstock.com/2xSamara.com
