Parks Department offers family fun over the holidays

The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is offering the following opportunities and events for families to do together during the holiday break:

$1 Saturday at the Botanical Conservatory ' Visit the holiday gardens on December 27, 10am ' 5pm, for just $1 per person. Enjoy gorgeous poinsettias, colorful holiday decorations, and historical photos of Christmas time in Fort Wayne. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

Public Skating at the MAC ' The perfect place for the whole family to burn off excess holiday energy is the McMillen Ice Arena, 3901 Abbott Street. Public skating sessions are available Christmas Eve day and New Year's Eve day noon ' 3pm. Admission is only $5 for adults, $3.50 for kids 5 ' 17, and children under 4 are free. For more information, call (260) 427-6769.

Chilly Challenge Bike Ride ' On January 1, 2009 at 1pm, start the New Year with a chilly and challenging cycling adventure! Take the rugged off-road route or opt for a smoother ride on city streets and the Rivergreenway Trail. Bikers will depart from the Psi Ote Pavilion in Bob Arnold Park shortly after 1pm and return to a steaming bowl of chili. This FREE program is co-sponsored by the Fort Wayne Velosport Club and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call Susan Hunt at (260) 435-1409 or visit the Velosport Club website at www.3rvs.com.

For more information about these programs, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.