Shut in this January? Learn the joys of capitalism with a “bored” game.

January can be a month full of sledding and snowman building, but can also be filled with dark, dreary days that lead to boredom and large amounts of TV time. When these not-so-sunny days creep up, turn off the tube, the videogame, and the computer and spend some time doing these fun activities indoors, even if they involve making a mess.

• Play a board game or teach your kids cards. From the smallest of kids, until they reach college, board games, or more appropriately bored games, can involve several members of the family and can alleviate some of the winter blues.
• Make a special lunch, dinner or dessert together. This may sound trite, but having your kids participate in cooking meals teaches them a skill they will probably use their whole lives, granted they need to eat their whole lives and can be a real hands-on treat.
• Make a scrapbook. Visit your local crafty store for some pre-made scrapbook stickers and glittery pens or get really creative and use things from around the house like Popsicle sticks, construction paper or dried leaves. Let the kids take some pictures of the family dog or siblings with the digital camera and upload your digital pics to http://www.walgreens.com, then pick them up next time you go to the drugstore.
• Clean out your kids room together, loading up all the unused toys and clothes and donate them to a charitable organization for needy kids, like the Dream Center on Morgan or save them for the Ronald McDonald House opening late spring in Evansville.
• Pop in that old Sweatin’ to the Oldies workout video or your favorite Salsa CD and go to town just dancing and being silly with your kids. Too much fun, I tell you, too much fun!

Or check out these fun activities throughout the month of January!

Missoula Children's Theatre features Cinderella

Missoula Children's Theatre returns to RiverPark Center with another original play, featuring a cast of local youth. Bring your school-aged children for auditions on Monday, January 7^th at 4 p.m. to Canon Hall at the RPC. On Friday, January 11^th, at noon, players will perform for the local schools and a public showing will take place on Saturday, January 12^th, at 2:00 p.m. at RPC. Rehearsals will be held throughout the week of the 7^th through the 12^th. Visit http://www.riverparkcenter.org for more information or call 687-2770.

AXPS Paintball

If you aint no wimp head over to AXPS Paintball off Carter Road for a huge adrenaline rush. Bring five or more people with you for the $20 full rental package. You each get a gun, mask, protective gear and 500 rounds to share. When you run out of rounds, the fun doesn’t stop, you can get more at the pro shop! Play as long as you want on the entire field. Call 683-1200 for reservations or more info.

Owensboro Ice Arena Dollar Night

Saturday, January 12^th, enjoy discounted skating for the family at Owensboro Ice Arena from 7-10 p.m. Admission is $1, skate rental is $1 and drinks & popcorn are $1. There are open skate times every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and several skating classes available including hockey and figure skating for kids through adults. Check out http://www.owensboroparks.org more information or call 687-8720.

Pump-It-Up Playtime Sessions