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Out and About

Published: 11:21AM December 16th, 2011

Fantasy lights tour

Dec. 24: $15. This holiday favorite features nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights — it’s the largest holiday drive-through display in the Northwest. Visitors will be treated to the magical world of animation and imagination. You’ll marvel at the ‘“Land of Dinosaurs” attraction and other new additions. (11 and under: $5) Family-friendly trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs.

Moonlight snowshoe

Dec. 24: $35. Head to the Snoqualmie Pass area and snowshoe in the moonlight. Dress warm because you won’t see the sun on this trip. Difficulty: beginner; Distance: 1.5; elevation gain: 50 feet; time: 2 hours.

Cross-country ski

Dec. 24: $35. Spend a great day in the snow-filled Cascades skiing along Keechelus Lake near Snoqualmie Pass. Gear, transportation, and instruction are provided. Difficulty: beginner. Distance: 4 miles. Time: 3 hours.

Tubing at Paradise

Dec. 31: $35. Travel to the tubing hill at the Paradise Lodge on Mount Rainier for a great day in the snow. Dress warmly and get ready to go for a wild ride Saturday or Sunday, Jan. 15. Fun for all ages. (6 to 12: $25; 5 and under: $5) Family-friendly trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs.

New Year’s winter camp

Dec. 31: $65. This will be the chill way to ring in the New Year. Head to Mount Rainier for an overnight winter wonderland adventure. Food and gear provided. Pre-trip meeting required. Minimum age: 12.

Kayak Ketron Island

Jan. 1: $40. Bundle up in layers, throw on a dry suit and explore Ketron Island in the middle of winter. No prior kayaking experience required. Trip fee includes transportation, kayak, safety equipment, dry suit and guided tour. Don’t forget to pack a lunch and dress in warm layers. Minimum age: 12.

Ski ‘n’ board Jan. 1: $45. Travel to central Washington for a day of skiing at the beautiful Mission Ridge Ski Resort. Transportation and gear are provided. (Transportation only: $25).

Crystal salutes military Jan. 3: $40. Don’t miss the chance to ski or ride Crystal for half price . Transportation and gear are provided. Lift tickets aren’t included but should be purchased at the mountain. (Transportation only: $20) . After-work kayak class Jan. 4: $20. The focus of this course is self-rescue techniques and other paddling skills. Head to the indoor pool, and learn the skills you’ll need to become more confident on open-water trips . Minimum age: 12.

Snowshoe Paradise Jan. 7: $35. Come explore Mount Rainier’s Glacier Vista at Paradise. Guide, gear, instruction and transportation are provided. Difficulty: moderate/difficult; time: 3 hours; distance: 3 miles. Minimum age: 12.

Horseback riding Jan. 7: $80. Head to Elbe, a town in the outskirts of Mount Rainier National Park, for a two-hour guided afternoon horseback ride. No experience is necessary; bring the entire Family along for a great day. Minimum age: 7. Family-friendly trip.

Snowshoe wonderland Jan. 8: $35. This adventurous trek takes you through great snow, varied terrain and a web of trails in a shadowy old-growth forest. What a beautiful winter wonderland! Make the trip that leads to gorgeous views of the surrounding peaks. Difficulty: moderate; time: 3.5 hours; distance: 4 miles. Minimum age: 12.

Snowmobile Cascades Jan. 8: $125 to drive. For those seeking the most fun-filled winter experience, check out this trip through the Cascade Mountains Sunday, Jan. 8. Fun, action, beauty and excitement await you! Transportation, snowmobile, helmet, boots, gloves and snowsuit are provided. Dress in layers. Minimum age to drive: 16 (Adult passengers: $90; passengers 15 and younger: $60) Family-friendly trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs.

After-work climb Jan. 11: $15. Head to the Edgeworks Gym for an evening of indoor rock climbing. Gear, admission and transportation are included; no experience required.

Ski weekend at Bachelor Jan. 13 to 16: $550 for single occupancy. Spend Martin Luther King Jr. weekend at one of the largest resorts in North America. Mount Bachelor offers skiers, snowboarders and Nordic skiers great conditions, plenty of snow, big terrain and short lift lines. It features four different terrain parks, an Olympic-sized super pipe, plus hills and trails for tubing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Trip includes three nights of lodging, transportation and gear. Lift tickets are not included but can be purchased at the mountain. The trip is Friday through Monday. (Double occupancy: $375 each; three to a room: $315 each; four to a room: $285 each) .

Explore Northwest Trek Jan. 14: $40. Explore this 723-acre park, home to more than 200 North American animals with lake, trails and beautiful natural exhibits. Enjoy the warmth and hands-on experiences in the Discovery Center and Baker Research Cabin or lunch at the Fir Bough Café. Dress warmly and bring rain gear. (Ages 4 to 13: $30; 3 and under: $5) Family-friendly trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs.

Bavarian Ice Fest Jan. 14: $50. The entire family can spend the day in a traditional Bavarian village sledding, eating bratwurst and shopping. Travel to Leavenworth and at the end of the day, watch as the town is transformed into a beautiful lighted display. This trip is fun for the entire Family! (Ages 6 to 12: $25; 5 and under: $5) Family-friendly trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs.

Tubing at Paradise Jan. 15: $35. Travel to the tubing hill at the Paradise Lodge on Mount Rainier for a great day in the snow. Dress warmly and get ready to go for a wild ride Saturday, Dec. 31 or Sunday, Jan. 15. Fun for all ages.(Ages 6 to12: $25; 5 and under: $5) Family-