Outdoor, indoor activities abound for winter

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The good news is, February is here. For those of us who long for the warm-weather months, this brings hope for the near future.

For cold-weather outdoor lovers, it means time is running out for favorite winter activities.

Fret not; there’s still time.

Three Rivers County Park in Lake Station (2800 Colorado St.) offers ice fishing all winter, weather permitting. If the ice is a minimum of four inches deep, fish to your heart’s content from 7 a.m. until sunset.

Fees are $4 for Lake County residents or $4.50 for nonresidents. Children younger than 12, accompanied by an adult, can fish for $2.50. On Mondays, senior citizens are invited at a rate of $3 for residents or $3.50 nonresidents. Ice conditions are posted at the gatehouse or call (219) 962-7810.

† Young or old, ice skating is something the whole family can enjoy. Deep River Waterpark Ice Plaza (9001 E. U.S. 30, Merrillville) offers a 14,500-square-foot outdoor skating experience. Open at 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and noon on weekends through Feb. 26, skate to your heart’s content, then warm up with a drink and snack in the heated concession stand. (Note: Food, beverages and coolers are not permitted in the park.)

Fees are $4 for adults or $3 for seniors and children. If you have a Waterpark season pass, rates are $1 less. Spectators enter for free, and there is no charge for parking.

To check on conditions, call (219) 769-7275.

† One day, your little girl has dreams of being a princess. Give her a couple more years, and that dream turns into fantasies of becoming a rock star.

Dyer Parks and Recreation is hosting a Diva Rock Star party from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at the Town Hall, Activity Room B (1 Town Square).

Your little diva, 7 to 10 years old, will delight in picking her wardrobe before finishing her “look” with light makeup or face designs and glitzy sunglasses.

But the best is yet to come. All decked out, the star will hit the runway to showcase her singing talent via karaoke.

You can bet there will be an abundance of laughter and giggles. Each star will leave with a take-home craft for later.

The cost is $15 for Dyer residents or $20 for nonresidents. Space is limited, so register at the Town Hall or download an application at townofdyer.com/parks. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 15.

† Looking for something a little less rambunctious?

Colored pencil art classes will begin, courtesy of Highland Parks and Recreation, on Monday, Feb. 27. Take your pick of 2 to 4 p.m. or 7 to 9 p.m., both at the Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln St.

Beginners or pros, you’ll learn about sketching techniques, such as burnishing, cross-hatching and blending, using prismcolor pencils on a variety of surfaces.

Cost is $40 for Highland resident or $43 for nonresidents.

Register by Monday, Feb. 20, at the Lincoln Center office or, for more information, call (219) 838-0114. Supplies are not included in the fee.