As originally published in the March 29 issue of The Mountain-Ear newspaper.

Jess Prince, Nederland.

Winter in the mountains can bring its own set of challenges for parents of young children. It can be hard for little ones to burn off enough of their never-ending energy cooped up inside on a cold windy day. Earlier this year, the Nederland Community Center opened its doors to local parents and guardians with kids aged 5 and under.

Nederland Under Fives (Tundra Tots!) is a weekly playgroup held in the gym every Friday from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Formed by the local mother of a two-year old, the group has brought together local parents and tots, forming new friendships and active Friday fun for under-fives. The group gets to store a decent number of toys in the gymnasium including ride-on trikes, bikes, bats, hoops, balls, tunnels, rockers, bowling pins, walkers and more.

The idea is to allow little ones access to physical movement and outdoor style games that might otherwise be difficult in the winter months. The cost for center admission is $2 per child. Attending parents must stay with their kids but don’t have to pay. Folks are welcome to bring their own toys and games to share or can play with what there is.

In recent weeks, another kids’ playtime has launched at the Gilpin Rec Center. The kids’ Open Gym Time in Gilpin, also formed by local parents, is held on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Regular admission of $5 per person applies. At Gilpin, there are opportunities for parents to work out and the whole family can enjoy the Center’s activity pool for kids. The Nederland Under Fives group may move to an outside playgroup when the summer weather arrives.