Fun and games: Children begin their aquatic adventure as The Polar Express plays on the pool’s big screen. [/caption]

Most parents will agree that parenting is a lengthy process. It comes with challenges, laughs, surprises, and even some fears. Parents do their best to prepare their children for every phase and stage of life. All of this requires an enormous amount of energy.

Along with the beauty of parenting, adults essentially give up their dreams, wishes, and sometimes who they thought they’d be. That’s okay, but it’s also good to take a breather.

Thanks to the Gilpin County Community Center (GCCC), several parents dropped their kids off to enjoy a child-free evening. The center’s first Parents’ Night Out was on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

Ten children between the ages of five and 12 spent their time playing games in the gym, learning the importance of washing their hands, eating dinner in the multipurpose room, and watching The Polar Express in the pool. The fee is $25 per child or $15 if they’re already enrolled in Friday camp.

No worries if you missed out this month. There was talk about possibly making Parents’ Night Out a monthly occurrence. Friday camp is also available, in which kids enjoy crafts, swimming, games, movies, field trips, and more!

The Gilpin County Community Center is located at 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk. You can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gilpincounty.org, or you can call them at 303-582-1453.