Fighting off cabin fever

I* the wake of Christmas, winter in Northwest Indiana seems to drag on endlessly. Frosty, snow-filled days and nights don't necessary mean the end of outdoor fun, however. Area parks offer a wide variety of winter activities designed for all ages.

While the thought of a water park in the middle of winter might send shivers down your spine, pile on those layers of clothes and consider the perennially popular sport of ice skating. Young and old, pro or beginner, no one ever forgets the thrill of gliding across the ice. The Ice Plaza at Deep River Waterpark is open Thursdays through Sundays, weather permitting, through Feb. 28.

This 14,500-square-foot rink includes concession stands, heated bathrooms and the U.S. 30 Surf Shop. Adults pay $4; children 15 years old and under skate for $3. Discounted season passes and senior rates are also offered. There's no charge for just coming to watch the fun.

Other outdoor options in Lake County:

* Three Rivers County Park in Lake Station is open for ice fishing from 7 a.m. to sunset daily. Fees are $4 for Lake County residents and $4.50 for nonresidents. Children under 12 years old and accompanied by an adult can fish for $2.50. On Mondays, seniors pay $3, or $3.50 for nonresidents.

The ice must be at least 4 inches deep, so you might want to check on conditions at the gatehouse or call 962-7810.

* Since the snow doesn't seem to be leaving any time soon, dig out the sleds, pack up the kids and head out to the hills at Lemon Lake County Park in Crown Point or Oak Ridge Prairie County Park in Griffith. For everyone's safety, use wooden sleds or those with metal runners. Likewise, no snowboards, please.

* Looking for a little more exercise? Consider cross country skiing at Lemon Lake, Oak Ridge Prairie or Stoney Run County Park in Leroy. Each of these parks offers miles of trails through open fields as well as wooded areas. Cross country skiing is enjoyable for the novice as well as those more experienced.

Fees are $5 for two hours of skiing, and equipment rental is available on a first-come, first-served basis; bring your driver's license for a security deposit. Weather permitting, the parks will welcome skiers throughout the winter.

* Looking for something a bit more passive? Buckley Homestead County Park, Lowell, invites you for a horse-drawn bobsled ride between 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday afternoons in January and February. Each sled carries eight to 10 people, but there needs to be at least four inches of snow for the horses to pull the sled. If you want to check on conditions before heading out, call 696-0769. The cost is $2 per person, and the ride lasts 20-25 minutes.