1. Slow your roll
After the craziness of the holidays, come to Ridgefield for its January First Saturday event, Lazy Dayz & Movie Marathon, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 4. The Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center, 510 Pioneer St., will be transformed into a cozy living room theater. Bring blankets and pillows and get comfortable — or, buy a used book for $1 and settle in to read. Family-friendly movies will be shown at 10 a.m. and noon with popcorn and other snacks. In between movies, you can carbo-load at the waffle bar, revive your competitive spirit with board games, or let your kids immerse themselves in craft projects. Last but not least, get ready for maximum adorability, because there will also be a kids pajama contest with prizes. ridgefieldwa.us
2. Get a Clue
Everyone loves a mystery, especially if it involves baked goods. Get out your magnifying glass and help solve The Case of the Missing Snickerdoodle at the next First Friday in Camas, 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 3. This evening, inspired by the classic board game Clue, offers mystery-themed games with prizes donated by downtown merchants. Begin by picking up your Activity Passport at Journey Community Church, 304 N.E. Fourth Ave., and solve the clues around town. Come dressed as one of the characters from the board game, and earn a ticket to win — plus get a ticket for every $10 spent shopping downtown. Enjoy art receptions and shows, winter crafts and a Lego table, and stay for dinner in one of Camas’ restaurants or brewpubs. downtowncamas.com
3. Snow business
Snow is always a possibility in January — but don’t flake out, because Science on Tap at the Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver, is all about the cold white stuff. “What’s in Your Snowpack? Snow, Water and Crowdsourcing Science” explores how we observe and study snow, an essential part of the Northwest’s water resources (and a source of endless recreational fun). National Geographic explorer and Oregon State University professor David Hill will introduce ways that citizen scientists can collect data on snow depth for NASA. So wax your boards, tune your edges, and help improve what we know about the snow. Tickets are $9 in advance, $10 at the door, or $5 for students. Beer, wine, pizza and snacks are available to buy. www.kigginstheatre.com
4. Lights out (almost)
If the holidays slipped by without a chance to see ZooLights or the Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show, well, you might be on to something. Now’s the time to beat the crowds and see the Oregon Zoo decked out in 1.5 million colored lights and ride the light-covered zoo train. The last day is Jan. 5, with an additional Sensory Night on Jan. 6; tickets are $12.95 to $17.95 at www.oregonzoo.org/visit/zoolights. Or drive the track at Portland International Raceway where you can oooh and aaah at 250 lighted set pieces and animated scenes, with classic vignettes refurbished this year and upgraded with LED lights. Tickets are $22 to $25 per car, or $18 from Albertsons and Safeway stores. www.winterwonderlandportland.com
