You want to take the kids for a snow play date. Let’s see, depending upon where the snow line is on any given day and how much of the white stuff is on the ground that is easily a two-hour one-way drive. That means traffic, driving in dangerous conditions, and dealing with anywhere from one to five kids inside a two-ton rolling box of steel. That winter family outing is starting to look less and less appealing. But you don’t have to head up the mountain in search of snow fun. All you have to do is head to the farm in Lathrop.
Dell’Osso Holidays on the Farm is open daily through Jan. 3 (they are closed Christmas Day) for snow tubing, ice skating, evening light displays, a visit with Santa, goodies in a warm country store, Christmas trees, and even a zip line.
A zip line at Christmas with snow nearby isn’t normal. But then again neither is snow throughout December in the Northern San Joaquin Valley.
There are 90-minute sessions on the snow tube hill that is replenished constantly with artificial snow. But unlike Mother Nature, there is a roof over the 300-foot long run featuring a 100-foot drop. And instead of having to trudge back uphill, there is an escalator that allows you to squeeze in a lot of runs in 90 minutes for $20.
But having fun in the snow doesn’t have to cost. There is a free snow play area at the base of the snow tube run.
If ice skating outdoors is what you want to do you don’t have to head into The City, up to Sacramento or to Curry Village.
The Farm also has an ice rink.
Ice time is on a first come, first served basis with no time limit. There is a $14 charge for skating and use of skates on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for those 8 and older and $12 for those 7 and under. The Monday through Thursday rates are $2 less for each category. Those who have their own skates are being charged $2 less than stated rates.
The other major attraction is the 240 lighted displays and the 200-foot long lighted tunnel that are part of Lights on the Farm.
You can take your car through for $10 or opt for a hay ride for $6 or a ride on the Dell’Osso Express train for $3.50 per person.
Dell’Osso Farms is located in Lathrop along Interstate 5 at the Manthey Road exit.
For more information go to www.holidaysonthefarm.com.
