MOULTRIE- “Swimming with the Grinch” is just one of the events that the Moultrie-Colquitt County Parks and Recreation Authority (MCCPRA) has planned for families during December and January.

On Saturday, Dec. 9, starting at 10 a.m., families can swim with the Grinch at the Southwest Memorial Pool, which is heated, and the “grumpy green guy” will also be available for photo ops. There will be other activities for the kids as well, including decorating the underwater Christmas tree. Pre-registration is preferred so the Grinch’s assistants can be prepared for all participants.

There will be two opportunities to meet Santa Claus this year through MCCPRA events. “Pictures with Santa in the Park” will be on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Main Street Park. This is an opportunity to take pictures with Santa and have hot chocolate and cookies, while supplies last. “Spaghetti with Santa” will be held on Friday, Dec. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Tommy Meredith Gym, and participants must pre-register by Dec. 8. This is a “Parents Night Out” event that will include a variety of crafts and games to keep 4 to 12 year olds entertained while parents get a chance to take the night off.

Register now for cooking classes, for kids and adults, that will be held in January. Each Thursday at the Ryce Community Center, from 4 to 6 p.m., students ages 10 to 15 will learn how to prepare a different variety of dishes each week. On Jan. 4, the dishes will include rollups, quesadillas and bread pizzas; on Jan. 11, crescent chicken pockets and crispy chicken tenders; on Jan. 18, casseroles-hamburger mac and cheese and chicken alfredo; and on Jan. 25, desserts in a jar/cup. All four classes are $20 per student and registration is due by Dec. 15.

Cooking for One Cooking class will take place on Friday, Jan. 5, from 1 to 5 p.m., with participants working together to create a variety of ready to cook meals to take home for the freezer. The cost is $25 person and the deadline to register is Dec. 29.

Starting in January, at the Ryce Community Center, Cardio Ball Drumming combines rhythmic beats with heart-pumping workouts, which are only 20 minutes long including a warmup and cool down with a nice steady pace in between. The sessions will be Jan. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to noon for adults and 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. for ages 12 and up, and on Jan. 19 from 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. for ages 12 and up and 5:30 to 6 p.m. for adults. Each session is only $5 per person and everything needed is provided. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Space for 12 is available for each session, so registration is required in advance. Also, a group of 10-12 can schedule their own weekly workshop.

To register for any of these activities go to www.mccpra.com or call (229) 668-0028.