NORWICH – Another winter is finally here and while the cold air keeps many cooped up until spring, the city’s Youth Bureau is working hard to provide wintertime recreation that will keep kids from contracting cabin fever.

Sign ups for free winter activities began earlier this month and there are still plenty of vacancies to fill in all programs, said Youth Bureau Director Robert Mason. With a current low enrollment, Mason is actively recruiting kids, encouraging them to take advantage of the seasonal indoor and outdoor activities that are offered by the city.

“There aren’t a lot of things that are free anymore. We want to make sure every kid has some options,” said Mason.

The Youth Bureau offers a variety of indoor and outdoor programs throughout the winter months. Activities include junior wrestling, bowling, volleyball, baseball, softball and of course, ice skating at Borden Avenue, where no registration is necessary and the use of skates is free of charge.