18 minute read
Things to Do in January
THINGS TO DO // JANUARY 2022
SAT 01 New Year’s Day Skate at Riverscape Start the New Year with a healthy, active lifestyle and be the first to skate in 2022! • Location: Riverscape MetroPark, Time: 1-8 pm,
metroparks.org
Downtown Jingle Lights (last night!) See downtown streets transformed into an interactive, drive-thru light show, choreographed to the beat of your favorite holiday tunes! Tune your radio to 97.1 FM as you drive the route. • Location: Downtown Dayton on Main Street, Third Street, and Monument Avenues,
downtowndayton.org FREE
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains (last
days!) Through January 3, 2022. Track-level views reveal intricate details of the display, which features over 300 rail cars and 60 locomotives. Flip through 75 years of Duke Energy Holiday Trains history in an interactive storybook with just the wave of their hand. Returning once again is Brickopolis, a LEGO display crafted into fantastical scenes from the magical worlds of Disney, Marvel, DC Comics and Harry Potter. • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center,
cincymuseum.org
SUN 02 Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs Don't miss the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs NFL Football game at the Paul Brown Stadium • Location: Paul Brown Stadium, Time: 1 pm, bengals.com Light in the Forest (last night!) Experience Cincinnati Nature Center in a whole new light! Walk through an enchanting display of lights and illuminated trees reflecting peace and inspiration. Event features installations by Brave Berlin (a BLINK light show artist), live music, a bonfire, holiday shopping, and more! • Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, cincynature.org
MON 03 Baby Storytime Enjoy stories read aloud and a fun mix of age-appropriate early literacy activities. • Location: MidPointe Library Middletown, Time: 10:15- 10:45 am, midpointelibrary.org
FREE
Winter Escape Come in from the cold and visit the Junction this January! Save $2 off a full-price Do-It-All ticket, when you purchase online!! Plus their 1st Class Boarding Pass members can Bring-A-Friend FREE! • Location: EnterTRAINment Junction, Time: 10 am- 6 pm, entertrainmentjunction.com *ONGOING
TUES 04 EARLY ADVENTURES Hit the trail with us! These exploratory hikes foster curiosity and confidence in young children. Your leader will point out seasonal changes and other natural points of interest in the parks. This hike takes place after sunset. Lanterns will be available to borrow. This hike is on a paved path. Ages 0 – 4 years with adult companion. • Location: Iron Horse Park, Time: 6-7 pm, cwpd.org TUES 04 – SUN 09 Hairspray You Can’t Stop the Beat! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon that inspired the blockbuster film and live television event, is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? • Location: AronoffCenter, Time: see webstie for showtimes, cincinnati.
broadway.com/shows/hairspray
WED 05 Legos at the Library Calling all Lego lovers! The library provides the LEGO blocks - you provide the imagination. • Location: Miami Township Library, Time: Between Noon- 5:30 pm, daytonmetrolibrary.org FREE
Family Storytime Enjoy stories read aloud and a fun mix of age-appropriate early literacy activities. • Location: MidPointe Library West Chester, Time: 6-6:30 pm, midpointelibrary.org FREE
THURS 06 CAC Thursday Art Play Hike Join the Contemporary Arts Center and Cincinnati Parks for some outdoor fun and creativity. Winter themed nature activities, a take home art bag, and in-person project with local artist. Online registration required. • Location: Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park, Time: 10:30-11:30 am,
cincinnatiparks.com FREE
FRI 07 Little Explorers Preschool Fun Together you will learn about letters numbers, shapes, colors and so much more all while making new friends! • Location: Bellbrook Park District Headquarters, Time: 10:30-11: 30 am,
bellbrooksugarcreekparks.org
Stories by the Fireside Bring your little ones out for some winter fun! Enjoy winter-themed stories, songs and activities to kick off the morning. • Location: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, Time: 10:30 am,
greatparks.org FREE
SAT 08 Styrofoam Recycling Event Hate to throw away all the Styrofoam your kids open over the holidays? Bring your Styrofoam to Activity Center Park. Volunteers will unload your vehicle — you won’t even need to get out of your car! • Location: Activity Center Park, Tie: 9 am- 1 pm, cwpd.org
PNC Festival of Lights (last days!) The Cincinnati Zoo will still be shining bright as we’re once again transformed into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 39th annual PNC Festival of Lights! In addition to admiring the beauty of 4 million LED lights, visitors can ride the North Polar Express train ride, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, or snack at one of two S’mores-n-More stands. • Location: Cincinnati Zoo,
cincinnatizoo.org/events/festival-of-lights
*ONGOING
Trains and Traditions: A Cincinnati Holiday (last days!) Experience a tapestry of colorful poinsettias,charming garden railways and beautiful replicas of Cincinnati landmarks createdout of “Botanical Architecture” by local artisans; Applied Imagination. Krohn Conservatory is where holiday traditions take place in the warmth of thetropics. • Location: Krohn Conservatory, cincinnatiparks.com/krohn/ *ONGOING
Create, Explore and More Join them in the new year for a fun session of Create, Explore & More. Families can delve into their different creative and exploratory stations together. • Location: Eaton Branch Library, Time: 1-3 pm, preblelibrary.org FREE
SUN 09 New Year’s Newtons Join them for a self-guided scientific adventure! Perform experiments to solve the mystery of “The Breathless Balloon,” or explore non-Newtonian fluids while creating a pet slime. Scientists-in-training will work through the Scientific Method and draw their own conclusions in this hands-on program. • Location: Great Parks Nature Center at The Summit, Time: 1-2 pm,
greatparks.org FREE
Winter Warm-Up Tea Party Looking for a little fancy fun? Tea time is a great way to spend an afternoon together! Enjoy the view of the park while warming up inside. They will have tea and treats sure to please all ages. This intergenerational program will feature light refreshments, snacks, a craft and a story. Ages 4 – 10 with grandparent(s). • Location: Bill Yeck Park, Time: 4-5 pm, cwpd.org
MON 10 Penguin Days Waddle to the Zoo and enjoy discounted admission during Penguin Days! • Location: Cincinnati Zoo, Time: 10 am- 5 pm, cincinnatizoo.org *ONGOING
FLOWer Buds Budding artists use movement that flows into art. You will put your coordination and imagination to work while you make active artwork! Please dress in clothing that can get messy! Ages 3 – 5. • Location: Activity Center Park, Time: 4:30- 5:15 pm, cwpd.org
TUES 11 – SUN 16 Musical of
Musicals the Musical! The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) is a musical about musicals! In this hilarious satire of musical theatre, one story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form, from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim. • Location: Fitton Center for the Arts, Time: see website for times, thestorycollective.org/tickets
WED 12 Spot the Snowmen! Ten little snowmen are hanging out in the children's area! Get your checklist at the desk, find them all, and turn in your completed form for a prize! • Location: Miami Township, Time: 9:30 am- 8:30 pm, daytonmetrolibrary.
org FREE
Homeschool Maple Tree Tapping Experience the process of producing liquid gold from maple sap from the very beginning! • Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, Times: 12:30pm & 3:00pm,
cincynature.org
In Person Storytime: Family All ages are welcome to join Ms. Kelly and enjoy books, songs, and activities, while building early literacy skills. • Location: Reading Branch Library, Time: 10:30- 11:15 am,
cincinnatilibrary.org FREE
THURS 13 In Person Event: Messy Science Children ages 6-12 are invited to complete a messy science project. Registration is required. Please register each child who will be participating. • Location: Loveland Branch Library, Time: 4-5 pm, cincinnatilibrary.org FREE Paper Snowflakes Make a snowflake that will last forever and can hang on your window. • Location: Huber Heights Library, Time: All-day,
daytonmetrolibrary.org FREE
FRI 14 – SUN 16 The Addams
Family In one hilarious night, secrets are disclosed and the Addamses must face up to the one terrifying thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations: change. A story of love and friendship through adversity, The Addams Family is funny, poignant and altogether ooky. • Location Victoria Theatre, Time: sese website for times, daytonlive.org
Fireside Storytime in The Nature PlayScape Join them for an outdoor winter storytime in the Nature PlayScape. Cozy up by the fire and get lost in nature-themed tales and movements led by their story expert. • Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, Time: 10-11 am, cincynature.org
FRI 14 – MON 17 Young’s 153rd Birthday Celebration Help them celebrate their birthday with specials all over the farm. • Location: Young’s Jersey Dairy, Time: see website for times, youngsdairy.com
SAT 15 Winter Habitat Hike Explore your inner naturalist as you move through a variety of habitats and signs of animal life. Weather Dependent. • Location: Carriage Hill MetroPark, Time: 1-2:30 pm, metroparks.org FREE
Open Aircraft Days at the Air Force Museum On Open Aircraft Days at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, visitors will have the unique opportunity to look inside one of the museum’s aircraft. This month: A-10A "Thunderbolt II" (Fairchild Republic). • Location: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Time: 11 am- 3 pm,
nationalmuseum.af.mil FREE
Historic Barn Walk Each log of our historic buildings reveals the toil and hope of the farm’s founders. Walk through the barns and farm buildings that started it all here at the farm as they reveal the story of the founding family and how they lived through the years, from the 1835 bank barn to the 1930s hen house. • Location: Gorman Heritage Farm, Time: 1:30- 3 pm, gormanfarm.org
SUN 16 Cincinnati Cyclones Kids Jersey Jersey Giveaway Want your kid to look great in the new year, how about a Youth Jersey? First 1,500 kids ages 2-12 get a free jersey. • Location: Heritage Bank Center, Time: 2 pm,
cycloneshockey.com
3rd Sunday at Front Street 3rd Sunday Art Hops at Front Street are held year-round and feature a market, art galleries, open studios, free family activities, food trucks, live music, and more! • Location: Front Street, Dayton, Time: 11 am- 4 pm,
frontstreet.art/pages/3rd-sunday-1 FREE
Animals Alive! Come inside the cozy and warm Park Headquarters for a friendly visit with some live animals from the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. They will be bringing critters that are an amphibian, reptile, mammal and a bird. Get a close up look at these amazing animals and you may even get to pet or touch a critter at this fun and educational program! Pre-registration required by 1/13. • Location: Bellbrook Park District Headquarters, Time: 2-3 pm,
bellbrooksugarcreekparks.org
MON 17 In Person Storytime: Library Babies Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories and movement. Don't forget to bring an instrument, a ball, a scarf, and if you would like, a blanket to sit on in the children's area! • Location: Madeira Branch Library, Time: 10:30-11 am,
cincinnatilibrary.org FREE
TUES 18 Storytime: Preschool Enjoy books, songs, activities and more, while building early literacy skills. • Location: Symmes Township, Time: 10:30-11 am, cincinnatilibrary.org FREE
NOW THROUGH MARCH 11
PENGUINS DAYS AT THE CINCINNATI ZOO MetroParks Ice Rink Get out and skate on the region's largest outdoor ice rink! It measures 70 feet by 150 feet and is sheltered under a pavilion. The rink has something for everyone: beginners’ lessons, open skating, broomball and curling, not to mention hot chocolate and music. • Location: Five Rivers MetroParks, metroparks.org/ice-rink/ *ONGOING
WED 19 Indoor Storytime: Toddler Enjoy stories, rhymes, music & play while exploring early literacy and social & emotional learning skills. Ages 18-36 months. • Location: Loveland Branch Library, Time: 10:30-11:30 am,
cincinnatilibrary.org FREE
THURS 20 Preschool Nature Series: Red Fox vs. Gray Fox Red foxes and gray foxes are both in Centerville. So, what’s the difference? You will learn how to tell them apart together! Ages 3 – 5 with adult companion. • Location: Grant Park, Kennard Nature Nook, Time: 9:30-10:30 am, cwpd.org
FRI 21 Little Leapers at Sky Zone Dayton Fun, high-energy play adventure where the little ones can jump without the bigger kiddos! • Location: Sky Zone Dayton, Time: 10- 11 am, skyzone.com/
dayton
Baby Tours at Cincinnati Art Museum This 40 minute experience will introduce you and your infant (ages 0-2) to the world of art with a tour designed to stimulate their developing minds. • Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, Time, 11 am, 2 pm & 3 pm, cincinnatiartmuseum.org
Professor Rocket's Space Adventure Show There’s no place like space… and Professor Rocket will take you there! With the help of whimsical puppet friends and future astronauts like you, Professor Rocket will have you blasting off into an adventure of learning that you’ll never forget. • Location: Fitton Center for Creative Arts, time: 7:30 pm, fittoncenter.org/fitton-family-fridays
Bugcicles: Discovering Hibernating Insects Do you enjoy hiking during the winter? Have you ever tried hiking at night? Then come out to Woodland Mound after the sun sets to see this wintry wonderland in its nighttime splendor. Be sure to dress for the weather; closed-toe shoes are required for this program. • Location: Woodland Mound, Time: 11 am- 2 pm,
greatparks.org FREE
Broadway Dizzying heights and Broadway lights come together for a captivating Pops & Cirque mashup. Marvel at the eye-popping feats of Cirque’s mesmerizing acrobats with JMR and the Pops performing top Broadway hits to accompany contortionists, balancers, tumblers, and athletes on aerial silks defying gravity and doing the seemingly impossible. • Location: Music Hall, Time: see website for times, cincinnatisymphony.org
SAT 22 Farmyard Family Storytime Enjoy a farm-themed storytime in our Bank Barn as we enjoy an interactive picture-book reading and meet the animals in the barnyard. Geared for ages 3-5, but all ages are welcome! • Location: Gorman Heritage Farm, Time: 1-2 pm, gormanfarm.org
Abiyoyo Abiyoyo is based on a South African folk tale about a giant who eats everything in sight—cows, goats, and even children! This one-man story telling experience will encourage participants to face the monsters in their own life with honesty, courage, and strength of spirit. Audiences will learn that Abiyoyo just wants to be recognized. Free ticket required. • Location: Memorial Hall, Time: Noon & 2 pm,
memorialhallotr.com FREE
Nature Encounters at the Trailside Nature Center Nature lovers of all ages are invited to join the Cincinnati Park staff and volunteers at the Trailside Nature Center in Burnet Woods to learn about the natural world around us. • Location: Burnet Woods, Time: 10 am- 4 pm, cincinnatiparks.co
MON 24 Jump, Wiggle and Shout Let’s move inside for an indoor playroom full of fun and new friends. This program is all about silly wigglies and goofy babbles. Your little one will have a blast movin’ and groovin’ to music while developing coordination, balance, listening skills, and gross motor skills. Pre- registration is required. • Location: Bellbrook Park District Headquarters, Time: 11 am- Noon,
bellbrooksugarcreekparks.org
TUES 25 In Person Event: Lego Tuesdays Come build, create, and share
LEGOs at the Library. • Location: Mt. Healthy Branch Library, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, cincinnatilibrary.org
FREE
WED 26 Hamilton Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. • Location: Schuster Center, Time: see website for times, daytonlive.org/events/Hamilton *ONGOING
THURS 27 Family Storytime Enjoy stories read aloud and a fun mix of ageappropriate early literacy activities. • Location: MidPointe Library West Chester, Time: 10:15-10:45 am,
midpointelibrary.org FREE
FRI 28 Indoor Story Walk Read a story as you walk around the library, then make a craft based on the book. • Location: Huber Heights Library, Time: All-day, daytonmetrolibrary.org FREE
FRI 28 – SAT 29 Glow Night at
Sky Zone Dayton Glow Night Friday & Saturday Night for ages 8yrs and up. Wear a shirt that glows—anything white or neon! • Location: Sky Zone Dayton, Time: 8-10 pm, skyzone.com/dayton
Animal Tracking Excursion If you have ever wanted to become an animal tracker, come discover the art and science of tracking on this hands-on excursion. Weather Dependent. • Location: Sugarcreek MetroPark, Time: 1-2:30 pm, metroparks.org
FREE
SAT 29 Family Festival: Ice, Ice Baby Join them for a meet and greet with a real live penguin from the WAVE Foundation. Stop by for some frosty fun as you experiment with ice painting, design a frozen snow crown and take part in an epic snowball battle. • Location: Contemporary Arts Center, Time: Noon- 2 pm, contemporaryartscenter.org
The Science Behind Pixar Through April 24, 2022. The interactive exhibition showcases the boundless limits of STEM, imagination and curiosity, thrilling you as you come face-to-face with popular characters, including Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode and WALL•E. • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, cincymuseum.org/pixar *ONGOING
SUN 30 Winter Family Hike Enjoy the park winter wonderland on this hike while you discover the different organisms that are still active during the coldest time of the year. Be sure to dress for the weather; closed-toe shoes are required for this program. • Location: Woodland Mound, Time: 1:30- 3:30 pm, greatparks.org
MON 31 Family Storytime Enjoy stories read aloud and a fun mix of age-appropriate early literacy activities. • Location: MidPointe Library West Chester, Time: 11:15-11:45 am, midpointelibrary.org
FREE
Christmas at the Junction
Through January 2. Create a holiday tradition for your family! See the magic of Christmas at the home of the World’s Largest Indoor Train Display. Take a “Journey to the North Pole”, where you can meet Mrs. Claus and Santa himself. • Location: EnterTRAINment Junction,
entertrainmentjunction.com
MetroParks Ice Rink Through February. Get out and skate on the region's largest outdoor ice rink! It measures 70 feet by 150 feet and is sheltered under a pavilion. The rink has something for everyone: beginners’ lessons, open skating, broomball and curling, not to mention hot chocolate and music. Ice skating is a great way to experience the outdoors during the cooler weather and provides a winter tradition for Miami Valley families looking for something fun to do together.
• Location: Five Rivers MetroParks, metroparks.org/ice-rink/
PNC Festival of Lights Through January 9. The Cincinnati Zoo will still be shining bright as we’re once again transformed into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 39th annual PNC Festival of Lights! In addition to admiring the beauty of 4 million LED lights, visitors can ride the North Polar Express train ride, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, or snack at one of two S’mores-n-More stands. • Location: Cincinnati Zoo,
cincinnatizoo.org/events/festival-of-lights
Trains and Traditions: A Cincinnati Holiday Through January 9. Experience a tapestry of colorful poinsettias,charming garden railways and beautiful replicas of Cincinnati landmarks createdout of “Botanical Architecture” by local artisans; Applied Imagination. Krohn Conservatory is where holiday traditions take place in the warmth of thetropics. • Location: Krohn Conservatory, cincinnatiparks.com/krohn/
Winter Escape Through January 31. Come in from the cold and visit the Junction this January! Save $2 off a full-price Do-It-All ticket, when you purchase online!! Plus, their 1st Class Boarding Pass members can Bring-A-Friend FREE! • Location: EnterTRAINment Junction,
entertrainmentjunction.com
Hamilton January 26 through February 6. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. • Location: Schuster Center,
daytonlive.org/events/Hamilton
Penguin Days Through March 11. Waddle to the Zoo and enjoy discounted admission during Penguin Days! • Location: Cincinnati Zoo, Time: 10 am- 5 pm, cincinnatizoo.org MetroParks Ice Rink at Five Rivers MetroParks
Martin's Dream January 17 through February 28. Back by popular demand! Who was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., really? Martin’s Dream answers this question and more as it brings this historical figure to life through the power of story, speech, and song. Watch as Dr. King tells the story of his life, from his childhood in the Deep South all the way to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. • Location: Virtual, thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/
martins-dream-21-22/
Harriet Tubman: Straight Up Outta’ The Underground Touring
January 17 through February 28. Bring the past to the present and change the future with this one-woman interactive storytelling experience. Uncover the truth about America’s 200-year-old struggle with slavery when you play a part in this historic retelling. On this journey, you’ll follow Harriet Tubman, the most recognized conductor of the Underground Railroad. • thechildrenstheatre.
com/shows/harriet-tubman-21-22/
Skating and Bumper Cars at the UC Health Ice Rink Through February 22. Gather up the family and head to the outdoor ice arena that takes over Fountain Square in Downtown Cincinnati this holiday season! Amenities include everything from rental skates to lockers for securing visitors’ belongings while they’re having fun on the ice, plus a full-service concessions tent will carry soda, hot and cold snacks, and alcoholic beverages for skaters to enjoy. Check website for reservation information and pricing. • Location: Fountain Square,
myfountainsquare.com/ice-rink/
The Science Behind Pixar Through April 24. The interactive exhibition showcases the boundless limits of STEM, imagination and curiosity, thrilling you as you come face-to-face with popular characters, including Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode and WALL•E. • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center,
cincymuseum.org/pixar
PLEASE NOTE WE WORK HARD TO ENSURE OUR CALENDAR AND GUIDE INFORMATION IS ACCURATE. OCCASIONALLY, EVENT SPECIFICS CHANGE AFTER WE GO TO PRESS. THEREFORE, WE ENCOURAGE OUR READERS TO CALL LOCATIONS OR VISIT THEM ON THE WEB TO VERIFY INFORMATION.
