Things to Do in February

THINGS TO DO // FEBRUARY 2022

TUES 01 Black History Month Scavenger Hunt Pick up a Scavenger Hunt starter pack in the Teen Area - follow the clues, complete the puzzles, and find the answers to learn all about people who changed our world and should be remembered - including Daytonians. Turn it in at the Ask Me Desk to get a prize and an entry into the drawing - at the end of the month, a winner will be drawn for a goodie bag of items from black-owned businesses. • Location: Southeast Branch Library, Time: All-day, daytonmetrolibrary.org

*ONGOING

WED 02 Dinosaur World Live Dare to experience the dangers and delights of DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE in this roarsome interactive show for all the family. Grab your compass and join the intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favorite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus! • Location: Victoria Theatre, Time: 7:30 pm, daytonlive.org

Library Nature Encounters Bring your “wild ones” to the Norwood Branch Library for two unique offerings. Story Time with Mr. C. and Nature Encounters with Mr. Mike! Bring the entire family to enjoy books, songs, and nature activities with the Public Library of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Parks. • Location: St. Bernard Branch Library, Time: 10:30- 11:30 am,

cincinnatiparks.com

THURS 03 Show and Tell on the Farm - ABC's of Farm Life Letter C ABC's of Farm Life Show and Tell celebrates items on the farm that start with the letter C! You will be highlighting cashmere animals, cover crops and cornhusk dolls through fun activities, crafts and visiting the farm animals, too. • Location: Chrisholm MetroPark, Time: 10- 11 am, yourmetroparks.net FREE FRI 04 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. Each week will feature a new nature topic. • Location: Rowe Woods, Time: 10-11 am, cincynature.org

SAT 05̶SUN 13 Roald Dahl’s

Matilda the Musical JR. Broadway’s biggest little hero, Matilda, is an extraordinary little girl with a vivid imagination. Unloved by her cruel parents, Matilda is armed with astonishing wit, intelligence and mysterious powers. At school, she catches the eye of her sweet schoolteacher, Miss Honey, but also the mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who loves to think of clever ways to punish children. • Location: Taft Theatre, Time: see website for times, thechildrenstheatre.com/

shows/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical

SAT 05̶SUN 06 Love Your Craft Show 100 booths of artists, crafters, direct sellers, farmers, jewelry, home improvement, authors, canvas purses, plants and much more. • Location: Clark County Fairgrounds, Time: Fri 9 am- 4pm, Sat 10 am- 3 pm,

facebook.com/loveyourcraftshow

SUN 06 Show & Tell on the Farm - Donkey Hee Haw Ever heard of a Jack and Jenny? Learn about their donkeys on the farm through fun activities, crafts and visit with the other farm animals, too.v • Location: Chrisholm MetroPark, Time: 2-3 pm,

yourmetroparks.net FREE

MON 07 Drive-In Style Storytime: Preschool Join them for stories, songs and other fun learning activities designed to develop the language, literacy and social skills your preschooler needs for school success. Geared toward ages 3 through 5. • Location: West Carrollton, Time: 10:30-11 am,

daytonmetrolibrary.org FREE

MON 07̶SAT 12 Kindness Rocks Spread kindness with painted rocks. Use your creativity to paint a rock and then give the rock away to someone you care about. Registration is not required. While supplies last. • Location: Trotwood Branch Library, Time: All- day, daytonmetrolibrary.org FREE

TUES 08̶SUN 13 Calling All Animal Lovers Stop by the Nature Station in Sharon Centre to make a valentine (or two or three) for your favorite animals, and drop them in their mailboxes. You may see a photo of the animal reading your valentine on social media. • Location: Sharon Woods, Time: Tues-Fri 10 am- 5 pm, Sat- Sun 11 am- 6 pm, greatparks.org

TUES 08̶SAT 20 My Fair Lady

My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed? • Location: Aronoff Center for the Arts, Time: See website for times, cincinnati.broadway.com/

shows/my-fair-lady

WED 09 In Person STEM Stories Preschoolers (ages 3-5) and their caregivers are invited to build interest and skills in science and literacy by exploring STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) topics through stories and hands-on activities. Event will be held indoors, socially distanced. Masks are encouraged. Please register each family member who will be in attendance. • Location: North Central Branch Library, Time: 10-10:30 am, cincinnatilibrary.org FREE

THURS 10 In Person Storytime: Movers and Shakers You and your child will shake it together! Sing, dance and enjoy music, movement and fun. Don't forget to bring an instrument and, if you would like, a blanket to sit on in their children's area! • Location: Madeira Branch Library, Time: 10:30-11 am, cincinnatilibrary.org FREE

Pop Up Program - DIY Valentine Mailbox Get ready for your school's Valentine's Day Party by creating your very own Valentine Mailbox at the library. All craft supplies will be provided; you bring your creativity and imagination. This program will be held outside (weather-permitting). • Location: Northwest Branch Library, Time: 4-5 pm,

daytonmetrolibrary.org FREE

FRI 11 In Person: Preschool Play Art Join Ms. Melinda from the Wyoming Fine Arts Center as she shares a fun story and art related activity. Preschoolers and their grown-ups are welcome to explore with art materials and tools and get creative! Funded in part by ArtsWave. • Location: Reading Branch Library, Time: 10:30-11:15 am, cincinnatilibrary.org

FREE

FRI 11̶SUN 13 Dayton Ballet - Sapphire Celebration Dayton Ballet hails Artistic Director Karen Russo Burke’s 10th Anniversary and pushes the boundaries of technique and conversation of dance with this blue sapphire celebration! • Location: Victoria Theatre, Time: see website for times, daytonperformingarts.org/ticket/

sapphire-celebration

SAT 12 Love on the Levee Calling all Levee Lovebirds: grab your family, partner or besties and celebrate Valentine's Day early with themed sips and snacks, live music, and more from their collection of small, locally owned businesses. • Location: Newport on the Levee, Time: Noon, newportonthelevee.com

The Adventure Summit Come celebrate the spirit of outdoor adventure with inspiring presentations, motivating tales of adventure, bouldering comp, triathlon, live music and an expo of humanpowered outdoor recreation lifestyle and culture at this event presented by Wagner Subaru. • Location: Wright State University, Time: 9 am- 7:30 pm,

theadventuresummit.com FREE

From My Heart to Yours Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show someone just how much you care. Join them to create special handmade valentines for those you love. They also ask that you help us spread caring thoughts to some very special children by making an extra valentine that will be delivered to the kids at Dayton Children’s Hospital. • Location: Bellbrook Park District Headquarters, Time: 11 am- Noon,

bellbrooksugarcreekparks.org

SAT 12̶SUN 13 My Furry Valentine Mega Adoption Event Learn more about animal adoption including how to choose the right pet for your family, how to prepare for your new pet, and more. • Location: Sharonville Convention Center, Time: Noon- 5 pm,

myfurryvalentine.com

SUN 13 Valentine Gnome Hunt in the Nature Playscape Gnomes have taken over the Nature PlayScape, and they need your help finding them! Join them for some Valentine’s Day fun as they seek out their new hidden residents. See if you can find them all and solve the gnome’s riddle to win a prize! • Location: Rowe Woods, Time: 3-4 pm,

cincynature.com

The Great Valentine Hunt Celebrate Valentine's Day with the ones you love by hiking through the beautiful nature park as you hunt for hidden valentines! Follow the Chief Naturalist along the trails as you discover "Little Symbols of Love" and learn a few nature facts about Morris Reserve. • Location: Morris Reserve, Time: 2-3:30 pm,

bellbrooksugarcreekparks.org

Sensory Sundays The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery's Sensory Sunday program offers extended hours for local families with a member who has a sensory disorder, such as being on the autism spectrum. During these special hours, the Museum will adjust lighting and sound, have trained volunteers and additional staff, and offer programs that appeal to families who could benefit from a less stimulating atmosphere. • Location: Boonshoft Museum, Time: 10 am- Noon, boonshoftmuseum.org FREE *SN

MON 14 In Person Storytime: Toddler Encourage emerging language skills with books, rhymes, music and fun. • Location: Blue Ash Library, Time: 10:30-11 am, cincinnatilibrary.org FREE

TUES 15 Family Storytime Enjoy stories read aloud and a fun mix of age-appropriate early literacy activities. • Location: MidPointe Library West Chester, Time: 10:15- 10:45 am, midpointelibrary.org

FREE

WED 16 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 17̶SUN 27 Cinderella

Have a ball and fall in love with Cinderella! The enchanted heroine’s good deeds awaken a magical transformation thanks to a little help from her Fairy Godmother. Laugh out loud with the riotous Stepsisters, hilariously performed by male dancers, and marvel as an ordinary pumpkin becomes a spectacular carriage. The audience even becomes a part of the story in this clever production! Featuring sets and beautiful updated costumes, it’s sure to enchant audiences of all ages. • Location: Music Hall, Time: see website for times, cballet.org/ FRI 18 Cincinnati Cyclones Wizard Night They solemnly swear that they're up to no good! Join them as they celebrate wands and wizards by wearing specialty jerseys. • Location: Heritage Bank Center, Time: 7:30 pm,

cycloneshockey.com

Little Explorers Preschool Fun Each Little Explorers session will introduce toddlers to nature while learning about letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and so much more! This program is meant to help strengthen and build the skills that your preschooler is learning at home and at preschool while fostering a love of the outdoors. • Location: Bellbrook Park District Headquarters, Time: 10:30-11:30 am,

bellbrooksugarcreekparks.org

FRI 18̶SUN 20 Miami County

Home & Garden Show As Spring approaches, get ready to tackle all your home improvement projects! If you are looking for the newest and best in local home improvement specialists, look no further than the Miami County Home Show. • Location: Hobart Arena, Time: Fri 2-7 pm, Sat 10 am- 7 pm, Sun 10 am- 4 pm, miamicountyhomeshow.com

SAT 19 Super Science Saturday The Boonshoft Museum is committed to providing the greater Dayton community with science-focused programming and fun for the entire family. These special learning days include access to the Special Exhibitions, Space Theater Shows (limited seating available), and public programming. • Location: Boonshoft Museum, Time: 10 am- 4 pm,

boonshoftmuseum.org FREE

SAT 19 & SAT 26 Maple Fest Revel in the magic of maple season! Sample maple beer and edible delights, and join in games, crafts, and stories that are sure to be fun for all ages. Member adults $12, member children $5; nonmember adults $18, nonmember children $11 (includes daily admission). • Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, Time: 2-6 pm,

cincynature.org

SAT & SUN, FEBRUARY 12-13

MY FURRY VALENTINE MEGA ADOPTION EVENT AT SHARONVILLE CONVENTION CENTER

SUN 20 Cincinnati Cyclones Military Appreciation + Sensory Friendly + Blanket Giveaway The Cyclones will show their appreciation for those who previously and currently serve in the military. This game will also be a Sensory Friendly Game with decreased auditory and visual stimulation for those who have sensory sensitivities or suffer from PTSD. • Location: Heritage Bank Center, Time: 3 pm, cycloneshockey.com

Art Hops at Front Street Join them at Front Street for live music, live art demos, food trucks, art exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks! Explore more than fifty studios, galleries, and boutiques. • Location: Front Street, Time: 5-9 pm, frontstreet.art

FREE

MON 21 Jump, Wiggle, and Shout This program is all about silly wiggles, goofy babbles, and having fun and making friends. Your little one will have a blast movin' and groovin' to music while developing coordination, balance, listening skills, and gross motor skills. An adult companion must attend. The program will take place outdoors; rain cancels. Pre-registration is required. • Location: Bellbrook Park District Headquarters, Time: 11 am- Noon,

bellbrooksugarcreekparks.org

Presidents' Day Skate Spend the holiday at the MetroParks Ice Rink! • Location: RiverScape MetroPark, Time: 11 am- 5 pm, metroparks.

org

TUES 22 Storytime: Preschool Enjoy books, songs, activities and more, while building early literacy skills. • Location: Symmes Township Library, Time: 10:30-11 am, cincinnatilibrary.org

FREE

WED 23 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 24 Planning a Butterfly Garden Winter is the time to plan out your butterfly garden! As a family, you will learn what butterflies need and about the best plants for your space. Then together, you will create a design for your yard. This is a “Tools to Trek” program. Recommended for ages 6 and up. • Location: Activity Center Park, Time: 6-7:30 pm, cwpd.org

Show and Tell on the Farm - Mini Gardens Come to Show and Tell to learn about health benefits and how to grow your very own mini-garden. There will be fun hands-on activities including making your own mini-garden. You will visit with the farm animals too. • Location: Chrisholm MetroPark, Time: 10-11 am, yourmetroparks.net FREE

FRI 25̶SUN 27 Shen Yun SHEN YUN’S unique artistic vision expands the theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures -- the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture. This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. • Location: Aronoff Center, Time: see website for times, cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/

shen-yun

SAT 26 Forts in the Forest Build forts with what nature provides — sticks, leaves, mud or snow! Prizes will be awarded for most creative use of materials, most livable and most woodland fairy-tastic. All ages. • Location: Forest Walk Park, Time: 3-4:30 pm,

cwpd.org

Sensory Saturday @ Cincinnati Art Museum Join them for a socially distanced version of the Cincinnati Art Museum program for families with children who have developmental disabilities. As families enter, they will receive a map that designates galleries with learning centers with instructions on the back. At each learning center there will be a bin of brown bags labeled “ready to play” in the marked galleries. • Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, Time: 9:30-11:30 am,

cincinnatiartmuseum.org FREE *SN

SUN 27 Family Skate Day Join them in closing out the ice-skating season and celebrate Parker the Penguin's birthday during NEW Family Skate Day! Enjoy visiting the animal ambassadors, making crafts, food specials and skating along to family-friendly music all afternoon long! • Location: RiverScape MetroPark, Time: 1- 5 pm, metroparks.org

Cincinnati Cyclones Ice Cream "Sunday" Bowl Enjoy this Sunday by getting your very own Sundae Bowl which includes a Cyclones Ice Cream Bowl & Spoon (First 1,500 Kids ages 2-12). • Location: Heritage Bank Center, Time: 3 pm,

cycloneshockey.com

MON 28 Baby Storytime 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

ONGOING EVENTS

Hamilton 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

Everything Thomas Through February 28. Visit their indoor celebration of Thomas the Train with Thomas-themed train layouts, videos, scavenger hunt, coloring & crafts. Enjoy the indoor kid’s train ride PLUS see all of the Thomas merchandise that is 15%-50% off! • 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/

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

Martin's Dream 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 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.