March & April 2020| Dayton Parent

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MARCH/ APRIL 2020

let them

PLAY

Why play is so important in preschool

ROAD TRIP

6 museums worth the drive

+

2020

C A MP GUIDE

contents

MARCH/APRIL 2020

23

16 departments

feature

In Every Issue

Parenting

06 Letter from the Editor 07 Our Cover Kid

08 Prevent TV and

Around Town

16

Let Them Play

Why play is so important in preschool.

Furniture Tip Overs

22 Need a Mentor?

Go to Camp!

24 Raising Happy, Healthy Kids Outdoors

Resources & Calendars

Travel

23 Summer Camp Guide

12 Let's Go to a

26 To Do With Your Crew

Museum

27 Fun & Wacky Calendar

Sponsored Content 10 Helping Our Students Shine

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

Publisher Mary Wynne Cox mary@daytonparentmagazine.com Associate Publisher & Advertising Hannah Mohler hannah@daytonparentmagazine.com Editor Nicole Sipe nicolesipe@daytonparentmagazine.com Account Executives Katie Clark katie@daytonparentmagazine.com Brooke Litherland brooke@cdaytonparentmagazine.com

Come Out and Play We are in the last couple of months at our play-based preschool. Come May, we will have to say goodbye to the community of families that welcomed us, wholeheartedly and unconditionally, when we moved to the Midwest from California almost six years ago.

Next stop for my youngest son: elementary school!

But I’m not going to write about how much I will miss our little cooperative nursery school.

Not yet, at least. We are still in the thick of it: playing, getting muddy, gluing, painting, building and sharing on the daily.

The other day, after I picked him up from another day of play, my son asked me why he doesn’t do any learning at his school. He has seen his older brother, a second grader, come home with worksheets full of math problems and assignments that have him creating slideshows about Antarctica. My youngest wanted to know why he wasn’t doing any real learning like that.

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I tried to explain to my 5-year-old son that all the fun things he’s doing in school is learning.

When he plays games, he’s learning how to take turns and cooperate with others. When he’s building with blocks, he’s learning simple geometry and logic. When he’s squishing slime, he’s being introduced to science. But that is what’s so magical about play: Kids are learning and they don’t even realize it.

As you can imagine, our feature article in this issue, Let Them Play on page 16, is right up my alley. I am a big proponent of play in early childhood. (I’ve seen the benefits first-hand!)

This article will share with you many reasons why play — that oh-so-important thing that doesn’t always look so important when it is happening — is essential for a child’s development.

Fred Rogers said it better than I ever could: “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I March / April 2020

EDITOR

Production Manager Karen Ring karen@daytonparentmagazine.com Creative Director Katie Clark katie@daytonparentmagazine.com

Digital Publisher Wendy Hasser wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com Digital Editor Brooke Litherland brooke@daytonparentmagazine.com

Billing billing@daytonparentmagazine.com

Contributing Writers Rachael Dupree, Lauren Lemons, Haley Paddock

Calendar of Events calendar@daytonparentmagazine.com

Contact Us daytonparent@daytonparent magazine.com

Dayton Parent Magazine is published bi-monthly. Copyright 2019

by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein.

OUR COVER KID:

PENELOPE

[nickname] Penny [age] 3 years old [my favorites] COLOR FOOD MOVIE SONG BOOK

Pink Cupcakes Moana Down in My Heart Llama, Llama Red Pajama

[an interesting fact about me] I can play the piano!

COVER PHOTO BY: Flash Photography

flashphotodayton.com

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PARENTING

BROUGHT TO YOU BY DAYTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Prevent TV and Furniture Tip Overs Keep your curious climber safe by securing heavy items.

Here are five ways you can prevent TV and furniture tip overs in your home:

When it comes to our children, our numberone priority is to protect them. Just like you protect your child by buckling them into the proper car seat restraint or putting their helmet and knee pads on when riding their bike, you should also take the steps to protect them from TV and furniture tip overs.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, every day, 10 kids visit the emergency department because of a television tip over, and every three weeks a child dies from a television tip over. Kids can be quite adventurous, and climbing to the top of a dresser or bookcase may seem like a lot of fun. And although we tell them no, their curiosity gets the best of them. But curiosity can result in serious injuries if TVs and furniture are not properly secured.

* Place your television on a low, stable piece of furniture that can hold the TV’s weight, if you are not mounting it on a wall. Older box-style TVs are much heavier than newer flat screen televisions. * Attach any TV to the wall, either with a wall mount or a tether strap. TVs are a significant tipping hazard because of their high center of gravity and

narrow base.

The damage caused when a TV or piece of furniture falls on a child can be devastating. “The weight can crush a child’s skull and do severe internal damage to the body,” says Lisa Schwing, RN and trauma program manager for Dayton Children’s Hospital.

“Even if the impact is not fatal, often the child cannot get out from under the item. If mom or dad isn’t right there, the child can suffocate under the pressure.”

Even the lightest piece of furniture, such as a small bookcase, weighs 25 pounds. Most pieces, such as dressers and TVs, weigh much more — 50 or 100 pounds or more. Adding clothing or heavy items only adds to the weight that can come crashing down on a child if the furniture is not secured.

* Make sure that all cords are tucked away and out of reach of children. * Use brackets, braces or wall straps to secure all large pieces of furniture — not just TVs — to the wall. This includes bookcases, dressers and grandfather clocks, to name a few. * With large dressers, use the bottom drawers for heavier items and clothing.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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SPONSORED CONTENT

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BISHOP LEIBOLD SCHOOL

Helping Our Students Shine Co-curricular activities at Bishop Leibold School At Bishop Leibold School, we are helping our students to realize and develop their individual talents every day. You will find enhancements to our unique curriculum programming to help students take their learning to the next level.

Students live their faith through countless service projects and student-led organizations. Our Leibold Leaders program allows our students to plan and execute school fundraisers and special events, many that benefit our sister school in Nairobi. Junior high students complete hundreds of hours of community service on behalf of the school prior to graduation. Annually the students raise funds to help support the Clean Water Project organized by The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

Students enhance their love of art through before and after school art, drawing, and clay clubs. Our teachers submit their art to various organizations for consideration in programs like the Montgomery County Violence Prevention Calendar each year.

STEAM Saturdays are just one of many examples of fostering a love for the arts and STEM at Bishop Leibold. Students take their love of science a step further with activities like STEM- an after school STEM club, robotics competition squads, visits from MIT students, our annual family ScienceFEST and so much more.

Students develop an understanding of careers in fields of their interest with relevant learning experiences! Site visits to local businesses, guest speakers, and hands-on learning experiences allow them to find their true passions.

There is something for every student at Bishop Leibold.

Reading and writing are explored on a deeper level in our lunchtime reading and writing groups. Our annual spelling and geography bees are competitive and a huge showcase of talents! Our goal is to help develop the whole student.

Call us today for more information or to schedule a private tour! We can be reached online at bishopleibold.org or 937-866-3021. We look forward to meeting you and your student soon!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY PHOTO CREDITS

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BISHOP LEIBOLD SCHOOL

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TRAVEL

WORDS BY KAREN RING

Let’s Go to a Museum

These fun, educational and family-friendly museums are worth the drive.

You don’t have to look very hard to find some amazing museums in Dayton. From Boonshoft Museum of Discovery to Carillon Historical Park, this city boasts a plethora of museums right here in our own back yard. But if you and your family are in the mood for a little road trip, here are our suggestions for museums that are worth a little extra wear and tear on the family vehicle.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana There are many reasons why people flock from around the globe to visit this, the world’s largest children’s museum, but here’s a big one: It’s truly amazing. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is five floors of educational fun for all ages, and there is even more reason to visit with the addition of Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience, which opens for the season in mid-March. This 7.5-acre outdoor health and fitness area encourages movement with interactive exhibits that let visitors try out a variety of sports, including tennis, football, basketball, golf and more.

3000 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis childrensmuseum.org

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COSI Columbus, Ohio Touch dinosaur fossils, test flying objects, bike on a unicycle above the crowd, dance on musical stairs: COSI (Center of Science and Industry) takes learning about STEM subjects to a whole other level. This world-class museum is fun for all ages, and caregivers will appreciate the beverage bar on the first floor, where you can grab a custom-made latte to fuel you for the day ahead (or a glass of wine to toast your visit… we won’t judge!).

333 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio cosi.org

Kentucky Science Center Louisville, Kentucky Is it a children’s museum or is it a science center? We say it’s both!

There are so many things to experience at Kentucky Science Center, the largest hands-on science center in the state. Design a roller coaster, build a magnetic tile structure, play with wind tunnels and much more. When you’ve explored all three floors of interactive exhibits, kick back and relax in Kentucky’s only four-story, 3D digital theater that is located in the museum, where you can watch everything from documentary films to Hollywood hits.

727 W. Main Street, Louisville kysciencecenter.org

The Magic House St. Louis, Missouri This national award-winning interactive children’s museum provides fun, hands-on learning activities that encourage creativity. The museum staff invites kids to role play, conduct experiments and get physical on the hopscotch courts in the outdoor play garden. Currently, the museum offers an exhibit on Argentina (through November), a construction zone, Star-Spangled Banner with replica oval office, bubble room and more. And there is a cool coloring area where kids can color 2D cars, planes and houses, then scan their creations and watch as they become 3D and virtually move around the walls with all the other kids’ creations.

516 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis magichouse.org

Science Central Fort Wayne, Indiana When there’s an indoor tunnel slide in the museum that will whisk you from one f loor to the next, you know you’re in for a good time. But Science Central is not just fun and games — although there are plenty of both.

This museum is northeast Indiana’s only science center, and it’s where you can learn about physical, natural and applied

sciences in the best way: with hands-on displays. If you have kiddos ages 7 and younger, head to the third f loor, where you’ll find an area just for them, with water tables and a mini climber.

1950 N. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne sciencecentral.org

Bradford Ohio Railroad Museum Bradford, Ohio Train lovers of all ages and history buffs: This is the museum for you.

The Bradford Ohio Railroad Museum celebrates the heritage and impact that the railroad had upon the Midwest, as well as the people who worked within the railroad industry. On display are photos, memorabilia and interactive exhibits, as well as children’s play area featuring play exhibits that little hands can touch, a Thomas the Train set and much more.

200 N. Miami Ave., Bradford, Ohio bradfrodmuseum.org

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L E T

T H EM

PLAY

Why play is so important in preschool.

WORDS BY RACHAEL DUPREE

As your child emerges from toddlerhood and gets ready for preschool, you’re likely to have all the feels. Sadness over your baby growing up. Pride in your intelligent little human. Anxiety over getting their education started out on the right foot.

This last one is the clincher. Although pre-K enrollment isn’t mandatory for Ohio children, research shows it improves school readiness, and the state is backing it up with funding to improve preschool access to 3- and 4-year-olds. As a result, the number and types of preschool programs available can be overwhelming: half-day, whole-day, full-week, partial-week, STEM curriculums, literacyfocused instruction. With all these things to think about, it may be easy to overlook one very important aspect of your child’s academic development that should be part of their preschool experience: play.

The Work of Children Believe or not, play is critical to a preschooler’s learning. As they say, “Play is the work of children,” and it’s true. Through play, children develop a number of critical skills that set them up for academic success in kindergarten and beyond, including: · Creativity · Communication · Complex language abilities · Problem-solving and reasoning · Relationship-building · Spatial awareness · Impulse control · Increased attention Yes, your child can really get all of that from playing with blocks and performing puppet shows.

“Research shows us that humans learn best when able to take an active role in their learning, have direct and hands-on experience with the materials, when it is meaningful to the learner and when it is offered in a social context,” says Kristi Kirinch, an educator in Dayton.

“This sounds like play!”

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While, according to Kirinch, play means children are free to engage with and manipulate their environment, it can take a couple different forms in the classroom: child-selected play (aka free play) — think your child playing house or making mud pies — or adult-directed play, as in this example from Kirinch: “If I am wanting children to learn about different types of apples, or perhaps to practice their comparison skills with these apples, I simply would not provide them with a worksheet with pictures of apples. I would provide them with the apples to taste, smell, explore, touch.”

Maybe they play a game where they count the apples, or cut them in half for making apple stamps — anything that follows the interests of the child and builds on their natural curiosities.

Decisions, Decisions So back to making that difficult choice: Where to send your child to preschool?

As with all decisions, it’s important to figure out what you want out of the preschool experience. Every child has unique needs, and it may benefit you to list out some qualities you expect out of a program before you begin your search. If an emphasis on play is important to you — and if you believe the research, it should — be ready to ask questions of the various preschool programs you visit:

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What is the curriculum? A school that focuses heavily on academics and worksheets may not be the best environment for a child to engage in play.

What is the program’s philosophy on play? Do they consider play to be essential to learning in the early years?

Is at least a third of the day (hopefully more) devoted to play?

What is the daily routine like?

Ask to observe a classroom, recommends Kirinch. Are children engaged in various learning activities? Is a variety of materials available to children? Are different areas of the room set up for play? If a large part of the day is devoted to group activities, this could indicate a lack of play time.

Do the teachers articulate a difference between child-led and directed play? Observe if the teachers are engaged and asking open-ended questions of children during play — this can be helpful in developing critical thinking, Kirinch

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I March / April 2020

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning.

Play is really the work of childhood.”

—MR. ROGERS says. However, be skeptical of those that are too hands-off or overly involved in directing play.

Homework Time Regardless of where you send your child to preschool, your home is one of the richest learning (and play!) environments for your child, so don’t let the fun stop when the school bell rings. Allow time on evenings and weekends to play as a family.

First things first: Turn devices off. When your kids aren’t caught up in the drama of a television show or a video game, their imaginations have room to soar. Play doesn’t have to be overly complicated.

There’s no need to “entertain” your kids, and you can include fun in some of the normal parts of your routine.

“Take walks, and play ‘I spy’ games while on those walks,” Kirinch says. “While at the grocery store, have your child help you select the needed items.”

Sing songs together. Cook together. Above all, enjoy being a family together.

Before you know it, they will be off in the real world, and you’ll miss this cherished time.

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PARENTING

WORDS BY THE AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION

Need a Mentor?

Go to Camp!

Mentors are critical to the development of children and youth. And these positive relationships with mentors are developed and encouraged each year at camp.

The idea of a mentor is an ancient one. In Greek mythology, when Odysseus, King of Ithaca, went to battle in the Trojan War, he placed his friend, Mentor, in charge of his son and his kingdom. Today, a “mentor” has become synonymous with someone who imparts wisdom to and shares knowledge with a less experienced person. Mentoring relationships are special and often life-changing.

The camp experience is uniquely designed to foster these relationships. When counselors and camp staff engage with campers, they are not just teaching — they are using the core elements of positive mentoring relationships.

• Camp counselors share and teach through stories and anecdotes. They impart wisdom from their own successes and failures, and offer the insight that comes from experience.

• Camp counselors model appropriate behaviors. They show campers how to play fairly, show empathy, and win and lose gracefully.

• Camp counselors guide campers through the learning landscape of life. They teach the things that cannot be taught in school, such as how to live with others, how to build friendships, how to lead and how to work as a team.

• Camp counselors support campers emotionally. They offer reassurance when situations become difficult or overwhelming. Counselors are there to not only lend a hand but to help campers work through difficult moments and feel the sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering obstacles.

These relationships aren’t just a nice addition to childhood and young adult development — kids need them. They need nurturing mentors — people outside of their family that take an interest in who they are, root for their successes, and help them learn that failures are critical stepping stones on the path of success. Each year, for millions of children and youth, those relationships are developed at camp.

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DP SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2020 Answers in Genesis 2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd., Petersburg, Kentucky 41080, Phone: (888) 582-4253, creationmuseum.org/ camp Dates: Jun 15-19, Jun 24-26, Jul 22-24

Get Ready to Explore! At Explore Camp, your kids will experience hands-on labs and learn key science principles in a fun, engaging way.

With loads of activities and teaching from world-class speakers, they’ll dive into botany, forensics, zoology, astronomy, and much more.

Beavercreek Summer Day Camp Fairbrook Elementary, 260 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek, OH 45430; Phone: (937) 427-5514, beavercreekohio. gov/606/Summer-Day-Camps Dates: June 1- July 31, 2020, Ages: 6 - 13

Campers will explore the outdoors, participate in activities, play games, create crafts, and meet new friends.

Campers are split into 3 groups weekly based on age and enjoy a field trip each Wednesday.

Registration begins March 2nd. Early bird discounts available before April 15th. Camp hours: 9:30 - 3:30 (structured activities), Extended hours: 7:30 - 9:30 and 3:30 - 5:30 (free play; free of charge)

Camp Kroc - The Salvation Army Dayton Kroc Center 1000 N. Keowee Street, Dayton, Ohio 45404, Phone: (937) 528-5114, kroc. salvationarmy.org/DaytonKroc/ daycamp Dates: June 1st - July 24, Break June 29th -July 3rd Early Bird Registration: March 1, 2019 - March 30, 2019, $145/week per child/ General Registration: April 1, 2019 - May 24, 2019, $160/week per child.

Income-based, partial scholarships and payment plans are available.

Ages: 6-12

Camp Kroc is an ACA accredited day camp run by The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Dayton, Ohio. This camp offers character-building classes, recreation/playtime, and field trips each week. Some of the field trips include the Columbus Zoo, Young's Jersey Dairy, COSI, and Legoland. New for 2020: Kroc Pond Splash Pad Days, Bonus King's Island day for campers and a parent (some restrictions apply), Picnic Thursdays, Inflatables, Playtime at the new Kroc Park. Cost: Camp Registration Fee- Non-refundable: $20 per child ($40 max per family)

Decoy Art Center Summer Art Camps 3491 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432, Phone: (937) 431-4838, decoy-art.com Dates: Weekly in July

Get creative! Art Camps held weekly for budding artists - from Toddlers to Intensive Clay Experiences. Painting, clay, drawing and much more are explored in our TAB learning environment. TAB allows the student to be the artist and the classroom is their art studio - our teaching artists encourage their imagination, assist with their ideas and reflect on the outcome to foster artistic behaviors.

Mayflower Arts Center 9 West Main Street, Troy, OH 45373; Phone: (937) 552-5848; mayflowerartscenter.com Dates: June 9- August 7 Ages: PreK- Adult

camps are designed to heighten imagination through creative and technical exploration, incorporating techniques learned both individually and collaboratively. Register by May 12 and SAVE $10 on select camps!

Details at mayflowerartscenter. com.

Settler Survival Camp at Carillon Historical Park 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, Ohio 45409, Phone: (937) 293-2841, daytonhistory. org/events/historical-experiences/ settler-survival-camp/

Washington Township Recreation Summer Camps 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459, Phone: (937) 433-0130, washingtontwp.org/camp Dates: June 1-August 14

Washington Township offers 11 weeks of summer camp for ages 3-14.

Campers participate in a variety of traditional camp activities including canoeing and swimming while traveling to local destinations on field trips! Our art and theatre camps are perfect for campers with a creative streak. AM/PM extended care is available.

Dates: July 6-10, July 13-17 & July 27-31, 2020 | 9am–4pm Daily

Held in July, Settler Survival Camp at Carillon Historical Park is five days of early settlement fun. The Miami Valley comes to life from an early settler's perspective during this exciting camp. Learn about historic woodworking, early travel methods, hearth cooking, textiles, gardening, and so much more! Ages 8-12.

VTA Theatre Arts Summer Camps 46 W 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402, Phone: (937) 461-8581, victoriatheatre.com/ create-learn/ Dates: June 22 -26; Jun 29-Jul 3; Jul 6-10; Jul 14-17, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Ages: Rising 1st - 12th Grades / 6 -18

VTA has more summer camps than ever! Learn how to clown, perform comedy, sing, dance, and act in scenes from Broadway shows, or use your imaginations to create stories, costumes, and escape rooms! There is something for almost everyone. No theatre experience is required for any of our camps!

YMCA of Greater Dayton Multiple Locations, Phone: (937) 223-5201, bitly.com/YMCACamp2020 Dates: May-August 2020 (session dates vary by location)

Whether you choose one week or all summer, YMCA Day Camp fits your schedule and provides fun and enriching activities for your child.

The Day Camps offered through the YMCA of Greater Dayton are certified through the American Camping Association. Campers work together in many activities which lead to the development of teamwork skills, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships. Join us this summer for all of the fun! Choose from any of our 13 locations in the Greater Dayton area.

BE PART OF NEXT ISSUE'S GUIDE CONTACT HANNAH@ DAYTONPARENT MAGAZINE.COM

We are excited to unveil our 8th summer with 25 creative visual and performing arts camps for 2020! Our

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AROUND TOWN

BROUGHT TO YOU BY LAUREN LEMONS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS

Raising Happy, Healthy Kids Outdoors A volunteer experience for those of all ages, Adopt-a-Park is a great way to introduce children to giving back to nature and the community. This year’s Adopt-a-Park is also part of MetroParks’ Healing Nature initiative, which will provide residents and municipalities affected by last year’s tornadoes with tree seedlings to rebuild greenspaces.

During last year’s Memorial Day tornados, Stacie Koogler and her son, River Ruh, spent the evening braving the storms in a closet, wearing their bike helmets. The next morning, she and River were ready to help. Buying water, diapers, wipes and more for those who were displaced, Koogler was compelled to do something positive.

During Adopt-a-Park, volunteers will help plant trees in areas around Montgomery County that experienced extensive tree loss. Learn more by visiting metroparks.org/healing-nature.

Since that day Koogler — along with a community of her downtown Dayton peers — has supported those affected by last summer’s tragic events. Her retreat when she needs to decompress and spend quality time with her son? Nature.

“Sometimes, I need a muddy creek under my feet,” Koogler says. “Sometimes, I have to be creative to find ways to involve River so I can do the things that I want to do, and I’m able to take him along on so many adventures because he likes being outdoors too.”

River has been hitting Five Rivers MetroParks’ trails with his mom before he could walk. Koogler would put him in a carrier and take short adventures with the group Hike It Baby. Now 3, River is at home in the outdoors, munching on veggies from his preschool’s garden, identifying plants and exploring more independently. Koogler also believes time spent outdoors has helped River grow developmentally.

“He’s a risk taker — he’s very good at thinking outside the box and problem solving,” Koogler says.

“I love watching him experience things for the first time.”

River also has fused vertebrae and wears an orthopedic brace. Koogler says time outside provides him with extra physical therapy, which is important for his growth.

Indeed, nature-based experiences are crucial to those of all ages — especially early learners.

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FAMILY FAVORITES According to the Child Mind Institute, children who regularly spend time outdoors experience myriad benefits, from building creativity and imagination to reducing stress and fatigue.

Don’t know where to start exploring with your family?

Here are Stacie and River’s top MetroParks picks:

Adults share many of these same benefits when spending time in nature, and Koogler is a great example.

FAVORITE METROPARK: Koogler loves Cox Arboretum MetroPark, in addition to parks with ample hiking opportunities such as Germantown, Twin Creek and Taylorsville MetroParks. River is fond of Wesleyan, Wegerzyn, Carriage Hill and Possum Creek MetroParks.

The single mom and Oregon District resident works at two of its female-owned businesses, Heart Mercantile and Beck + Call. Koogler and her co-workers led a charge to raise funds and gather supplies after 2019’s tornadoes and Oregon District mass shooting. Between work, helping rebuild a community and being a parent, Koogler still prioritizes time spent outside for her and River’s wellbeing.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Stacie loves kayaking, hiking, and relaxing by rivers and creeks. River loves the Children’s Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark and the farm animals at Possum Creek and Carriage Hill MetroParks. They both agree the best opportunity for playing in a creek is at Wesleyan MetroPark.

Stacie considers Wesleyan a hidden gem, along with Possum Creek MetroPark.

They have visited all 18 MetroParks and regularly attend MetroParks’ special events and programs.

They are also regulars at the 2nd Street Market, where vendors look forward to visits from River.

FAVORITE PROGRAMS AND EVENTS: Stacie and River are regulars at the annual Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, held the first weekend in October, and at the Spooky Garden Celebration at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark in late October.

They walk to RiverScape MetroPark to enjoy summer festivals, special events and more. They particularly love Yoga in the Park. Stacie likes that it’s an outdoor experience so she doesn’t have to worry about River making noise and being a kid.

He affectionately calls the pose downward dog “upside down face.”

“The MetroParks are so diverse,” Koogler says.

“There’s something different to do at each one.”

On deck for the mother-son adventure team?

Koogler, who loves the water, wants to paddle more with River. Additionally, they look forward to volunteering with MetroParks.

PHOTO CREDIT

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I March / April 2020

FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS

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TO DO WITH YOUR CREW

MASTERCHEF JUNIOR LIVE! For one night only on March 7, this familyfriendly show will feature head-to-head cooking demonstrations and fun (sometimes messy!) challenges with past MasterChef Junior contestants, in an immersive audience experience that is fun for all ages. Limited VIP packages are available, and include a premium seat, meet-and-greet experience, signed show poster, photos and more.

Presented at Victoria Theatre, see Che (season 7 winner), Avery, Mikey and Quani (season 6 winners). It’s a recipe for a guaranteed good time! victoriatheatre.com/ shows/masterchef-juniorlive

2020 HOOPLA STEM CHALLENGE Ready to shoot some hoops? Ready to learn something new? Is tinkering, building and creating something awesome your thing? Then Dayton Hoopla has just the event for you! On March 15, bring your family to participate in an exciting and free basketball and educational event for boys and girls, grades K-8, at Chaminade Julienne High School. The Hoopla STEM Challenge is a free hotshot basketball contest with prizes given away for every shot made: free pizza, Hoopla t-shirts, 2020 NCAA First Four tickets, other cool prizes and multiple grand prizes!

Regional and national partners will be on site for the family-friendly science, technology, engineering and math program designed to engage students and excite them about the power of STEM education. daytonhoopla.com

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SCIENCE SATURDAY: FROM OUT BACK TO THE OUTBACK Join the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery for Super Science Saturday, March 21, as we celebrate 50 years of Earth Day! All Super Saturday Events are FREE ADMISSION from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Themed From Out Back to the Outback, the focus of the day explores the Museum's backyard and compares it to Australia's Outback with science theater demonstrations, nature games, a special Science on a Sphere show, and hands-on activities!

The day includes our Discovery Zoo animal ambassadors who tour the building, greeting guests throughout the day.

Additional Super Science Saturday free events are May 16, August 15, and The Dayton Science Festival on November 21.

boonshoftmuseum.org/ events-activities/ community-events/

SUGAR MAPLE FESTIVAL The 42nd Sugar Maple Festival in beautiful downtown Bellbrook is back again to welcome spring! Sit by the creek and listen to live entertainment. Visit food vendors and browse craft booths while children enjoy free children’s activities. Guests can bring home a complementary tree to plant at home, and of course, purchase authentic Ohio-made maple syrup! Don’t miss this festival while the beginning of spring is in the air on April 24 through the 26! sugarmaplefestival.com

ROALD DAHL’S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Roald Dahl’s amazing tale is now Dayton’s golden ticket! It’s the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film! Willy Wonka is opening his marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory … to a lucky few.

That includes Charlie Bucket, whose bland life is about to burst with color and confection beyond his wildest dreams. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination. Experience the wonders of Wonka like never before at Victoria Theatre April 28-May 3 at the Schuster Center! victoriatheatre.com/ shows/charlie-and-thechocolate-factory

fun and WACKY DAYTON PARENT'S

CALENDAR

Did you know that there is an official holiday for just about anything you can think of?

Here are a few fun days worth celebrating!

MARCH 3/2

DR. SEUSS DAY

BUZZARDS DAY

Celebrate these feathered scavengers.

Oh, the places you’ll go!

CORN DOG DAY

Gotta love food on a stick.

GRAMMAR DAY

We no its you’re favorite day.

DENTIST’S DAY

Say ahhh!

3/9

NAPPING DAY

Catch up on your zzz’s.

3/12

PLANT A FLOWER DAY

Get ready for spring!

3/23

4/2

CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY

What’s your favorite read?

3/21

3/4

3/6

APRIL

3/15

4/4

WALK AROUND THINGS DAY

But not under or over.

PUPPY DAY

4/19

We love our little furry friends!

4/7

3/29

Permission to take a break.

NO HOUSEWORK DAY

NEIGHBOR DAY

Won’t you be mine?

3/31

4/23

4/9

UNICORN DAY

The most magical,

CRAYOLA CRAYON mythical day.

DAY

Get out your coloring books.

TALK LIKE SHAKESPEARE DAY

Unleash thy inner bard.

4/10

4/26

Give your sis or bro a hug today.

No horsing around: Be a good “neigh”-bor.

SIBLING DAY

4/15

TAKE A WILD GUESS DAY

Go on, give it a shot.

SOURCE: daysoftheyear.com

BICYCLE DAY

Hop on your wheels and go!

HELP A HORSE DAY

4/29

WORLD WISH DAY

Make your dreams come true.

March / April 2020 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

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