April Dayton Dozen: Guide to Family-Friendly Events

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This events post is presented in partnership with Panera Bread. We are grateful for their partnership in helping us provide this resource to local families.

We want to offer a special thank you to our sponsor for this month’s Dayton Dozen… Panera Bread. With Rapid Pick Up (and even delivery from select locations), you can count on Panera to keep your family eating healthy and delicious no matter the month/season! (And as the case may be lately… even if you can’t tell what the season is supposed to be!) With the days full of unpredictable weather, we know you will want to take full advantage of those sunnier days when we have them. Spend less time cooking and more time as a family – Let Panera serve you dinner!



So… besides the recent crazy weather, can we officially say that Spring is here?! I’m doing it. Here goes:  SPRING IS HERE!!!! If you’re soooo ready to get the kids out of the house and go enjoy some sun and even more important, some FUN, then check out these events for an amazing time!

 1. Sloth Presentation @ Boonshoft Museum of Discovery– Dayton

(OK, I know this one is March, but you can get close to a SLOTH, so it needed to be included!)

DMB Tip*** You’ll want to plan plenty of time to visit the museum too, as this is part of your ticket admission on this day. Seats are limited, so get there early. 

  • March 31, 12:00-12:30 pm
  • Admission: $14.50 Adults & $11.50 Kids (over 3)
  • All ages (it’s a fairly short program and the museum is great for all size kids) 

Spend time in a virtual rainforest with Patience, as the planetarium is transformed into a sloth habitat. This program will highlight the habitat and various conservation concerns about sloths. At the end of the show guests can even approach the sloth for an up close look (but no touching).

2. Create a Canvas @ Cedarville Library– Cedarville

DMB Tip*** You can register for this until the 5:30 start time. Remember, dress for the mess.

  • April 5, 5:30 pm-7:00 pm
  • Free
  • Ages 9-11

Come to the library for a fun evening of painting with local artist Cheryl Kerns, and take home your finished painting! Supplies will be provided. No prior painting experience is required.

3. Geocaching 101 @ Narrows Reserve Nature Center– Xenia

DMB Tip*** Once you get the hang of geocaching, there are plenty of opportunities to go hunting with your family. Check out your App Store for plenty of inexpensive options to get you out there!

  • April 7, 6:00-7:00 pm
  • Free; Donations Accepted
  • All ages

 If you enjoy scavenger hunts or like to use technology, but want to be out enjoying the outdoors, this is for you! This beginner’s course will teach you how the game is played, how to use your GPS or phone to locate caches and then try some easy caching around the nature center.  

4. Ohio Night Stalkers @ Centerville Library– Centerville

DMB Tip*** There are no reservations for this event but seating is limited due to fire code regulations. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m.

  • April 7,   2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
  • Free
  • All ages

Mike Miller and Mike Feltner of the Ohio Night Stalkers will give updates on the tracking of Bigfoot in Ohio. Yes- Bigfoot in OHIO! The duo have appeared on Destination America TV, nation-wide radio shows, etc.

 5. Recycle and Reuse- Plastics @ Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Park District– Bellbrook

DMB Tip*** Registration is required to be sure there is a minimum number met. Sign up by April 9.

  • Apr 11, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
  • Free
  • All ages

Learn to use the thermoform method of recycling plastic and be able to describe the physical changes in matter required for the recycling of plastic, glass and metals. Learn why recycling plastic is a difficult process and why we need to recycle to help our Earth! 

6. Shaving Cream Painting @ Dayton Metro Library-Dayton

DMB Tip*** This is a great activity to do at home too. You can paint with shaving cream by adding a little bit of white glue. It will dry puffy and soft!

  • April 11, 4:00 pm-5:00 pm
  • Grades K-4th

Build and paint with shaving cream. Wear clothing that can get messy.

7. Goat Yoga @ Secret Eden– Dayton

DMB Tip*** Goats like to put everything in their mouths like babies, so don’t wear your favorite yoga gear!

  • April 13, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • April 14, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • April 15, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • $25 cash at door
  • 15 yrs plus

Visit and take pictures with the goats. 1 hour, all level easy flow yoga class, followed by a short nature walk with the goats. Little goats climb on you while you do yoga with your bigger kids, need we say more? 

8. Opening Day @ Kings Island– Mason

DMB Tip*** You can buy discount tickets at Kroger and Meijer stores, don’t pay full price.

  • April 14
  • Price Varies
  • All ages

Families can spend the perfect day together in the award-winning Planet Snoopy kids’ area, ride one of 16 roller coasters, or step back in time to periods between 245 million and 65 million years ago in Dinosaurs Alive. It’s worth the drive!!

9. Amazing Race @ Yankee Park– Centerville

DMB Tip*** Team of up to 5 people. The Amazing Race is limited to 50 teams, and preregistration is REQUIRED by Friday, April 6. Register online or call 433-5155.

  • April 14, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Fee per team: $10 residents, $20 nonresidents
  • Ages 7 and up (each team will need a driver, but the driver does not have to be part of the team)

Fans of The Amazing Race television show will love this event! Gather your friends & family to race other teams. The race begins at Yankee Park and travels to 8 other parks throughout Centerville. Complete mental and/or physical challenges at each stop. The first team to complete the Amazing Race will win a prize!

10. Birds and Blooms Hike @ Indian Mound Reserve– Cedarville

DMB Tip***  This is Earth Day as well, so enjoying nature seems like just the thing to do!

  • April 22, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
  • Free; Donations accepted
  • All ages

On a spring hike through Indian Mound Reserve, enjoy the wildflowers and early spring migratory birds as they add color to the park. Be sure to bring along your binoculars! 

11. Family Adventure Day @ Washington Township Rec Center– Dayton 

DMB Tip*** This event is Rain or Shine. Wear active clothing that can get dirty to enjoy the outdoor options.

  • April 28, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • $7 for adults,  $5 for kids 3-12. Ages 2 and under are free.

Kick off spring with an event that will entertain the whole family. The entire Washington Township recreation campus will be packed with fun and activities. Activities include: Kayaking, Archery, Obstacle Courses, Rock Climbing, Scavenger Hunt, Tree Climbing, Zip Lines, 5K Run/Walk, etc

12. Crafty Kids: Mothers Day Edition @ Fairborn Library-Fairborn

DMB Tip*** Be sure to dress the kids in clothes that could get messy- the craft is a surprise so we don’t know what it will be!

  • April 28, 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm
  • Free
  • Ages K-5th grade

Kids can make a beautiful Mother’s Day craft while Mom enjoys a relaxing tea. Register both mother and child for the respective activities, starting on March 28 at noon.

So, there you have it – Spring is officially here!

 

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Audrey M.
Hey Ya'll! I’m Audrey, a middle of nowhere, East Tennessee transplant. My husband (and forever crush) Andy and I were born and raised in Ohio State Buckeye territory, where we met in junior high school and married halfway through college. We have 2 tweens here on Earth: Lucas-the sweetest jokester boy you will ever meet, and Alaina-a charismatic and responsible redhead. We were hoping for a bigger family, but it wasn’t in the cards for us. For years we vacationed here in and around Knoxville, and so when the opportunity came to move here, we took it! Prior to moving here, I was first and foremost a Wife and Mother, but filled my days at a special needs preschool, title company, and as a FT volunteer-a-holic. In my spare time, I love diy, crafting, reading and writing. And I will always be a barefoot farm girl at heart. We raise/grow our own food- and I occasionally even make dinner out of our homegrown goodness- but I hate cooking! I can’t wait to immerse myself in this sweet, southern community!