February is here, and looking ahead at the forecast for the next few weeks it seems that Mother Nature isn’t sure what season it is. We are looking ahead to all sorts of weather…mild days, rainy days, cold days, sunny days and maybe even some snowy days. Lucky for you though we’ve put together a huge list of fun things you can do no matter what the weather brings. Get your calendar out and plan some fun for your whole family!
Family Friendly Things to Do in Cincinnati & NKY {February 2016}
Ongoing Events:
Fish Fry Dinners ~ Fridays during Lent there are many Fish Fry Dinners going on around town. Check out our Fish Fry Dinner post to find a dinner for your family!
The Art of the Brick at the Cincinnati Museum Center is the world’s largest display of LEGO® art. This captivating exhibition features artwork made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world, the LEGO brick. The critically acclaimed collection of creative and inspiring pieces constructed using only LEGO bricks is created by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya. Designed to inspire ingenuity and creativity,The Art of the Brick is the world’s largest and most elaborate display of LEGO art featuring more than 100 works of art. The collection features Sawaya’s original pieces, as well as reimagined versions of some of the world’s most famous art masterpieces such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The exhibit concludes with a spectacular and innovative multimedia collection of LEGO brick-infused, hyper-realistic photography produced in collaboration with award-winning photographer Dean West. Visitors will have the opportunity to get an up-close view of the iconic, pop culture fan favorite Yellow, a life-size sculpture of a man ripping his chest open with thousands of yellow LEGO bricks cascading from the cavity. In addition, visitors will come face-to-face with a 20-foot long T-Rex dinosaur skeleton made out of bricks.
Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs February 12, 13, 14, 20 & 21, 2016 The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati The Taft Theatre Tickets start at $7 Did you know that Snow White’s Dwarfs are amazing dancers? Come see for yourselves as the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale of Snow White, her evil stepmother, the all-knowing mirror and the handsome (but not-too-brainy) prince, step their way back into your hearts and imagination. This is a world-premiere production you don’t want to miss!
NEWPORT AQUARIUM ~ FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS! From now until February 28th get 2 Kids in FREE for each paying adult. It’s the perfect indoor adventure for these cold winter days! Read all the details on the Newport Aquarium website.
Robot Zoo All February| Hours vary based on day | Boone County Public Library – Main Branch | 1786 Burlington Pike | Free | The Robot Zoo is a popular 5,000-square-foot exhibit of giant robots that shows how real animals work. It includes activities designed for children aged 4-12. These include the Tongue Gun of the robot Chameleon, seeing through the eyes of a common house fly, and racing squid!
National Parks Adventure at the OMNIMAX Theater ~ The latest OMNIMAX adventure film is something for the whole family! It is absolutely breath-taking! “Take the ultimate off-trail adventure into the nation’s awe-inspiring great outdoors and untamed wilderness. Through our five-story, domed OMNIMAX screen, soar over red rock canyons, up craggy mountain peaks and into other-worldly realms found within America’s most legendary outdoor playgrounds.” Visit the Cincinnati Museum Center website for ticket and showtime information.
Kids Kitchen Mondays in February, 4-5 pm Kenton County Public Library Covington Branch Free: Learn to make healthy choices and prepare a healthy snack
Heart Paperweight February 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 2016; 30 min sessions between 10 am – 8 pm Neusole 11925 Kemper Springs Dr, Forest Park, OH 45240 $35 a person Come make a gorgeous work of art you can give to your loved ones as a Valentine’s Day gift that is better than candy or roses; a glass paperweight shaped like a heart! Reservations are required by phone (513-751-3292) or email ([email protected]). Try to call 1-2 weeks or more in advance. Ages: 6 years and over.
February 1 – 6:
Harry Potter Week Monday, Feb. 1- Friday, Feb. 5 Kenton County Public Library Covington Branch ~ Free ~ Muggles and Wizards alike can enjoy Harry Potter themed activities throughout this magical week. Pick up a calendar at the library or see www.kentonlibrary.org/events for details of daily programs.
Linton Music’s Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions – SPECIAL FREE PRESENTATION!! Tuesday, February 2 at 4:30pm Linton Music www.lintonmusic.org Price Hill Recreation Center 959 Hawthorne Avenue, Cincinnati OH
45205 In collaboration with MYCincinnati Music Inside Out Joy and sadness are just a few of the feelings we can hear and explore with music, so if you’re happy, and you know it, join the violin, cello and piano on this musical adventure! Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions brings families together for a musical encounter that provides a friendly, educational, and enjoyable introduction to classical music. Designed for ages two to six, these interactive concerts will touch, teach, and enrich your child’s life. Free Graeter’s cookies at every concert! Tickets available at the door, by calling 513.381.6868, or visit www.lintonmusic.org.
STEM: Math Edge with Sylvan Wed., Feb. 3, 4-5 pm Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger Free A representative from Sylvan Math Edge will help school aged kids with problem solving strategies, computation fluency and independent thinking skills for math concepts typically taught in school.
Harry Potter Celebration Thurs, Feb. 4, 5-8 Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger {Free} Celebrate the magic of Harry Potter with a spell-binding celebration. Pick up a calendar or see www.kentonlibrary.org/events for details.
Musikgarten music class 02/06/206 / 9:30am – 10:00 4244 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati OH 45223 $12 per class Develop a strong musical bond with your child through singing, moving, dancing, and playing simple instruments together nurturing their natural enthusiasm for music and movement. Weekly classes are designed for energetic toddlers and feature movement activities for coordination, body awareness and control, and spatial exploration. Our primary goal is to guide children to a lifelong love of music while allowing them to experience the joy of making music with others!
Family Yoga 02/06/2016 / 9:30am – 10:00am 4244 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati OH 45223 $12 per class When presented in a child’s language, yoga can help counter the stress experienced by young people living in a hurry-up world. The integration of creative movement, music, and yoga enhances growing children’s flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. Children will jump at the chance to assume the role of animals, trees, flowers, and warriors. Whether they bark in the dog pose, stretch like a cat, balance like a flamingo, breathe like a bunny, or stand strong and tall like a tree they’re learning stillness, expanding their imagination, and developing a reverence for all life.
February 7 – 13:
Valentine Party Sunday, Feb. 7, 2 pm Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger Free Enjoy balloon sculpting, face or hand painting, crafts and cookies. Co-sponsored by the Erlanger Parks & Recreation
Children’s Cooking Class February 10, 2016 4:45-6pm Northside Farmers Market 4222 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223 $3 The Northside Farmers Market offers cooking classes for ages 7-11. Classes are held at the market, 4222 Hamilton Ave, on Wednesdays from 4:45pm – 6:00pm. Each class costs just $3.00, and fee waivers are available. Buy tickets online, or avoid credit card fees by signing up at the market.
The Legend of John Henry: Feb. 12, 2016 | 7:00 pm Fairfield Community Arts Center 39900 411 Wessel Dr., Fairfield, OH 45014 $7-$10 The sky is streaked with lightning… The thunder rolls through the valley… and a baby is born with a hammer in his hand and the ring of steel in his blood. John Henry can roust bales of cotton, outrun a horse, and drive steel better than any man born. But can he beat the steam drilling machine at Big Bend Tunnel? All ages. Tickets: 513-867-5348 or www.Fairfield-City.org/Tickets
Date Night Out: Kids Dance, Tumble & Pizza Party! 2/13/2016 / 5pm-9pm Dance Etc, 5985 Meijer Drive, Milford, OH 45150 $25 first child/$20 each additional child from family ~ Spend an evening with your sweetie, while the kids are having a blast with us at the studio! This brand new event is designed to give parents a much deserved night to themselves. Whether it’s a night on the town, a low key dinner and a movie, or just simply some quiet time at home, that is totally up to you! For the kids there will be games, dancing, tumbling and making a Valentine craft. Pizza and juice will also be served.
A Heart-y, Art-y, Valentine Party February 13,2016 3:00-4:00pm Corryville Branch Library Free Join us for an afternoon of games, crafts, creating your own Valentine card and sweet treats at the the end.
Linton Music’s Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions February 13, 2016 (10am & 11:30am) Linton Music www.lintonmusic.org Pilgrim United Church of Christ 4418 Bridgetown Road, Cincinnati, OH 45211 $5.00 per person or $15.00 for Flex-Book of 4 tickets good at any PB&J concert. Children under 2 are free! Brasstacular!
Meet the members of the brass family. You’ll want to join the parade and toot your own horn after hearing the bold, brazen, and brassy sounds of these instruments! Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions brings families together for a musical encounter that provides a friendly, educational, and enjoyable introduction to classical music. Designed for ages two to six, these interactive concerts will touch, teach, and enrich your child’s life. 10am and 11:30am. $5.00 per person or $15.00 for Flex-Book of 4 tickets good at any PB&J concert. Children under 2 are free! Free Graeter’s cookies at every concert! Tickets available at the door, by calling 513.381.6868, or visit www.lintonmusic.org.
Covington Library Playgroup Saturday, Feb. 13 Kenton County Public Library ~ Free ~ Meet up with area parents while the children ages 0-4 play. Siblings welcome. The library provides sensory friendly toys and books, coffee for parents and a small snack for children.
My Furry Valentine brought to you by PhoDOGrapher Saturday February 13th and Sunday February 14th, 10 am to 5 pm My Furry Valentine www.myfurryvalentine.com Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Rd Cincinnati 45246 Free My Furry Valentine brought to you by PhoDOGrapher, is the region’s only mega pet adoption event bringing hundreds of companion animals hoping to find their forever families together in one place. This family-friendly event is at the Sharonville Convention Center on February 13 and 14 and features local rescues, animal-related vendors, and children’s activities, in addition to raffles and auctions. Parking and admission are free!
Valentine’s Day Matinee at the NKU Haile Digital Planetarium February 13, 2016, 3-4 p.m. Haile Digital Planetarium at Northern Kentucky University NKU Science Center 409 $5 per person Join us for a light-hearted look at the Universe with a show that focuses on stars, constellations and stories that celebrate love. The stories we tell are all family friendly, and appropriate for children. After enjoying sweet star stories, enjoy candy that will be provided at the end of the show!
Drama Saturday at WordPlay Saturday, 2/13 from 12-4pm WordPlay Cincy Free This Second Saturday we will be partnering with Dramakinetics to explore the performing arts, followed by a Valentine’s poetry writing workshop. 12-2pm. Homework help, academic support and literacy activities available from 2-4pm.
February 14 – 20:
Laugh it Up for Valentine’s Day Feb 14, 2 pm Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger Free Enjoy one of the funniest family performers in Greater Cincinnati – Mike Hemmelgarn, comedy juggler and ventriloquist. Mike’s high energy craziness will delight everyone in the family.
Jake Fischer – Kendama Demo Monday, Feb. 15, 2 pm Kenton County Public Library Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger FREE Watch our local Kendama Champ, Jake Fischer, display his amazing Kendama skills! Jake is a senior at Covington Catholic and master at Kendama. This is free and for everyone!
President’s Day Fun Feb. 15, all day Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger Free School’s out! Come to the library for Presidential themed activities like a scavenger hunt, counting game, art projects, photo booth and more. Pick up a calendar or visit www.kentonlibrary.org/events for details.
Adult Cooking Class February 17, 2016 5:30-7pm Northside Farmers Market 4222 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223 $10 Learn to cook with local farmers market products in our Adult Cooking Class taught by Dietitian Mary Pat McKee. Spots are limited to 8 participants to make sure you get individual attention and time to ask questions. Mary Pat makes up her recipes to reflect whatever is in season at the market. Her foods are wholesome, flavorful, and delicious!
Happy Birthday Clifford Friday, Feb. 19, 4:30 Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger Free Children ages 2-6 are invited to celebrate Clifford’s birthday. We will read books, make a craft and have snacks to share.
Linton Music’s Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions February 20, 2016 (10am & 11:30am) Linton Music www.lintonmusic.org Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church 6474 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230 $5.00 per person or $15.00 for Flex-Book of 4 tickets good at any PB&J concert. Children under 2 are free! Brasstacular!
Meet the members of the brass family. You’ll want to join the parade and toot your own horn after hearing the bold, brazen, and brassy sounds of these instruments! Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions brings families together for a musical encounter that provides a friendly, educational, and enjoyable introduction to classical music. Designed for ages two to six, these interactive concerts will touch, teach, and enrich your child’s life. 10am and 11:30am. $5.00 per person or $15.00 for Flex-Book of 4 tickets good at any PB&J concert. Children under 2 are free! Free Graeter’s cookies at every concert! Tickets available at the door, by calling 513.381.6868, or visit www.lintonmusic.org.
Double H Vendor Showcase Saturday, Feb. 20,2016 Hamilton High School 1165 Eaton Ave, Hamilton, OH 45013 Please come support the showchoirs of Harrison Highschool and Hamilton High school. Their will be a showchoir competition going on the auditorium with over 15 high schools for allover the tri state. In the library and hallways there will be over 35 crafters and direct sellers awaiting you to beat the winter boredom! If you want to catch a glimpse of the showchoirs, you can for a fee, vendor showcase is free! 9-5 is the hours for vendors. doublehshowcase.com
History Comes to Life at the Forest Park Library February 20, 2016 2:00pm Forest Park Library 655 Waycross Road Cincinnati, OH 45240 Free History comes to life at your library with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Come interact with an historical interpreter to hear stories of enslaved individuals and learn about how they endured hardships and found freedom.
February 21 – 29:
Bi-Okoto African Drum & Dance Music Workshop Thurs, Feb. 25 at 7 pm Kenton County Public Library, Durr Branch (Free) Join Bi-Okoto Drum & Dance Theatre as they take you an interactive journey from the USA to Africa’s Nigeria and Ghana. The richness of their culture is revealed through a broad range of dance dialects and styles with joy, high spirits and excitement.
Fiesta Thursday, Feb. 25, 7-8 pm Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger Free Celebrate Mexico’s Flag Day, which is Feb. 24, with a fiesta. School age children are invited to this program that includes sharing stories, games, treats and more.
Winter Blast Family Fest Friday Feb. 26,2016 Miami Township Civic Center Center 6101 Meijer Dr. Milford OH. 45150 $5 per person This is a family friendly event to celebrate winter. We will be having bouncy houses,an ice cream sundae bar, snow themed crafts and games, family friendly airbrush tattoos and a spectacular Rozzi fireworks show to top off the night.
Ninja Day at the Library Friday, Feb. 26, 4:30-5:30 Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger Free Kids in preschool-6th grade are invited to dress up as a ninja to listen to sneaky ninja stories and play games.
Cincinnati Cyclones ~ February 26 & 27: It’s a big weekend for KIDS at the USBank Arena. Friday night Kids Eat Free at the Cyclones vs. Oilers game and Saturday is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Night at the Cyclones vs. Fuel game! Dress as your favorite Turtle, grab some $1 pizza and have your picture taken with the Turtles! Visit the Cincinnati Cyclones Website to find ticket information.
Ravine to Freedom with Cincinnati Parks Sat., Feb. 27, 1-2 pm Kenton County Public Library Covington Branch Library (Free) Step back into time to the year 1853 as one of the most astounding stories associated with Cincinnati’s underground railroad network is shared by Cincinnati Parks Naturalist, Jason Watson. Enjoy a craft and live music too. This is open to School aged children.
Linton Music’s Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions – FREE ArtsWave Sampler Concerts February 27, 2016 (10am & 11:30am) Linton Music www.lintonmusic.org Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church 6312 Kennedy Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45213 FREE! Music Inside Out Joy and sadness are just a few of the feelings we can hear and explore with music, so if you’re happy, and you know it, join the violin, cello and piano on this musical adventure!
Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions brings families together for a musical encounter that provides a friendly, educational, and enjoyable introduction to classical music. Designed for ages two to six, these interactive concerts will touch, teach, and enrich your child’s life. Free Graeter’s cookies at every concert! Tickets available at the door, by calling 513.381.6868, or visit www.lintonmusic.org.
These aren’t Your Momma’s Cloth Diapers! February 27, 2016 / 12:45pm – 1:45pm CFEC 4244 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati OH 45223 free Did you know there are almost 60 different chemicals in a disposable diaper? The average child uses 10,000 diapers before learning to use the toilet. If your baby is in disposable diapers for 2 1/2 years, you’ll use 20 trees and 420 gallons of petroleum. We throw away 18 billion disposable diapers a year, and it takes hundreds of years for them to decompose, meaning every disposable diaper ever used is still out there! Keep chemicals off your baby, save money, and help the environment – consider cloth diapers! Worried it will be too hard, too inconvenient, too messy? Today’s cloth diapers use no pins, no rubber pants and need no rinsing, and if you use a diaper service it’s as simple as taking out the trash. Best news of all -babies diapered in cloth learn to use the toilet about a year earlier than kids who wear disposables! Want to know more? Cloth diapering mom/expert and owner of our city’s only diaper service, Good Natured Baby, will be on hand to answer all your questions.
