This week I’ve provided winter programs first, then the weekend events (virtual and in person(indoor and outdoor). There should be something for everyone! Enjoy 😉
Programs-
📫Winter Letterbox
The Winter Letterbox is back with another fun, cold cold weather adventure. Looking for something to ward off cabin fever, then bundle up the family and get out into the parks. Much like our popular Summer Letterbox Adventure, clues will guide you on a winter exploration of 5 parks. Collect a secret word or words at each of the parks, unscramble them to discover the secret phrase and win a prize. The adventure runs December 20 – March 20.
Visit the official Winter Letterbox page here.
🥾Winter 100
The Winter 100 is back for a second year. It is a great way to stay healthy–mentally and physically through the cold Ohio winter. Walk 100 miles or 100 kilometers from January 1 – March 31, 2022. Register, log your miles, and get energized by a supportive community of walkers and runners this winter. Gain access to a private Facebook group, bi-weekly emails, and expert tips from our partners. Registration begins December 27, 2021.
Visit the official Winter 100 page here.
📖Read and Bring Joy @Westerville Library
December 13, 2021 – February 26, 2022 – Challenge yourself to a winter of reading and earn prizes along the way. For all ages.
Sign Up
Starting December 13, register in person or online.
Complete a BINGO Card
Choose from a variety of suggested activities, from reading together with a friend to trying a new recipe.
Earn Prizes
Ages 0-18 – Complete a row of 5 activities to earn a book & a chance at grand prize drawings for a $50 VISA gift card.
Ages 18+ – Complete a row of 5 activities to earn a Bundtlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes and a chance at grand prize drawings, including free Bundtlets for a year or a 10-inch holiday Bundt Cake.
🖌Mini Art Museum(Free activity for Pickup)
Show off those art skills and help decorate the teeny tiny museum in the Teen Room! Create an original one-of-a-kind painting that represents you. Then bring it back to display in the museum for all to admire.
How It Works
– NOW: Register now to claim your kit.
– JANUARY 10-17: Pick up your kit at the desk in the children’s area. Canvas and paints provided.
– JANUARY 31: Deadline to return your art to the library to be placed in the museum
– MARCH: Your artwork will be returned to you with a certificate and thank you bag.
https://www.westervillelibrary.org/events
📮Dublin Riverboxes
Dublin Arts Council has commissioned the creation of Riverboxes™, artist-created vessels that are inspired by the hobbies of letterboxing and geocaching which combine map-reading or GPS skills and artistic pursuit with delightful ‘treasure hunts’ in beautiful, scenic places.
Riverboxes contain a unique artist-made stamp, journal and historical and environmental information for visitors to discover in Dublin parks along the banks of or connected to the Scioto River and its tributaries. Clues to the whereabouts of the discreetly installed Riverboxes can be found on this site. Press here to download a Riverboxes Passport Booklet.
https://dublinarts.org/visual-arts/riverboxes/
📚Annual program returns Dec. 1 through Jan. 31
COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library is bringing back for a fourth year its Winter Reading Challenge, in which students can earn prizes just by reading over break. A twist on CML’s Summer Reading Challenge, Winter Reading Challenge aims to keep reading skills strong when students are out of school over the holidays. From Dec. 1 through Jan. 31, K-12 students can register in person at CML’s 23 locations throughout Franklin County. Those interested can learn more at columbuslibrary.org.
The annual program challenges students to track their progress as they read for 20 days and complete five activities on their game boards. Examples of game board activities include “Read a book about a famous person,” “Read a book with a magical creature,” “Tell a staff member about a book you read” and many more. Just for signing up, students will receive a bookmark, mechanical pencil, eraser and sticker. Students who complete the program will earn a book they can keep, as well as a drawstring bag.
Last winter, approximately 7,800 students participated in the program.
Studies show that kids who read during out-of-school time maintain reading skills that are critical to future school success. The Third Grade Reading Guarantee in Ohio means many central Ohio third graders could repeat the grade if they don’t pass state proficiency testing.
This Weekend-
🎭Puppet Tales by Leigh Baltzee
Online
1/7, 10 am
Through Me To You Puppetry invites you to join Newton and his puppet friends Live Online for some storytime fun on Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in January! Newton and his friends take turns reading stories and singing songs with the kids. At the end of the show, the kids are invited to “unmute” and say hi to Newton. This program is geared to ages 3-6 years, but all are welcome!
Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library. No Registration Required.
https://facebook.com/events/s/puppet-tales-with-leigh-baltze/1012192656034688/
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83777878277?pwd=QmwvTVBRbWx6NHJpQUgrRzNkcEMzdz09
🌲A Glance at Grist Mill
1/8
Join the Naturalist at the Wolf Creek Grist Mill every Saturday in January, February & March for an opportunity to explore an area representative of days gone by at Mohican State Park. See the inside of this extraordinary landmark and hear the rich history that encompasses these rare and celebrated icons. Park in the lot in front of the Grist Mill located on St. Rt. 3, 1/2 mile south of the main campground entrance. The building is not heated, wear warm clothing and feel free to hike the pioneer village and the scenic 1-mile loop nature trail. FREE and open to the public!
https://facebook.com/events/s/a-glance-at-the-grist-mill/1064581887709888/
💦Salamanders of Ohio, Our Quiet Neighbors
Online
Saturday, 10 am
Salamanders are amphibians and they are a voiceless shy neighbor. Salamanders are cold-blooded with soft, glandular, moist skin that is capable of absorbing oxygen. Salamanders drink water through their skin. This leaves them vulnerable to habitat disturbances and destruction.
There is quite a story to tell; salamanders are an indicator species that can measure environmental conditions of existing habitats and ecosystems.
https://facebook.com/events/s/salamanders-of-ohio-our-quiet-/5433254636691541/
🥾Sharon Woods Hike
1/8, Saturday, 10 am-2 pm
Visit the park on this special day to complete your Sharon Woods Winter Hike – dine-n-dash style! Hike any trail, any distance. You choose your own adventure! Stop by our “drive-thru” before, during or after your hike (anytime between 10am-2pm) for complimentary food and refreshments. Information booths will be set up and staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions and share trail information. Happy hiking!
https://facebook.com/events/s/sharon-woods-winter-hike-dine-/249918830443697/
🦝Kids Can Draw: Raccoons @ Blacklick Woods
Saturday, 2-3 pm
Ages 8-14. Learn fun facts about raccoons and follow along as we draw a raccoon. Materials and instruction provided.
🦉Owls of Darby Creek
1/8, Saturday, 5 pm
Lure in owls using calls on a 1-mile hike. Meet us at the Bulletin Board in Indian Ridge – 2705 Darby Creek Dr. Galloway, OH 43119
https://facebook.com/events/s/owls-of-darby-creek/1511116295955740/
🔥For Families-Winter Campfire
Sunday 1-3
Stop by for a winter campfire complete with s’mores and hot chocolate. Campfire will be located behind the Nature Center. Stop by anytime between 1pm-3pm. Masks are encouraged when social distancing is not possible. Masks are required inside the nature center.
Location: Highbanks Nature Center is the first right after entering the park. Limited parking in the nature center parking lot on busy days. Additional parking available in the Oak Coves Picnic Area. The Oak Coves picnic area, 10-min walk from the nature center. Follow the paved trail through Oak coves toward the nature center.
https://facebook.com/events/s/for-families-winter-campfire/205815121763356/
🦬Bison in Winter
Sunday, 2 pm
What do we do with the bison in the winter? Come for a 2-mile hike to see the bison in their winter pasture and learn about their adaptations for cold weather.
https://facebook.com/events/s/bison-in-winter/441499707455015/
🌅Savioring Sunsets @ Blues Creek Park
Sunday, Jan. 9, 5 p.m. (BCP)
Ages 7+ Experiencing joy is a practice. We will hike with the intention of savoring the beautiful gift of sunset. Each sunset brings the opportunity to witness unique beauty, cultivate gratitude, and experience joy as our planet twirls towards night. We’ll hike peacefully together and highlight walking meditation practices.
https://preservationparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=104
📌Please note-Events can be changed by hosts, please check the event before attending. I try my best to provide up to date information. Please stay safe and do what you feel is most comfortable for your family with COVID-19 risks.
📍Metro Parks event details-