All ages
Thursday, January 8 – Wednesday, February 18
Spot, the Park District Snowman, is excited to go owling in the parks! Whoooo knew we had so many! Each week, participants will receive a clue to go out in your parks to search for the owls. Owls will only be hiding at each park for one week! Scan the QR code on the sign next to Spot the Snowman to log which owls were in the park. Each week that you log owls gets you another entry into our raffle for some owl-themed prizes! After the hunt, an owl round-up with images of each owl will be emailed to you so you can vote for your favorite entry.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, February 11 (Clues are emailed every Thursday. Registering late may mean you miss some of the clues)
Letters to Owlexander
All ages
Sunday, February 1 – Saturday, February 28
Owlexander, the Park District mascot, would love to receive a letter, drawing or card about your winter park adventures. He is a great pen pal and will be sure to write you back and let you know all about his adventures, too. Letters can be dropped off at a special mailbox throughout February. Please address your letters to Owlexander Parks (no stamp necessary).
Owlexander will make a special appearance at Headquarters on Tuesday, February 17, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. if you would like to hand deliver a letter to him! He may even have special activities and treats for you!
Crafts with Nature – Skunks!
Ages 18 months – 4 years with adult companion
We will complete crafts with nature/sensory themes, read stories, play games and take short hikes in the park — all to spark a love of nature in our youngest community members! The theme for February is ‘Skunks!’. We will learn about these stinky animals, make skunk-inspired crafts, and have some pretend play. If the weather allows, we will take a short walk outside.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, February 4
Art & Imagination
Ages 6 – 9
This drop-off program is designed to give your child the opportunity to get creative! They will design a variety of projects based on a monthly theme. Outdoor activities will be included when weather permits. Sign up for one or multiple sessions.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, February 3
Valentine’s Slime Making
Ages 8 – 14
Have fun making your own Valentine’s Day-themed versions! This program is a great way to make new friends and try some new slime recipes for fun and stress relief! Due to the variety of types of slime, please be sure to note any allergies.
Please note the end time is 30 minutes earlier than the time listed in the printed newsletter.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, February 4
Creative Crafting
Ages 9 – 13
Try new art skills during this fun, nature-themed crafting program. Each session will offer different options for participants to choose from, allowing them to work independently or get creative together!
Registration deadline: Thursday, February 5
Winter Woods
Ages 6 – 12
Join us on your day(s) off school for a camp full of all our favorite fun camp activities, but in the winter! Campers will enjoy hikes and games outside, gather around the fire circle for s’mores, then warm up in the Smith House with games and crafts. You may also register for camp on Monday, February 16!
Registration deadline: Friday, February 6
I Wuff You Valentine Hike
All ages
Happy Valentine’s Day to our favorite pups! Join us for a self-guided afternoon hike through the trails of Bill Yeck Park. You and your pup will be pampered with special treats and stations along the way! Participants are welcome to come anytime during the event. The final time to start the hike is 1:30 p.m.
Registration is not required.
Love Stinks: The Search for Skunk Cabbage
Ages 16 and up
Our first spring wildflower of the year has some interesting qualities! Skunk Cabbage blooms in February in wet areas of your parks. Hike with CWPD staff and special guest, Alison Pifer, director of Little Miami Watershed Network, as we learn about this unusual plant and the importance of protecting our local watersheds.
Registration deadline: Thursday, February 12
Winter Woods
Ages 6 – 12
Join us on your day(s) off school for a camp full of all our favorite fun camp activities, but in the winter! Campers will enjoy hikes and games outside, gather around the fire circle for s’mores, then warm up in the Smith House with games and crafts. You may also register for camp on Friday, February 13- see posting to sign-up!
Registration deadline: Monday, February 9
Preschool Nature Series: Glow Hunt
Ages 3 – 5 with adult companion
Why do some animals glow in the dark and how do they do it? We will learn which animals use bioluminescence and which ones fluoresce under black light. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, February 17
Glass Fusing: Birch Trees
Ages 16 and up
This project is a 10.75″ square of glass for you to design a beautiful birch tree scene with the season of your choice. Complement your existing collection or pick your favorite season! Kathy Woodruff from Busy Beaver will lead participants through this customer-favorite class and help you start or complete your birch tree collection.
Registration deadline: Sunday, February 15
Java and Joyful Doodles
Ages 16 and up
What could be better than coffee and coloring? Join us for a relaxing morning of coloring inside and outside the lines! We will have plenty of hot and iced coffee with a variety of creamers and flavors on hand! All supplies included.
Registration deadline: Saturday, February 14
Young Birders Club Meeting
Ages 12 – 18
Kettering PRCA and Centerville-Washington Park District are collaborating to bring the joy of bird watching to our youth.
Bird watching and identification is a fun and rewarding hobby and also a great place to make friends. Light snacks are provided. Participants must become members of the Ohio Young Birders Club and be between the ages of 12 and 18.
Program Code: 03-30240-C (registration through Kettering)
Confidence Behind the Camera
Ages 14 and up
Join local artist and educator Heather Ballard for a “level 2 beginner” class to learn the basics on how to use your DSLR or mirrorless camera. Get out of auto mode! This session will include time outside photographing the wonders of winter in the park and a more in-depth introduction to the basics of exposure, camera settings and composition. Bring your fully charged camera and memory card.
Registration deadline: Sunday, February 15