Published December 18, 2023
MetroParks Monthly: Programs & Events for January
Below you’ll find a list of programs and events for all ages, from children to lifelong learners, in addition to MetroParks must-dos, sustainability tips and information on what’s growing in the parks this month.
Take a deeper dive into your areas of interest by signing up for MetroParks’ email newsletters and following Five Rivers MetroParks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
PROGRAMS
Active Outdoors
- Dayton Backpacker Campfire: Jan. 4 – 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
- Resolution Ride: Jan. 6 – 10 a.m. to noon at Huffman MetroPark
- Learn to Ice Skate! Children’s Course: Jan. 7 – 11 to 11:30 a.m. at RiverScape MetroPark
- Learn to Ice Skate! Youth Course: Jan. 7 – 11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark
- Learn to Ice Skate! Teen/Adult Course: Jan. 7 – 12:20 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark
- Discover Paddlesports: Where to Paddle: Jan 10 – 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Five Rivers MetroParks Main Office
- Nymphs, Emergers, Dries: Jan. 18 – 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
Youth & Family
- Saw Whet Owl Search: Jan. 5 – 5 to 7 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
- Hibernating Insects: Jan. 6 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Englewood MetroPark
- Animal Tracking Excursion: Jan. 6 – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Taylorsville MetroPark
- Tike Hike: Jan 8 – 10 to 11 a.m. at Englewood MetroPark
- Prairie Play: Jan. 13 – 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Possum Creek MetroPark
- Greenhouse Helpers: Jan 13 – 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Cox Arboretum
- Tike Hike: Jan 18 – 10 to 11 a.m. at Germantown MetroPark
- Become a Tracking Guide: Jan. 20 – 10 a.m. to noon at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
- Winter Tree Identification: Jan. 20 – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
- Winter Night Hike: Jan. 26 – 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
- Clouds and Climate: Jan. 27 – 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
- Animal Bone and Skull Identification: Jan. 27 – 2 to 4 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
Adult Nature Exploration
- Animal Care with Wildlife Ambassadors: Jan. 9 – 10 a.m. to noon at Germantown MetroPark
- Common Feeder Birds: Jan. 13 – 9 to 11 a.m. at Germantown MetroPark
- Photography Boot Camp: Jan 13 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
- Animal Tracking & Radio Telemetry: Jan. 13 – 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
- Owl Walk: Jan. 13 – 6 to 8 p.m. at Twin Creek MetroPark
- Animal Care with Wildlife Ambassadors: Jan. 20 – 10 a.m. to noon at Germantown MetroPark
- Landscape Design for Every Space: Jan. 20 – 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
- Animal Care with Wildlife Ambassadors: Jan. 25 – 10 a.m. to noon at Germantown MetroPark
Earth Friendly Living
- Houseplant Success: Jan. 6 – 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Cox Arboretum
- Repotting, Potting up, Maintenance for Houseplants: Jan. 12 – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the 2nd Street Market
For Everyone
- Paint-A-Park: Jan. 7 – 2 to 5 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
- Story Time at the Market: The Mitten: Jan. 19 – 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the 2nd Street Market
SPECIAL EVENTS
THEMED SKATES, FAMILY DAYS AND MORE
The New Year kicks off with a special holiday skate at the MetroParks Ice Rink on New Year’s Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by another holiday skate on Jan. 15 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Lessons are available for youth, teens and adults. Themed Family Day Skates start in January and are on select Sundays, with themed skate evenings on select Fridays.
- Sunday, Jan. 7: Family Day Skate – Animal Adventure
- Friday, Jan. 12: Reggae Skate
- Friday, Jan. 16: Cosmic Skate
- Sunday, Jan. 21: Family Day Skate – Storybook Skate
Snacks and beverages will be available for sale at the RiverScape Café. New this year, alcoholic beverages — including a variety of beer, seltzer, wine and spiked drinks — also will be available at the Café for customers 21 and older.
The MetroParks Ice Rink is sponsored by PNC, MSD, media sponsor WKEF22/FOX45, Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, USI Insurance Services, Ed Smith Flowers & Gifts and Winans Chocolates + Coffees.
GET READY FOR VEGGIES AT THE 2ND STREET MARKET
There’s always something fun happening at the Market, from Coffee Talks to live music. This January, the Market’s farmers are especially excited for the annual CSA Fair. Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a way for individuals to support local farms directly, allowing consumers to get the freshest food available – all while helping the environment.
The Market’s CSA Fair offers both virtual (Thursday, Jan. 26) and in-person (Sunday, Jan. 28) options. While both options are free, space is limited for the Virtual CSA Fair and it requires registration.
Programs at the 2nd Street Market are sponsored by Dayton Children’s.
SAVE THE DATE: THE BIENNIAL ADVENTURE SUMMIT IS BACK
The Adventure Summit will be back at Wright State University on Friday, Feb. 9, and Saturday, Feb. 10. Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts will converge on Dayton, Ohio – the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest – for a weekend of outdoor skill, culture and experience.
This free two-date event features world-renowned and local speakers who will share their experiences, in addition to competitions, an expo, used gear sale, Party with the Pros and much more.
The Adventure Summit is presented by Wagner Subaru and is a co-production by Five Rivers MetroParks and Wright State University.
Monthly must-dos in your MetroParks:
- Winter hike: Treat your body to some movement and sunshine on the trails by planning a winter hike. Start with a shorter hike and then plan a longer hike for the next time you visit. With the right layers, your body and stamina will adjust to the outside temperatures.
- Frozen falls: If the temperatures stay freezing for long enough, you can expect to see the waterfalls along Englewood MetroPark’s green trail freeze.
- Woodland critters: The park staff and woodworking volunteers at Cox Arboretum MetroPark created a woodland creature feature on the park’s grounds for visitors to enjoy. It includes 10 wooden wildlife dressed up for winter. Can you spot them all?
Sustainability Tip: Create sustainability goals for 2024 as part of your annual New Year’s resolutions.
You can do so many things to create a healthier, happier home, from planting a garden to mixing your own green cleaners. Learn more in this month’s blog.
January Challenge: Get Out & Give Back
Speaking of New Year’s resolutions, a very common goal is to give back to the community through volunteerism. January’s challenge invites you to visit MetroParks’ Get Connected volunteer portal to see if there are any opportunities that pique your interest.
Volunteers are critical to fulfilling MetroParks’ mission to protect the region’s natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. Opportunities are available for those of many interests, ages and availability. Learn more.
