MetroParks Monthly: Programs & Events for January

Below you’ll find a list of programs and events for all ages, from children to life-long 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 us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Please note: Your Five Rivers MetroParks are closed on New Years Day; however, the MetroParks Ice Rink is open during special holiday hours.

PROGRAMS

Youth & Family

• Animal Skull & Bone Identification: Jan. 4 – 10 a.m. to noon at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Become a Tracking Guide: Jan. 4 – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• MetroParks Conservation Projects & Research: Jan. 10 – 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Night Sky Planetarium Experience: Jan. 14 – 6 to 8 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Animal Tracking Excursion: Jan. 18 – 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Carriage Hill MetroPark
• Hibernating Insects: Jan. 25 – 1 to 2 p.m. at Hills & Dales MetroPark
• Greenhouse Helpers: Jan. 25 – 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark

Earth Friendly Living

• Houseplants in Winter: Jan. 18 – 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Ice Cutting: Jan. 18 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Carriage Hill MetroPark
• Garden Design Basics: Less Work, More Beauty: Jan. 25 – 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark

Active Outdoors

• Dayton Backpacker Campfire: Backpacking in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska: Jan. 2 – 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Adult Fly Tying Course: Jan. 8 – 6 to 8 p.m. at Five Rivers MetroParks’ Main Office
• Try Winter Hiking: Twin Creek: Jan. 11 – 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Twin Creek MetroPark
• Backcountry Knots: Jan. 14 – 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark

Adult Nature Exploration

• Common Feeder Birds: Jan. 11 – 9 to 11 a.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Photography Boot Camp: Jan. 11 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Animal Tracking: Jan. 11 – Jan. 11 – 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Growing up WILD Workshop: Jan. 18 – 1 to 4 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Owl Walk: Jan. 25 – 6 to 8 p.m. at Twin Creek MetroPark

For Everyone

• Paint-A-Park: Jan. 5 – 2 to 5 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark

SPECIAL EVENTS

Skip the resolutions and simply work on wellness in 2025

Did you know that 79% of people set New Year’s goals to improve their physical and mental health, but just 9% of resolution adopters see their goals through? This New Year, instead of setting goals that are hard to attain, try to focus on living a happy and healthy lifestyle, which includes: physical, mental, and financial wellness; a balanced diet; self-care; new hobbies; and quality time with loved ones.

Your MetroParks is here to help you live well in 2025, learn more.

The MetroParks Ice Rink is just warming up this season!

The MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark is open daily through the end of February with special holiday hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Beginning in January, Family Skate Days are Sundays, from 1 to 5 p.m. These special skate days feature kid-friendly music, in addition to hands-on games and activities in the heated comfort tent. Also included with regular admission are themed skate nights, which are every Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. and feature a variety of music and chances to win prizes. Dates are:

• Friday, Jan. 3: Swiftie Skate (music inspired by Taylor Swift’s catalogue)
• Friday, Jan. 10: Circle of Ice (music inspired by popular Disney soundtracks)
• Friday, Jan. 17: Epic Fantasy Soundtracks (music inspired by fantasy movies and games)
• Friday, Jan. 24: Strange Nights! (music inspired by Stranger Things)
• Friday, Jan. 31: A Night at the Theater! (music inspired by Broadway tunes)

Programs and events are included with regular admission. Admission is $7 daily, and visitors can rent ice skates for $3. Children 3 years old and under are free with a paying adult. There is no charge for those who are not skating.

Thanks to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation and its Access to Nature Financial Assistance program, reduced admission is available for those who use SNAP/EBT benefits. Discounts have increased from 50% to 75%, which is $1.75 for admission and $.75 for skate rentals. Customers just need to present their SNAP/EBT card to receive the discount.

The RiverScape Café offers cozy beverages and treats, including drinks for those ages 21 and older. The RiverScape Café is open during the MetroParks Ice Rink’s daily hours of operation, which vary. Find additional information about special events, skating lessons and more, visit MetroParks Ice Rink’s website.

The MetroParks Ice Rink is sponsored by MSD, USI Insurance Services, Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, WKEF/FOX45/Dayton 24/7 Now and WINANS Coffee + Chocolate.

The 2nd Street Market’s new wellness series

Just in time for the New Year, the 2nd Street Market offers its new Wellness Fridays at the Market each Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each week a community partner or vendor will host an activity that focuses on mental or physical health, self-care, diet and more. January’s programs are:

• Jan. 3: Book Club at the Market
• Jan. 10: Wellness Benefits of Elderberry Syrup: Learn How to Make a Kit at Home
• Jan. 17: Herbal Teas: How Herbs May Support Overall Health
• Jan. 24: Tai Chi & Qigong at the Market
• Jan. 31: Yoga at the Market

January is also a great opportunity to create a more balanced, veggie-filled diet with help from the Market’s 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 (Thurs, Jan. 23) and in-person (Sunday, Jan. 26) options. While both options are free, space is limited for the Virtual CSA Fair and requires registration.

MONTHLY MUST-DOS IN YOUR METROPARKS

• Get ready for the 2025 Trails Challenge: Build up some stamina by hitting the trails before the 2025 MetroParks Trails Challenge begins on Feb. 1. Many may have been inside in this chilly weather; however, moving your body year-round is good for your mind and body, and can help you prep for one of MetroParks’ most fun challenges of the year. Start with shorter trails, such as the Marie Aull Nature Trail at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark or the paver loop path at Cox Arboretum MetroPark.
• Eye on wildlife: Because of the lack of foliage, winter is perhaps one of the best times to spot wildlife. Head to Possum Creek MetroPark and hike the purple and yellow trails to see what wildlife you can spot in forest and prairie habitat. For a longer hike, take the 3.5-mile orange trail loop.
• Winter color: Just because plants are more dormant in winter, doesn’t mean they can’t have color! Visit Cox Arboretum and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark to see what colors you can spot.

SUSTAINABILITY TIP: Packing it up post-holidays! There are many green options for you to store and dispose of leftover holiday décor. Thanks to Cohen Recycling, MetroParks offers multiple locations that allow you to recycle broken or unwanted string lights now through Feb. 1. Additionally, natural trees can be recycled at two City of Dayton locations. Rather than store your holiday trimmings in cardboard boxes that won’t last, stop by your local thrift store to see if you can find plastic storage containers that you can use for years to come.

JANUARY CHALLENGE: 14 for Fitness at MetroParks Ice Rink

Take the 14 for Fitness Challenge at the MetroParks Ice Rink to glide your way into a healthy New Year. Simply ask for a punch card during your next visit to RiverScape MetroPark and fill up your punch card by Feb. 28 for a chance to win cool prizes. Learn more.

Please note: Programs and events with limited capacity may fill quickly; however, in some cases waitlists are available. Please contact 937-275-PARK to inquire about being placed on a waitlist. Additionally, programs may be cancelled due to a variety of reasons – including weather conditions – please check MetroParks’ online calendar to check the status of a program or event before attending.