Snowy days, Winter blues, Valentine’s cards, Galentine’s nights… February holds a lot for being the shortest month of the year! As we do every month, we’ve rounded up our top picks of family-friendly things to do around Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky this month.
Rapunzel’s Hairy Fairy Tale
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Digitally streaming now!
Recommended for grades Pre-K-4
50 minutes
The classic fairy tale of “Rapunzel” comes to life in an exciting world-premiere musical adaptation adventure featuring everyone’s favorite long-locked lady in a tower. But don’t forget the array of other characters braided in this hairy fairy tale, comically played by only two actors! Yes, you read that correctly. ONLY TWO ACTORS! This fresh new adaptation will make your audiences throw their heads of hair back in laughter and delight as two incredibly talented and versatile actors untangle this hairy fairy tale like you’ve never seen it before!
ABIYOYO
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Streaming online February 1-June 30
50 minutes
Recommended for ages 4+
Directed by CMC Owner, Courtney Snow’s Better Half, Derek J. Snow!
Abiyoyo is based on a South African folk tale about a giant who eats everything in sight—cows, goats, and even children! This one-man story telling experience will encourage participants to face the monsters in their own life with honesty, courage, and strength of spirit. Audiences will learn that Abiyoyo just wants to be recognized. Brought to the West by Pete Seger as a bedtime story for his own children, the original South African folktale takes on the attributes of the storyteller themselves, implying that each storyteller adds something different to the tale. Abiyoyo will be brought to life through traditional South African dance, music, and cultural nuances that address fears that speak to us all.
Everything Thomas
February 1-28
Entertrainment Junction
7379 Squire Ct.
West Chester, OH 45069
Visit our indoor celebration of Thomas the Train with Thomas-themed train layouts, videos, scavenger hunt, coloring & crafts. Enjoy our indoor kid’s train ride PLUS see all our Thomas merchandise all 15%-50% off!
Martin’s Dream
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Streaming online February 1- February 28
50 minutes
Recommended for ages 8+
Back by popular demand! Who was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., really? Martin’s Dream answers this question and more as it brings this historical figure to life through the power of story, speech, and song. Watch as Dr. King tells the story of his life, from his childhood in the Deep South all the way to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Created and performed by the talented and charismatic Deondra Kamau Means, this one-man show explores the real person behind the pictures, a funny intelligent, passionate man whose faith, family, and education made him one of the most revered people in our nation’s history.
There are two versions of this production: one for younger audiences, and another for audiences age 8+. The version for older audiences contains historically accurate quotes using words or expressions which may be considered insensitive by varying degrees. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
Art Play Hike: Tom Jones Commons (Eden Park)
February 3
10:30-11:30am
950 Eden Park Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
FREE. Registration required.
Art Play Hike is an outdoor series in partnership with the Cincinnati Parks. Join us this month as we explore Eden Park, take part in hands-on art making and try out some kid-friendly yoga poses.
Bundle up! These monthly hikes will take place rain or shine. Come explore the great outdoors with your little one and warm up with some coffee or hot coco. Each family will receive an interactive park print designed by a local artist.
During the program masks are recommended for participants 4 and up. Art Play Hike is free however, registration is required in order to limit visitor capacity. This program is designed for children ages 2-7 and their parent or caregiver.
Family Workshop: Make Your Own 3D Valentines
February 5
10am-12pm
Clifton Cultural Arts Center
2728 Short Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45219
Recommended for ages 4+ with an adult
$30/family (Registration Deadline February 2)
DIY your valentines this year: local artist Deb Brod will instruct families in different paper folding and collage techniques to create their own three-dimensional handmade Valentines. Combine a variety of textures and colors of paper (and hone fine motor skills!) to create sculptural scenes and cards to share with loved ones. Families with children of all ages are invited to attend; all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Health & Safety Measures: All CCAC Staff, Teachers, and Participants must follow CCAC’s Covid-19 Preparedness Measures and Requirements for Participation when attending class in-person.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Jr.
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
February 5 at 2pm & 5pm
February 6 at 2pm
February 11 at 7pm
February 12 at 11am & 2pm
February 13 at 2pm
Taft Theatre
317 E 5th St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Recommended for Grades K-8
65 minutes
Ticket prices vary
Keep an eye out on our site after opening weekend – CMC Owner, Courtney Snow, will be writing a review on the show after she and her daughter check it out opening day!
Broadway’s biggest little hero, Matilda, is an extraordinary little girl with a vivid imagination. Unloved by her cruel parents, Matilda is armed with astonishing wit, intelligence and mysterious powers. At school, she catches the eye of her sweet schoolteacher, Miss Honey, but also the mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who loves to think of clever ways to punish children. Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other and together they dare to take a stand against Miss Trunchbull to change their destiny.
Main Series: Winter Winds
Linton PB&J
February 5 Kennedy Heights Arts Center 6620 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH
February 12 Heritage Presbyterian Church 6546 S. Mason Montgomery Rd. Mason, OH
February 19 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 7701 Kenwood Rd. Cincinnati, OH
February 26 Lakeside Presbyterian Church 2690 Dixie Hwy., Lakeside Park, KY
10-11am
FREE
Get up close and personal with the instruments of the woodwind family. Find out what makes these beautiful instruments unique while moving and grooving to music that explores weather! In our Main Series, Library, and Community concerts children will move and dance along with our musicians. You’ll hear the sound of the flute, clarinet, oboe, French horn and bassoon in this warm and wonderful program. Please note our Covid protocols. Adults must show proof of vaccination at the entry, and all people over two must be masked.
Lewis, Clark, and York
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Digitally Streaming February 7- June 30
Recommended for Grades 3-8
50 minutes
This 3-actor educational reenactment focuses on a third figure central to the famous historical expedition. A childhood servant of Clark, York was crucial to the journey’s success. York hunted for food, smooth relations with Native Americans, cared for the ill, and discovered new plants and animals throughout the trek across America. York was also responsible for striking a friendly relationship with Sacagawea, daughter of a Shoshone Chief and wife of Toussaint Charbonneau, the French fur trader hired as an interpreter for the journey. This performance teaches children the value of tenacity, strength, and perseverance found in two often-overlooked, unsung heroes of the great Lewis and Clark expedition.
New Beginnings: CSO/CSYO Side-by-Side Concert
February 9
7:30 pm
Music Hall
1241 Elm St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Tickets $5-$10
Members of the CSYO Philharmonic sit with their counterparts to perform a thrilling hour of music. The students sit in the principal chairs and take the lead in this annual showcase.
Cosmic Kids
February 9: Space Satellites
February 23: All About Orion
March 9: Ice Giants
March 23: Stars of Harry Potter
4:30-5:30pm
The Observatory’s Online Kids Club
Recommended for grades K-5
FREE. Registration required.
Join us for a virtual Cosmic Kids club in 2022. For each class we’ll send out a link to a Zoom meeting and a list of suggested materials.
Thursday Art Play: Valentine’s Bash
Contemporary Arts Center
February 10
10:30-11:30am
44 E 6th St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
FREE for members, $5 for non-members.
Come celebrate the day of love with a fancy V-Day party for all the families we adore! Join us for some heart themed art making and take home a yummy treat bag. Stick around for some kid-friendly yoga following each Art Play session. This program is designed especially for children ages 2 to 6 years old, and their parents and caregiver.
Garden Adventures: Valentine’s
February 12
10:30-11:45am
Glenwood Gardens
10397 Springfield Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45215
$8/Child-Nonmember, $3/Adult-Nonmember, $7/Child-Member includes one adult with child.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day this year at Highfield Discovery Garden! Join our animal ambassadors for interactive games, crafts, and snacks to celebrate this special holiday. Recommended for ages 2 to 5. Great Parks is following protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ohio Department of Health. Physical distancing and sanitation recommendations will be followed.
The Hearts Ball
February 12
6-8pm
Morrow Arts Center
10 Miranda St
Morrow, OH 45152
FREE
Join Do Good Mission as we host a night your little one won’t forget! Grab your princess or prince and get those dancing shoes on!
Just follow the red carpet… there will be pizza, games, prizes, cotton candy, flowers, popcorn, raffles and lots of fun waiting for you!
Adults and kids are FREE! Admission includes pizza and drinks.
Do Good runs solely on donations. To keep events like these going, please consider donating today!
Venmo @Dogoodmission-1
Paypal Do Good Mission
Thursday Art Play: Tinker Trays
Contemporary Arts Center
February 17
10:30-11:30am
44 E 6th St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
FREE for members, $5 for non-members.
Join us Thursday mornings for creative playtime with your little one. This family program uses hands-on art making activities and yoga to excite and educate our youngest visitors. Sometimes experimenting is the best part about art. It’s fun to make, explore, fail and try again. Pick up a tinker tray and get to work creating collages, building sculptures and creating with repurposed supplies.
Stop by the CAC to join in on the fun! Art Play is designed for children ages 2-6 and their parents or caregivers, older and younger siblings are welcome.
Baby Tours
Cincinnati Art Museum
February 18
11am, 2pm, & 3pm
953 Eden Park Dr
Cincinnati, OH 45202
FREE. Reservations required.
This 40 minute experience will introduce you and your infant (ages 0-2) to the world of art with a tour designed to stimulate their developing minds. We will explain the positive effects of visual stimulation with masterpieces that will mesmerize the Art Museum’s youngest visitors. Visitors will meet in the Schmiddlapp Gallery, be led on a guided tour, then will do a baby safe artmaking activity in the Rosenthal Education Center. Strollers are not permitted so that you and your child can better experience the art together.
Family Festival: Ice, Ice Baby
Contemporary Art Center
February 19
12-3pm
44 E 6th St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Join us for a meet and greet with a real live penguin from the WAVE Foundation (from 12:00-2:00). Stop by for some frosty fun as we experiment with ice painting, design a frozen snow crown and take part in an epic snowball battle.
