Free Activity Books for Military Families – Order by 2/2

We are excited to announce that once again, Ohio Military Kids is offering free projects books for you and your family! Continue reading to learn more about how you can get your hands on a free project activity book.

Our partners at Ohio 4-H are proud to present a collection of project books to military families – at no cost to you! Ohio Military Kids is an organization that benefits from the youth development education offered from Ohio 4-H and the organization resources contributed from Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support. Together, we hope that your families may benefit from the education opportunities found in the collection of project book titles listed in this survey.

 

Here are the books we are offering:

  • Edible Landscapes – “Beginning-level youth of any age can learn to grow edible plants, including fruit trees. Add edibles to the current landscape, swap existing plants for edible plants, create a new garden, or do all three! The activities guide you as you complete a site evaluation, plan which edible plants to use, plant and nurture them, and then enjoy the fruits and vegetables as they ripen.”
  • Explore the Outdoors – “This project opens your eyes to the great outdoors, so get your backpack and field guides ready. The first activity shows how to prepare for an outdoor adventure so you can explore the woodlands, fields, wetlands, and the geology of Ohio. Once you see nature with a new appreciation, you’ll want to learn more! Intended for youth of all ages interested in Ohio’s wildlife and ecosystems.”
  • Medicine Science and Safety – “Who should help you make decisions about medicine? How can you stay safe around it? These and other important questions are answered with five hands-on activities that get right to the point. Follow the core messages and become a good example for others. Learn about careers in pharmacy too!”
  • Rockets Away! – “These ten lessons, described in detail in the Rockets Away Teacher Guide, are a student’s gateway to the practical knowledge behind Newton’s Laws of Motion. Educational research shows that the practice of recording one’s own data and observations helps students internalize concepts.

 

Please note that we have a very limited supply of each book. You may only select one of each book per order. If a book has “sold out” it will not be displayed as an option.

Requests must be placed by February 2 at 11:59 PM. Orders will then be processed and sent to families approximately 3-5 weeks after the order deadline.

 

For additional information about this program or enrollment in Ohio 4-H, please contact State 4-H Healthy Living and Ohio Military Kids Student Assistant, Matthew Swearingen (swearingen.96s@osu.edu)

 

go.osu.edu/omk4hbookorder

6 Activities for Ohio Families During Thanksgiving Break

The end of the year is quickly approaching, but not before the holiday rush! First up, we have Thanksgiving, and you might be looking for fun things to do with your family during the break. Here is a list of activities throughout Ohio for you and your family to enjoy.

 

Columbus Turkey Trot 

November 23rd, 9:00AM

“We are proud to partner with Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio to bring you a fun and rewarding experience that brings together family and friends from across the country. A great Homage designed t-shirt, handsome finisher’s medal, and more.

Participants have their choice of a 5 mile or 2.5 mile course, plus a special “Dick’s Tot Trot” for kids 9 and under. Those who wish to participate remotely can also register through our virtual option. Bring a camera and a smile and we look forward to seeing you Thanksgiving morning!”

Learn more: https://www.columbusturkeytrot.com/ 

 

Tobogganing – Cleveland Metroparks

Opening November 24th

“The 2023-2024 Toboggan Season is scheduled to open Friday November 24, 2023. Reservations will begin Friday November 17 at Noon. Experience the icy thrill of tobogganing at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation, 16200 Valley Parkway Strongsville, OH 44136, located on Valley Parkway between Routes 42 and 82 in Strongsville (a short distance from both I-71 and the Ohio Turnpike). The twin, 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes operate with or without snow through late February, weather permitting.”

Learn more: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/activities/activity-types/tobogganing

 

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo

November 17-January 7  |  Sunday-Thursday: 5:00PM-9:00PM  |  Friday-Saturday: 5:00PM-10:00PM

“The yuletide season comes alive as we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Wildlights! This holiday event features millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, and other holiday festivities that can only be found at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. 

Admission to Wildlights is included with your Zoo admission or with your Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Membership.”

Learn more: https://www.columbuszoo.org/wildlights?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmNeqBhD4ARIsADsYfTfugNldwJv05jiCijg2tFOPEmBwwm95JBWnhrSEHkchek-1AwaH9cUaAiBBEALw_wcB 

 

Cleveland Pops Orchestra Concert: Holiday Cheer!

November 26 2:00PM-4:00PM

 “Get in the holiday spirit with the Cleveland Pops and Pops Chorus! Listen to your favorite tunes, join in the sing-along and enjoy the famous Dancing Santas. Don’t forget to stop by the lobby to visit Santa Claus and adoptable puppies and kittens from area shelters plus more holiday magic!”

Learn more: https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/event-calendar/cleveland-pops-orchestra-concert-holiday-cheer

 

Portsmouth Winterfest

November 17-December 31, 2023

“Open skating will be from Thursday to Sunday. Private Parties on Monday to Wednesday (click here to email for more info on party bookings). Ice hockey school is from Monday to Wednesday. Vendor booths and food trucks on weekends. FOP Christmas Store. Merchant Saturdays featuring 20 to 30 booths leading up to Christmas setup on National Church Residences Square. Choirs and bands on Sunday afternoons. Vehicle props and Manger Scene. Downtown lights on 2nd and Market Streets. Old-time trucks at 2nd and Courts streets. Grinch hut with hot chocolate, coffee, sweets, and s’mores. Jingle Bell 5k run/walk. Character Saturdays in December at the ice rink. Visit Winterfest and create memories. Click the links above for more information.”

Learn more: https://www.ohiotraveler.com/portsmouth-winterfest/ 

 

Dayton Holiday Festival

November 24th

“Dayton Holiday Festival in Dayton, Ohio:  The holiday season is everyone’s favorite time of year! With family, food, and entertainment, what’s not to love? Throw in some gingerbread homes, carriage rides, a holiday village, and one of the largest tree lighting ceremonies in the region and that’s only a taste of what the Dayton Holiday Festival has to offer! The Dayton Holiday Festival was started by Mrs. Virginia Kettering so that everyone in the community, regardless of their economic means, could enjoy the holiday season. And today, it still offers most activities to all for free. The festival has since expanded to include carnival and horse drawn carriage rides, holiday crafts in the Holiday Village and Gingerbread homes on display in the Old Courthouse! The fun doesn’t end there! The tree lighting will occur on Courthouse Square at 7:45pm and the Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular and Lights will immediately follow. All this and much more at the Holiday Festival in downtown Dayton. Other activities are featured throughout December.”

Learn more: https://www.ohiotraveler.com/dayton-holiday-festival/