February may be a short month, but there’s no shortage of free fun during this second month of 2017! Over the next 28 days, there’s lots of free activities guaranteed to give you all the heart-eyed emojis.
Here are 20 free things for families this February in Cincinnati:
Matilda Reading Challenge
Daily through March 16 at all Cincinnati Public Library branches
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is partnering with Broadway in Cincinnati for the challenge. All kids have to do is read three or more books by Roald Dahl by March 17 and have their reading “passport” signed by a parent or teacher. One lucky reader will win a family four-pack of tickets to a Matilda the Musical performance April 4-16 at the Aronoff Center, a copy of the book Matilda, and gift cards from Busken Bakery and Joseph-Beth Booksellers. Ten runners-up will win a book signed by the lead actress in the musical.
Oh, Groundhog!
Feb. 4, 3-4 p.m. at Sharon Woods
Woodchuck, groundhog or whistle pig, no matter what you call them, they’re pretty special. Learn all about Ohio’s second largest rodent and find out why we celebrate Groundhog Day. For ages 8 and up.
Story Time at IKEA
Feb. 7 at 1 p.m.
Join us for story time in our Restaurant. Kids can enjoy classic tales of adventure and craft time after the story. Parent must be present with child. Then enjoy a free kids meal as part of IKEA’s Kids Eat Free Tuesdays!
Maple Sugaring Time!
Feb. 8, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the St. Bernard Branch Library
Did you ever wonder how maple syrup is made? Join us as Julie Stubbs from Hamilton County Parks takes us on maple sugaring journey from the tree to your table.
Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day!
Feb. 10 from 11 a.m.-noon at Blue Manatee
Have you ever spilled a glass of milk and were told not to cry over it? Have you ever seen silly images in that spilled milk? Join us today as we read the wonderful story, It Looked Like Spilt Milk, by Charles G. Shaw and make our way over to the craft tables to create our own “spilt milk” projects!
Zak Morgan
Feb. 12, 2-3 p.m. at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center
Join us for another year of our fantastic family performance series, which will feature special receptions after the show each month! Shows start at 2 p.m. and are free for kids under 12 and just $5 per adult.
Maple at Mitchell
Feb. 12 from 2-4 at Mitchell Memorial Forest
Drop in and meet a naturalist to learn about the maple tree. From possible financial freedom for the colonists to sweetening tea today, this tree has been a very valuable resource for generations! You’ll get to see sap being boiled and taste some real maple syrup.
Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating
Feb. 14 from 4-5 p.m. at the Madisonville Branch Library
Learn cookie decorating tips and tricks with special guest Lisa Donaldson from Cincinnati Cake and Candy Supplies…and then eat your own sweet creations! All materials provided. Recommended for ages 5-12. Registration required.
The Inventive Princess of Floralee
Feb. 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Symmes Township Branch Library
Join in the fun with this interactive fairly-tale, presented by the Know Theatre of Cincinnati. Follow the Princess of Floralee on the adventure of a lifetime, searching for the kidnapped king kept in the clutches of a viciously vile and wrathfully wicked witch. All ages welcome.
Maple Mania
Feb. 18 from 3-5 at the Sharon Center
Most of us love maple syrup, but just where does this tasty treat come from? We’ll learn all about the history and how-to of this most American of sugars. For ages 8 and up.
Macy’s Arts Sampler Weekend
Feb. 18-19 at locations around Cincinnati
The entire event spotlights the Greater Cincinnati area’s many arts venues, artists and performers through its more than 100 free activities that take place in various communities throughout the region— from Loveland to Blue Ash, Covington to downtown Cincinnati. Here are a few highlights:
- *A full day of U.C. Clermont programs on Saturday, Feb. 18
- *Linton PB&J concert on Sat., Feb. 18 at Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church
- *Jazz concerts and photography classes at the Contemporary Arts Center on Feb. 18
- *Peter Pan at the Newport Branch of the Campbell County Library on Feb. 18!
- *My Nose Turns Red circus shows at the Cincinnati Art Museum Feb. 18
The Year of the Rooster
Feb. 19 from 1-4 at the Taft Museum
Happy Chinese New Year! Celebrate the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Rooster with a fun day at the Taft. Make a rooster-ish craft to take home, explore Chinese symbols at the Art Cart, and look at celebrations and children in Chinese art. Maybe a real hen (a female rooster) will stop by for a visit, too! Dancers from the Greater Cincinnati Chinese School will perform at 2 p.m.
A World of Music
Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the John P. Parker Elementary School
Don’t miss this special free winter presentation!
Maple Sugar Days
Feb. 25 and 26 at Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve
It’s maple sugaring time! Bring your family to celebrate the awakening of the trees as they prepare for spring with the very traditional craft of making maple syrup. Enjoy this delicious weekend of tastes, crafts, demonstrations and hikes.
Winter Adaptations
Feb. 26 at the Sharon Center
Meet some of the critters that call Sharon Woods home and learn about how they survive the cold, icy winters.
Looking for more fun, free things to do this month? Be sure to bookmark our Online Calendar, which is updated daily with the latest and greatest local events!
