If your post-holiday Visa bill has you in a nervous sweat, we have something that can help. 25 somethings, in fact! We checked our Online Calendar and found a variety free events happening all month long in Cincinnati, so you can enjoy lots of family fun without spending lots of money!
Here are 25 free things to do this January in Cincinnati:
Once Upon A Time: The Mysterious World of Children’s Stories
Daily through Jan. 8 at the Main Branch
Once Upon A Time: The Mysterious World of Children’s Stories is on display in the Joseph S. Stern, Jr. Cincinnati Room at the Main Library. Covering four centuries and featuring traditional fables, chapbooks, nursery rhymes and fairy tales from the Public Library’s rich book collection, this exhibition is sure to delight the whole family.
Story time at IKEA
Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. at IKEA West Chester
Kids can enjoy classic tales of adventure and craft time. Afterwards, head to IKEA’s cafeteria: kids 12 and under eat free at IKEA West Chester every Tuesday!
Afternoon Art
Jan. 5 from 4-5 p.m. at the Northside Branch Library
Make a winter masterpiece.
Raybot Story Time with Author Adam F. Watkins!
Jan. 7, 10-11 a.m. at Blue Manatee
Join us for a very special story time and signing event with author Adam F. Watkins as he shares his delightful book, Raybot! Raybot is a lonely robot searching for that one animal that says, “woof”… and he soon learns that there are many wonderful (and different!) animals on Earth. This is a sweet tale that will warm everyone’s hearts, no matter how old!
Family First Saturday: Fairy Tales in the Forest
Jan. 7, 12-4 p.m. at Cincinnati Art Museum
Celebrate the final days of Van Gogh: Into the Undergrowth with this fun-filled day for the whole family! Explore the magical side of the forest with performances, artist demonstrations, scavenger hunts, tours, and hands-on art making activities. Reservations not required.
Autism Family Exploration: Fairy Tales in the Forest
Jan. 7, 10-11 a.m. at Cincinnati Art Museum
This new program is designed for families with children with autism to explore the museum before public hours. Families are welcome to visit sensory stops, and participate in an all-ability art making experience. Join us for our first program and explore forest fairy tales through the art of Vincent van Gogh. Reservations not required.
Antique Christmas
Jan. 8 at The Taft Museum
Don’t miss the final day of The Taft’s annual holiday display! Admission is free every Sunday.
The Inventive Princess of Floralee
Jan. 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Monfort Heights Library
Join in the fun with this interactive fairy-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. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Beaks and Talons
Jan. 12, 4-5 p.m. at the Madisonville Branch Library
Join presenters from RAPTOR Inc. as they feature 3 live bird ambassadors at the library. Up close and personal, you can see and learn about the adaptations which make them supreme hunters of the sky. Sponsored by The Friends of the Public Library.
Superhero Drawing Workshop
Jan. 14, 2-3 p.m. at the North Central Branch Library
Learn how to draw your own superhero with award-winning children’s book illustrator Tara Calahan King!
Tall Tales
Jan. 15, 1-4 p.m. at the Taft Museum
Legends of the West abound at this Funday. Visit Picturing the West on its last day at the Taft to see this fantastic frontier as it was when America’s folk tales about the West were first told. Learn about the power of photography at the Art Cart, practice your own photographic skills, and make a craft to take home. Join us at 2 p.m. for folk tales and songs with Russ and Barb Childers.
Spend the Day the MLK Way!
Jan. 16 from 2-3 p.m. at Blue Manatee
It’s Martin Luther King Day! A man who had a dream and moved forward in his pledge of non-violence… Join us today in reading about MLK and creating our own dream piece. Be prepared to get your hands moving and your brains thinking! Free; best for ages 4-7. Call to reserve a spot.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Presents: Harriet Tubman
Jan. 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Harrison Branch Library
The year is 1849. Watch as Harriet Tubman journeys back into slave country to rescue her family and many others. Traveling by the cover of night and cloaked in extreme secrecy, Harriet never lost a passenger during her trips on the Underground Railroad. The story of this amazing woman known as Moses, whose image will soon grace the redesigned $20 bill, comes to life in this exhilarating musical drama. Ages 8 and up, registration required.
Out of this World Family Fun
Jan. 17, 6:30-7:45 p.m. at the Goshen Library
Bring the family as we talk about all things space! Weather permitting we will go outside to look through our telescopes to view the night sky. Dress warmly!
Under the Stars
Jan. 20, 6-8 p.m. at Sharon Woods
For centuries, the stars have been full of mystery. Come take an evening walk as we explore some of the myths and legends surrounding the constellations.
Saturday Play Date: Happy 50th Brown Bear!
Jan. 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Amelia Branch
The classic picture book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle turns 50 this year! Celebrate with us by listening to stories about bears, singing songs, and making a craft inspired by Eric Carle’s signature art style. Stay after the main event for time to play and make new friends.
PJ Library Visits the Cincinnati Museum Center
Jan. 22, 3-5 p.m. at the Museum Center
PJ Library families (Ages 6 months – 8 years) will spend the day at the Duke Energy Children’s Museum exploring and participating in family scavenger hunts and activities. PJ Our Way members (Ages 9 – 12) can travel with a guide through the exciting and new Vikings: Beyond the Legend exhibit with their friends and dive into history. FREE with RSVP ($5 at the door).
Winter Track Scramble
Jan. 22, 2-3 p.m. at Winton Woods
Winter is probably the best time to discover where animals have been active. Sharpen your observation skills and unravel some of nature’s mysteries.
Teen Yoga
Jan. 24, 3-4 p.m. at the Oakley Branch Library
Enjoy relaxing yoga sessions with certified yoga instructor, Larita Hayden. All mats and drinks provided.
Spa Day at the Library
Jan. 25, 4-5 p.m. at the Corryville Branch Library
Make and pamper yourself with your own homemade anti-itch, cooling lotion.
Let it Snow STEAM
Jan. 26, 4-5 p.m. at the Mt. Washington Branch Library
Join us for fun winter STEAM activities! We’ll construct miniature sleds and ramps out of recyclables and make creative geoboard snowflake designs to take home. Grades K-6. Registration required.
Winter Hat Walk
Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Winton Woods
Calling on hats of all kinds! We want color, flash, variety and the most remarkable! Wear it proudly as we traverse a woodland path.
Little Ninja Story Time
Jan. 28, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Blue Manatee
Join us for a very special “Little Ninja Story Time” featuring our special guests from Cincinnati Taekwondo Center! We’ll be reading some of our favorite ninja titles, followed by a demonstration and an interactive experience learning basic moves! Let’s get our inner ninjas moving! Free; best for ages 4-8.
Space is limited to the first 12 children. Please call 513-731-2665 by January 23 to reserve a spot.
Cabin Fever Reliever Hike
Jan. 29, 1-3 p.m. at Woodland Mound
Is old man winter keeping you trapped inside? Come out and join us for a laid back stroll along the trail to help relieve your cabin fever! Please wear your sturdy hiking shoes for this hike in case of icy conditions.
Baby Splash Classes at Hubbard Swim School
Daily, check website for class schedule!
Teach your baby to swim before summer at Hubbard Family Swim School. You’ll find free Baby Splash Classes 7 days a week, all year long. These 30-minute classes are the perfect length for babies!
