Don’t let the winter blues settle in. Find an activity to do as a family!
Just because snowflakes are falling doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors doing the same old things. There are endless family activities to do this winter, both indoors and outdoors, that your entire family can participate in.
1. Library Night
A fun night out with the family doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The entire family can spend a few hours at the Troy-Miami County Public Library! Pick out a few books to read as a family for story time, or find books full of family activities or crafts that the entire family can partake in. But the library isn’t just full of books—many have movies and games to rent. Find a family-appropriate DVD to take home to watch together, and make family movie night a new tradition.
2. Light Up Middletown
Now in its 23rd year, Light Up Middletown bills itself as a drive-through fantasy light display, with funds raised going to improve Middletown city parks. What fantastic scenes will you see during your drive? The display is open nightly from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day.
3. Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Now is the time of year where many towns are putting out their holiday best, and that includes trees and lights. There are so many different tree lighting ceremonies that it may be hard to keep track, but this website offers a list of events happening in Miami County, Ohio. Check it out and find a local place to spread some holiday cheer! There are even community light displays around the area for families to check out.
4. Family Game Night
Too cold to venture outside? Gather as a family to play a game! Traditional board games are always family favorites, but if you are looking for something a little different, play paper telephone. Much like the original telephone chain game of message passing, paper telephone adds drawing into the equation. What silly stories and messages will your family come up with?
5. Cooking Together
Gathering in the kitchen as a family can create great memories. Get together and cook or bake some family-friendly recipes. The Food Network website offers plenty of quick and easy recipes, whether you are looking to make an entire meal, a simple snack, or a dessert. Have a favorite ingredient? Search the internet for different ways to use that ingredient!
Cooking can also be a great way to sneak in an educational lesson. When following a recipe, have the kids practice their measuring skills and reading-comprehension skills. Have older children practice fractions by converting measurements, like how many quarter cups make up a full cup.
Don’t forget to sit down and taste test all the fun recipes you try!
Exploring Your Town
Middletown, Ohio has a lot to offer to its residents. Have you visited any of the following places?
6. Sorg Opera House
If you and your family enjoy music and theater, Sorg Opera House is the place to check out. Sorg offers shows throughout the year. If you are a fan of Christmas carols, check out the Christmas Carol Off on December 21 where local musical groups and choirs compete for the title of best in the area.
7. Pendleton Art Center
With three floors of space for artists to create and plenty of pieces for viewing, Pendleton Art Center also hosts art shows and painting workshops. Check out their events calendar to see what is happening.
8. Middletown Lyric Theatre
MTL, as it is affectionately known, has been around since 1978 and brings the best in community theater to Middleton. MTL offers a variety of rotating shows throughout the year. Whether you are an actor looking to whet your appetite or just a patron of the arts, Middletown Lyric Theatre is the place to check out.
9. BeauVerre Riordan Stained Glass Studio
Located in downtown Middletown, BeauVerre Riordan Stained Glass Studio offers tours of their facility where you can see their artisans at work. And if you are interested in making stained glass yourself, classes are available.
Schedule a visit to Dr. Lang.
If you haven’t been to the office to see Dr. Steven A. Lang, DDS in the last six months, now is the time to stop by! We love to make sure you and your family are happy and healthy and help keep those smiles dazzling and white. Voted the top dentist in Middletown since 2009, Dr. Lang and his team look forward to being your new dental home.
