More than an indoor playground, Dayton is getting a comprehensive solution for modern parenthood; a unique, family-centric space designed by parents for parents. With Montessori-inspired play, co-working and workout spaces, this woman and veteran-owned establishment is laying down roots to change the way parents approach productivity.

Currently projected to open late 2024, you can still find Playground42 at various local events this summer where they will offer free play for kids to showcase some of the play furniture the facility will house. They will regularly update their whereabouts at https://www.playground42.com/events

Plus, help make it happen! Playground42 crowdfunding to bring this dream to life and offset startup costs. Time limited, these contributions go towards tiered perks, such as free day passes and memberships once they open their doors. Plus, by supporting them you can be a part of something truly special. Their crowdfunding campaign can be found at https://igg.me/at/Playground42/x/37588552#/

Visit Playground42.com for more details and to join a growing community that will help shape this home away from home for local families.

Designed by Parents for Parents

Meet the Wilson family – Kayla, Jake, and little Wyatt – the driving force behind Playground42.

Kayla, the founder, has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Ever hungry for more education, she is currently pursuing her master’s in instructional design & technology. Before Kayla landed in Dayton, she served in the US Air Force for 8 years as a mental health counselor and moved around the US providing care to service members with mental health disorders and substance/alcohol disorders. Wanting to make more of an impact, Kayla and Jake went on to become foster parents and realized what an incredible feeling it was to have a direct hand in helping make kids’ lives better. When Kayla and Jake had their son in 2022, Kayla and Jake made the tough decision to have Kayla leave the military so they could stay rooted in Dayton long-term.

Now, as work-from-home parents with the desire to bypass daycare (not to mention the shortage of availability in our area), Kayla and Jake conducted an extensive search for a local indoor play studio where parents could work, exercise, unwind, or otherwise be productive while maintaining safe, controlled, direct supervised play over kids. After an exhaustive search for a local indoor play area that checks all these boxes, Kayla and Jake realized there was a notable gap in the community.

So, recognizing a distinct need in our community, Kayla decided to move forward with founding Playground42 with the support of her family. Playground42 is woman-owned and veteran-owned and isn’t just a business venture – it’s a vital solution for so many caregivers. This is a passion project, and the Wilsons are so thrilled to be able to share it with you and the rest of our community.

With your support, we can create a comfortable, high-quality, optimal, and versatile space where families can work, play, and connect.

Amenities

Amenities you can expect to see at Playground42 include:

• Montessori-Inspired Fine & Gross-Motor Playground Equipment, Toys, Board Games, Books & More
• Separate, but Equally Visible Play Areas for Toddlers (Ages 0-2) and Older Kids (Ages 0-7)
• Work Areas for Adults
• Light Workout Equipment for Adults
• Bring your own Snacks, Drinks, and Whatever you Need to Work, Workout or Relax while your Littles Play
• Snacks and Drinks for Purchase
• Free Coffee
• Free Wi-Fi
• Daily Drop-in or Quarterly/Annual Memberships at Very Affordable Rates so you can Enjoy the Space on your Budget (Adults are FREE)
• Party Rentals – You Reserve the WHOLE Facility!
• Awesome Perks for Members such as Extended Hours Access!
• Play Dates, Holiday Events, Partnerships, and Numerous other Events!
• Occasional Free-Entry Days!
• Comfortable Seating
• Safe & Secure Entry and 24/7 Video Surveillance
• Parents can Nurse babies Anywhere of Course, but Playground42 is also Planning to Implement a Private Nursing Area for Parents that Prefer Some Privacy
• Safety, Inclusivity, and Self-Care are Prioritized
• Strong Sense of Community
• Plus, Playground42 want YOU to Give Input and Help Shape & Optimize the Space
• & More!

Connect with Playground42

• Learn more at Playground42.com where you can:
  • Subscribe to Updates
  • View Upcoming Events
  • Join a Community Forum Where You Can:
    • Plan Events & Play Dates
    • Give Input on the Facility & What You’d Like to See
    • Ask Questions
    • & More!
  • Social Media Pages:

• • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playground42llc/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556568970774
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV1XMzn4T4v2Nb_ql0KKnJQ
  • Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playground42llc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
• Make a Difference:
  • Contribute Towards Helping Alleviate Playground42’s Startup Expenses (Even a Few Dollars Help!) at https://igg.me/at/Playground42/x/37588552#/
• Get in Touch:

• Whether it is suggestions, potential partnerships, to reach out about donating items, or anything else, please email Playground42 at: Playground42LLC@outlook.com

The post Playground42: Dayton’s First Indoor Playground, Workout & Co-Working Space appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

Five Rivers MetroParks and Cohen Recycling are making the holidays greener by providing bins at six MetroParks locations where residents can drop off holiday lights to be recycled.

Recycling these lights supports MetroParks’ conservation mission, and Cohen will make a donation to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation based on how many lights are recycled.

Drop off unwanted lights at any of the following MetroParks locations through Sunday, Jan. 31. Light strands should be loose and not in bags or boxes. Drop-off locations are contactless, but residents are reminded to maintain social distancing and wear face coverings if they encounter other park-goers who aren’t in their households.

• The following locations are accessible during park hours, daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Carriage Hill MetroPark, 7800 E. Shull Rd., Dayton: Recycling bin is located outside the Visitor Center entrance.
  • Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook: Recycling bin is located at the main parking lot entrance under the kiosk.
  • Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton: Recycling bin is located at the front of the main building.
  • Possum Creek MetroPark, 4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton: Recycling bin located at the education building at the Possum Creek Farm.
  • Cox Arboretum MetroPark, 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton. Recycling bin located outside the Visitor Center entrance.
  • 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton: Recycling bin is located at the northwest entrance and is accessible anytime.

Extra waste generated during the holidays — including decorations, food and paper waste —amounts to 25 million tons of garbage, according to the Use Less Stuff Report and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

This is the second holiday season the recycling program has been offered. Last year, MetroParks collected 3,600 pounds of lights. Cohen donated $2,000 to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation to support MetroParks’ mission to protect the Dayton region’s natural heritage.

“It was a great first year for MetroParks, and the agency expects to increase collection significantly this year,” said Tim Pritchard, Five Rivers MetroParks’ sustainability coordinator. “The holidays are a busy time and recycling might not be top-of-mind, so we wanted to make it easy for people to make more sustainable choices. Cohen is helping keep waste out of the landfill while supporting MetroParks’ conservation mission.”

Information about the holiday light recycling program is online at metroparks.org/lights.

ABOUT FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS

Celebrating more than 50 years of preserving green space and natural areas, Five Rivers MetroParks is a nationally renowned park system composed of natural area parks, gardens, high-quality river corridors, urban parks and a network of recreation trails. Five Rivers MetroParks protects the region’s natural heritage and provides outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. Educational programs and recreational opportunities are offered year-round for all ages. Five Rivers MetroParks is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. To learn more about Five Rivers MetroParks, log onto www.metroparks.org or call 937-275-PARK (7275).

ABOUT COHEN

Founded in Middletown in 1924, Cohen is one of the largest family-owned metal recycling companies in North America. Cohen helps businesses and individuals alike recycle metal and electronics safely, responsibly and conveniently. Our mission is to provide the communities we serve a cleaner and more sustainable environment through innovation, outreach and an unwavering commitment to our people. Learn how to recycle your scrap metal and electronics and find a recycling center near you at CohenUSA.com.

The post Recycle holiday lights at Five Rivers MetroParks appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

On Saturday, October 31, local neighborhoods will open their doors to swarms of Captain Americas, Elsas and Kylos. While the majority of suburbs observe the standard 6-8 p.m. trick-or-treat time, there are some notable exceptions, which we’ve highlighted below.

Here’s your list of 2020 trick or treat times in Dayton and Miami Valley :

Please make sure to double check with your town or city in case of changes due to COVID-19 or weather delays. Click here to learn more about Ohio’s responsible guidelines for celebrating Halloween in Ohio this year. 

* Indicates 2019 Trick or Treat hours. Times will continue to be updated as 2020 times are announced.

The post 2020 Trick or Treat Times in Dayton and Miami Valley appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

September is here and the seasons are changing, and apple picking is a Fall must. 

Peifer Orchards is a picturesque orchard located just minutes away from Yellow Springs’s bustling downtown. Family-owned and operated since 1994, Peifer Orchards is easily the most beautiful apple orchard I’ve ever been to. The staff are friendly, the farm is gorgeous — and right now, the apples are ripe and ready for picking!

While a late spring frost and ongoing pandemic have forced many local orchards to switch gears this fall, happily, Peifer Orchards is open and ready for fall. Right now, you’ll find a variety of apples for U-Pick, including Jonathan and Cortland.

Depending on when you visit, other varieties may be ripe and ready. (They have Honeycrisp for sale in the market barn — we got a bag and I daresay they are the best I’ve ever had!)

Peifer Orchards is open for U-Pick on weekends only. You’ll pay $2/person (kids 3 and under are free) to pick, and apples are $1.99/pound. To get to the orchard, you’ll stroll down a winding dirt-and-gravel road, which is all part of the experience. Ripe rows for U-Pick are sectioned off, and it’s easy to spread out and practice social distancing while you’re there.

2020 has been a tough one. Back in March, seemingly overnight, everything changed. Now more than ever, I treasure having fun traditions that are safe and adaptable for this new normal. (Also: is there anything better than spending a day in the country?)

This fall, load up the car and spend an afternoon apple picking at Peifer Orchards. It will be a welcomed tradition for a year that’s changed everything. 

Peifer Orchards is located at 4590 US 68 N. in Yellow Springs, OH. Visit their website or call 937-767-2208 for more information and U-Pick updates.

The post Peifer Orchards appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

With the mornings starting a little cooler and evenings coming quicker- fall fun will soon to be in full effect around town! With apple varieties ripening now-October it’s a great time to try out your favorite fall recipes.

Check out our guide to Apple Orchards Around Dayton – Happy Picking! 

(Information below is subject to change due to COVID-19. Please check for updated information before going via the business website or social media.) 

Peifer Orchards 

During the fall they offer pick your own apples. Family and friends enjoy a scenic stroll through our farm to the orchard. The orchard is open for U-pick on Saturdays and Sundays during the season. Address: 4590 US 68 N.Yellow Springs, (937) 767-2208

Peifer Orchards

Apple Country Farm Market  

Opening September 12th. This wonderful place is family-owned and operated business that offers a unique experience the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for fresh home-grown fruits and vegetables, seasonal farm market products such as pumpkins and gourds, straw bales, or unique craft items, ACFM has it all! And if you’re looking for some down-home agritainment fun, you won’t want to miss our Corn Maze Adventure open during the fall season! Address:  2323 U.S. Route 42 in Spring Valley, OH. (937) 862-4376

Wesler Orchards

You can find it all here! Apples, vegetables, baked goods, petting farm and U-Pick season starts Labor Day weekend! Children will definitely want to visit the animals in the barnyard. Address: 9319 Wesler Rd, New Paris, OH 45347, (937) 437-8921

Monnins Fruit Farm

You will be greeted by a team member who will provide you with picking containers for a small fee (or you can bring your own!) and direct you to your own rows for the best picking. Apples are typically available through November and updated pick schedules can be found on Facebook or by calling us. If you need large quantities, please call ahead and they can have it waiting for you. Address: 8201 Frederick Pike, Dayton. (937) 890-4536.

Monnins Fruit Farm

Hidden Valley Orchards

The 2020 HVO apple crop was significantly impacted by the late spring frost. As a result, it did not produce enough fruit to support a public u-pick opportunity. HVO plans on using any apples in our delicious Apple Cider. We will be offering an amazing array of apple varieties throughout the season from the last weekend in August into early October in the retail market. New varieties debuted weekly from partnering orchards. Address: 5474 N. State Road 48, Lebanon, (513) 932-1869

Irons Fruit Farm

You’ll find year -round fun here! Enjoy our friendly farm animals, a chance to picnic on the farm, special events, foods, and activities. They sell apples, cider, fritters, donuts, pies, and apple butter! Be sure to look into taking on their Corn Maze and other fun this fall- you won’t want to miss Country Applefest September 28 & 29th this year! Address: 1640 Stubbs Mills Road, Lebanon, OH, (513) 932-2853

Brumbaugh Fruit Farm

The Brumbaugh family is proud to offer the entire family experience: fresh fruit, delicious desserts, and family fun. Whether you are looking to enjoy the farm experience with your children or a farm market with baked goods and produce just like the good ol’ days, Brumbaugh’s tradition of entertaining is guaranteed to please. Address: 6420 Arcanum- Hollansburg Road, Arcanum, OH 45304, (937) 692-8084

Tuken’s Orchard & Farm Market

Tuken’s grows over 30 kinds of apples. Most apples are picked from late August to mid-Oct. We use several varieties of apples to make our apple cider. Apples are good for you! High in fiber, low fat, and high in Vitamin C.Try an Apple Cider slushie! We also have our own apple butter, apple preserves, and fresh baked apple pies. Address: 15725 Eaton Pike, West Alexandria, OH 45381

A & M Farm Orchard

It’s out of the way and a bit of a trek, but A&M Orchard is absolutely worth the trip. Apple U-pick will begin sometime in September, for the full scoop on orchard conditions and apple availability, be sure to call or check the farm’s Facebook page before you go. Address: 22141 State Route 251. Midland, Ohio, (513) 875-2500

{We recommend calling or visiting their website before going as weather and other changes may impact hours and crop availability. And don’t forget that most farms only accept cash or check so call ahead to confirm!}

The post Apple Orchards Around Dayton appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

April 11 is National Pet Day, and the COVID-19 quarantine has resulted in a surge in pet adoptions and fostering. While local shelters are currently closed, now is a great time to evaluate whether or not your family is ready for a pet. Adopting a pet is a huge commitment and one your entire family needs to be on board with for the life span of the animal.

Is your family ready for a pet? Take our quiz to see if you’e ready to initiate the family pet discussion: 

Our family is considering a new pet because:

a. The kids have been begging for years and I am just tired of saying no.
b. All of my kids’ friends have pets – I guess we might as well get one too.
c. We all love animals. A pet would be a wonderful addition to our home.

The thought of having to clean up after a pet on a daily basis is:

a.  Unthinkable – who has time to deal with one more mess?
b.  A bit of a concern, but I’ll just get my kids to do it.
c.  No problem. I’m used to changing diapers and wiping spit up off my clothes – I’ve got this!

Dog owners spend an average of $225 on annual well visits and $66 per trip to the groomer. These numbers:

a. Come as a total shock – count me out!
b. Surprise me – time to take out a loan!
c. Are what I had planned on and will work in our family’s budget.

You just found your cat using your brand new sofa as a scratching post for the umpteenth time. You:

a. Head back to the shelter to see about a refund.
b. Put the cat in time out to let it think about what he has done.
c. Use your voice to let that cat know that behavior is not allowed and then place him on his own scratching post, which is within easy reach of the sofa.

The pouring rain shows no signs of letting up and your dog is giving you that look. You:

a. Decide he can probably hold it a little longer.
b. Think just maybe you can be the first person to convince a dog to use the toilet.
c. Grab an umbrella and take your dog for his regularly scheduled walk.

If you answered anything other than “C” to any of these questions, it might be best to put the idea of a pet on the back burner for now. 

Not a puppy owner but still like dogs? Consider a donation to your local animal shelter. Most pet adoption shelters have closed their doors, but rely on donations to care for their animals and facilities. Check out the ways you can still help The Humane Society of Greater Dayton & SICSA here.

If you’re ready for a pet, research local shelters and consider fostering for the time being — local agencies like SICSA and The Humane Society of Greater Dayton. 

The post Take the Quiz: Is Your Family Ready for a Pet? appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

We’re excited spring is (almost) here and it is already time to think about where the best egg hunts are! We’ve kept up on all Easter fun again this year in the Dayton area. We will continue to update this list as we hear about more Easter Egg Hunts in the Dayton area.

2020 Dayton Easter Egg Hunts Guide:

Wiggle Worms Eggstravaganza

Where: Fairgrounds Recreation Center, Xenia
Date: March 19, 10 am- Noon

We may be early for Easter but we want to celebrate with our Wiggle Worms during our first-ever Wiggle Worms Easter Eggstravaganza!

Photos with the Easter Bunny

Where: The Mall at Fairfield Commons
Date: March 20- April 13

Hop on over to The Mall at Fairfield Commons to take an egg-stremely cute pic with Bunny!

Bunny is at Dayton Mall 

Where: Dayton Mall 
Date: March 20- April 11

Bunny and his peeps are located at Center Court. o hop on over and join in on the egg-citement!

Sensitive Bunny sponsored by Therapy Connections

Where: The Mall at Fairfield Commons
Date: March 22, 9-11 am

Sensitive Bunny®️ is hopping to The Mall at Fairfield Commons! Join us for some sensory-friendly fun the whole family can enjoy! Stop by and take a photo with Bunny in a stress-free environment curated to meet your family’s needs. Register your family here.

Easter Bunny at The Greene

Where: The Greene
Date: March 27- April 11

Pictures with the Easter Bunny! Monday- Saturday (11 am- 8 pm), Sunday (Noon- 6 pm)

Zion Community Easter Egg Hunt

Where: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Date: March 29, 3 pm

Zion Youth will be hosting a FREE Community Easter Egg Hunt. This event is being sponsored by Thrivent Financial. Easter eggs and snacks will be provided.

Extreme Egg Hunt for Kids & Special Needs

Where: Caesar Ford Park
Date: April 4, 8-10 pm

Grab your baskets and flashlight, join us for the annual Extreme Egg Hunt at Caesar Ford Park! It will be an egg-cellent glow-in-the-dark adventure… Kids will have the opportunity to hunt eggs filled with candy and prizes galore! Registration required.

Underwater Easter Egg Hunt

Where: Vandalia Recreation Center Pool, 1111 Stonequarry Road, Dayton, 45414
Date: April 4, 9-10 am

All egg hunters welcome! Search for eggs and turn in eggs for candy and prizes. Stay and enjoy open swim after hunts are complete. Participants must be able to swim and must be accompanied by an adult. Please preregister!

Easter Egg Hunt in Highland Park

Where: Highland Park
Date: April 4, Noon- 1 pm

Bring a basket and arrive early. We’ll have sections organized by age groups from toddlers to 12-year olds. This FREE event is open to all.

River Church Helicopter Egg Drop

Where: The River Church, 5546 Cincinnati Dayton Road, Liberty Township, 45044
Date: April 4, 9:00- 10:30 am

Join us for our annual Helicopter Egg Drop on Saturday, April 4 (rain or shine). This event is for kids from 2 years old to 5th grade. We have a separate section for 2-5 year olds and another one for 1st-5th graders. Registration is required. 

Night Easter Egg Hunt

Where: Sackett Wright Park
Date: April 4, 8-9:30 pm

Join us for a fun and egg-citing night at our annual Night Easter Egg Hunt! Grab a partner and “catch” the fun that spring weather brings, by participating in a real egg “egg toss”. We will then get down to business locating plastic eggs in the dark of night hidden by that sneaky Bunny!

Easter Egg Splash

Where: Miami County YMCA
Date: April 5, 2- 3pm

Parents and children ages 6 and under join us for pictures with the Easter Bunny and games followed by a splash into the pool for Easter eggs! Parents/guardians must accompany all swimmers in the pool. Find one of our golden eggs and win a special prize! Event is FREE to Y members and $5 for nonmembers. Registration Required.

Hide & Peep Egg Hunt

Where: Dayton Mall
Date: April 5, 10 am-Noon

Their family-fun egg hunt is just around the corner. Come hunt for eggs and enjoy some other springtime celebrations with them. Register here. Free. 

Easter Bunny Express

Where: LM & M Railroads
Date: April 4,5,11 and April 12. See the website for times.

Hop aboard the LM&M Railroad’s Easter Bunny Express! Enjoy a train ride with the Easter Bunny, followed by a train stop to participate in an Easter egg hunt.

Tiny Tikes Easter Egg Hunt

Where: Vandalia Recreation Center Special Events Room
Date: April 11, 11 am-Noon

Hop on out to this early Easter program! Your child will decorate their own Easter basket and will participate in a mini Easter Egg Hunt outside the Vandalia Recreation Center! You must preregister for this class.

Easter Egg and Playtime

Where: Washington Township Recreation Center
Date: April 10, 10- 11:30 am & 12:30- 2 pm / April 11, 10- 11:30 am

The Easter Bunny is coming to the Rec Center! Bring your child to this exciting event where preschool age children can play on our gym equipment after finding the hidden eggs in the gym. Prizes will be given and snacks will be offered. Participants should bring a basket to collect their eggs. $8, 12 months and younger are free.

Helicopter Egg Drop Extravaganza

Where: 2835 Miami Village Drive, Miamisburg, OH
Date: April 11, 1- 4 pm

Claim your tickets for our #1 event of the year. Bring a Basket or bag for eggs.  The drop will happen at 1:30 pm, don’t be late!

Vandalia Community Egg Hunt

Where: Vandalia Sports Complex Soccer Concession Stand
Date: April 11, 11 am-Noon

Lebanon Egg Drop 2020

Where: City Hope Church
Date: April 11, Noon

Lebanon’s 9th annual Egg Drop is brought to you by City Hope Church. At 12noon, the skies above the football field at Lebanon Junior High School will open up as thousands of Easter eggs fall from a helicopter! There will also be age appropriate areas that include a special toddler area just for parents and small children.

51st Annual Fairborn Community Easter Egg Hunt

Where: Fairborn YMCA
Date: April 12, 2- 4 pm

Children ages 1-10 will scramble for 10,000 candy and prize-filled eggs at the 51st Annual Community Egg Hunt in Fairborn’s Central Park (Next to the Fairborn YMCA) at 2:00pm on Easter Sunday, April 12th – Get there early as the bell will sound for the hunt to begin at 2 pm sharp (We call this the “Egg Stampede”)

Easter Egg Hunt Youngs Dairy

Where: Young’s Jersey Dairy
Date: April 12, 2 pm

As is our tradition, we will hard boil and dye over 7,000 eggs for our Easter Egg Hunt. This event starts promptly at 2 PM for children ages 4 and under. At 2:20 PM we do it again for ages 5 to 7. At 2:40 PM we have the final hunt for ages 8 to 10.

Did we miss your favorite egg hunt? It is quite possible! Please let us know so we can get it added!

The post 2020 Dayton Easter Egg Hunt Guide appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

On May 19th & 20th a parade, arts & crafts booths, children’s activities, a carnival and over 20 Food concessions for a taste of fair food and tons of music and entertainment will be around all weekend! 

Saturday, May 19