9 family-friendly holiday events the whole family can enjoy
By Kamron Taylor, Staff Writer
When it comes to the holidays in Dayton, there are endless ways to celebrate.
But it's not always so easy to find activities that are fun for the entire family. This year, make sure everyone feels included, and check out these all-ages-friendly holiday events.
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1. Christmas at EnterTRAINment Junction
Source: FacebookIf you don’t mind a bit of a drive, take the kiddos on a journey to the North Pole with EnterTRAINment Junction. On the way, you’ll run into the Reindeer & Elf Workshop, Mrs. Claus and Santa.
Once you’ve completed your journey, take the family to see the Main Street Holiday Trains display. It’s the world’s largest train display, complete with a kid’s play area and A-Maze-N FunHouse, which the entire family can enjoy.
Want to go?
WHAT: EnterTRAINment Junction
WHERE: 7379 Squire Ct., West Chester
HOURS: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12-6 p.m. Sunday, December 12, 2015 - January 01, 2016. (Closed Christmas Day. Closes at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Open until 9 p.m. Dec. 12-30.)
INFO: Website | Facebook | (513) 898-8000 -
2. An Evening of Astronomy - Exoplanets: A Year In Review at Boonshoft Museum
Source: FacebookAs the year comes to a close, take the family to The Boonshoft Museum. They’re taking a look at the methods scientists use to detect exoplanets, and they'll update you on the latest space discoveries of 2015. Both admission to the program and night sky observing are free.
Want to go?
WHAT: The Boonshoft Museum’s Evening of Astronomy: Exoplanets: A Year In Review
WHERE: 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton
HOURS: 7 p.m. Friday, December 18
INFO: Website | Facebook | (937) 275-7431 -
3. Virginia Kettering Holiday Train Display
Source: FacebookTake a ride over to the Virginia Kettering Holiday Train Display in the Kettering Tower lobby. Visitors of all ages can view this beloved, one-of-a-kind model train display that was given to the community by Mrs. Virginia Kettering herself. The display can also be viewed through the building windows at Second and Main anytime.
Want to go?
WHAT: Virginia Kettering Holiday Train Display
WHERE: Kettering Tower, 40 N. Main St., Dayton
HOURS: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, Nov. 27-Jan. 2
INFO: Website | 937-224-1518 -
4. Uno's Pizza with Santa
Source: FacebookWhat’s better than pizza and Santa? We’re not sure. This is why you should venture over to Uno’s Pizza for pizza with Santa in downtown Dayton. Bonus: visit the Tikes Shoppe before or after. Call for pricing and reservations.
Want to go?
WHAT: Uno’s Pizza with Santa
WHERE: Uno Pizzeria & Grill, 126 N. Main St.
HOURS: 11 a.m. December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20
INFO: Website | Facebook | 937-910-8000 -
5. Rike's Holiday Window Display
Source: FacebookIt’s holiday enchantment that you have to see to believe at the Rike's Holiday Window Display. Visit the animated elves, woodland animals, violinists and skaters at the corner of Second and Main streets in Downtown Dayton. It's been happening for over 70 years and it's only gotten better with time.
Want to go?
WHAT: Rike’s Holiday Window Displays
WHERE: Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton
HOURS: Nov.27-Dec. 31, 2015. Please call 937-228-7591 to confirm hours.
INFO: Website | Facebook | 937-228-7591
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6. Pay a visit to the Tikes Shoppe
Source: FacebookIf you are looking for a special gift for the holidays, you’re in for a special treat when you visit The Tikes Shoppe! The kids can shop for their friends and family at this a shop run by kids for kids, and priced within a kid’s budget. (Don't miss 5 great gift ideas at The Tikes Shoppe.)
Want to go?
WHAT: The Tikes Shoppe
WHERE: Schuster Center Berry Reception Room, 1 W Second St., Dayton
HOURS:- 12p.m.-6 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.) December 4
- 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.) December 5
- 12p.m. - 6 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.) December 6
- 12p.m.-7 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.) December 11
- 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.) December 12
- 12p.m. - 7 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.) December 13
- Dec. 14-17 – CLOSED
- 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.) December 18-23
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7. Carriage Rides at The Greene
Source: FacebookGo on a holiday ride at The Greene. Pick up and drop off is located on the south side of the Town Square on Glengarry Drive. Children 15 and under ride for free with a paying adult. Cost is $10 per person or $15 per couple (cash only).
Want to go?
WHAT: Carriage Rides at the Greene
WHERE: The Greene Shopping Center, 51 Plum St., Beavercreek
HOURS: 6-10 p.m. Saturdays only (December 5, 12, 19)
INFO: Website | Facebook| 937- 490-4900 -
8. Holiday Family Movie Series at the Neon
Source: FacebookBring the family down to The Neon for a festive walk down memory lane. The theater will be showing holiday film titles on Dec. 12 and 19. Admission is free for kids 12 and under and $2 for adults.
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9. Sky Zone Holiday Jumping
Source: FacebookCatch the holiday spirit at Sky Zone. There's a special holiday gift special this year: with every purchase of a $30 gift card, you get a free 30-minute Jump Pass and pair of Sky Socks.
Want to go?
WHAT: Sky Zone Holiday Jumping
WHERE: 976 Senate Dr., Washington Township
HOURS: 4-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
INFO: Website | Facebook | (937) 396-6600
Did we miss something? Let us know! Email kamron.taylor@coxinc.com.
Want to go?
WHAT: Family Movie Series
WHERE: The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton
HOURS: 12 p.m. December 12 - "The Polar Express," 12 p.m. December 19 - "A Christmas Story"
INFO: Website | Facebook | 937- 222-7469 (SHOW)