There are lots of fun things going on in February for families with kiddos of all ages! I’m highlighting a few family-friendly events that I find interesting, and hopefully you will too. The Shazzbots just released a new CD, the co-creator and illustrator of “Giants Beware” is doing something very cool at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in Powell, the Chinese New Year is kicking off with a traditional celebration at Molly Woo’s, and of course the Ohio Historical Society has a line up to help us beat cabin fever in February. Check it out:
Chinese New Year celebration event Sunday, February 10th at 4 p.m., Molly Woo’s at Polaris, reservations: 614-985-9667
Molly Woo’s Asian Bistro at Polaris Fashion Place is ushering in the Chinese New Year in style and celebrating 2013 as the “Year of the Snake.” This celebration is going to be kid-friendly and very unique to those of us who do not traditionally ring in the Chinese New Year. Food, dancing, and a great way for your child to get a glimpse into a traditional Chinese celebration.
The acclaimed restaurant, known for its artistic and authentic Asian cuisine, will recognize Chinese New Year, which runs from February 10 to February 24, 2013, with restaurant features and events. Molly Woo’s will kick off the holiday on Sunday, February 10th, with the symbolic Chinese Lion Dance. Held at 4pm, the classic ritual of lion dances is held to ring in the New Year and bestow good luck to restaurant guests. Reservations are necessary; seating for this one-time event is limited.
FREE event (well, if you can hold off on a scoop of Jeni’s, which probably changes everything! Bring some cash!) “Giants Beware!” at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in Powell on Monday, February 18th at 2 p.m.
Rafael Rosado , co-creator and illustrator of award-winning “Giants Beware!,” will be at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Powell location on President’s Day. He and his crew will have a screen set up to project pages from the graphic novel “Giants Beware!” and the Rosado family will be bringing the characters to life with a theatrical reading. Think super silly and entertaining for the kids AND adults!
Before the reading, Rosado will be sketching on a tablet that will project on the screen. Kids will have a chance to meet him, ask questions, and get their books signed. Books will be signed after the event. The folks at Jeni’s will be highlighting Askinosie Hot Chocolate and Sweet Cream Ice Cream. So, do I need to twist your arm? Here’s the facebook page for more information: Giants Beware! + Hot Chocolate
FREE event – The Shazzbots at Gateway Film Center on February 23 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM.
The Shazzbots CD release party – such a cool thing for the kids to experience. Great kids’ band and they are local! There will be arts and crafts, a visit from Gator Dave, balloon animals, and a live performance by the band. CDs will be on sale at the show for $10, but you don’t have to wait – check them out on iTunes here: The Shazzbots “Blast Off!” Don’t know what a Shazzbot is? Check out my review here: The Shazzbots: Local Kids Band Rocks Central Ohio. We are HUGE fans!!!! Our fave song is about a cat named Peanut Butter.
Cabin Fever Weekends at The Ohio History Center During the Months of February and March
OHC is offering family-friendly activities every hour on the hour during regular weekend museum hours in February and March. The museum is highlighting specific topics each weekend, so take advantage of learning a little something you may not know about Ohio! I’ve listed the topics below, but also check out their website for more information and rates: Cabin Fever Weekends.
Technology in Ohio – February 2-3 and 9-10
Technology reaches beyond our electronic gadgets and gizmos. Learn about the many
ways Ohioans have used technology to make life easier and how those advancements have
changed our society. See and hear about cavalry weaponry and uniforms during the Civil
War, create your own invention that rivals the steam engine and streetcar, try out vintage
writing implements, and so much more.
Lost in History – February 16-17 and 23-24
Join us to unearth Ohio’s forgotten history! Explore topics including Ohio ghost towns, lost
settlements, our rich archaeological past, shipwrecks along the Ohio coastline, and much
more. Engage in hands-on-activities, such as using old maps to investigate changes in Ohio,
making your own beaver-pelt hat, or shining a black light on antiques to discern originals
from reproductions. Also, discuss topics with museum staff that will help to illuminate the
history of Ohio that you may not know: hear true ghost stories of Ohio and learn about the
shipwrecks of Lake Erie.
Legends, Lore and Life in Ohio – March 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17
Discover the stories, art, legends, music and material that make up Ohio’s cultural heritage.
Understand more about folk life ranging from the everyday to the absurd. Connect with the
history of the people of our state through activities, lectures, first person accounts, and a
look at our collections. Learn about folk music and then build an instrument and compose a
folk song. Here stories about the Werewolf of Defiance, Ohio, the Lake Erie monster, and a
Shawnee legend.
In the Home – March 23-24 and 30-31
Ohio is home to 11.6 million people. Journey through changes in the home and take part
in programs showcasing subjects from building structures to family life: Use a loom to
weave a coaster to take home; try out old-fashioned toys and games, or hear from a 1950s
housewife as she compares her kitchen to a pioneer’s hearth. Additionally, visitors can
experience a sneak preview of our exhibit “1950s: Building the American Dream.”
