Dayton, Ohio – Dayton families looking for ways to keep their children active and entertained during the upcoming Thanksgiving and winter school breaks will have several options through the city’s Department of Recreation.
The department has announced four programs designed to provide children and teenagers with safe places to spend their time while schools are closed. Activities include a movie screening inside a swimming pool, a free recreation program for teenagers, a three-day sports camp, and a winter camp featuring holiday activities.
Some programs are completely free, while others have affordable registration fees ranging from $10 per day to $30 for the entire camp.
Stephan Marcellus, director of Dayton’s Department of Recreation, encouraged families to explore the available activities.
“It’s important that students have fun, safe places to spend their time when school is out of session. Our team has put together great options so that families can help their students stay engaged during fall and winter breaks.”
Free movie night and Thanksgiving break activities planned for November
One of the first activities will take place Monday, November 23, when the department hosts Movie in the Pool at Dabney Pool inside the Northwest Recreation Center.
Located at 1600 Princeton Drive, the facility will welcome families for a different kind of movie experience. Instead of sitting in traditional theater seats, participants can float in the swimming pool while watching a movie on a large screen.
Two showings are scheduled, with the first beginning at 3:30 p.m. and the second at 6 p.m.
Admission is free, and the event is open to people of all ages. However, children and teenagers ages 17 and younger must attend with an adult.
Participants should bring their own swimsuits and towels.
Another free option is the Fall Break Hub, which will operate from Monday, November 23, through Wednesday, November 25.
The program will be held at the Greater Dayton Recreation Center, located at 2021 West Third Street, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Designed for children and teenagers ages 9 through 17, the hub will offer opportunities to stay active, spend time with friends and enjoy recreational activities during Thanksgiving break.
Although participation is free, registration is required, and the number of available spaces is limited.
Three-day sports camp offers activities for younger children
Families with children who enjoy sports can also consider the Fall Break Sports Camp at the Northwest Recreation Center.
The indoor program will run November 23 through November 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Children ages 6 through 12 can participate in different sports activities while developing their abilities, building confidence and meeting other children.
The camp is designed to encourage physical activity and teamwork while giving participants an enjoyable way to spend their school break.
The cost is $30 for the three-day program.
All activities will take place at the Northwest Recreation Center at 1600 Princeton Drive.
Winter camp will offer four days of holiday activities in December
Following the Thanksgiving programs, the Department of Recreation will offer Jingle + Play Winter Camp during the December school break.
The camp is scheduled for December 21, 23, 28 and 30, with activities taking place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Children ages 6 through 12 will have opportunities to participate in games, recreational activities and holiday fun.
Unlike programs that require attendance throughout an entire session, Jingle + Play allows families to register their children for individual days.
Parents can choose one day, several days or all four dates, depending on their schedules and needs.
The cost is $10 per child for each day attended.
The winter camp will also take place at the Northwest Recreation Center, located at 1600 Princeton Drive.
Families interested in participating in any of the announced programs can contact the Dayton Department of Recreation for additional information about registration and availability.
The department can be reached by telephone at 937-333-8400 or by email at [email protected].
With free activities and several affordable camp options available, Dayton officials hope the programs will help children and teenagers remain active, connected and engaged throughout the upcoming school breaks.
