In this interactive, in-person program paddlers will determine which level of difficulty is appropriate for their level of experience. There will be information provided about paddling opportunities within MetroParks and our surrounding area. Perhaps most importantly, this program will provide you with the resources to feel empowered to make your own decisions about your next paddling trip.
Active Living
Beans & Cornbread Winter Hike
Cabin Fever? Join us at Caesar Creek State Park for a breathtaking hike in this winter wonderland!
Start at the Nature Center and take a guided hike of the park.
See scenic views of the lake, frozen waterfalls and the Swinging Bridge!
Warm up later at the Nature Center with a hearty lunch for a $5 per person cash donation.
Hope to see you there!
Acoustic Yoga
Unwind and rejuvenate with a fireside Acoustic Yoga class at Trailhead Trader. This all-levels class combines gentle yoga poses with the calming sounds of live acoustic music. It’s the perfect way to find your inner peace. Just bring your mat and we will take care of the rest!
Registration Required $30
Full Moon Hike
FREE – NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
Discover the magic of hiking at night when the full moon lights the way. Will you see glowing eyes? Hear the hoot of an owl? Join us to experience nature at night…
Well-behaved dogs are encouraged to attend with their owners. Water is encouraged
Fly Fishing: Nymphs, Emergers, Dries
This program will teach you the difference between an emerger, a streamer and a dry fly. Learn all about various flies, how they imitate nature and when to use them during this program designed for those with some knowledge about fly fishing. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Explore the Region’s Trails For A Chance To Win Prizes
The MetroParks Trails Challenge returns for 2025 with new trails to hike, cycle, mountain bike, paddle and horseback ride. Participants have until Oct. 31 to check off as many of the 28 trails as they can for a chance to win prizes. The trails included offer a variety of outdoor experiences and range in length, terrain and difficulty. Participation is free. Register at metroparks.org/trailschallenge.
New this year, the MetroParks Trails Challenge includes flat water paddles at Eastwood and Possum Creek MetroParks. Additionally, Trails Challenge participants will have an opportunity to complete two MetroParks challenges at once with the new MetroParks Birding Challenge next month. Visit metroparks.org/birding for more information and to register starting March 1.
“We’re very purposeful in selecting trails that can be completed by many folks,” said outdoor recreation coordinator Jordan Hart. “We’re excited to add experiences on the water that are a little easier for people who are new to paddlesports, including one at Argonne Lake, which has an accessible dock. The addition of the Birding Challenge this year is also fun because it will help people slow down and appreciate the nature that surrounds them when they are out on the trails.”
Participants can keep track of their progress in real time by using the free MetroParks mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial. MetroParks mobile app can be downloaded by visiting metroparks.org/mobile. Those who wish to keep track by using a Trails Log can download one at metroparks.org/trailschallenge.
Five Rivers MetroParks’ locations are home to 160 miles of natural surface trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The greater Dayton region is home to more than 340 miles of paved recreation trails – the nation’s largest paved trail network – and 270 miles of river corridor.
In 2024, hundreds of participants collectively completed 5,846 trails totaling 9,646 miles of human powered travel – longer than the distance from Hong Kong to the United States.
How to participate:
- Visit metroparks.org/trailschallenge to register, access the 2025 MetroParks Trails Log and learn more about the trails challenge.
- Hike, bike, ride, paddle or horseback ride the designated trails — in any order and at your own convenience. Use the MetroParks mobile app to learn more about individual challenges. Those who have not yet downloaded the app can do so for free by visiting metroparks.org/mobile.
- Track your progress on the mobile app. Everyone can participate — including children.
- Submit your trails log no later than Oct. 31 at metroparks.org/trailschallenge to be eligible to receive prizes.
Try Mountain Biking 2024
How to win prizes:
- Complete just one trail in the challenge, and you will be entered to win a $100 gift card to a local outdoor gear or bike shop of your choosing. You will receive one entry for each trail you complete. Complete all 28 trails and get 28 chances to win.
- Receive one entry to win a Huffy mountain bike for each mountain bike trail completed. Complete all three trails and get three chances to win.
- Youth ages 14 and younger who complete just one trail will be entered to win a Kids Adventure Pack, which includes cool outdoor gear. Youth also will receive one entry for each trail they complete. Note: Youth must complete entries through online form to be eligible.
- Everyone who completes at least 18 trails will receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge sticker. Also, 100 people completing at least 18 trails will be selected at random to receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge T-Shirt.
- Winners will be notified by e-mail or phone. Prizes will be distributed after Oct. 31.
How to plan ahead:
- Some of the trails in the challenge are segments of larger trails, so participants may have to hike, bike or shuttle back to their starting point. Other trails included are loops, starting and ending at the same point. These are marked on the trail log.
- Some of the trails require special gear, such as a mountain bike or kayak, but participants can walk, hike, run or jog 21 of the 28 trails. Check metroparks.org/programs-events-finder throughout the year to register for programs, such as Try Mountain Biking, that allow you to borrow gear to complete trails.
- Participants must use necessary safety equipment, including a helmet and life jacket, during their adventures.
- Check the status of trails at MetroParks’ alerts page (metroparks.org/alerts), the Miami Conservancy District’s Trail Conditions page and the Miami Valley Trails’ alerts page.
Adventure Speaker Series: Wright State Climbing
The Adventure Speaker Series: Attempting North America’s Longest Sport Climbing Route by Wright State Club Climbing, Cedric Gauthier, & Alex Petersen. In the summer of 2024, friends and members of Wright State University’s Club Climbing ventured to Squamish Canada to attempt North America’s Longest Bolted Sport Climbing Route: Guaranteed Rugged. This route is 3,524 feet with 33 pitches, has lots of rock debris and scree, and is characterized by three distinct routes: the slabby lower apron, the steep exposed headwall, and the final ridge to the summit. Hear from this group of climbers on their successes and failures as they discuss planning, logistics, and their challenging climb while sharing their techniques on growing their community through education, support, and advocacy.
Wed, Feb 5th
7:00pm – 8:30pm
AGE: All ages | FREE
Wright State University’s Student Union Endeavour Room.
Free February Yoga – Arcade Arts & Wellness
Join us for the Arcade Arts & Wellness Series—a revitalizing journey featuring local yoga instructors in the enchanting atmosphere of this historic landmark.
Upcoming Sessions:
Saturday, February 1, 10:00–11:00 AM
Traditional Yoga with Tori Reynolds of Speakeasy Yoga | The Arcade’s Rotunda, 35 W. Fourth St.
Chair Yoga with Day Yoga Studio | The Contemporary Dayton’s Galleries, 25 W. Fourth St.
Saturday, March 1, 10:00–11:00 AM
Traditional Yoga with Tori Reynolds of Speakeasy Yoga | The Arcade’s Rotunda, 35 W. Fourth St.
Chair Yoga with Day Yoga Studio | The Contemporary Dayton’s Galleries, 25 W. Fourth St.
This series is free and open to all but may require Eventbrite pre-registration and on-site waivers.
Timely ‘Avenue Q’ lights up Dayton Playhouse!
The best part of any job is getting to meet new people! I was so excited to get to learn about the director of Avenue Q at DPH, Ray Gambrel.
937: Thank you for taking time to tell us about a musical we all know, love and BOY is it timely! But first….let’s hear about you! I know we would all love to know a little bit about your theater life!
RG: Thank you for this opportunity! Actually, in Jr. High I saw our High School production of, Annie Get Your Gun. I loved it! I rushed to the library and got the original Broadway cast recording on vinyl and listened to it over and over. I was hooked! I went to Sinclair Community College and studied Theater-Performance. I quickly realized that acting may not be the best fit for me, so I took a Directing class taught by Marsha Hanna. She became my idol. I had the wonderful opportunity to help stage manage a production at Sinclair, and I really got to see her work. She really became my inspiration and I think about her every time that I direct. I then got involved with, at the time, Playhouse South (now Springboro Community Theatre), both, as an actor, and as a director.
937: I love Annie get Your Gun…hokey as it is. And actually Marsha inspired MANY of us! How did you make the DPH connection?
RG:I got involved with Dayton Playhouse years ago through FutureFest (as a director). FutureFest is such a wonderful theater experience, and have been lucky enough to direct several shows for the event. My first production for Dayton Playhouse outside of the Fest was last year’s play, The One Act Play That Goes Wrong. It was a great experience.
937: FutureFest is a treasure! So, why Avenue Q?
RG: First of all, I grew up, like many others, watching Sesame Street and The Muppet Show (as well as the movies). I’ve also always been fascinated by puppets. How they seem to just come to life. I used to direct little puppet shows for my friends and family. God love them for putting up with some of that. Avenue Q just had that great puppet aspect, with wonderfully catchy songs. And the story is hilarious, with a bit of heart. The “adult material” aspect also caught my eye.
937: It is such a ‘hoot!’ So, with this production, what can the audience expect?
RG: First, you will see a wonderful set, designed by Sean Mayo that looks like a rundown version of Sesame Street. That gives you a hint of what you could be in for. There are many puppets among a cast of 3 humans, so you’ve got a bit of fun stuff going on with that. Our Music Director, Lori Topping, is amazing and has truly added so much to this production. The band that she has brought together sounds phenomenal Just the best. And then you throw in the adult humor (that may shock you and make you blush for laughing at it). I wouldn’t recommend to those that are easily offended. This is for an adult audience.
937: A little insight Ray, most of my readers are not easily offended! HA HA!! And with that said, what a timely musical! Do you feel people are in need of more of this kind of comedy?
RG: Yes. We definitely need this kind of show to laugh at, and also to make us think. Especially in a time where there are many people that are upset and scared with everything going on in this country, and the world. It’s not the best of times, but this show can help you take a moment and relax. You’ll laugh a lot, maybe even shed a tear or two. Underneath all of the adult, sometimes crude humor, this is a show with heart.937: And, what are you hoping the audience walks away with after the show?
RG: I hope that audiences walk out of the theater feeling not only happy, and that they had a great time, but that they also have more hope. That maybe there is a chance that with all of our differences, we can still come together as a community and support each other. I know that’s what I hope for. I I think that it’s there in this show.
937: Love that! And so, so hopeful that we can find common ground in this world. Any last thoughts for us Ray?
RG: The entire cast and crew have worked so hard on this production. Many cast members spent hours helping to build and paint the set. Many of the actors came up with some wonderful ideas that really added to the show. One cast member, Emily Christine, even stepped up and choreographed many of the numbers (which is awesome by the way). The cast, like many shows, really pulled together and became a family. They truly care about this show, and each other. And I do believe that you will see all of this come through in their performances.
937: Thank you so much, again. I know, I know folks, cue jingle…. ‘Can You Tell Me How to Get, How to Get to Avenue Q?’ Details Below. Break a leg DPH….wait do puppets have legs?Avenue Q (R)
Tickets and info at https://daytonplayhouse.thundertix.com/events/224850
Friday and Saturday Shows at 8pm, Sundays 2pm.
Free Beginner Pilates
In this Pilates class you will learn basic Pilates principles, how to change your posture to improve pain syndromes, strengthen the entire body and core muscles, and improve flexibility.
Dates: January 22, February 26, March 26, April 23, 2025 (4th Wednesday of each month)
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Franklin Branch, 44 East 4th Street
Free. No registration required. Ages 16 & up. If under 18 years a parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver.
All abilities are welcome. Please bring a mat and water.
Free Yoga Under the Wings!
Start your year off right with Fitness Under the Wings! 
Join in for FREE yoga under the iconic aircraft at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force! 
The first class kicks off on January 11 from 8-9 a.m., with additional sessions on January 18, 25, and February 1. Doors open at 7 a.m. This peaceful and energizing session, led by Indigo Yoga, is perfect for all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner.
The first class kicks off on January 11 from 8-9 a.m., with additional sessions on January 18, 25, and February 1. Doors open at 7 a.m. This peaceful and energizing session, led by Indigo Yoga, is perfect for all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner.
Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance to save your spot! Prefer to walk? Take a stroll through the museum galleries before or after your yoga session. No registration needed for walkers.Make your New Year’s resolution stick – we’ll see you under the wings! 
FREE Pilates class
Join us for a FREE Pilates class led by Mindful Movement Pilates!
»Please RSVP at https://forms.gle/gDtMQ2fhTawKVA9U8
(RSVP is not required to attend, but is appreciated for a headcount)
»This Pilates Mat Class will challenge your entire body using a mat, small props, and gravity. You’ll leave feeling worked and recharged at the same time! All levels are welcome and progressive cues will be given to curate your level of difficulty.
»Please bring an exercise mat, we can only provide a limited number.
»Water will be provided!
»Participants will receive a coupon to use on their next purchases. See you there!
Yoga Sunday Satsang at Trailhead Trailer
Join us for a peaceful and rejuvenating Sunday morning practice!
What to expect:
All-levels Vinyasa flow
Community connection
Intention setting
When: Every Sunday at 11 AM
Where: Trailhead Trader Miamisburg OH
Cost: $5!
Community connection
Intention setting
When: Every Sunday at 11 AM
Where: Trailhead Trader Miamisburg OH
Cost: $5!
Leave your ego at the door and bring your mat and a positive attitude.
Let’s end the weekend on a high note!
Arcade Arts & Wellness Series Kicks Off Jan 4th
The Arcade Arts & Wellness 2025 Series is a rejuvenating journey with a variety of local yoga instructors amidst the timeless charm of this iconic Dayton landmark.Theif first three yoga events of the series will take place from 10:00 to 11:00am on Saturday, January 4, Saturday, February 1, and Saturday, March 1. This series is free and open to all but may require Eventbrite pre-registration and on-site waivers.
Traditional Yoga with Tori Reynolds of Speakeasy Yoga
The Arcade’s Rotunda,
35 W. Fourth St.
The Arcade’s Rotunda,
35 W. Fourth St.
Chair Yoga with Day Yoga Studio
The Contemporary Dayton’s Galleries,
25 W. Fourth St.
The Contemporary Dayton’s Galleries,
25 W. Fourth St.
Doors open to registered participants 15 minutes before the start of each class. Equipment will not be provided. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise or wellness program.
After your practice ends, plan to grab brunch at Gather, Table 33, or the 6888 Kitchen Incubator! We’ll see you at the Arcade on the mat soon!
New Year’s Bird Walk
Bundle up, bring your binoculars, and come enjoy some nature! We’ll be looking for our year-round residents and winter visitors like Golden-crowned Kinglets and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. The walk is slow-paced, and mostly stays on the road surface, but sometimes does venture “off-trail” into the grass. All ages welcome. The tour will meet at the Eichelberger Plaza at the main gates of the cemetery.
Your nature guide will be Amanda Lawson, an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist.
All tours require a reservation and there is a suggested $5 donation. All donations support the Woodland Arboretum Foundation which focuses on the restoration, preservation, horticultural and educational projects needed to keep Woodland a cultural resource for Dayton and Ohio.
Opening Day Twin Creek Disc Golf Course
Take on this classic course in a format you’ll be sure to love! 
3 Rounds of the Original 12 Holes (Red Layout).
3 Rounds of the Original 12 Holes (Red Layout).As Dayton Disc Golf & Carl Chiles have always done – a portion of the proceeds will go to a Germantown local food bank!
Are YOU ready to endure the elements of January in Ohio – who said there’s an off-season?| Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| 10:30am | REGISTRATION CLOSES |
| 10:45am | PLAYERS MEETING |
| 11:00am – 1:00pm |
SHOTGUN START – ROUND 1 & 2 BEGIN (Back to back)
(Note: Tee off at 11, if someone doesn’t show and you have less than 3 players on the card one player will move up and one will move back to another hole. |
| 1:00pm – 2:00pm |
ESTIMATED TIME FOR INTERMISSION (Subject to Change) |
| 2:00pm | ESTIMATED START ROUND 3 (Subject to Change) |
