Family Fun Calendar

Here are some of the area's family-friendly events to attend. Check out the Halloween and fall festival events in orange. If you would like to add your event, contact us today! A great way to publicize school events and fundraisers!

January 2012
January 14-
Feb 25

Springer Theatre Academy ~ Winter classes for children ages 5 and up meet Saturdays. To see a list of classes and for registration, visit SpringerOperaHouse.org. Info: 706-324-1100

January 18

Homeschool Connection ~ Staff at the Columbus Public Library will assist students and parents in exploring the various resources and tools available to supplement their homeschool curriculum. 11 a.m. Ages 8-11. Info: 706-243-2669

January 19 -22

How I Became a Pirate ~ CSU Department of Theatre presents the story of young Jeremy Jacobs, who is recruited by Captain Braid Beard for treasure-burying purposes. The musical is a story of adventure and finding one’s own heart, a path that can’t be found on a treasure map. Info: 706-507-8444

January 24

Family Night ~ Fun, interactive program designed to keep parents connected to their children and their educational progress. Mildred L. Terry Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Info: 706-243-2782

January 25

Child Pottery Class ~ “Kiss a Frog” at Northside Pottery Studio from 4:30 - 6 p.m. Ages: 7-14. Cost: $4.50. Info: 706.576.2061

January 26
-Feb 2

Homeschool Pottery Classes ~ “Valentine’s Day Candy Box” Thursdays at Psalmond Road Pottery Studio, 1-2:30 p.m. Ages: 7-14. Cost: $9. Info: 706.565.6883

January 31

Clay Babies Class ~ “Crocodile” at Northside Pottery Studio 4-5 p.m. Ages: 5 - 6. Cost: $3. Info: 706.576.2061

February 2012
February 1-28

Callaway Gardens ~ Enjoy free admission during February. No coupon, no ticket, no voucher required. Visit the warm, tropical Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, see the free-flight Birds of Prey show and explore in the beautiful John A. Sibley Horticultural Center. Explore the walking trails or meander through the gardens on the Discovery Bicycle Trail. Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Info: callawaygardens.com or 1.800.CALLAWAY

February 1

Junior Tennis Clinics ~ Six one-hour sessions for beginners to intermediate players, divided by ages and skill levels, at Cooper Creek Tennis Center. Info: corta.org or 706.317.41361

February 1

Child Pottery Class ~ “Robot Tile” at Northside Pottery Studio from 4:30-6 p.m. Ages: 7-14. Cost: $4.50. Info: 706.576.2061

February 2

Clay Babies Class ~ “Caterpillar” at Northside Pottery Studio from 4-5 p.m. Ages: 5-6. Cost: $3. Info: 706.576.2061

February 2

Child Pottery Class ~ “Personalized Family Cross” at Britt David Cultural Arts Studio, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Ages: 10 - 14 or parent helping ages 4 - 9. Cost: $15. Info: 706.653.4196

February 4

Women in STEM Career Day ~ Join the Coca-Cola Space Science Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a full day of exciting activities and learn how science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields have created some out-of-this-world careers. Special guest, NASA’s Jessica Paglialonga. Become an astronaut in a 2-hour mission simulation, see how astronauts train in our Omnisphere Planetarium show, build your own air rocket and tour the CCSSC’s Mead Observatory. Cost: $15, includes a pizza lunch. Only 80 spots available, so register early. Geared toward high school girls. Info: Toya Winder, twinder@gshg.org or 706.327.2646 ext. 125

February 4

Astronomy Nights ~ Join the staff of the Coca-Cola Space Science Center for an awe inspiring evening of star gazing and planet viewing. Planetarium time: 7 p.m. Observing time: 8 p.m. Cost: free. Info: 706.649.1477 or ccssc.org

February 4
-March 10

Child Pottery Classes ~ “Wheel Throwing” at Psalmond Road Pottery Studio, Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. Ages: 6-8th grade. Cost: $34. Info: 706.565.6883

February 5

Youth Pops Concert ~ Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus, conducted by James Palmer, will perform popular music at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. Includes a lunch buffet and concert of American music. Cost: $15-30. Info: yogc.org or 706.256.3614

February 7

Soweto Gospel Choir ~ Direct from South Africa, awe-inspiring vocal ensemble performing an inspirational program of tribal, traditional and popular African and Western gospel in 8 different languages. Earthy rhythms, rich harmonies combine with a cappella, charismatic performances to uplift the soul. RiverCenter at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10 - $59. Info: rivercenter.org or 706.256.3612

February 7

Child Pottery Class ~ “Hot Chocolate Mug” at Britt David Cultural Arts Studio, 4:30 - 6 p.m. Ages: 7-14. Cost: $4.50. Info: 706.653.4196

February 9
-March 1

Homeschool Pottery Classes ~ Make stenciled plates and bowls at the Psalmond Road Pottery Studio on Thursdays, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Ages: 6th - 8th graders. Cost: $17.50. Info: 706.565.6883

February 11

Art Safari ~ Pre-register for an interactive family tour at the Columbus Museum. From 1 to 3 p.m., participants will make key stops within the Museum and learn about different types of art, create make-and-take projects, and participate in gallery activities. Ages: 7 & up. Cost: free, pre-registration required by February 1. Info: 706.748.2562 or columbusmuseum.com

February 11

Jerry and Blue ~ Jerry, his one-man band, and his sidekick Blue perform old standards, country, classical and folk while delivering timely punch lines for an evening of entertainment. At the Phenix City Central Activitiy Center, 7 p.m. Cost: $5-$10. Info: 334.291.4743

February 11

Saturday Sewing for Kids ~ Don't give paper cards this Valentine’s Day. Create unique gifts for your family and friends in this fun Saturday workshop. All materials provided. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the CSU Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center. Ages: 8-14. Info: ColumbusState.edu/CE

February 12

Second Sunday: Raptor Release ~ Join the staff of Oxbow Meadows at 2 p.m. for a birds of prey program presented by Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center then witness the release of a rehabilitated raptor into the wetlands. Cost: $3. Info: 706.687.4090 or oxbow.colstate.edu

February 13

Child Art Class ~ “Tie Dye” at Britt David Cultural Arts Studio, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Ages: 7-14. Cost: $10. Bring 2-3 white cotton items. Info: 706.653.4196

February 15
-March 7

Doodlebugs Pottery Class ~ Kitchen Helpers, a first class for young beginners. Fun, easy projects, great for developing motor skills and basic clay techniques. At Psalmond Road Pottery Studio, Wednesdays, 4 - 4:45 p.m. Ages: 4-6. Cost: $8.50. Info: 706.565.6883

February 15
- March 21

Child Pottery Classes ~ “Wheel Throwing” at Northside Pottery Studio. Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6 p.m. Ages: 11-14. Cost: $25. Info: 706.576.2061

February 18

Riverdance ~ A celebration of Irish music, song and dance, the show focuses on the evolution of Irish dance and its similarities with, and influences on, other cultures. At RiverCenter Heard Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Info: rivercenter.org or 706.256.3612

February 18

Astronomy Nights ~ Join the staff of the Coca-Cola Space Science Center at FDR State Park for an awe inspiring evening of star gazing and planet viewing at 7 p.m. Cost: free. Info: 706.649.1477 or ccssc.org

February 20

Presidents’ Day Dedication Ceremony ~ Honoring soldiers, veterans and civilians who have recently dedicated a paver, tree or flag. Additional activities to follow ceremony. Open to the public. At the Heritage walk at National Infantry Museum, 10 a.m. Rain location: Grand Hall. Info: 706.685.5813

February 20

Child Art Class ~ “Collage Journals” Give a composition notebook your creative personal touch. Thursdays at Britt David Cultural Arts Studio, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Ages: 7-14. Cost: $5. Info: 706.653.4196

February 23-26

Barnum Bash ~ The fun begins with a rockin’ All Access Pre-show Party and then Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents amazing international acts including Dimitri the Strong Man, Motorcycle Mania, Epic Asian Elephants, Wheel of Steel and Hand Balancers. All are tricked out for the circus party and ready to perform wild feats of wonders and strength to contemporary pop music in 21st century Barnum style. At the Columbus Civic Center. Cost: $10-$30. Info: 706.653.4460 or columbusciviccenter.org

February 25

VIP Bed Race ~ Teams race by pushing beds on wheels. Prizes for best theme, fastest time, and team that raises the most money for VIP. Proceeds help local homeless children and their families. Community-wide event. Cost: free for spectators. Begins at corner of 14th Street and Broadway at noon. Info: 706.494.6348 or vipdir@yahoo.com

February 25

Cinderella ~ Timeless classic complete with the humorous antics of the ugly stepsisters and the magical elegance of Cinderella at the ball. Performed by the esteemed Russian National Ballet to the much-loved musical score by Sergei Prokofiev. At RiverCenter Heard Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Info: rivercenter.org or 706.256.3612

February 26

Columbus Comic Book Show ~ Toys, games, comic books and more at the Coca Cola Space Science Center. Begins at 11 a.m. Info: dutch@ccssc.org or 706.649.1477

March 2012
March 1-22

Child Art Classes ~ “Drawing” at Britt David Cultural Arts Studio, 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 4:30-5:30 p.m. Ages: 10-14. Cost: $30. Info: 706.653.4196

March 3

Footprint On The Sky ~ Dolores Hydock, a story performer, shares the stories of traditions and life on Alabama’s Chandler Mountain featuring folklore and bluegrass music by Flying Jenny, a five member band. At the Phenix City Central Activitiy Center, 7 p.m. Cost: $5-$10. Info: 334-291-4743

March 3

  Kids Birding Camp ~ Spend the day at Oxbow Meadows learning bird calls and hiking through the wetlands on a birding safari. Let Oxbow naturalists help you discover the magic of our captivating, feathered friends. Ages: 8-12. Cost: $20 (includes lunch) Space is limited. Info: 706.687.4090 or oxbow.colstate.edu

March 4

Vienna Boys Choir ~ Founded in 1498, the famed choir continues to delight music lovers around the world with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and diverse crowd-pleasing repertoire. RiverCenter Heard Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Info: rivercenter.org or 706.256.3612


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