Signature Events & Programs
Hosted and organized by OberlinKids.
If the section below appears empty, keep scrolling to see past events or visit our Community Events Calendar to see what is happening in the community.
Upcoming Events
Mark Your Calendar!
Our next OberlinKids event is just around the corner.
4th Annual OberlinKids
Family Photo & Winter Fun Day
Saturday, November 21, 2026
10 a.m.- 12 p.m
Oberlin Engagement & Activity Center
36 S. Prospect St., Oberlin, OH 44074
Details & Registration Information
Coming Soon!
Past Events
2026 Family Photo & Winter Fun Day
❄️KICK OFF WINTER WITH OBERLINKIDS! ❄️
Join us for a morning of FREE family photos, winter-themed fun, hands-on learning activities, and opportunities to connect with other local families and community organizations!
Capture special family memories with a traditional winter-themed family portrait or step inside our NEW Life-Size Snow Globe for a fun, interactive photo experience!
Explore a variety of winter-themed, hands-on learning and activity stations hosted by our amazing Community Partners. There's something for everyone to enjoy!
Everything is completely FREE, including your digital family photos! Photos will be emailed after the event so you can download, print, and share them with family and friends.
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❄️ EVENT DETAILS ❄️
📅 Saturday, November 21, 2026
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – Noon
📍 NEW LOCATION FOR 2026!
Oberlin Engagement and Activity Center (OEAC)
Former Prospect School
36 S. Prospect St., Oberlin, OH
We're excited to have a much larger space this year! Families can spread out and explore activities throughout the gym, hallways, and OberlinKids Community Classroom.
❄️Please complete the registration form below to help us plan for the event ❄️
❄️2026 Family Photo Registration Form❄️
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📸 FREE FAMILY PHOTOS 📸
We're offering TWO fun ways to capture family memories this year!
Traditional Family Portraits: Enjoy a quick family photo session in front of a beautiful, neutral backdrop.
NEW! Life-Size Snow Globe Photos: Step inside our giant snow globe for a fun, playful, and interactive winter photo experience!
Photography opportunities are limited. We will accommodate as many families as possible during the event. Priority will be given to OberlinKids Families and families residing in the Oberlin City School District with children from birth through kindergarten.
If photography spots fill, your family may be placed on a waitlist. Even if you don't receive a photo session, you're still welcome to attend and enjoy all the FREE activities!
Registration confirmation and reminder emails will be sent by Wednesday, November 18th.
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❄️❄️FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS❄️❄️
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What should we wear for family photos?
Whatever makes your family happy! Some families dress up, coordinate outfits, wear matching pajamas, or come in their everyday clothes.
Our traditional photo backdrop is neutral and winter-themed, so a variety of outfits will look great! See our 2026 photo backdrop.
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How does the photography line work?
We don't schedule individual photo appointments. Instead, families are added to the photographer's list in the order they check in at the event. While you wait, enjoy non-messy activities set up in the waiting area. Families who preregistered for the event will have priority on the waitlists. Please arrive before 11:30 a.m. Photos are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
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Can we take photos in both the traditional setting and the snow globe?
You can indicate your interest in both experiences when registering. Availability will depend on the number of families attending and the time available. We plan to offer families both photo options as long as time allows.
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What if we don't want family photos or only want our child photographed?
No problem! Family photos are completely optional. You're welcome to enjoy the other activities, and you can let us know your photography preferences when registering or checking in.
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What if my child is sensitive to noise or crowds?
We want every family to feel welcome and comfortable! Please share any accommodations your child may need at the bottom of this registration form and when you arrive. We'll do our best to make the experience enjoyable for your family.
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When will we receive our photos?
Our photographer will make any necessary edits to the photos after the event, and we'll email the digital images as soon as they're ready, typically within two weeks.
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What if we've never attended an OberlinKids event before?
You're welcome to come check it out! We love meeting new families. Whether you're coming for the photos, learning activities, to attend a fun family event, or just to see what OberlinKids is all about, we're excited to have you join us!
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What should I expect the event to be like?
Check out our 2025 Family Photo & Winter Fun Day photo gallery!
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What is there to do during the event?
Visit the gym for a variety of hands-on learning activities meant to give you ideas for ways you can inspire learning while you play at home.
Learn about local organizations that partner with OberlinKids and the resources they offer the community
Explore and Play in the OberlinKids Community Classroom.
Follow the Story Stroll Posters along the hallway to enjoy a funny winter story as you walk!
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How Do I Enter to Win Door Prizes?
Families can earn entries into our door prize drawings by participating in the following:
1. Come to the Event! Every family who joins us for the fun is entered for a chance to win.
2. Pre-register for the event! Complete the registration form below to let us know you are coming.
3. Join OberlinKids! New eligible families who complete their child's first FREE On Track for Kindergarten Check-In will earn BONUS entry
4. Update your child's On Track for Kindergarten Check-In! Every attending child with a Check-In completed within the past six months gets a BONUS entry.
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When was my child's last Check-In?
Email jkeathley@oberlinkids.org, and Jenn will be happy to check!
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What is OberlinKids
OberlinKids connects families with FREE learning opportunities, community events, literacy resources, playgroups, and personalized support to help children grow, learn, and get ready for kindergarten.
Families are eligible if they:
Live within the Oberlin City School District.
Plan to enroll or open-enroll their child in Oberlin City Schools.
Attend a partner early learning center, including OECC, Kendal Early Learning Center, or Oberlin Elementary School Preschool.
Learn more and complete your child's FREE On Track for Kindergarten Check-In.
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Is everything really FREE?
YES! All direct OberlinKids programs, events, activities, and resources are completely FREE, thanks to the generous support of our grant funders and donations. There is no catch, no fees, no obligations, and no requirement to participate in other activities. We're here to help families connect, play, learn, and grow! All we ask is that you complete your child's On Track Check In at least once a year to keep an eye on your child's growth and readiness. If everything is On Track—great! If there are any concerns, we are happy to make recommendations for activities you can use at home to practice skills, share resources that are available, connect you to any providers that you are interested in reaching out to for further support, or help you with whatever YOU want help with. We never require you to do anything. We offer individualized support to those who want it. Some additional services, such as medical care, therapy, childcare, or professional services, may have costs or use your insurance coverage. Often there are subsidies or financial support options available.
We believe every child deserves access to joyful, high-quality learning experiences, regardless of their family's ability to pay, and we do whatever we can to help provide equitable and accessible options.
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Have other questions?
Reach out to Jenn Keathley—-Call or text 440-371-0113 Email jkeathley@oberlinkids.org
2026 OberlinKids Zone at the Chalk Walk
OberlinKids Zone at the Annual Oberlin Chalk Walk Event
Each year, we host the OberlinKids Zone at 23 Eric Nord Way in the East College Street Courtyard (behind Slow Train). This free, family-friendly community event is held in collaboration with the annual Chalk Walk, providing families with a safe, engaging space for young children to create, play, and explore, away from busy streets and crowded sidewalks. The OberlinKids office is located here and provides families with access to restrooms, a changing table, air conditioning, and a small indoor play space for young children. Outside the office is the E. College Street Courtyard, which offers access to local businesses for food, drinks, and shopping. Come learn about OberlinKids programs, pick up an OberlinKids Literacy Kit (while supplies last), learn about our community partners, make new friends, meet up with other local families, and enjoy a space to relax, chat, and play in the sun or the shade!
Families can enjoy games, activities, community resources, and art-themed literacy kits while supplies last.
Annual Chalk Walk activities are offered throughout Downtown Oberlin.
Special for 2026, the OberlinKids Zone features a child-friendly design created by 2026 Chalk Walk Juried Artist, Becca Boardman.
School Ready Summer Fun Fest
School Ready Summer Fun Fest
OberlinKids is excited to invite families to the School Ready Summer Fun Fest, a free evening focused on learning, play, and kindergarten readiness for children ages birth to 5.
Event Details
• Date: June 25
• Time: 5:30–7:00 p.m.
• Location: Oberlin Elementary School, 210 N. Park Street, Oberlin
• Cost: Free
What Families Can Expect
• Free family pizza party
• Interactive games and activities for young children
• Resource tables featuring local organizations and services
• Building tours of Oberlin Elementary School
• Readiness kits and educational materials
• Door prizes and giveaways
• Opportunities to connect with other families and community partners
Get Ready for Kindergarten Family Chats
Families can participate in one of two kindergarten readiness discussion sessions covering:
• What a typical day in kindergarten looks like
• What kindergarten readiness really means
• Ways families can support learning at home
• New attendance requirements and expectations
• Tips for a successful transition to school
Event Schedule
• 5:30–6:00 p.m. — Family Pizza Party (OES Cafeteria)
• 5:30–7:00 p.m. — Resource Tables and Activities (OES Gym)
• 6:00–6:30 p.m. — Get Ready for Kindergarten Family Chat, Session 1
• 6:30–7:00 p.m. — Get Ready for Kindergarten Family Chat, Session 2
On Track for Kindergarten Member Bonus
Families enrolled in On Track for Kindergarten can earn an extra door prize entry by:
• Completing their child's Birth to Five Readiness Check between June 1 and June 24
Why Attend?
• Learn how to support your child's school readiness
• Connect with educators and community resources
• Explore Oberlin Elementary School before the school year begins
• Access tools and information to help your child succeed
• Enjoy a fun, family-centered evening at no cost
Registration is requested by June 24. Families can register at bit.ly/OKSummerFunFest and learn more about readiness screenings at www.oberlinkids.org/on-track.
This free event is made possible through funding from the Lorain County Children & Families First Council.
❄️ OberlinKids Family Photo & Winter Fun Day! 📸
An OberlinKids Signature Event
Click to view larger.
Join us as we kick off the holiday season with joy, laughter, and community connection at the OberlinKids Family Photo & Winter Fun Day!
We know it can be hard to find the time (and budget!) to take family photos — so OberlinKids is here to help! Dress however you like — festive, casual, or cozy — and let us help you capture a special family moment before the holiday season begins.
📅 Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Location: Oberlin Public Library, 65 S. Main St., Oberlin
Families will enjoy:
FREE professional family photos courtesy of Moon & Stars Photography
Fun winter crafts and games
Helpful community resources
Smiles, laughter, and plenty of warm memories
✨ Registration is required and closes October 29, 2025, at noon.
Priority is given to OberlinKids members and families who live in the Oberlin City School District.
💙 Invite a Friend & Win a Prize!
Invite an eligible family to attend, and you’ll both be entered to win a special mystery prize at the event!
When your friend registers, they’ll list who invited them — and that’s your entry to the giveaway!
Eligible children are those who:
Live within the Oberlin City School District
Are birth to kindergarten age
Have completed their annual milestone screening within the past 12 months
Learn more and complete your screening at www.OberlinKids.org/screening
Together, we can make sure every child in Oberlin enters school healthy, happy, and ready to learn — while having a little fun along the way!
Event Sponsors: OberlinKids & Oberlin Public Library
🍎 Fall Family Fun Day
A Morning of Learning Through Outdoor Play
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📅 Saturday, September 13, 2025
🕙 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 E. College St. Courtyard (behind Slow Train Café)
🎉 FREE Fun for the Whole Family!
Explore the park and interact with natural materials
Learn about the benefits of outdoor play for children
Crafts, resources, and activities from partner organizations
✨ Free Chair Massages provided by Peace of Mind Healing & Esthetics Salon LLC
🌿 Supported by: Forget Me Not Center • Meadow Speech Therapy • OberlinKids
🔔 Note: Updates due to weather will be posted on the OberlinKids Facebook page.
Summer Fun Saturdays - August 2025
A Morning of Learning Through Outdoor Play
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2nd Saturdays
May - September
FREE FUN for the whole family!
Explore the beautiful park, interact with natural materials, and learn about the benefits of encouraging children to learn and discover their surroundings.
Partner organizations will be offering resources, crafts, and more!
Updates due to weather will be made on the OberlinKids Facebook page.
Grant-funded event, thanks to the Nord Family Foundation.
OberlinKids’ Birthday Party
Promoting Kindergarten Readiness Since 2014
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2nd Saturday of July
May - September
FREE FUN for the whole family!
Explore, Learn, & Play!
Meet other local families — build your village!
Partner organizations, resources, games, books, and more!
Updates due to weather will be made on the OberlinKids Facebook page.
Grant-funded event, thanks to the Nord Family Foundation.
OberlinKids Summer 2021 Story Stroll: Sneezy the Snowman
Join Miss Jenn from OberlinKids as she reads a children's book featured in the summer 2021 downtown Oberlin, Ohio Story Stroll.
Sneezy the Snowman
by Maureen Wright (Author), Stephen Gilpin (Illustrator)
OberlinKids Summer 2021 Story Stroll: Tippy-Tippy-Tippy, Splash!
Join Miss Jenn from OberlinKids as she reads a children's book featured in the summer 2021 downtown Oberlin, Ohio Story Stroll.
Tippy-Tippy-Tippy, Splash!
by Candace Fleming (Author), G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)
OberlinKids Summer 2021 Story Stroll: A House for Every Bird
Join Miss Jenn from OberlinKids as she reads a children's book featured in the summer 2021 downtown Oberlin, Ohio Story Stroll.
A House for Every Bird
by Megan Maynor (Author), Kaylani Juanita (Illustrator)