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

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.

An OberlinKids Signature Event

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

A Morning of Learning Through Outdoor Play

📅 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.

Promoting Kindergarten Readiness Since 2014

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.