❄️ KICK OFF WINTER WITH OBERLINKIDS! ❄️
EVENT DETAILS
Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – Noon
NEW LOCATION FOR 2026! Oberlin Engagement and Activity Center (Old Prospect School), 36 S. Prospect St., Oberlin, OH
All Oberlin Families with kids from birth to kindergarten are invited to join us as we kick off the winter season!
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. Check out our 2025 Family Photo & Winter Fun Day photo gallery to see what the event was like last year.
PHOTO DETAILS
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 want a photo session, you're still welcome to attend and enjoy all the FREE activities!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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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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 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 Win Door Prizes?
1. Come to the Event! Every family that joins us for the fun is entered for a chance to win.
2. Pre-register for the event! Complete the registration 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
4. Update your child's On Track for Kindergarten Check-In every year!
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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.
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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 a new neutral grey, so a variety of outfits will look great!
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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. if you would like family photos. Photo sessions are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
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Are there other times we can get our photos taken in the Snow Globe?
Yes! We will also be offering our Life-Size Snow Globe outside in the E. College Street Park Courtyard. 23 Eric Nord Way (between the OberlinKids office and Slow Train Cafe) on Saturday, December 5th, during the Oberlin Business Partnership’s Cocoa Crawl (10am-3pm) and the City of Oberlin’s Walkin’ in a Winter Oberlin (6-8pm). We plan to have volunteers all day long to help take your photos in the snow globe. We will post the photos in our photo gallery the following week for you to download!
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Can we take photos in both the traditional setting and the snow globe?
Yes! 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.
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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
❄️Please complete the registration form below to help us plan for the event. ❄️