Children of all ages will take part in a variety of activities geared towards science, math, technology and engineering at the 7th Annual STEM in the Park. Featuring interactive displays and challenging activities to keep children of all ages engaged and active, STEM in the Park has everything from giant bubbles to edible DNA. The day of fun and experimentation with your favorite school subjects will also include Super-Sized Demos from the Toledo Zoo and the Imagination Station, a Science of Sports zone to test out your physical fitness, and Roots to STEM for ages Preschool to Grade 2. Get hands on with some science experiments or challenge your tech knowledge with over 100 activities to choose from.

10am-2pm | Saturday | September 24
Perry Field House at Bowling Green State University
801 N. Mercer Rd. | Bowling Green
419-372-2531 | bgsu.edu/nwo/programs/stem-in-the-park.html
Free

After an extensive summer vacation, sometimes it’s hard to get into the learning groove. If your child is homeschooled, the new school routine may be overwhelming or even boring. Instead of watching your children fall asleep in their textbooks, give them the opportunity to witness history firsthand. From September 6-10, during Sauder Village’s homeschool appreciation days, benefit from discounted admission to the Historic Village, special coupons and additional discounts. Give your children a learning experience that gets them out of the house while engaging their curious minds.

10am-3:30pm Tuesday-Friday, September 6-9
and 10am-5pm Saturday, September 10
$7/ages 3 and up
Sauder Village | 22611 Ohio 3 | Archbold
800-590-9755 | Saudervillage.org

Early childhood special educator and Toledoan Denice Rokicki is combining play and learning into one with her specialized children’s program. Geared towards kids age 0 to 5, the program features songs and movement that center around a love of children’s books. Kids play, socialize, and move in the program, designed to get kids involved and entertained while incorporating new concepts for parents to use at home. Rokicki, who hosts the storytime program at Black Kite Coffee and Pies every Saturday morning, is also available for private parties. See online for pop-up storytimes at other locations.

9:30 am | Saturday mornings
Black Kite Coffee and Pies | 2499 Collingwood Blvd.
419-720-5820 | facebook.com/positivelyportablepreschool/
Free

What does it mean to be a man? Young boys are often taught confusing messages about masculinity— being macho doesn’t always mean being responsible. Help boys ages 8 to 12 strike a balance during Man Talk at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Designed by guys for guys, the boys will meet with mentors to read, discuss, create and hone life skills while having fun once a month.

5pm | Wednesday | September 21
Main Library | 325 N. Michigan St.
419-259-5200 | toledolibrary.org | Free

The Parent Institute of Lourdes University wants to increase awareness of the importance of parents in our society during Parents’ Week, September 18-24. Through its “Thank a Parent” campaign, the Parent Institute and Retired Lucas County Judge Andy Devine will extend their gratitude  to all parents to encourage their work in supporting and caring for their children.

Retired Judge Andy Devine, who helped found the Parent Institute, explains, “Our mission…is to ultimately change [the way our] culture…understands and appreciates the role of parents. I was born in 1921, and I grew up in the 20s and 30s. Back in those days…the community supported the parents, and the parents took care of the kids.”

To learn more about Parent Institute of Lourdes,
or purchase their book for $12.95, go to lourdes.edu

Few can argue against promoting a healthy lifestyle, especially since physical activity and exercise increase quality of life and reduce healthcare costs while improving academic success and self-esteem. So it’s no wonder that Governor John Kasich and The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils are striving to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world. To shine a light and reward schools for promoting fitness, The Foundation has selected three Ohio schools, awarding them with a Don’t Quit! Fitness Center. Toledo’s own Glendale-Feilbach Elementary School, recognized as one of the state’s most outstanding schools in activity and wellness, will receive its own fitness center in the fall.

Glendale-Feilbach Elementary School | 2317 Cass Rd.
Natgovfit.org