Youth and Family Resource

Enclosed you will find community resources, events, and more to help engage and empower Kettering families. Access Kettering Community Resources HERE

The KCS Food & Nutrition Department is hosting a FREE Summer Lunch Program from June 1 through August 1, for any child up to the age of 18! The Summer Lunch Program is held in the Cafeteria at GREENMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Monday-Friday, from 12:15-1:15 P.M.

Partners for Healthy Youth is hosting a FREE Summer Food Program for kids 0–18 from June 1 through August 7! Free meals are available from 12–1:30 PM—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Trails of Oak Creek, and Tuesday and Thursday at Van Buren Park.

Play Your Way Fest

May 27 | Gates Open at 6PM

Location: Lincoln Park

• Join us for a fun-filled evening with friends, family, and neighbors while exploring everything the Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department has to offer. Enjoy hands-on activities, games, entertainment, food for purchase, and end the night with a sunset screening of Trolls World Tour on the big screen.
  
  

Touch a Truck

June 6 | 9-9:30AM Sensory Time, 9:30-11:30AM Horns and Lights
Location: Kettering Recreation Center

• The trucks are back! This free, family-friendly event features hands-on access to big rigs and vehicles, plus a kids fitness obstacle course and Summer Flea Market nearby.

June 7-July 26 | 10:30-11:30AM

Location: Kettering Adventure Reef Water Park

• These days provide a calmer, more sensory friendly water park experience for children with sensory sensitivities. Large water play features and music will be off to reduce noise. Free and open to Kettering residents only.
  
  

Youth Fishing Derby

June 13 | 9:15AM Registration, 10AM Derby Begins

Location: Delco Park

• The Youth Fishing Derby is a free annual summer event for families, offering a fun outing with trophies awarded and lunch provided for participants and parents. Bring your own pole and bait if possible, limited waxworms and loaner poles will be available.
  
  

All Summer Long

Dayton Metro Library Summer Reading Challenge (Youth and Adults)
Build a daily habit of reading and learning this summer and earn free prizes!
Summer Kids Club (Dayton Mall)
Hosted by Dayton Metro Library, Summer Kids Club is a fun and engaging event series where children can participate in a variety of interactive activities that stimulate their imagination.
The BOOK IT! Summer of Stories Program

During the summer months of June, July, and August, any child that meets their parent-set reading goals can earn a free Pizza Hut single topping Personal Pan Pizza per month.
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Journal
Earn a free book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program for kids in Grades 1–6!

Kids Bowl Free
Kids Bowl Free is a family-friendly program that offers children ages 2–15 a fun, safe way to stay active all summer long. Participants receive 2 free games every day (Poekling Lanes Dayton).

Fraze Flicks
A brand-new series of movies on the big screen under the stars! Fraze Flicks kicks off each night with a party on the plaza, featuring a live DJ and food trucks in the Fraze “lobby,” followed by our featured movie at sunset. $10/ticket.

The Kettering Housing and Neighborhood Services Fair is on Saturday, May 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kettering Recreation Complex and Lathrem Senior Center!
This free event brings together organizations from across Montgomery County offering housing and neighborhood resources. Whether you're a first-time buyer, homeowner needing repairs, or seeking help with affordability, foreclosure prevention, finances, or fair housing, you’ll find support, answers, and guidance all in one place.

MVCAP HEAP

• MVCAP’s Winter Crisis Program has ended, but help is still available to manage heating costs. You can apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program once per season through May 31 to receive assistance with this past winter’s heating bills.
  
  

Capabilities Cares: Pediatric Equipment Swap

May 15 | 10AM–1PM
Location: Capabilities

• Getting equipment for a child can be challenging, and Capabilities is offering free items to try and take home, with pediatric PTs/OTs available to ensure a proper fit and make any needed adjustments. Gently used equipment or medical supply donations are appreciated, though no donation is required to receive an item.
  

Ladies Spring Clothing Pop Up

May 16| 10AM-12PM
Location: Threads of Miami Valley

• Stop by between 10 a.m. and noon to shop for women’s clothing during this free event—no appointment needed!
  
  

Mental Health Resource Fair

May 21| 9-11AM
Location: Elizabeth Place Lobby - 1 Elizabeth Pl

• A free resource fair of mental health and substance use disorder resources for the Greater Dayton community.

Did You Know: Kettering City Schools partners with a local non-profit charity, neighborhood bridges Kettering, to support students and families by posting anonymous needs—like school supplies, clothing, or household essentials—on their platform. Community members can help with a click, and their team delivers donations directly to those in need. Subscribe or follow Neighborhood Bridges to get updates and help your fellow Firebird families!