Groundhog Day at The Boonshoft

The Boonshoft Museum Does Groundhog Day with a Hedgehog!

👉 Join us in the Education Lobby for Hedgehog Day– Dayton’s Version of Groundhog Day!

Will it be six more weeks of winter?❄ Or is spring on the way?🌷 Come hear Walnut the Hedgehog’s prediction on Hedgehog Day! 

Hedgehog Day– Dayton’s Version of Groundhog Day🦔

📅 When: Monday, February 2, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Proclamation & Prediction at 10:00 a.m.)
📍 Where: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery – Museum Lobby
💰 Admission: Open to the public with General Admission

Move over Punxsutawney Phil—Dayton has its own winter weather prognosticator, and she’s a hedgehog named Walnut!  The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery invites the community and media to join us for Hedgehog Day, Dayton’s version of Groundhog Day, on Monday, February 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

At the heart of the celebration is Walnut the Hedgehog, who will make her annual prediction about whether we can expect an early spring or six more weeks of winter. Just like the famous Groundhog Day tradition, Hedgehog Day puts a uniquely Dayton spin on the national event, offering family-friendly fun, education, and community spirit.

Walnut’s official weather prediction will take place in the Museum Lobby at 10:00 a.m. sharp, followed by themed crafts, live animal encounters, and conservation-focused activities.

Visitors can meet Walnut and other Animal Ambassadors, explore a native plant station hosted by Dayton Wild Ones, and learn more about local conservation efforts. The event also includes Hedgehog Day-themed crafts and hands-on learning experiences for all ages.

Celebrate local wildlife, community, and conservation—with a charming hedgehog twist!

✨ Did you know, National Hedgehog Day is a Roman tradition preceding the modern ‘Groundhog Day’?  While groundhogs are native to North America, various animals have been used in Europe to help predict the end of winter and the coming of spring, including the hedgehog. The Ancient Roman tradition passed down into other European folklore, in particular in Ireland. If a hedgehog was seen at the start of February it was thought to be a sign of good weather and a promise of warmer days, whereas a no-show from hedgehogs meant winter was sure to continue for several more weeks. ✨

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Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Groundhog Day at The Boonshoft is taking place at Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, which is located at 2600 Deweese Pkwy in Dayton. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery - Regional provider of interactive science learning experiences which enrich the lives of children and adults.