Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Cincinnati, OH

Super sleuth, Amy Mumper, here, reporting for duty!  I'm on a mission to share my findings of the best Hanukkah books, toys and activities around town!  (I'm also asking you to be my "Mr. Watson", if you please - double check my facts and add other great finds in the comment section below!

 

If you looking to explain Hanukkah to your little ones, but don't celebrate it yourself, I thought this site was helpful as a primer for grown-ups.  Any of the rest of my recommendations stand, whether or not you celebrate the holiday yourself.

 

Books

 

There are many meaningful, beautifully illustrated books that bring Hanukkah to your child as a topic of intense interest and some even sneak in some counting and colors, for wide appeal!  Try these great ideas from Amazon:

1.  Chrismukkah - A terrific way to create a "hybrid holiday" in your home.

2.  A Blue's Clues Chanukah - Fun with a favorite friend

3.  Chanukah Bugs:  A Pop-Up Celebration  David A. Carter gets to the core of motivated reading with his pop-up books!

4.  Hanukkah:  A Counting Book in English, Hebrew and Yiddish - This one sneaks in counting!

5.  Where is Baby's Dreidel? - Another terrific author with a holiday twist.  It's a 'lift the flap' book!

6.  Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel Board Book   

TOYS

 

   1.   Kidkraft Chanukah Set - This set is a nice way to let kids participate or practice pretend play.

   2.   Fisher Price Little People Hanakkuh Set - You can't go wrong with Little People!

   3.  Funukkah:  A family-friendly Festival of Lights Celebration as seen in Cincinnati Family Magazine and presented by Shalom Family is free and sounds great!  This organization sponsors events throughout the year and comes recommended by a friend! (Contact Julie at 703-03343 for details.)

 

ACTIVITIES

 

1.  Try the Mayerson JCC for events for kids and adults alike.

2.  The Cincinnati Zoo's Festival of Lights for your own holiday fun.

 

Not officially Hanukkah related, but enjoyable nonetheless:

The Sound of Music showing at the Aronoff on Dec. 20 and Madcap Puppets with a few different, great shows if you're looking for a special outing or gift!

 

I may have mentioned my "Super Sleuth" status earlier.  That is my poor attempt at mentioning that my family does not have much experience with celebrating Hanukkah.  But, I have heard great things about these books, toys and activities about town.  Again, I encourage your input!  Your own experience is what we moms can learn from!