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

Cincy in the Springtime...

by Amy Mumper

March 30, 2009

It's spring!!!  In Cincy, the term "spring" is relative, but let's embrace it!  Whether you're in your own backyard, or have to travel to the park, you can have a great time with even the simplest of toys.  Think balls, jump ropes, Frisbees or even just sticks and mud (really - if I release my kids to the backyard, they'll find something!)

First, let me state my own philosophy about outdoor play:  For the set below 2 or 2 ½, it almost goes with saying that you're pretty much following them around and teaching them appropriate toys ("Don't put that in your mouth!")  Say, the 3-5 year olds can play a little more independently with guidance or example.  I wouldn't expect good independent game-playing until 5 or even 6.  Set limits, make boundaries clear so kids don't think experimenting in the out-of-doors is ok.

That said...

Try big balls - even balloons - to give your child a chance to practice the sophisticated hand-eye coordination.

I don't know about you, but we have a gazillion jump ropes at our place.  With three birthday celebrations in the next week, making 7, 5 and 3 year olds around here, I'd say 1 of 3 can actually jump rope.  So... what to do with those pesky jump ropes?  Try bending it into different shapes, a circle to jump in and out of or go around.  (Sounds simple, but when I taught kindergarten, I was amazed at the fact that we actually had to teach these concept words - i.e. "above", "below", "in", "out", "around", etc.)

And then there's good ol' sidewalk chalk ... (grab a batch at any dollar store - even egg shaped!  By the way, the Dillonvale Deals accept all cards, not just cash).  Writing and fine motor skills in your own backyard (literally).  Start by drawing faces, signs of spring, and label them.  This starts at the root of what writing is - letters representing real things.  Don't worry - your little one won't see the writing - it'll be in cognito as outdoor fun!

What do you think?  What is an easy pastime for your yard?

Great Tips and A Giveaway, Too!

by Amy Mumper

March 08, 2009

Great Tips and a Giveaway, too!

This weekend, I spent some QT with my parents.  (You have no idea how rare that is.)  I was talking to my dad (with the kids clamoring in the background)  about working more next year.  I said, "I know, I should be stopping to smell the roses..."  And, always a man of wisdom, he said:  "These are the roses."  Gesturing to the kids, he said, "They're all here with you."  This from a man with three kids in three different cities.  That's a gem, isn't it?

Then, I check my email tonight and between my three kids, we have soccer practice every night this week, except Monday.  Whew!  Life marches on...

I began to think about how I'd fit in meals and how in the world we'd ever time it right to eat with Daddy.  Below, our guest bloggers today have some ideas about staying healthy and making healthy choice for your children AND you!  Check it out:

Winter Weekend Roundup

by Amy Mumper

February 19, 2009

Allow me to begin by suggesting that I'm pretty sure you know the basics of what's going on this weekend.  If you're a member somewhere, you know what's up with the major venues in town.  I pledge to try my best to scope out lesser-known but just-as-cool events about town and post them here.  PLEASE feel free to comment about any cool stuff you have done, heard of, or plan to do!  I will let you know if I've frequented the events I mention.  I'll also try to scout out some freebies or deals; let's face it - we've got to tighten the reigns, right?  Easier said than done...

I'll try from generic to specific.

Generally speaking, what is there to do this weekend?  Well, with this weather, you may want to get outside!!  It may be a bit muddy, but aren't the kids stir crazy?  Every kid I've seen recently could use a little outside time. 

Take a dive and invite some friends for a playdate.  It's probably the second best thing to getting outdoors.  Bringing a friend over always sparks imagination and play scenarios I never see with my own three kids.  And, usually, they're better behaved around others than when it's just the three of them.  No science there, but hey - it works for me.

Another generic idea for the weekend is to check out local fundraisers.  It seems to me that this time of year is when churches and private citizens try to do some indoor fundraising.  Check into your favorite local charity (my current favorite?  March for Babies) and see if there's a way you can support the organization this weekend.  It doesn't have to mean money, perhaps a simple donation of time would be worth a mint.

Jump around places - there are plenty in town.  They can be pricey but might just be worth it!  Call ahead to see if there is free time; birthday parties may have the place booked.

For this weekend, you absolutely MUST see the Fine Arts Sampler Weekend.  No matter where you live, you can come up with an event near you.  Now, in the past, I've been a little intimidated by how many events there are to choose from.  So intimidated that I didn't try it...  until last year.  A friend encouraged my 6 year old daughter and me to join her DD and she at a particular event near where we live.  Well, it was perfect!  It happened to be at an offbeat gallery in Mt. Adams.  They featured a real live watercolor painter that was actually painting on real canvas when we arrived!  The girls went on to have a chance to do a watercolor self portrait.  It was great.  I didn't have time to do much more that weekend, but that was all it took.  My daughter loved it!  Check out the site - there are events scheduled from Fairfield to Northern Kentucky.  Just pick one near you.  That's my plan.  Enjoy!

Ok, not exactly on the "cheap-deal list", but with High School Musical 2 at the Children's Theater, it could be a family favorite.  Starting this weekend and showing again next weekend, you've still got time for tickets!  I'll be going next weekend with 6, 4 and 3 year olds.  I'll let you know! 

Have you tried the Drake Planetarium in Norwood yet?  The Following the Drinking Gourd program is a great spin off from the book and a super way to celebrate Black History Month.

Best spots for indoor play on this winter day

by Amy Mumper

January 20, 2009

Have you been enjoying this crazy, freezing cold weather? Maybe you (or your Littles) have gotten cabin fever already? Here are a few spots that get my vote for best spots for indoor play on this Cincinnati winter day (As is true of most places, be sure to call ahead and check on local school closings or inservice days. Our playgroup went to one of these places last week and the woman said  Read more...

Favorite Matching Games

by Amy Mumper

January 12, 2009

This month, we're thinking over reflections. The natural idea to follow is mirror images, matching pictures, finding things that are the same. Essentially, it's visual discrimination. A pre-reading skill, dontcha know? So, how can you enhance your child's pre-reading skills and disguise it as a game? Well, I'm here to help! Below are some of the best matching games that get your child  Read more...

5 best ways to enjoy Winton woods

by Amy Mumper

October 12, 2008

Hamilton County Parks rule and Winton Woods is a great place to start enjoying them! 1. Parky's Farm this place is amazing! It's affordable (just $2 pony rides) and they have terrific seasonal programming. (Be sure to check seasonal hours at http://www.hamiltoncountyparks.org/parks/parkys.htm .) Explore a variety of live animals and orchard space. My kids and I recently  Read more...

5 Things You Must Do in Cincy before the kids grow up!

by Amy Mumper

October 06, 2008

Whether you?re a Cincy native or a transplant, you?ve just GOT to do these 5 things here in the Queen City ? get going, time flies, you know! Cincinnati history has been part of my family for generations. Literally! Thinking over the best places to go before your ?Littles? becomes ?Bigs?, I can?t help but think of my Grandma, who probably took me to each of these things. Visiting the CBD in  Read more...