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

My Apologies, Kentucky! Buckeyes - check this out!

by Amy Mumper

June 22, 2009

I'm sure you know about the Family Fun magazine.  I've known for a long time.  I always see it in doctors' offices.  (I seldom pick it up - unless I'm with my Littles, which I try not to be at my doctor's appointments.  That's when I read Time or People - eclectic, I know;.)  Anyway, for some reason (probably my oldest's magazine sale) I know receive copies of Family Fun magazine at home.  And, since it's summer, I actually found a way to look through it. 

I've come to two conclusions:  one - I'm glad I get this magazine!  It's a real fine and worth the time to look through it.  There are coupons and great ideas.  Two - I TOTALLY neglected Kentucky on my post about National Parks.  I'm OH SO SORRY!  Let's take a look:

Thanks to Family Fun's thorough article on Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, I realized that I owe Northern Kentucky a little justice on National Parks and various other sites.  I mentioned some great Ohio National Park ideas, but here's my "Ode to KY":

• 1. Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace - I am a total sucker for historical sites.
• 2. Mammoth Cave - see also the Family Fun magazine article in their most recent issue! We like to try magazines from the library and then decide on ordering subscriptions.
• 3. Cumberland Gap - totally worth the drive! A great friend of mine introduced me to this gorgeous place way back when...
• 4. Big South Fork - anyone?
• 5. Trail of Tears - another historic one!

Any of our friends from the Bluegrass state care to add a favorite?

On a Budget: Car Camping with Little Ones

by Amy Mumper

June 21, 2009

First let me say - I hope you all had fun celebrating Father's Day.  I sure did.  Also, HAPPY SUMMER! 

Ok, so - "Car-camping"?  On a budget?  Wait, wait, wait.  Back up.  Car camping? 

When this subject first came up, I had no idea what it was.  Sleeping in your car?  Oh, no (I've come to find out) - it's economic and efficient and "car-camping" doesn't even require an RV or pop-up camper.  Just a car.  And that's a good thing.  I wasn't planning on buying an RV or pop-up camper!  Don't get me wrong - many of my neighbors speak highly of the camp they keep at a local park.  They really ENJOY their RV.  I have mentioned, however, that I'm not the outdoorsy type.  So, surprisingly, car-camping sounded very intriguing!

There are many local camping spots where you can just pull up in your car, get out your tent and... CAMP!  Wow!  Depending on various amenities and such, you can car-camp for as low as $15-30 a night.  Doesn't that sound like a great experience? 

For those of you intrigued as I was, check out these sites for great tips that'll have you car-camping next weekend!

Here's basic "how-to" from ehow. They make it sound simple and I felt like I could do it!

Next up:  car-camping with kids...  Great practical tips to get you out there!

Finally, an article on frugal car camping.  That seems a bit redundant, but yet... not.  It's worth a look.

Has anyone out there tried this?  What do you think?  Would you recommend it?  Let us know below!

Visiting the National Parks with Preschoolers

by Amy Mumper

June 17, 2009

Prior to this post, I think national parks were places like Yosemite and the Great Smokies and so on.  (I, admittedly, am not an outdoorsy-type person.)  Well, it turns out, they're right here in Ohio!  It's a very exciting prospect if you're considering some version of a "stay-cation", as many families are.   

A fellow city editor has really done her homework and has some great tips.  Jenn is just up the road in Pittsburgh, so I think checking out her article would really give you some great tips!  Check out Being Savvy Pittsburgh's article on National Parks.  Wow!

They have great programs you can do right there at the park (choose one from their list) or, if you're simple not able to consider traveling, try the "WebRanger" program online. 

Rand McNally offers a great site with an overview of each of the Ohio National Parks, with ideas on what to do and contact info as well! 

Did you know there are 42 National and State Parks in Ohio?  Wow!   There's definitely one near you, or one worth the short drive!  Don't believe me?  The William Howard Taft National Historic Site is indeed right here in Cincinnati.  (Ok, I know, it's not actually a park, but you live in a state that is the home of seven presidents and it's still pretty cool - and right down the street!)

Can't Live Without Spots

by Amy Mumper

March 03, 2009

Spots we can't live without here at Being Savvy Cincinnati.  Of course, there are always more than we can mention, but after this weekend, I've got a great place to start:

1.  Ok, after my amazing experience with all three Littles at the Children's Theatre this weekend, I just have to SHOUT about it!  I took my 6, 4 and 3 year olds to the High School Musical 2 performance this weekend.  It was PERFECT.  Amazing talent (local high school students, no less!)  It didn't last too long and everybody seems fine with minimal noise.  So, I know it's hard to spend extra bucks on the arts at this time, but do the best you can to find a discount or encourage them to come to your school.  It's worth it.

2.  Free places to enjoy books, pass the time and play...  and, if you're really strong, you don't buy any books.  Enjoy your local bookstores.

3.  Parks... after encouraging the big bucks on the arts, I can enjoy something free.  J  I will love being outside just as soon as it's warmer.

4.  More free stuff!  If you aren't already enjoying the library, now is the time.  CDs, DVDs, books, of course.  It's a great way to feed your family's literacy appetite without the mullah!

Top 10 Posts of the Year

by Amy Mumper

December 30, 2008

2008 is coming to an end and I'd like to take you on a journey back to our favorite posts of the year. First, let me say thank you to each of you who faithfully read Being Savvy Cincinnati. I enjoy spending time preparing a post and anticipating your thoughts and experiences as well. Please invite your friends to join us on this journey through Parenting in Cincinnati . Below are listed  Read more...

Neighborly Navidad

by Amy Mumper

December 23, 2008

It seems each year I realize just how many neighbors I have that I really don't know. I do, in fact, have a lot of neighbors that I do know. So, I guess I think I'm a "know-it-all". When, come Halloween, I�??m always surprised at how many new faces there seem to be. So as our neighborhood's progressive drinking party (sorry, it's not even close to a progressive dinner ) I was excited  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...

Cincy Princess for a Day

by Amy Mumper

October 08, 2008

Princess for a day, you say? Her Highness will be right at home in Cincy! Like I always say to anyone who will listen no experience is complete without beginning and ending with books. Must be the teacher background Have you met Fancy Nancy ? She might give your little dresser-upper a royal run for her money. Savvy Source can get you started with book reviews. Stock up with  Read more...

Lions, tigers and bears, oh my Discovering the Wilderness of the Urban Jungle

by Amy Mumper

October 06, 2008

The Cincinnati Zoo cant be beat! Wilderness? Urban jungle? It's all here! Rated one of the best zoos in the States and the #1 Family Attraction in Cincinnati by Zagat, this place is one to see. Its unique architecture and historic buildings are added umph for enjoyment! Consider a pass and it will keep on giving. Hosting out of town friends and family? Check for reciprocal pass  Read more...

Five Fun and Easy Day Trips Within 1 Hour of Cincinnati

by Shannan Boyer

September 22, 2008

While Cincinnati is home to lots of family-friendly events and activities, every once in a while my family likes to get out for the day and take in some of the sights outside of the immediate Tri-state. Over the years we've discovered quite a few places that we love to visit - all within about an hour of downtown Cincinnati. Here are five quick daytrips I'd recommend investigating:  Read more...