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

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!

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.

Hanukkah Books, Toys and Activities

by Amy Mumper

December 08, 2008

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  Read more...