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

Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

by Amy Mumper

July 01, 2009

It seems each week I'm surprised another has gone by.  But, this time I'm truly stumped:  it's July!!! Wow!  I really can't believe it.  I always think of the fourth of July as the middle of summer.  Right or wrong, it just keeps chugging along.  What's in store for this weekend?  You may easily have quite a full weekend.  If not, read on.  Even if you do have a full weekend already, keep reading.

Isn't this weekend a great time for all things red, white and blue?  Making flags, practice cutting by making stripes, making drums from anything, doing your own parade... it's ripe for fun.  As a preschool teacher, I enjoyed a book called F is for Flag.  It is a fairly simple introduction to the flag.  Regardless of your political persuasion, the book Yes We Can is a really great, easy picture book that introduces Barack Obama as an important person, the President of the United States.  I tell my kids that we celebrate America on the Fourth of July.

Now, call me crazy, but I'm a girl who - at the age of 9 - plastered copies of the Declaration of Independence all over our house when we hosted the Fourth of July party.  So, why not really take a look at:  1) how many flags you can count while you drive 2) play I Spy with only red, white and blue things 3) bake a dessert with red strawberries, blue blueberries and white Cool Whip 4) visit (in person or on the WWW) Ulysses S. Grant's birthplace (less than an hour drive from Cincy!) 5) visit a replica of Abraham Lincoln's  birthplace (too much you say?  My three kids,  7 and under, know that he's on money and he was the 16^th president) 6)  William Howard Taft's birthplace is just in Mount Auburn! (and open all the time).  Ohio is the Mother of Presidents.

Okay, okay.  Something less... "geeky"?  Maybe you would enjoy a simple parade?  Or, how about fireworks (don't forget the ear muffs for the little ones)?  Need more options?

Regardless of your choices, have fun everyone!

Weekend Events

by Amy Mumper

June 17, 2009

Ok, so I'm a teacher and I may be a little biased (3 months off a year will do that to you, BUT...) don't you LOVE summer???  It's so much fun with the kids off school and the change in routine... Normally, I'm a real stickler for routines and stuff, but now, it's something different and let's face it - sunshine does good stuff for everyone! 

Just yesterday, I saw a young man throwing a Frisbee in a (rather large) island in the middle of the street.  It really brought back memories of my college days.  (I was never good or anything, it was just a fun way to pass the time and get out of studying...)  Anyway, I thought the kids would love this!  Not throwing something in the middle of the street, but maybe they'd enjoy the idea of Frisbee golf.  And, looking over the Enquirer, I noticed that there is actually a "Cincinnati Flying Disc Association"!  Who knew?  Even a website to teach you how to play!  Hmmm...

I'm always intrigued by movies, too.  Movies outdoors, in particular.  Now, I am NOT advocating messing with bedtime, but if you're a braver mama than me, try a drive-in or even the Fountain Square P & G Movie Night (they're all PG, so check 'em out) each Saturday through September 12.  This Saturday June 20, it's Rookie of the Year at 7:30pm or Field of Dreams at 9:30pm.  It's an interesting thought, isn't it?  Movies on the square...

Of course, if there's that special guy in your home everybody calls Daddy, give him his props Sunday.  Find a special way to celebrate the uniqueness of Dads. BTW THX B.  :)

What would you recommend doing this weekend?

Check Out This Weekend!

by Amy Mumper

June 11, 2009

Hey, all!  So good to see you again!  Don't be discouraged:  As of the time of this posting, the weekend is supposed to be looking up from Friday on - just a few clouds and low 80s.  Great Cincy weather.  So... looking for something to do this weekend that won't break the bank?  (Who isn't?)

Listening to 1530AM as my DH makes me do, I heard Mo Egger refer to Cincinnati festival as "the backbone of the Cincinnati Summer".  I really like that idea.  Festivals are unique here, don't you think?  I have out-of-town family that simply do not understand the lure of brats, sauerkraut, burgers and cheap gambling.   In that spirit, may I recommend the St. John's the Evangelist Festival in Deer Park?  (I do think Mo is going to be at St. Michael's, but hey - there's room in your schedule for two, right?)  Here are some other of my favorite Cincy weekend ideas from the Top 20 list at Cincinnati.com:

• 1. The Library. My family is joining the fun and prizes of the Summer Reading program TODAY!
• 2. Going camping in the backyard. Ok, admittedly not MY favorite pastime, but DH is sure to be a great camp director! Don't forget to roast marshmallows in your firepit or grill!
• 3. Visit a different area park once a week. Compare your favorites!
• 4. Try a virtual field trip on a rainy day, then look for the same thing or similar in our city!
• 5. Enjoy the Loveland Castle or the Loveland Bike Trail.
• 6. Hunt for fossils - what kid doesn't love THAT idea? www.sharonville.org/fossilpark.aspx

Weekend Events

by Amy Mumper

May 13, 2009

Hey guys!  Ready for the weekend?  I'm not - not yet.  But, let me tell you:  I love PBS!  And, I think the Cincinnati Library shares my adoration.  Check it out:  To celebrate Children's Book Week, the Symmes Township library (have you been there?  It's HUGE!)  has Martha visiting from Martha Speaks.  You can meet Martha and make a dog puppet there today on 4pm.   Cool!  In keeping with the theme, try the curiosity stations with Curious George at the Cheviot Branch at 7pm on Thursday as well. 

Beginning this month and running through September are movies on Fountain Square.  What a fun family night.  (They do sell adult beverages, if that helps talk DH into the outing!)

This week through the 22^nd Parky's Farm at Winton Woods is offering "Fantastic Farm Fridays".  With the weather we've been having, wouldn't be great to get outside and enjoy watching the sheep shearing and milk a goat?

This is the season to support your local charity.  Check out local run/walks that you and the kids could enjoy!

Still not thrilled with your options this weekend?  Zoo Babies might just tickle your fancy!

Whatever you decide - have a good one!

Happy Mother's Day!

by Amy Mumper

May 06, 2009

Let me say to each of you.... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!    Take a moment this weekend to appreciate yourself and all you do.  You are the reason your children and your family thrive.  Whatever your own particular style, you give love to everyone in some form everyday.  Hooray for you!

I hope your family and/or significant other/husband has planned a fun weekend for you.  I wish you a relaxing, carefree weekend with someone taking over those endless jobs, both big and little.  If you're a grandmother, or dad, please consider mothers of young children.  You can give them the gift of time...  just a few hours to run errands or sit still in silence is sooo priceless.  It's the best gift you can give.

Looking for things to do in the tri-state this special Mother's Day weekend?  How about...

• 1. Michael's has lots of fun, free projects... coupon books, frames, cards and more! Even if you have to take your kids yourself, do it. (Don't be afraid to tell your children they should appreciate you. You'll be happy you did when they're deciding your nursing home!)
• 2. Especially if you're treating your mom, and you're a mom yourself, why not try a restaurant, where neither of you does the work, but you can enjoy each other's company?
• 3. Try these ideas from Citysearch to plan your day.
• 4.  Honor yourself, and all of the mom-figures in your life.

Enjoy your day!

This Weekend: In or Out?

by Amy Mumper

April 29, 2009

Are you scared about the Swine Flu yet?  I’m totally freaking out!  Mostly, just terrified about the “imminent threat” as determined by the World Health Organization.  AHHHH!  I’m tempted to just go to the craft store and get some things that keep us indoors for a few days/months!  If anything else is in the line up for chatting at the playground, it’s probably the economy.  Hence, this crazy dichotomous list of things to do over the weekend:

For freaked out stay-at-home and contract no germs:

1.  Go quickly, while you’re not infected, to the craft store and stock up on crafty stuff to do and stay inside.
2. Pull out all the stops as if it were a winter day; family game nights, obstacle courses, scavengers hunts…
3. Listen to the news and try not to be totally freaked out!  AAAHHH!

If you’re feeling confident, but need something easy on the wallet, head out and try:

1. The Newport Family Carnival.  Sounds great and I love the Levee.  Admission is free and it’s sure to be a blast – a festival before festival season!  A little taste of summer!
2. Go cheer someone – anyone – on at the Flying Pig Marathon!!  Come on, these people are running 26.2 miles.  The least you can do it get out of bed and cheer!  Take a cow bell, your kids’ drums; find a spot on the route and be inspired! 
3. Find a way to enjoy Cinco de Mayo in advance.

What's Up This Weekend?

by Amy Mumper

April 22, 2009

Of interest this weekend is the When Elmo Grows Up show at The Bank of Kentucky Center.  I saw the Disney on Ice at US Bank Arena.  That seems like a huge place for kids, but we sat in the nosebleeds and loved it! 

The Butterfly Show began this weekend.  If you can't make it this weekend, not to worry - it goes until June 21.

The Junior League is doing a Kids in the Kitchen event.  It's free and it's at the Cincinnati Sports Club.  Sounds like it can't be beat.  But, be careful - once you hit that club, you'll want to join! 

Well, count me in on the March for Babies!  I'm so excited to support my friend who is an inspiration to parents.  (As a sidenote -  I'm also recently intrigued with the Cincinnati Conductive Learning Center.  Have you seen this commercial with Donna Spiegel from the Snooty Fox?  Her grandson has cerebral palsy and she sought out a particular form of treatment and brought it to Cincinnati.  Has anyone been to the Learning Center?  Please tell me it's not crazy-expensive.  It's affordable for families who need it, right?  I'm going to try not to soapbox about the broken down health care system... But seriously, if you're working with an early intervention agency somewhere in town, is it worth the money?  What kind of local services are working for you and are also affordable?  I have done some early intervention with our youngest - speech and OT.  The Help Me Grow program especially is awesome.  But, my experience is limited.  Please share.  Ok, I'm done.)

I'd love to hear your reviews and ideas for what you're doing this weekend.  What's worth our time?  What  should we pass on?  Please fill us all in! 

Spring Into Action

by Amy Mumper

April 09, 2009

Hello all!  Did anyone attempt Opening Day with the Littles?! Not the best weather, I'd say.  We enjoyed it from our vantage point in the living room!  We're attempting a game on Saturday though and keeping fingers crossed!

At preschool recently, we've been working on themes involving butterflies, pond animals like frogs, ducks and fish.  Even if this doesn't mirror what your child is seeing at school, there are lots of things to do this weekend that support these spring ideas.

An absolute must is the "Butterfly Garden" by insect lore.  Wow!  Let me state for the record that I am, by all accounts, a total and complete brown thumb!  When I was told that our classroom would have butterflies, I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to keep them healthy and alive.  But, it could NOT have been easier!  Kids of any age will LOVE this front row seat to nature!

One of my favorite spots to hang out and enjoy the geese is at the right price (fer-eeee!) is the Pfeiffer Park in Montgomery!  You can get up close and personal with the geese.

How about enjoying fish at your local pet store?  I'm taking the plunge (pun intended!) and getting a classroom fish - big, big, big, big, deal!  Wanna do the same?  Try some fun  books like "Hooray for fish" by Lucy Cousins and Ten Little Fish.

I think the "Frog Bog" at Newport Aquarium just might be worth the outrageous price! 

It's That Time Again!

by Amy Mumper

April 01, 2009

So, what's up for this weekend?  Not much as far as I can tell... BUT check this out:

Do not underestimate the power of a Grandma to find the neatest stuff!  A Moonlight Egg Hunt!!!!  Take your flashlight and do your best to win a Webkinz or nights at Great Wolf Lodge (Great Wolf is worth it, if you get a deal - very cool!!!)

Can you handle it?  How about taking the kids to Opening Day?  My husband and I usually go for the red beer and the adult version of Opening Day.  (April 6 happens to be a special family day for us and I suggested we take our seven year old - no bite from DH, though!  (Understandable.  We'd have to change our M.O.!)  I do have a friend that takes the little ones each year.  I'm guessing for success she does these things:  1.  Parade  2.  Pack snacks that last and last  3.  Get good tickets! (Will the kids enjoy it if they can't see?)  4.  Take tons of sunscreen (if you're lucky!)  5.  Visit the Reds' Fan Zone for kids that just can't do nine innings.   6.  Be prepared to absorb "the big picture", and not each little detail of the game (just guessing!) 

Do you have any tips for those going to the game with the kiddos?

If you're not already a Reds Heads member, but have a baseball lover at home, try it!  Go Reds!

What's Up This Weekend?

by Amy Mumper

March 25, 2009

Can you believe another weekend is upon us?  Unbelievable!  So, how will you spend it?  As if I haven't told you enough, I love the Children's Theatre.  Charlotte's Web is there this weekend and tickets are just $7-20.  There's no doubt it'll be worth every penny.  It might be a nice lead in to reading the book (my rule is to read the book first, but that doesn't always work...)  Charlotte's Web is about a fourth grade book.  But, being read aloud, even your 5 year old can enjoy it!

Do you have an American Girl lover in your house?  Try an American Girl Fashion Show at Music Hall!  Benefiting the Aubrey Rose Foundation, this event can be fun for the girlies (and their dolls) while supporting an amazing charity.

Ready to replenish your child's spring wardrobe?  I hear that the Eastern Hills Mother of Twins Sale at Nagel Middle School is well worth your time!  For an admission price of just $1, what's to lose?  Do make a stop by the ATM, though.  They'll only accept cash. 8am-12pm Saturday.

I just want to thank all of you for reading.  It's really fun to run into someone who tells me they've been reading.  It's very inspiring! 

On that note, if you have a minute, try checking out the April issue of Cincinnati Magazine.  There website doesn't seem to have info yet, but we have a subscription...  There's a cover story entitled Kid Stuff: 62 Fun Things to Do With Your Kids.  Dare  I say that there's not much in the article that isn't on our blog here?  But it is nice to have it all in one place...

Have a great weekend! 

The Weekend Round Up!

by Amy Mumper

March 12, 2009

Hey, everybody!  Can you believe another weekend is coming up?  Wow!  It's already March and working toward spring.  Time sure does indeed march on! 

 So, looking for a little something unique and different to do? 

How about live Irish music at the park?  Friday at Farbach-Werner nature preserve, you can make reservations for potato soup and Irish dessert... yum!  A fun way to celebrate.  Call 521-7275 for more information.

More young theatre?  Annie Jr. will be a hit with the Littles at Mason High School this weekend.  Friday at 2pm, Saturday at 2 and 7 and again Sunday at 7.  For details call 588-0988.  Les Miserable is showing as well.  Classic, classic for the older littles...  the soundtrack they will love!  My boys love the "Master of the House"  (I know, a bit risque, but I'm counting on them to not catch every word).  Performed by Cincinnati Christian Schools.  Call 621-2787 for details.  Matinee performances just $6. 

I love it!  A new find...  "Library Babies!"  It's always nice that the community considers the REALLY Littles.  I remember feeling so lonely when my kids, especially when my first was an infant.  I was dying to get out!  The library hits the nail on the head.  That's good to see.

The Weekend Is (Almost) Here!

by Amy Mumper

March 05, 2009

I MUST give a little shout out to all the local high school plays in the area.  I mentioned that we were going to one this past weekend, I believe.  My kids were so inspired they wanted to get up on the stage.  Instead, they settled for seeing the ‘stars' up close and personal by asking for autographs until the auditorium closed.  Esteem building for all and you can't get that at the professional venues in town.  Too cool.  Try it out!  (But, pick a short play.)

As for this weekend, try out the circus! 

Also of interest...

• 1. Finding a MOPS meeting to attend. This group can really take care of moms and give you that much needed peace and quiet.
• 2. Spring Floral Show at Krohn Conservatory - the weather is supposed to be good - enjoy a picnic in the nearby Eden Park
• 3. Celtic Rhythm Dancers - celebrate the Irish!
• 4. "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" Lollipop Concerts with the CSO - terrific for those of you that were unable to make it to the Reds' last spring training in Florida!
• 5. Being an Artist at the Cincinnati Art Museum

Finally, on a more personal note...  I saw a woman at the grocery today.  She was helping her Grandma shop, while trying to keep track of her toddler, too.  I wanted to walk up to her and tell her that she was luckier than she thought.  I lost my Grandma this week.  You're never ready to say goodbye to that deep childhood connection that is like no other.  So, whatever you choose to do this weekend... perhaps invite your Grandma?  If you are not as lucky as me, to have your grandma into your 30s, make a memory with your child's grandparents. 

An Interview with Emme: A Look at Weight Bias

by Amy Mumper

February 23, 2009

Did you know that this week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week?  It seems we all struggle one way or another with our food choices.  And, with an almost seven year old daughter, the issue is even more in the forefront of my mind.  Recently, I participated in an interview that Savvy Source did with the plus-sized model, Emme.  (Thanks to Naomi, at Savvy Source Cleveland!)  Emme is now doing work to fight against weight bias.  What is weight bias?  Read on!   Read more...