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

What's Going on This Weekend?

by Amy Mumper

May 28, 2009

Preschool just ended this week and it feels like summer.  But, perhaps you find yourself, as I do, trying to explain that "IT'S SUMMER!" but "summer doesn't really start until June, but, IT'S SUMMER!"  Well, I sure feel like it is.  Many area pools are open and ready for business.  So, officially, it's summer!

A perennial favorite of mine is the Summer Reading program at the Cincinnati Library.  All locations are hosting a kickoff event from 2-4 pm on Saturday, May 30. (but, if you're swift, you might get to see Zak Morgan at the Erlanger Library "Cookout Kickoff" Friday the 29^th.  In Hamilton County, the kick off event is decorating your own tote bag and getting a first peek at the prizes and of course, you pick up your official game card.  It doesn't matter how young your children are - you can count by how many books you've read (together or independently) or by how many hours, so it's fun for all involved.  I also noticed yesterday at a stop by my library that they have an adult summer reading program, too.  I thought I might check that out for myself and encourage a little friendly competition with Mommy around my house.  (Lately, I'm the proverbial "rotten egg" all the time.  Shh - don't tell them that I let them win!)

Summerfair is another venue to check out this weekend.  It's hosted at Coney Island and what's better than feelin' that you're by the river on the weekend?  (Ever go "tubing" in the Ohio River?  What a blast!!  Ok, I was 10 and had no idea The River shouldn't be brown.)  Anyhow... Summerfair.  Lots of fun, cool crafts for kids (painting flower pots, creating your own t-shirt or your own ant house!)  There is also a "Youth Arts" performance stage where your little ones might get inspired to try the arts!

Of course, with Cincy humidity, there's always the sprinkler!  Have a good one!

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.

Welcome to our new feature: Weekend Roundup!

by Amy Mumper

February 06, 2009

I'm excited to try out our new feature, so let's get right to it: Need a reason to start thinking spring ? Visit the "Greater Cincinnati Summer Camp Adventure Fair" and get a free admission to one of the museums! From 12-4 pm on Sunday February 8 at the Museum Center , you can dream yourself all the way to summer camp. To get a free ticket, just stop by the Cincinnati  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...

The Littlest Picasso

by Amy Mumper

October 06, 2008

Art is such a rich form of expression, especially for little ones that are still learning words to put with their world, experiences and emotions. No wonder you want to know about city resources to enhance your child's natural sense of curiosity. Various mediums abound take your pick! Ceramics your bag? Try mymadpotter.com for some QT and creativity! How about 2D mediums? Try Gymboree  Read more...

The Budding Art Critic

by Amy Mumper

October 06, 2008

My friend Kari and I recently proved that kids are indeed art critics! And you know what else? They REALLY enjoy it! Your Little can gain an appreciation of any type of art. First, visit the art museum or get books to find an interesting subset of art (Sculpture, photography, impressionism, etc). Then, stock up at the library and learn what you can by checking out the web. Allow your  Read more...