Cincinnati Family magazine April 2024

PUBLISHER

Stewart Day stewart@daycommedia.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Susan Swindell Day susan@daycommedia.com

EDITOR

Amanda Hayward amandahayward@ daycommedia.com

THINGS TO DO/ ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Amanda Ciani amandaciani@ daycommedia.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN DayCom Associates

PRODUCTION

Tim Henard timhenard@ daycommedia.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Theresa Cicchinelli theresa@daycommedia.com

Amanda Ciani amandaciani@ daycommedia.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Jonathan McCormack distributioncf@ daycommedia.com

To SUBSCRIBE to our weekly newsletter, go to cincinnatifamilymagazine.com.

CINCINNATI FAMILY MAGAZINE is published monthly by DAYCOM MEDIA, INC. Although every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of published material, DAYCOM MEDIA cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

Editorial and business offices are located at 10945 Reed Hartman Hwy., Ste 323, Cincinnati, OH 45242. The phone number is 513-322-5052.

CINCINNATI FAMILY MAGAZINE is copyright © 2024 by DayCom Media, Inc., a member of The Ohio Parent Media Network. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Run Clubs for kids provide a friendly and fun way for them to enjoy burning off all of that energy!

IN THIS ISSUE

2 Editor's Note

Encourage your kids to keep going!

3 Feedback

Win a Family Four-Pack to Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden or a $50 Gift Card to Once Upon a Child. Plus: Parents share thoughts on the number of sports their kids do each season.

5 Cincinnati News

Where will you be on April 8? You've got plenty of options to check out the eclipse! Plus, Cincinnati has top museums in the nation; local parent briefs.

8 Kids Health

Sports bring injuries, bruised egos and more. Plus, run clubs for kids provide a great way to get them the exercise they need.

FEATURES

11 THE GOOD WAY TO FIGHT

How you argue in front of children matters — and there's one, special aspect of it that's incredibly healthy for kids to witness.

THINGS TO DO!

"But the true nature of the human heart is as whimsical as spring weather."

— Maya Angelou American memoirist, poet and civil rights activist

14 GUIDING KIDS IN SPORTS

Parenting a child through the ups and downs of sports takes stamina and good sense.

cincinnatifamilymagazine.com

Zoo Blooms is at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden all month long.

21

Spring has sprung and it's time to get the kids outside and in to nature!

IHorseback Riding

Nature

Fishing

Boys & Girls

Ages 6 - 16

By Amanda Hayward

Teach Your Kids to Keep Going!

have many fond memories of my childhood: learning to ride a bike for the first time; mastering my bike skills and roaming the neighborhood streets with my older brother; my first boyfriend; and the first time I fell flat on my face. Yes, not every memory is that “fond” but those are the memories that stick out to you the most - the first kiss and the first of many falls and fails. Never did I break a limb, but I did get injured a number of times, especially when I started playing sports.

I never did make it to nationals with my track team. Our 4X400 and 4X800 relay teams were unstoppable. We had the perfect group of track gals; we knew how to hand the baton over and run our hearts out. We had girls who beat school records that year - it was one of the best times of my life, minus the part where I had to sit on the sidelines and watch the team take on the national championship without me. All because I was injured. Every time. I spent hours plunging in and out of the ice bath, sweating on the stationary bike and elevating my poor leg in the physical therapy room, making memories with all of the other injured kids. We were in good spirits together alright, but bummed we were missing out on what we loved the most. Although it was something to learn from and made me a better, stronger person and runner, I never want to have to see my kids go through this. (Sorry Mom!)

My parents were always behind me every step and fall of the way, never making me feel sad or bad at all. I just felt supported and I felt like there was a way out, and I was going to get going again. I don’t remember feeling scared, I just know that I was cared for and pushed to keep going no matter what. That is something I want to do for my kids. I want them to know that although setbacks and disappointments happen, you will get through it and come out stronger. It’s true if you stay positive and have a great attitude and support group. I truly believe that! I was never pushed too hard as a kid - I just really pushed myself which I don’t think is a bad quality. It’s good except for when you reach your limit but still push until, well, you get injured.

I remember watching my older brother, Nick, on a crutch witnessing his senior football team play their final game of the season. It was senior night that night, and there my parents were, right next him walking down the track with smiles on their faces. The crowd cheered and the team did a special chant for him. Nick tore his ACL during football practice his senior year, causing him to miss out on the remainder of his final high school football games. I actually felt more proud of him rather than sad because of his attitude - he cheered on his teammates, showed up to every game and practice, and just kept going. Now that I think about it, maybe that really inspired me to keep going. Not just in what I love, but in life in general.

This is a lesson we should teach our kids - to keep going. Not to push them to their limits, but to allow them to learn to push themselves, and to learn from their mistakes and setbacks because those will happen, and that is life! Let them have the time of their lives running the football field, scoring goals and getting their first back handspring. Is it scary? You bet! But life is scary and the best thing we can do is to teach them, talk to them and stand by their side every step of the way.

WIN

A Family Four-Pack to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden!

Enjoy all of what the zoo offers including rides, animal encounters and giraffe feedings. To top it off, new blooms are popping up all over the garden and Zoo Blooms will show all monthlong! Learn about all of the happenings taking place at the zoo this month and more at cincinnatizoo.org.

WIN!

A $50 gift card to Once Upon A Child

Save on all of those kid clothes you need and more with a $50 gift card from Once Upon a Child. The consignment store has multiple locations throughout the Greater Cincinnati area that will hook you up with all kinds of savings! Go to onceuponachild.com to find a store near you.

Enter to win our prizes at cincinnatifamilymagazine.com by April 19.

ON OUR COVER

Cover Kid, Madelynn, photographed by Wendy Magee Photography at Tom Jones Commons in Eden Park.

Question!

How many sports/activities do you allow each of your kids to do per season?

“We always did one sport per season because we have four boys and most of them played on select teams which were time consuming. It’s not just the time investment, but also a big financial commitment if you do more than one when you have three or more kids. We tried to avoid teams that traveled a lot because we didn’t think it was fair to our other kids and we wanted to be fair to the coaches, too. One sport at once is tough because they have to miss games/practices sometimes. I will say, our kids were good athletes, but also liked to wakeboard and snow ski so they wanted time for that. If I felt they were super passionate about a sport and wanted to possibly play in college, I might have let them invest more time. I think it depends on your kids, your situation and what feels right for your family."

Julie Schreck Walker

"One per season per child. We have three and our trees don't drop $$$. And we love our summers, so usually nothing but walking to Kings Island."

Danielle Tracy

“As many as they want/as many as we can get them to."

Amy Masteller

"If they don’t coincide, they can do two. My daughter does track Monday and Wednesdays and soccer Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays."

Kate Lynn Shrock

"My kids are limited to two activities at a time, so they do one sport plus scouts. Kids need unstructured down time."

Candi Parsons

“Most activities require an extensive amount of time in practices, rehearsals and the actual performance. So my daughter and now my grandkids only have time for one activity. Now they have quit an activity then picked up another, but school work is always number one, so the activity must allow for appropriate study time."

Deborah Jordan

“One thing per semester and nothing on Sundays. Kids need down time and boredom. They need time for homework and socializing. Balance is good for them. To each their own; this is what works for us."

Malinda Long-Copland

“One sport and one activity at a time per kid."

Brooke Woods

Win a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden!

PHOTO: Michelle Peters

Zoo Membership Includes:

• Unlimited admission

• Free parking

• Free admission to PNC Festival of Lights

• Early entry into the Zoo (9–10am mid-March through Nov. 20)

• Elephant Trek—opening this year

• Much more!

Scan this QR code to get your discount!

CINCINNATI NEWS

by Amanda Ciani

ECLIPSED!

Where will you and the kids be on April 8? Make your plans now if you haven't yet!

FREE ECLIPSE & SIPS

In partnership with The Cincinnati Observatory, this stellar event will feature light bites, mocktails by Molly Wellman, kids activities, space education, music and more. MRBL parking lot, 119 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky; 1 - 3 p.m.; facebook.com/events/736331028450835.

FREE ENTERTRAINMENT ECLIPSE DAY

Grab a pair of Butler County Eclipse viewing glasses and get ready for a rare site that is out of this world! To celebrate the total solar eclipse, there will be lots of learning activities and makeand-take moon goo, too. EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester, Oh; 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; 513-898-8000 or entertrainmentjunction.com.

FREE THE GREAT ECLIPSE IN THE SKY

This day will be out of this world! Programming will include a social system presentation on the stage (12:15 pm), an art market, solar paintings and solar music soundtracks featuring the music of Pink Floyd. Solar glasses will be available for purchase to help the Parks at $5, available online and at Merlin the day-of. Schmidlapp Event Lawn, 124 E Mehring Way, Cincinnati, Oh; 12 - 5 p.m.; 513-542-2909 or cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/parks-events-calendar/the-great-eclipse-in-the-sky.

FREE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024

Embark on a celestial journey with Great Parks; there will be educational stations, animal encounters, food and more. A limited supply of certified eclipse glasses will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Miami Whitewater Forest, 9001 Mt. Hope Road, Harrison, Oh; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; valid parking permit required for park entry; 513-521-3276 or greatparks.org/calendar/special-events/total-solar-eclipse-2024.

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE WATCH PARTY (register)

Grab some safe-viewing glasses to check out the solar eclipse at Pyramid Hill! There will also be sun-themed crafts, family-friendly games, live music from members of the Butler Philharmonic and the new exhibition Mounds, Moon and Stars. Families can bring a picnic or preorder a gourmet boxed lunch. Pyramid Hill, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, Oh; 12 p.m.; $15 member general admission, $25 non-member general admission, $10 child general admission + boxed lunches available for purchase; 513-868-8336 or pyramidhill.org.

SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING (register)

Join Cincy Nature Center to witness this rare eclipse event; during the peak of the eclipse, 99 percent of the sun will be obscured by the moon. Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, Oh; 1:45 - 4 p.m.; $12 non-members, includes daily admission; $6 members; cincynature.org.

(please turn the page)

Cincinnati Children's Museum is one of the top children's museums in the nation!

Cincinnati offers plentiful and now award-winning places and spaces for families to visit year-round. Several local attractions received accolades in USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers Choice Awards:

CINCINNATI HISTORY MUSEUM was recognized as one of the top three history museums in the nation.

CINCINNATI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM was named in the top five children’s museums in the nation.

NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM CENTER was ranked #2 in the history museum category.

Check out the museums located in our city for yourself! Head to cincymuseum.org and freedomcenter.org to find out more. To learn more about USA TODAY'S 10Best Readers Choice Awards, go to 10best. usatoday.com

WAVE Foundation's New Digs

Local nonprofit, WAVE Foundation, has found a new home within Newport on the Levee. The move from the Newport Aquarium will allow WAVE Foundation to serve as a thriving Education Center with fish tanks, a meeting space, team offices and three multipurpose rooms. WAVE offers year-round, education programming for kids of all ages. Programming includes WAVE on Wheels, Gills Club, Camp Wave, Finstitute and more.

Learn more by visiting wavefoundation. org.

Newsy Bits

Spring Break at Great Wolf Lodge

Families looking to enjoy a spring break staycation can book a room at Great Wolf Lodge’s Mason location through April 28 to experience the popular Spring Breakout event. Along with the popular 84 degree indoor pool, slides and water activities there are themed games, a dance party and interactive craft time benefitting Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. “Color for the Kids” will allow guests to contribute to a springtime mosaic mural by coloring a tile for a $10 donation.

Head to greatwolf.com/mason to learn more.

Bold & Brave Apartments for CCHMC Families

Bold & Brave Kid’s Foundation, the organization that offers support for childhood cancer patients and their families, has recently established apartments for families seeking treatment at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The apartments, located on Hopes Way, ensure that families have a home away from home during Proton Treatments at CCHMC. Each apartment features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, great room, laundry room and porch.

Learn more at boldandbravekids.org.

A child enjoys fishing in The Children's Museum's Water Works exhibit. A popular place for families, the museum — located in Union Terminal — celebrated 25 years in 2023.

by Amanda Hayward

HANDLING YOUR KID’S SPORTS INJURIES

Some kids are just “that kid” that always seems to get injured - but why? We have an explanation plus how to handle the situation when your kid takes a fall.

Being a parent is probably the toughest job you’ll ever have, and when your kids get injured, that’s just the icing on the cake. Right then and there, when you witness the fall, bump or bruise, your mind jumps ahead - do we go to the ER? Ice it and wait it out? A lot of this depends on the situation of course.

Jordan Ryan, MD, Family Medicine physician at The Christ Hospital Health Network, says that the bottom line is, if something doesn’t seem right, your best bet is just go to the ER.

“It’s never worth risking your child’s wellbeing ,” he continues. “However, if you have a good relationship with your child’s pediatrician or family medicine doctor, we can often manage minor injuries in our office and save you a trip to the ER.”

As a parent, we know our kids better than

anyone else, and we know a life-threatening situation when we see one. So remember to go with your gut and trust your instincts. If it doesn’t seem life-threatening, take the situation into your hands and protect the injured area (keep weight off it, wear a sling, etc) and then call your doctor for some more guidance, says Ryan.

Some obvious signs that your kid’s injury means going to the emergency room include their refusal to use or move the extremity in question, says Remzi Sipahi, physician at the Division of Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

“For example, if a child with an ankle or foot injury is unable to walk a few steps then they should be evaluated for a possible fracture,” says Sipahi.

Others to look out for are head injuries, bleeding , heart or lung problems. In this case, get help right away.

COMMON INJURIES AND WHY

Kids are kids and this is one of the reasons they are prone to injury, in addition to being involved with activities and sports. However, kids who are involved in a variety of sports rather than just one do have a better chance at dodging injuries. Why? A variety of activities actually helps them build up more strength and coordination, says Ryan. However, remember that too much can cause issues, too. The right balance is key.

“Sometimes playing sports can cause pain,” he continues. “The most common injuries I see are overuse injuries. These usually occur because a child is doing one activity too much. Because children are still growing, it puts them at greater risk of overuse injuries than adults.”

Common injuries include rotator cuff injuries in swimming; elbow injuries in throwing sports; and patellar tendon injuries in

runners; bruises; fractures; ligament sprains and muscle strains.

“Stress fractures and growth plate damage are also very common so pay attention to consistent complaints of pain in bones or joints,” Ryan continues.

Overuse is the most important to pay attention to here - those are the injuries that are often overlooked, according to Sipahi. Overuse injuries happen when kids are pushed to play multiple sports at once, or when they are in the same sport year-round, he continues. As a way of prevention, do your best to find the right balance with your kids’ activities and allow breaks and free play in between.

THAT KID

Is your kid “that kid” that seems to be injury-prone or you know a kid who is? It’s not just coincidence - there are some reasons behind this.

It is a given that the more risky sports and activities your kids are exposed to (contact sports such as football, wrestling, mountain biking, etc.) the more likely they are to get injured. There are also those kids who may have attention problems, play more aggressively, have a connective tissue disorder or just bad luck, says Ryan, and this could be a reason why they are just that kid. However, just because that kid seems to be more injury-prone than others doesn’t mean he should give up on sports.

“My best advice would be to know the risks but have fun,” he continues. “Don’t avoid participating just because you’re worried about injuries.”

Growth and development can play a role here, too, adds Sipahi. “Our children are constantly adapting to their growing bodies, and trying to navigate sports during this time can be very challenging at times and can lead to more injuries,” he continues. “Lastly, I would say that active kids have injury risks. Working on motor skill development and appropriate fitness for the activity helps reduce injury risk.”

STAY CALM

When your kids take a fall, the best thing you can do for them is to stay calm and listen. Kids react to our reactions, so if mom freaks out, they will freak out, says Ryan.

“The best thing you can do for your kids is spend time with them and listen to them. The more you do that, the more you’ll be able to trust yourself to take care of them the way they need,” he continues. Amanda Hayward is the editor of this publication and a mom of four.

Injury Prevention for Kids

While you can’t prevent your kids from getting hurt, there are ways to prevent it from happening. Your job is to create a safe environment for your kids to explore, have fun, and grow! Ways to do this include:

• Sign up for swim lessons

• Wear a helmet when riding a bike

• Get regular physicals

• Wear the correct protective gear for sports

• Sign kids up for a variety of activities and sports

• Eat healthy, drink water and exercise regularly (ages 3 - 5 years need to be active throughout the day; ages 6 - 17 need to be active for 60 minutes every day).

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Run Clubs for kids help them to gain strength, endurance and a joy for feeling great!

Let Them Run!

Run clubs are another way to get your kid excited about running. Many work to motivate kids with activities, challenges and lots of friends their age to run around with. “Whatever it is, get them involved in something,” says Ryan. “Kids who play sports develop better social skills, cope with hard situations better and can foster a love of exercise that can last the rest of their lives.”

LOCAL RUN CLUBS

Here are some youth run clubs to help your kids get involved.

CROSS-COUNTRY FOR YOUTH crosscountryforyouth.org Locate what fits your family.

GIRLS ON THE RUN GREATER CINCINNATI | gotrcincinnati.org Blends physical activity with life skills development.

LET ME RUN cincinnati.letmerun.org

A nonprofit twice-weekly program that inspires boys to be themselves and be active.

MAYERSON JCC YOUTH RUNNING

mayersonjcc.org/programs/ youth-running

For ages 6 - 12, partners with Girls on the Run and Let Me Run.

OHIO HEAT (SOUTH) TC cincipushinglimitstc.com

A youth AAU travel track team

program for ages 5 - 18; for kids serious about getting faster and dedicated.

CINCINNATI ALL STARS TRACK & FIELD CLUB, INC. sites.google.com/site/ cincinnatiallstarstrackclub/ home

A youth organization that competes in the USATF Junior Olympics program; open to athletes ages 7 to 19 years old.

RUNNERS CLUB OF GREATER

CINCINNATI

cincinnatirunning.com/ membership

Men, women and kids of all ages and abilities can participate; no need to be a fast runner, or a runner at all.

by Lisa Fletcher

THE GOOD WAY TO FIGHT

Although there is no perfect way to fight, you can find a balance with your spouse to model a healthier way to resolve conflict in front of your kids.

We’ve all been there before: an argument is building between you and your partner, frustration growing with each word. You think the two of you are alone, only to find a pair of round, inquisitive eyes peering at you from across the room. It’s at this moment when you are at a crossroads: do I continue the argument or abandon it and just walk away?

Your instinct can be to immediately feel bad about the arguing and abandon the discussion, but experts say it’s not the actual fight, but what happens after, that can leave a lasting impression on your kids.

Kerry Brown, MS, CLS, senior parenting specialist and parent coach at Beech Acres Parenting Center in Cincinnati, says that as long as kids witness fighting done in a healthy way, it can be a learning experience for them.

“If healthy conflict is modeled for children they can learn how to listen, problem solve and advocate for their own needs,” says Brown.

RUPTURE AND REPAIR

Brown describes this healthy conflict as “Rupture and Repair,” a concept that refers to the breaking and restoring of connections with one another.

“Since humans are wired for connection, and research shows connection is what brings us the most happiness, rupture and repair is a critical concept to learn about for well-being,” she says.

The reality is that it’s not possible to agree with your partner all of the time. The rupture is bound to happen when two people are misaligned. Brown suggests having heated conversations in private, away from the kids, but to look at a healthy argument as a learning opportunity. If your children pick up on a tense vibe in the home, acknowledge that rupture, and let them know what you are doing to repair the situation with your partner.

“If your child is not around to witness the repair, communicate how you ended up working it out so they start to learn about healthy ways to resolve conflict,” says Brown.

The Good Fight

Kids need to understand that a rupture in a relationship does not mean the end of a relationship, says Julie Foster, LISW-S, RN, an outpatient therapist for adolescents and adults at Lindner Center of Hope in Cincinnati.

“Making up in front of kids shows them that loving someone does not mean everything is always perfect and that relationships can have resilience,” says Foster. “Parents can make an effort to also show affection and admiration toward each other to help kids feel more secure in the parents’ relationship,” she says.

THE POSITIVE SIDE TO FIGHTING

Finding this healthy balance in an argument can be difficult when emotions are high, but according to Foster there are some very good outcomes to having an argument in front of your kids. Children who witness their parents having an argument develop a realistic view of relationships, she says. Kids need to understand that people disagree on things and can still be in a healthy and happy relationship.

Kids also need to learn that just because someone is mad at them, it doesn’t mean the relationship is over or that the other person will stop loving them. Foster says this learning experience includes kids understanding that when a parent gets mad at a child it doesn’t mean they stop loving them, either. This also helps kids build healthy relationships with friends.

Conflicts WILL happen. But children need to see their parents make up and go on. Making up in front of your kids shows them that loving someone may not be perfect, but that love is resilient.

Parents should also steer clear of issues that will be too stressful for kids to understand, such as financial issues. If the subject is too mature for the child, the discussion should be conducted in private.

In addition, fighting in front of your children can teach them resolution and coping skills.

“Children are watching us, so modeling how you address conflict in a healthy way lays the foundation for their future relationships,” says Brown.

If you happen to have an explosive moment, which we all can experience, Brown suggests saying, “I don’t like how we handled that. Next time I am angry with your dad, I am going to try to take a deep breath or go on a walk.” Brown says it is critical to broadcast how you are feeling and how you are taking care of yourself when you are stressed or overwhelmed. Your child will model this behavior when they are faced with the same situations.

THE NEGATIVE SIDE TO FIGHTING

Kids are aware. It doesn’t take much for them to get the pulse of a room, regardless of the words being spoken. Foster says kids will pick up on any sarcasm, criticism, disrespect and purposeful ignoring. If fighting is constant, it can create anxiety for kids, especially stirring up worries about the intactness of the family.

“Kids might start wondering if the family will fall apart,” says Foster. “They need reassurance and proof that there is such a thing as fair fighting.”

Ignoring your kids during a fight will not make the situation better, says Brown. Parents should pause the argument and address the kids in the room.

“Parents need to acknowledge the disagreement and tell their kids it is OK to have differences in opinions or values,” she says. “Assure your children that you still care about your partner, and just like siblings you sometimes get into disagreements, but you still love them.”

Some common things that parents get wrong when fighting, according to Foster, include encouraging kids to take a side or talking negatively about the other parent. Name calling, blaming, interrupting, yelling or bringing up past issues that are not relevant to the issue should also be avoided.

“Parents need to avoid turning their children into ‘little therapists,’” says Foster. “This creates internal conflicts of loyalty for the kids. Oversharing is a big complaint from kids when it comes to their parents.”

Lisa Fletcher is a freelance writer and a mother of four living in Cincinnati.

HEALTHY WAYS TO MANAGE CONFLICTS

Not sure how to address conflict with your partner in front of your kids? Although there is no perfect way to fight, Foster offers these suggestions:

• Use a gentle manner and speak for yourself, avoiding criticism, or condemnation. Listen fully to the other person before responding and validate their perspective.

• Take responsibility for your part by showing remorse and apologizing when it’s appropriate.

• Model self-soothing: take deep breaths, take a time-out, stop and think before speaking.

• Come to a resolution: avoid shutting down or giving the silent treatment and walking away.

• After the fight, show signs of love toward the other person.

• If you feel conflicts are impacting your children, seek individual or couples therapy depending on the circumstances, such as Beech Acres Parenting Center (beechacres.org/parent-con next-families).

– Monday through Friday –

This year’s camps feature more performance options than ever for rising first- through 12th-graders. Choose from:

• One-week theatre camps to focus on the fundamentals of creating theatre

• Performance showcases and intensives to learn theatrical skills with an emphasis on performance and storytelling techniques

• Performance Academies to experience the production of a play from beginning to end Campers gain confidence, get moving, form new friendships and tap into their creativity in an inclusive artistic environment! Locations include

by Tina Pratt

Guiding your kids through their sports journey takes more than a push and shove — academics, social activities and rest all come into play!

PARENTING KIDS IN SPORTS

Parenting through the realm of sports offers a dynamic landscape where interest, discipline and character development intersect with athletic achievement. As parents, navigating this terrain involves more than just cheering from the sidelines or driving to practices. It’s about instilling life lessons, resiliency and nurturing a healthy relationship with competition. Whether it’s the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, guiding your children through sporting endeavors is an opportunity to mold them into well-rounded individuals equipped for the challenges both on and off the field.

SHOULD I PUSH MY KID TO PLAY SPORTS?

Whether or not to push your child to play sports is a decision that depends on various factors, including your child’s interests, abilities and developmental stage, as well as your own motivations and approach.

• Consider your child’s interests and preferences when encouraging participation in sports

• Exposing kids to different sports allows them to discover what they enjoy and where their talents lie.

• Emphasize the importance of enjoyment in sports rather than focusing on performance or competition.

• Create a supportive environment and offer encouragement, but avoid the pressure of expectations.

• Prioritize your child’s overall well-being, including their physical/ mental health, academic responsibilities and social development.

While it’s important to encourage children to participate in physical activity and sports, pushing them into activities they don’t enjoy or aren’t ready for can be counterproductive. It can lead to burnout, injury

and negative psychological effects. Instead, focus on providing opportunities for exploration, fostering enjoyment and supporting the child’s interests and well-being. Ultimately, the goal should be to promote a positive and lifelong relationship with physical activity rather than forcing participation for external reasons.

SETTING THE EXAMPLE

You’re an important part of creating a healthy sporting environment. You can serve as a role model for your kids in sports, helping them to develop life skills such as sportsmanship, resilience and a healthy attitude towards competition.

Kelsey Logan, director of sports medicine with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center shares that, “research shows that when parents exhibit poor behavior on the sidelines, our kids see this and model it.”

HOW TO HANDLE LOSSES AND LETDOWNS

But what about the losses and the let downs?

“Your relationship with your child is important and helps get them through the personal and team challenges that occur in sports,” Logan says. “You supporting the hard work, sportsmanship and follow through involved in sports participation makes a big difference in helping young athletes develop; kids are certainly disappointed when things don’t go well for them on the field. Acknowledge this when your child is upset. It is OK for them to feel disappointed, embarrassed or hurt. They need you to validate this,” she adds.

Shriver, a 13-year-old athlete, says the most helpful thing his parents do after a loss is to give him space. “They leave me alone to think about the game, but the next day they provide me with encouragement,” Shriver says.

FROM RECREATIONAL TO COMPETITIVE

Moving a child from recreational sports to competitive sports can have both advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

PROS:

• Competitive sports typically offer more structured training and coaching, which can lead to improved skills and performance.

• Competitive sports can teach important life skills such as discipline, teamwork and perseverance.

• In some cases, excelling in competitive sports can open doors to scholarships for college or future opportunities in the sport at a higher level; note that your child needs to be exceptional for that opportunity.

CONS:

• Competitive sports often come with higher expectations and pressure to perform, which can lead to stress, anxiety and burnout.

• The intensity of competitive sports can increase the risk of injury due to factors such as overtraining, higher levels of physical contact and increased competition.

• Competitive sports require a significant time commitment for practices, games and travel, which can impact a child’s academic performance, social life and overall well-being.

• Competitive sports can be expensive, with costs associated with registration fees, equipment, travel and private coaching. This financial burden may not be feasible for all families.

Ultimately, the decision to move a child from recreational sports to competitive sports should consider the individual child’s interests, goals and well-being. It’s important to strike a balance between providing opportunities for growth and development in the sport while prioritizing the child’s overall happiness and well-being.

IF YOUR KID WANTS TO QUIT

When a child expresses a desire to quit a sport, it’s essential for parents to approach the situation with empathy, understanding and open communication.

Here is some advice for parents in this situation:

• Take the time to listen to your child’s reasons for wanting to quit the sport. Encourage them to express their feelings openly and without fear of judgment.

• Ask questions to uncover the underlying reasons behind their desire to quit. It could be due to lack of interest, burnout, social issues, pressure or dissatisfaction with the experience.

• Let your child know that you support them no matter what decision they make. Offer encouragement and reassurance, emphasizing that their well-being and happiness are more important than their participation in the sport.

• Explore alternative options with your child if they’re open to it. They may be interested in trying a different sport or activity that better aligns with their interests and goals.

• Use this as a teaching moment to discuss the importance of commitment, perseverance and overcoming challenges. Help your child understand that it’s normal to face difficulties and setbacks in any endeavor and that quitting isn’t always the solution.

• Maintain open lines of communication with your child throughout the process. Let them know that they can always come to you with any concerns or changes in their feelings about the sport.

“Sports interest and participation should always be led by the child,” says Logan. “Always. When you push an athlete to participate beyond readiness or interest, you may create an environment that they cannot succeed in,” she adds.

Tina Pratt is an educator, mom and freelance writer.

MODELING GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP

• Focus on the effort and attitude your child puts into their sport rather than on winning or losing.

• Show that hard work, dedication and perseverance are valuable traits regardless of the outcome.

• Avoid displaying frustration, anger or criticism toward your child, coaches or officials.

• Keep healthy attitudes toward competition by emphasizing the importance of doing one’s best.

• Highlight the value of challenging oneself and striving for personal growth.

• Encourage your child to maintain a healthy balance between sports, academics, social activities and rest.

• Model self-care behaviors such as prioritizing rest, proper nutrition and maintaining perspective on the role of sports in their overall well-being.

• Engage in sports-related activities with your child, such as practicing together, attending games or matches and supporting their involvement in the sport.

• Use honest communication with your child about their experiences in sports.

CCM Prep

CCM Prep provides fun music, dance and theatre arts classes and workshops where students of all ages and abilities can learn from leading national artists and teachers – including CCM’s acclaimed collegiate faculty members. Browse program offerings and find the perfect performing arts opportunity for your family.

513-556-2595 | ccm.uc.edu/prep-family

290 CCM Blvd., Cincinnati

Abrakadoodle

Campers look forward to our summer programs year after year! Whether they will be exploring a variety of art techniques while making connections with STEAM concepts, going on an arty Treasure Hunt or making marvelous Movie Art, campers will be immersed in activities specifically designed for them by experienced educators.

513-297-5655 | abrakadoodle.com

Camp Art Academy

2024 Summer Youth Programs – Camp Art Academy (ages 5 - 12) and Teen Academy (ages 13 - 18). Programs run Jun. 3 - Jul. 26. The theme for 2024 Camp Art Academy is Artists in Training. All classes held on our Jackson Street campus in Over-the-Rhine. For more information and registration, please visit our website.

513-562-8762 | artacademy.edu

1212 Jackson St., Cincinnati

Falcon Camp

Widely recognized as Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959. Beautiful lakefront setting with wide range of activities. Boys and girls ages 6 - 16 choose their own schedule within general framework, separate activities with planned co-ed events. 1:4 staff/camper ratio. Most of all, it’s a great time! ACA accredited, many references.

800-837-2267 | falconcamp.com

4251 Delta Road SW, Carrollton

Academy of Cinematic Arts

Explore the magic of the movies! Experience a week of creativity, collaboration, and fun. Camps collaborate to create a short, narrative film. Screenwriting campers brainstorm, write, and storyboard the script. Acting campers learn to create powerful, on-screen performances. Filmmaking campers direct and create the short film.

513-221-4888 | acafilm.org

6049 Yankee Road, Liberty Township

Camp Chabad

From morning line-up of songs and cheers, through each day packed with fun activities, campers savor every minute of every day at Camp Chabad. Children are placed in groups by age and grade level. This ensures each child gets individualized attention and participates in programming suited to their level of development. Ages 5 - 13.

513-731-5111 | campchabad.com Koenig Park, Cincinnati

Cincinnati Reds Summer Camps

Cincinnati Reds camps are back for their 13th season! The Reds will have 16 week-long summer camps throughout Reds Country in 2024. Camp runs Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. for players ages 6 - 14. Campers receive 30 hours of instruction, a full Reds uniform, four tickets to a Reds game, and VIP trip to Great American Ball Park. Sign up now!

reds.com/camps

2024 GUIDE TO CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

Planning for the best summer ever starts here!

Band in a Bus

Let’s Rock. Let’s Rock. Today! Band in a Bus provides engaging and inclusive music classes for students grades K - 12. No instruments required— our experienced team brings everything needed for every class and we’ll bring the jams to you! Explore a new rocking outlet for your child. Book your Band in a Bus experience today!

513-515-8774 | bandinabus.org

Camp Invention

Inspire your child’s creativity and watch their confidence soar with our Camp Invention® program, Wonder! Campers in grades K - 6 will team up with friends for hands-on, open-ended STEM fun. They’ll build their own mini skate park, become an imaginative event planner, launch their own pop-up business and transform a robot into a stuffie!

800-968-4332 | invent.org/camp

3701 Highland Park, North Canton

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Summer camp options include one-week theatre camps that focus on fun and theatre skills, oneweek performance showcases and intensives, and two-week performance academies that produce a play or musical from start to finish. Camps are held at the Playhouse in Mt. Adams and locations in Mason and near Erlanger, Ky.

513-421-3888 | cincyplay.com

962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati

Class 101

Students grade 9 -12 will ignite their path to college with dedicated support and guidance from our college advisors. Students receive 1-on-1 help from our college planning experts. Grade 12 focus on essays/college applications in summer, and grades 9 - 11 work on exploring career and major, developing college list, resume, ACT/SAT Prep and more.

513-296-7770 | class101.com/northeastcincinnati

7967 Cincinnati Dayton Road K1, Cincinnati

Kids First Sports Center

Campers get the very best! 108,000 sq. ft. of everything kids love: basketball, karate, gymnastics, dance, cheer, swimming, volleyball, and more. Field trips every week outside and in-house entertainment throughout week. Leaders in Training course for teens covers topics like leadership, communication, and group dynamics. Teens also go on excursions, service opportunities, and more.

513-489-7575 | kidsfirstsports.com

7900 E. Kemper Road, Cincinnati

Code Ninjas of Green Township

Elevate your child’s summer with an exciting tech experience! Introducing a variety of new camps designed to ignite your child’s curiosity. Our camps include: Creating in Roblox, Minecraft, and YouTube, or hands-on tech like Micro:bits, MakeyMakey, Creative Design Studio, E-Sports Design, and more.

513-878-1388 | codeninjasgtwp.com

6507 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati

Great Parks of Hamilton County

Rockwern Academy STEAM Camps

Keep them curious this summer! In partnership with iSPACE and Strive Academy, Rockwern is offering exciting new STEAM adventures for grades K - 6. Campers will get to explore and utilize Rockwern’s new makerspace, The Curiosity Center. They can save space civilizations, build robots with LEGOs, or use creativity to problem-solve.

513-984-3770 | rockwernacademy.org/steamcamps 8401 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati

Crossroads Church Summer Camp

Five-day camp at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. Includes all the things that make camp awesome: rock climbing, swimming, high-energy worship, and more. Camp includes the modern conveniences – running water, air conditioned dorms and hot meals. High School camp, grades 8 - 12. Middle School camp, grades 5 - 7.

crossroads.net/summercamp 3500 Madison Road, Cincinnati

Exciting adventures for children and teens, promising a summer filled with exploration, enrichment, and inspiration. Outdoor adventure camps for thrillseekers ages 10 - 14, hands-on farm experiences nurturing toddlers to pre-teens, fishing excursions at Lake Isabella, horseback riding camps, and nature camps.

greatparks.org/discovery/children/day-camps Multiple Park Locations

School of Rock, Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

Do you want to learn how to play in a rock band?

We offer a variety of summer music camps perfect for musicians of any skill level who want to play guitar, bass, drums, keys and vocals. Camps run Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Campers learn what it takes to rock then showcase what they’ve learned for friends and family on Friday. Camp themes include Metal, Punk, 90s and more.

513-586-ROCK | cincinnati.schoolofrock.com

859-999-ROCK | nky.schoolofrock.com

6710 Madison Road, Cincinnati | 6415 Dixie Hwy., NKY

Dino Buddies

Dino Buddies is a fun, exciting and educational way to spice up any event, program, classroom, scout program, birthday party, or camp! We bring the ZOO to YOU by providing unique and up-close encounters with reptiles. Dino Buddies specializes in getting kids and adults excited about wildlife and taking care of the environment during our worthwhile award-winning encounters!

Gym Skills

We are now taking enrollments for our full- and half-day summer camps! Camps are jam-packed with gymnastics, games, crafts, obstacle courses, and other various activities that will get your child learning and having FUN!

513-319-1512 | gymskills.com/cincinnati 5639 Creek Road, Cincinnati

Kidstrong Mason and Kenwood

When school is out, KidStrong Camp is in! Curriculum includes activities to enhance your child’s character, physical and brain development along age-specific milestones. Your child will have a blast while learning with their peers and getting tons of physical activity. We reinforce important skills like confidence, teamwork and physical fitness.

513-398-1315 | 513-401-9070 | kidstrong.com

Mason and Kenwood Locations

Mason Dance Center

We provide an opportunity for anyone ages 3adult to discover the joys of dance. Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, pre-professional ballet, predance combos, adult classes. Register now for our 2024 school year classes. Spring mini sessions open soon. We also offer summer camps.

513-398-0353 | masondance.com

600-B Reading Road, Mason

Your #1 Hometown Family Resource

513-460-2737 | facebook.com/dinobuddiesllc

Heritage Village Museum

Discover the past! Explore the art of museum creation with Museum Makers camp. Solve intriguing puzzles with History’s Mysteries camp. Little Village in the Big Woods camp transports campers into Laura Ingalls Wilder’s tales of pioneer life. Past Professions camp helps discover 19th-century trades. Spy camp unveils the secrets of espionage.

513-563-9484 | heritagevillagecincinnati.org

11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville

Mayerson JCC Camp at the J

An outdoor summer day camp for kids in grades K - 10. Camps run on a weekly basis, so families choose which and how many weeks to attend. Offering a variety of fun and educational programming taught by expert specialists. Enrichment activities include archery, arts and crafts, sports, drama, and much more.

mayersonjcc.org/programs/camp-at-the-j 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati

YMCA Day Camps

Week-long camps are offered Jun. - Aug. for campers ages 5 - 15. Your child will grow confident, make friends and create amazing memories by being included in all the fun. Campers rotate with a small group visiting the swimming pool, S.T.E.M. activities, group games and more. 11 camp sites serving Greater Cincinnati. Registration opens Mar. 1. Visit our website for camp dates and more info. myy.org/programs/camp

Multiple Cincinnati Locations

Perfection Gymnastics

2024 GUIDE TO CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING DIRECTORY

Musicologie Anderson

At our summer music camps, your child will embark on a musical adventure like no other! From exploration of rock history to collaborative band sessions, show poster crafting, band photoshoots, and engaging workshops on stage presence and performance - our camps offer a wide range of activities to ignite their creativity and love for music.

513-620-4923 | musicologie.com

My Nose Turns Red Circus Camps

Let your child run away and join the circus – without leaving home. 9 weeks of incredibly fun camps full of challenges and satisfaction. Campers will walk on tightwire, roll in German wheel (looks like human size hamster wheel), ride unicycles or pedal goes, walk on rolling globe, and more. Half-day camp for ages 5 - 7. Full-day camp for ages 7 - 13. Camps run Jun. 3 - Aug. 9

Our 12 weeks of summer camp explore themes each week that are full of fun and adventure while participating in games, crafts, activities and, of course, gymnastics — it’s what we do best! Come for one day or the whole summer — it’s up to you! Half- and full-day camps.

513-860-3351 | perfectiongymnastics.com

5637 Union Centre Drive, West Chester

7120 Dunn Road, Cincinnati

Snapology

Our camps are curated to be fun, educational and inclusive. Programs promote creativity, teamwork, social skills and making new friends! Camp offerings include LEGO® build camps incorporating themes like Minecraft, Pokemon and Harry Potter; robotics, science and engineering, and competitive Core STEM camps. Ages 4 - 14.

513-988-7363 | westchestertwp.snapology.com

859-581-7100 | mynoseturnsred.org

Swift Movement

Camps offer a highly engaging and physically active experience with an abundance of parkourbased activities and games. Coaches introduce new movement skills and safety techniques, which are then applied in obstacle courses and parkour games. Camps include dodgeball, tag, nerf wars, and more. A thrilling experience for all participants.

513-549-4660 | swift-movement.com/camps

4460 W Mitchell Ave. #6, Cincinnati

West

Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill

Register now for summer camps! Sports-based, skill-building, and recreational day camps for ages 4 - 17. Recreational camps include Nook Kids Camp presented by Kettering Health, Jump Start PreSchool and Future Leaders along with basketball, soccer, field hockey, volleyball, lacrosse and sports performance camps. Camps start Jun. 3 - Aug. 9.

513-273-8200 | spookynooksports.com/hamilton

601 N B St., Hamilton

Taft Museum of Art

Whether your child is thinking about becoming an artist or just likes to have fun making art, our small camp classes and hands-on activities with experienced teachers will make this a summer of fun. Early Bird pricing ends Feb. 29.

taftmuseum.org/families-children/summer-camp 316 Pike St., Cincinnati

TriHealth Fitness and Health Pavilion

Great prices. Great camps. Great fun. This summer, bring your kids out to the TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion to play. We’ll keep them active all summer with camps (including swim lessons) of all kinds, from STEAM to cooking to multi-sports for kids ages 5 and up. Take advantage of our latest offers to give your child a great camp experience.

513-246-2647 | trihealth.com

6200 Pfei er Road, Cincinnati

Chester Academy Music, Dance, Acting and Gymnastics

From a child’s very first lesson to the experienced adult, West Chester Academy has something for everyone in music, dance, acting, and gymnastics. We specialize in beginners of all ages and offer training through pre-professional levels. We also have camps for all ages.

513-829-2345 | westchesteracademy.com

8107 Market Place Drive, West Chester

Wyoming

Fine Arts Center

Registration now open for full- and half-day camps. New, expanded camp options for Pre-K and Tweens. Camps include animation, Barbie and Ken, clay, drawing, guitar, sewing, keyboard, School of Rock, and more. Our Mural Camp is back by popular demand!

513-948-1900 | musicartdance.org

322 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming

YMCA Camp Kern

Spend a week in the outdoors overcoming challenges, making new friends, and growing your character. Each program is designed with specific age groups in mind, so each campers’ interests are met. Experience the magic of our fully immersive camp, the thrill of our teen programs, or the endless adventures of our traditional camp. Scholarship opportunities and more details available on our website.

800-255-KERN | 513-932-3756 | campkern.org

5291 State Route 350, Oregonia

ARTS FOR ALL

Dive deeply into the performing arts at CCM this summer!

THEATRE • MUSIC • DANCE

CCM Prep provides fun music, dance and theatre arts workshops where students of all abilities can learn from leading national artists and teachers — including CCM’s acclaimed collegiate faculty members. Students of all ages can explore their artistic interests in a welcoming environment, including experiences in musical theatre, ballet, jazz, stringed instruments and guitar.

Browse CCM Prep’s summer program offerings and find the perfect performing arts opportunity for you or for your family! Learn more at ccm.uc.edu/prep-family.

CCM PREP

THINGS TO DO april

by Amanda Ciani

16 The Dailies

Events in day-by-day order.

Zoo Blooms

April 1 - 30

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Make sure to see one of the Midwest’s largest tulip displays (more than 100,000 tulips!) which also features breathtaking hyacinths, daffodils, flowering shrubs and bushes. The zoo’s annual show of posies is here through April 30. Plus, TUNES & BLOOMS (free with zoo admission) happens on Thursday nights, bringing music to the gardens.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; included with daily admission; free for members; 513-281-4700 or cincinnatizoo. org/events/zoo-blooms.

TULIP MANIA: The gorgeous display of blooms at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden features more than one million daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees and shrubs and of course many varieties of tulips in vibrant hues. PHOTO: Lisa Hubbard

THE DAILIES

mon 1

“THE SHAPE OF NATURE FEATURING OSCILLATION”

Wonder meets science and patterns emerge in nature. Giant crystals bring movement alive and spark community activity. Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, Oh; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., through April 21; see website for pricing; 513-4214086 or cincinnatiparks.com.

ACOUSTIC JAM

Children newborn - 6 years old can love this live music program that mixes original kids rock’n’roll with popular tunes. LilyPad

Play NKY, 574 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs, Ky; 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.; $15, includes play pass; 513-321-1379 or lilypadplay. com.

AFRICAN MODERNISM IN AMERICA

Discover more than 60 dynamic works of art created in Africa during the 1950s and ‘60s exploring culture, history, civil rights, decolonization and the Cold War. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, Oh; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. through May 19; included with admission; $15 adults, $12 seniors, free for members, military and youth (17 and younger) + FREE admission Sundays and Mondays; 513-2410343 or taftmuseum.org.

POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION

Travel back in time with this media-rich, object based experience. With more than 150 authentic artifacts on loan from Italy, this exhibit will have Cincinnati’s experiencing the sights, sounds and sensations of the 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, Oh; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., through July 28 (CMC closed Tuesday and Wednesday); $23.50 adult, $19.50 child, $21.50 senior, $17.50 member adult, $13.50 member child; 513-287-7000 or cincymuseum.org/Pompeii.

SPRING CELEBRATION

Families can take on a springthemed scavenger hunt located throughout the world’s largest train display. Purchase a Do-It-All ticket and receive a ticket to visit EnterTRAINment Junction on

another day! EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester, Oh; Monday - Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sundays 12 - 6 p.m.; see website for best Do-It-All ticket pricing; 513-898-8000 or entertrainmentjunction.com.

ZOO BLOOMS

See “Things to Do” opener on page 21.

tue 2

ANIMAL TALES

Nature has many stories to tell; families are invited to join the nature interpreters for a nature-themed story. Woodland Mound, 8250 Old Kellogg Road, Cincinnati, Oh;10 a.m.; vehicle permit is required to enter the park, see website for more information; 513-5217275 or greatparks.org.

FREE ART PLAY HIKE

Cincinnati Parks and the Contemporary Arts Center have teamed up for this exciting toddler program. Children ages 2 - 7 can get outside and get moving as they get to know the great outdoors with a naturalist. Stick around after the program for some hands-on art making and kid-friendly yoga. Hauck Botanical Gardens, 2625 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Oh; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; 513-345-8400 or contemporaryartscenter.org.

STORYTIME ON THE FARM

Head to Parky’s Farm on Tuesdays for a fun themed story time and sensory activities. Winton Woods/ Parky’s Farm, 10073 Day Road, Cincinnati, Oh; 10:30 a.m.; valid vehicle permit required for park entry; 513-5213276 or greatparks.org.

wed 3

$2 BEER NIGHT @ CINCINNATI CYCLONES

The Cyclones take on the Wings! Wednesday home games mean $2 beer night for adults. Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Cincinnati, Oh; 7:30 p.m.; $23 day-of preferred ($21 advance), $35 day-of front row ($33 advance); cycloneshockey.com.

SPROUTS Kids can join in the Super Sprouts Garden Club at Glenwood Gardens on Thursday, April 4.

CELEBRATING SELF: CINCINNATI ROLLERGIRLS

Smash-Wham-Kaboom! Join the Cincinnati Rollergirls as they share their passion for the nearly 100-year-old-sport of roller derby. Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 South Monument Ave., Hamilton, Oh; 11:30 a.m.; $21 Fitton Center members, $27 non-members; 513-863-8873 or fittoncenter.org.

KROHN GAME NIGHT

Head to Krohn Conservatory’s Spring Show, The Shape of Nature featuring Oscillation to learn a new nature-themed game each week. Participants can play for a chance to win the night’s featured game home with them! There will also be pizza and lemonade served. This program will be offered on April 3 (featured game: Cascadia) and on April 17 (featured game: The Whatnot Cabinet); Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, Oh; 6 - 8:30 p.m.; $20 per ticket; 513-4214086 or krohn.regfox.com/gamenight-at-krohn-conservatory.

FREE REC READS

Get little ones excited for a 30-minute art class in the Rosenthal Education Center. Stories, songs and sensory activities are included. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park, Cincinnati, Oh; 11:30 a.m.; 513721-2787 or cincinnatiartmuseum. org.

thu 4

GREAT HOMESCHOOL CONVENTION

Attend the homeschooling event of the year. Families can hear from the best home education speakers, attend inspiring workshops and browse a variety of curriculum resources. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati, Oh; 2:30 - 8 p.m. Friday, April 5: 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 6: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; see website for 2024 pricing details; greathomeschoolconventions. com/locations/ohio.

SCIENCE BY THE BITE: HOMESCHOOL COOKING CLUB

Young chefs ages 7 - 14 can discover the chemical reactions that change flavor and textures, explore foods and more. April 4 menu will feature quesadillas; Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, Oh; 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; $30 nonmember, $25 member; 513-2877000 or cincymuseum.org/createculinary-studio.

SUPER SPROUTS GARDEN CLUB

Little Sprouts will love this gardening program full of fun, stories, crafts and more. Glenwood Gardens, 10397 Springfield Pike, Woodland, Oh; 10:30 a.m.; $6, includes

admission to Highfield

Discovery Garden + valid vehicle permit required for park entry; 513-521-3276 or greatparks.org.

THURSDAY ART PLAY: SENSORY STATIONS

Explore a variety of sensory stations to create art and have lots of fun. Stick around for some kid-friendly yoga following the program. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E 6th St., Cincinnati, Oh; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; $5 per non-member child, free for members and families with a valid SNAP or EBT card; 513-345-8400 or contemporaryartscenter.org/ experience/calendar/2024/04/04/ thursday-art-play-sensorystations.

TUNES AND BLOOMS AT THE ZOO

Explore the sights and sounds of spring at the zoo every Thursday evening in April!

Families will enjoy thousands of beautiful, colorful flowers and take in a fun, free concert; the music starts at 6 p.m. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, Oh; 5 - 8:30 p.m.; $10 on-site parking; 513281-4700 or cincinnatizoo.org/ events/tunes-blooms.

fri 5

CINCINNATI CYCLONES FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT

Head to Heritage Bank Center to watch the Cyclones take on the Kalamazoo Wings. There will be giveaways galore and $2 hot dogs, soda and beer for Fan Appreciation Night. Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Cincinnati, Oh; 7:30 p.m.; $23 day-of ($21 advanced), $35 front row day-of ($33 advanced); 513421-4111 or heritagebankcenter. com/event/2024/04/05/fanappreciation-night.

MEN ARE FROM MARS –WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE!

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of this Off-Broadway show. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Oh; 7:30 p.m.; tickets starting at $63; 513-621 2787 or cincinnatiarts.org.live.-

REDS HOME GAME vs. NYM, City Connect Friday + Post-game fireworks. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, Oh; 6:40 p.m.; tickets as low as $5; 513-765-7000 or mlb.com/reds.

FREE SCOPE OUT BELLEVUE

This space-themed evening includes family-friendly activities, sipping and shopping. 200 - 700 Blocks of the Ave., Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky; 5 p.m.; shorturl.at/cBMUY.

SPRING KIDS PROGRAM (register)

One fun afternoon, three awesome science programs to choose from: Story Book Science (ages 5 - 6); Science Investigations (ages 7 - 9); Chemistry Concoctions (ages 10 - 14). iSpace, 10020 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Oh; 1 - 4 p.m.; $40; 513-607-6622 or ispacestem.org/pages/kidsprograms.

SUPER CINCY EXPO

This new three-day electronic gaming extravaganza is sure to be an exciting event for families. There will be special guests, competitions, vendors and so much more. Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville, Oh; 6 - 10 p.m., April 6: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., April 7: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; see website for ticket details; supercincyexpo.com.

sat 6

FREE ART ON THE RISE

Head to the Art Climb to experience live performances, art-making activities and more. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park, Cincinnati, Oh; 1 - 3 p.m.; 513-721-2787 or cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

BARNYARD BONANZA: FARMER FOR AN HOUR (register)

Kids will learn about some things that can be done to keep farm animals healthy and happy! Winton Woods/ Parky’s Farm, 10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, Oh; 10 a.m.; valid parking permit required for park entry; 513-5213276 or greatparks.org.

FREE FC SOCCER PRE-MATCH AT THE PARK

Get ready for the big game with family-friendly activities at the park and grab a bite from local food trucks. Presented by ProLink Staffing. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati, Oh; 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.; washingtonpark.org/ series/fc-cincinnati-pre-matchat-the-park-presented-by-prolinkstaffing-3.

REDS HOME GAME

vs. NYM, Jake Fraley City Connect Bobblehead giveaway. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, Oh; 6:40 p.m.; tickets as low as $5; 513-765-7000 or mlb.com/reds.

FREE WEST CHESTER MARKET

Hop on over to this spring market featuring local growers and makers selling their produce, crafts, snacks, baked goods and more. MidPointe Library Parking Lot, 9363 Centre Pointe Dr., West Chester, Oh; 2 p.m.; 513-759-3960 or westchesteroh.org.

YOUTH NERF BLITZ (register)

This event combines Nerf battles and parkour challenges, resulting in an action-packed evening of fun. Swift Movement Studio, 4460 W Mitchell Ave. Unit 6, Cincinnati, Oh; 5 - 7:30 p.m.; $30; 513-549-4460 ext 3 or swift-movement.com/nerf.

ZOO NIGHT HIKE (register)

See the zoo in a new light ... at dark; enjoy a night hike through the zoo with the family. Spring season is for zoo families; come to this night hike to learn all about the current zoo babies and fun families who call the zoo home. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, Oh; 6 - 7:30 p.m.; $25 non-members, $20 members; 513-281-4700 or cincinnatizoo.org.

sun 7

HOLY MOLY ROLY POLIES (register)

Roll on out and meet everyone’s favorite neighborhood isopod, the roly polie. Children can roll logs to look for roly polies, insects, toads and salamanders, too. Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford,

Oh; 10 - 11 a.m.; $12 nonmembers, includes daily admission; $6 members; 513831-1711 or cincynature.org.

FREE LUDLOW FLEA AND CRAFT FAIR

Looking to shop with local artisans? Head to this unique flea and craft fair featuring handmade goods, baked goods, jewelry, vintage items and more. Bircus Brewing Co will be on-site selling pizza and drinks. 322 Elm St., Ludlow, Ky; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; facebook.com/events/5

16701383250511/516701386583 844/?active_tab=about.

REDS HOME GAME

vs. NYM, Matt McLain City

Connect Bobblehead giveaway. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, Oh; 6:40 p.m.; tickets as low as $5; 513-765-7000 or mlb.com/reds.

FREE SPRING CHAMBER MUSIC

Join the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra for an afternoon of music celebrating a new season of the arts. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, Oh; 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.; 513-241-0343 or taftmuseum.org.

mon 8

SOLAR ECLIPSE DAY!

Head to page 5 for a full lineup of local solar eclipse events!

tue 9

NATURE TOTS (register)

This four-week class for toddlers includes games, stories and meeting animal ambassadors. LaBoiteaux Woods, 5400 Lanius Lane, Cincinnati, Oh; 9:30 - 11 a.m.; $40 per adult and one child aged 1-and-a-half to 2 anda-half years old; 513-542-2909 or explorenature.regfox.

STORYTIME AT KROHN

Enjoy a story time at Krohn Conservatory and a small craft, too! In partnership with Cincinnati & Hamilton Co Library. Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, Oh; 10:30 a.m.; included with admission; 513421-4086 or cincinnatiparks. com.

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THE DAILIES

STORYTIME ON THE FARM

Head to Parky’s Farm on Tuesdays for a fun themed story time and sensory activities. Winton Woods/ Parky’s Farm, 10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, Oh; 10:30 a.m.; valid vehicle permit required for park entry; 513-521-3276 or greatparks.org.

WILD SENSES

Venture to Rowe Woods Visitor Center for a mini-program where senses are explored ... plus, feed the center’s resident non-venomous snake. Cincinnati Nature Center, Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, Oh; 11 - 11:15 a.m.; included with daily admission, $10 adults, $6 children; free for members; 513-831-1711 or cincynature.org.

wed 10

FREE FORT THOMAS FARMERS MARKET

Gather the family and browse a variety of fresh fruits, veggies and unique wares from friendly local farmers. Tower Park Mess Hall, 801 Cochran Ave, Fort Thomas, Ky; 3 - 6 p.m. Wednesdays through September; fresh foods and goods available for purchase; fortthomasfarmersmarket.com.

HOMESCHOOL SKATE

Homeschoolers can head to Beechmont Rollarena the second Wednesday of the month to skate and meet new homeschool friends.

Beechmont Rollarena, 3988 Commercial Blvd., Cincinnati, Oh; 12 - 2:30 p.m.; $7 admission + $3 regular skate rental/$5 speed skate rental/ $5 skate mate rental; 513-753-6868 or beechmontrollarena.com.

thu 11

FREE CREATURE CHRONICLES FOR KIDS

Young explorers 2 - 5 can wiggle around at the park while meeting animal ambassadors, learning all about them through a story time and going on a forest walk to make neat discoveries; valid vehicle permit required for park entry; Miami Whitewater Forest Visitor Center, 9001 Mt. Hope Road,

Harrison, Oh; 10 a.m.; 513-5217275 or greatparks.org.

PIANO MEN GENERATIONS

Father and son duo Terry and Nick Davies pay tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Oh; tickets starting at $48; 513-621-2787 or cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/ piano-men-generations-themusic-of-billy-joel-elton-john.

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Go under the seas with an independent little mermaid, a noble prince in search of true love and a devious sea witch. Be sure to arrive early for family fun, free games and activities in the lobby before the performance. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Oh; 7:30 p.m., additional showtimes through April 14; tickets starting at $20; cballet.org/performances/familyseries-the-little-mermaid.

THURSDAY ART PLAY: ART HISTORY PUPPETS

Learn about artist, Jayson Musson’s, use of puppets and props to gain an understanding of Art History. Young artists can then create puppets inspired by art from the past. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E 6th St., Cincinnati, Oh; 10:3011:30 a.m.; $5 per non-member child, free for members and families with a valid SNAP or EBT card; 513-345-8400 or contemporaryartscenter.org.

fri 12

JURASSIC QUEST

Travel back to prehistoric times when dinosaurs walked the earth at Jurassic Quest; families can meet playful baby dinos and see gigantic, moving, life-like dinos, too! There will also be arts and craft activities, a fossil dig, ticketed dino rides, bounce houses and SO much more to roar about. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati, Oh; April 12: 12 - 8 p.m., April 13: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., April 14: 9 a.m. - 7 p m.; $36 kids unlimited rides ticket, $22 standard kids and adults, $19 seniors; jurassicquest.com.

THE DREAM OF AMERICA

This production features elements of theater and

multimedia to bring stories from the Ellis Island archives to life. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, Oh; 7:30 p.m.; tickets starting at $26; youth tickets discounted to $15 with adult ticket purchase; 513-621-2787 or cincinnatiarts.org.

sat 13

FREE A CHILD’S GARDEN PRESCHOOL CONSIGNMENT SALE

Little ones sure grow fast; check out this consignment sale featuring baby clothing, maternity clothing, baby gear, toys, games, books and more! St. Antoninus Parish Undercroft, 1500 Linneman Road, Cincinnati, Oh; 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.; achildsgarden.us/roomtogrow.

FREE ARTISANFEST513

Discover one-of-a-kind treasures while browsing local artisan and local business booths. Washington Park OTR, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati, Oh; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; artisanfest513.org.

BEST BUDDIES FRIENDSHIP WALK (register)

Walk to raise awareness for inclusion, friendship, leadership development and integrated opportunities for people with IDD. The fun, family event will also feature music, inflatables, games, visit with FCC mascot Gary the lion, food and more! Marcum Park, 116 Dayton St., Hamilton, Oh;

10:30 a.m.; 513-356-2151 or bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/ cincinnati.

FISHING FOR BEGINNERS (register)

Learn the basics of fishing from Great Parks - there will be a limited number of fishing rods available on a first-come, first-served basis. Lake Isabella Boat House, 10174 E Loveland Madeira Road, Loveland, Oh; 1 p.m.; $2 advance registration, $4 walk-in + valid vehicle permit required for park entry; 513-5217275 or greatparks.org.

FREE JULIE WHITNEY STORYTIME

Join local author, Julie Whitney, as she reads her children’s book, Astra In Hollywood. The Bookery, 3704 Eastern Ave., Cincinnati, Oh; 10:30 a.m.; 513818-8088 or bookerycincy.com.

MONSTER JAM

Be wowed by 12,000-pound machines doing backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and speeding around the arena at 70 miles per hour during this jaw-dropping action-packed show. Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Cincinnati, Oh; April 13: 1 or 7 p.m., April 14: 1 p.m.; tickets starting at $15, pit pass pre-show ticket add-on available for $10 each; 513-4214111 or heritagebankcenter.com/ event/2024/04/monster-jam.

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PREHISTORIC! Jurassic Quest is at the Duke Energy Convention Center April 12 - 14 and includes gigantic, moving dinos and lots more.

THE DAILIES

SPRING FASHION DOLL SHOW & SALE

Join the QCBDC for a fashion doll show and sale featuring Barbie, Fashion Royalty, Monster High and other collectible dolls and accessories! EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester, Oh; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $5 admission, free for ages 12 and younger; 513207-8409 or facebook.com/ groups/809129175842260.

sun 14

MATT’S 5K PURSUIT (register)

Register today for the 19th annual Matt’s 5K Pursuit and Kids’ Fun Run! This familyfriendly run memorializes Matt Haverkamp’s support of law enforcement agencies and K9 Units. Spring Grove Cemetery, 4521 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, Oh; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.; $35 chip-timed 5K Pursuit, $32 Fun Walk, $15 Kids’ Fun Run; all registrations include a T-shirt per person; matthaverkamp.com.

FREE WEST CHESTER MARKET

Hop on over to this spring market featuring local growers and makers selling their produce, crafts, snacks, baked goods and more. MidPointe Library Parking Lot, 9363 Centre Pointe Dr., West Chester, Oh; 2 p.m.; 513-759-3960 or westchesteroh.org.

mon 15

FREE JOSEPH-BETH STORYTIME

Spend some time at JosephBeth during this daily morning story time that is super fun for little ones. *Story time is offered Monday - Friday*; Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Oh; 10:30 a.m.; 513-396-8960 or josephbeth.com.

tue 16

HOOTIN’ IN THE HOLLER

Whoo’s hootin’ at whoooo and who wants to go Hootin’ in the Holler? Learn the different species of owls in the area,

then take a hike to visit birds of prey with RAPTOR Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey. Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, Oh; 6:30 - 8 p.m.; $30 non-members, includes daily admission, $20 members; 513831-1711 or cincynature.org.

FREE OVER THE RHINE FARMERS MARKET

Head to Washington Park on Tuesday evenings to shop a variety of unique craft and farmer booths. Washington Park OTR, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati, Oh; 3 - 7 p.m.; 513-834-8789 or artisanfest513.org.

wed 17

CITY NATURE CHALLENGE EDITION (register)

Seek out critters, plants and trees while exploring, learning and building community. Glenwood Garden, 10397 Springfield Pike, Woodlawn, Oh; 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; $9, register by April 14; 513-5217275 or greatparks.org.

thu 18

EARTH DAY ART

Craft thank you notes on seed paper for Mother Earth, create recycled flowers to add to the CAC’s lovely growing garden and more to celebrate Earth Day! Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E 6th St., Cincinnati, Oh; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; $5 per non-member child, free for members and families with a valid SNAP or EBT card; 513-345-8400 or contemporaryartscenter.org.

WEE WONDER ABOUT CARING FOR OUR PLANET

Young children can learn about taking care of the Earth, do activities and make a recycled craft. Sharon Woods/ Sharon Centre, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, Oh; 10 a.m.; vehicle pass required for park entry; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

fri 19

CELTIC WOMAN: 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

The vibrant spirit of modern Ireland will hit the stage. Featuring a fresh blend of

EARTH DAY: Bring your kids to connect with nature during the Earth

traditional and contemporary Irish music, this show will echo Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Oh; 7:30 p.m.; tickets starting at $43.25; 513-621-2787 or cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/ celtic-woman-24.

REDS HOME GAME

vs. LAA, City Connect Friday

+ Post-game fireworks. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, Oh; 6:40 p.m.; tickets as low as $5; 513-765-7000 or mlb.com/reds.

sat 20

FREE ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY

The Fort Mitchell Tree Board will offer different varieties of native trees to choose from via a drive-through with the option of walking up to the giveaway. Fort Mitchell City Building, 2355 Dixie Highway Fort Mitchell, Ky; 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.; fortmitchell. com.

DISNEY’S FINDING NEMO JR.

Just keep swimming to the Taft Theatre and go on an adventure with Marlin, Dory, Crush, Nemo and even more beloved fishy friends! Taft Theatre, 317 E 5th St., Cincinnati, Oh; 2 or 5 p.m., additional showtimes available through April 28; tickets starting

at $12; 513-569-8080 x10 or thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/ disneys-finding-nemo-jr.

FREE EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AT SMALE

Connect with nature to commemorate Earth Day; there will be environmental and nature education demos, vendors, park naturalists, goat yoga, belly dance classes and more. Schmidlapp Event Lawn, 124 E Mehring Way, Cincinnati, Oh; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 513-542-2909 or cincinnati-oh. gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/ parks-events-calendar/earth-daycelebration-at-smale.

EARTH DAY GARDEN BUILDERS

It’s Earth Day at the farm! Families can head to the garden construction site to build homes for helpful friends like insects, toads and birds. Winton Woods/ Parky’s Farm, 10245 Winton Road, Cincinnati, Oh; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; valid vehicle pass required for park entry; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

JUNIOR CHEFS (register)

Young chefs and their favorite grown-ups can explore the science behind cooking together by discovering chemical reactions that change flavor and textures - all while learning about the cultural history of foods and making

something yummy, too! Cacio e Pepe | Make homemade pasta and combine the simplest ingredients of cheese and pepper to cr(eat)e a famous Roman dish. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, Oh; 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; $100 non-member, $85 member; 513-287-7000 or cincymuseum.org/createculinary-studio.

KINGS ISLAND OPENING DAY

Stroll International Street to all of your favorite rides, shows and eateries. Little ones can enjoy the newest KI ride, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers, and investigating Camp Snoopy. Advanced thrill-seekers can head to Orion! Finish the day with a famous blueberry ice cream cone. Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Dr., Kings Island, Oh; 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; daily tickets starting at $44.99 + taxes and fees; 513-754-5700 or visitkingsisland.com.

FREE MARKET BLEU

This quarterly market is a great place to browse elevated handcrafted products and fine arts from across the region. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 East 6th St, Cincinnati, Oh; 6 - 10 p.m.; 513-345-8400 or marketbleu.com.

RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

Get ready for some good vibes and nostalgia- this electrifying concert experience will celebrate the timeless music of the legendary fab four. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Oh; 8 p.m.; tickets starting at $40; 513-621-2787 or cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/ rain-1.

REDS HOME GAME

vs. LAA, Reds Team Calendar giveaway. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, Oh; 6:40 p.m.; tickets as low as $5; 513-7657000 or mlb.com/reds.

REGENCY RALLY & MUSTER

Discover what life was like in the early 1800s, an exciting time when Ohio was a brandnew state! Linigle’s Company of Ohio Militia will be on hand for drilling and civilian demonstrations. Heritage VIllage Museum, 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, Oh; April 20 and 21, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $12 per adult. $8 per child ages 4 - 11. Free for museum members and ages 3 and younger; 513-563-9484 or heritagevillagecincinnati.org.

FREE SENSORY FRIENDLY MORNINGS AT THE CAC (register)

Experience the Contemporary Arts Center in an extra-

welcoming fashion. Guests can choose from a variety of activities and do them at whatever time they feel most comfortable. Today’s activities will focus on Earth Day art experiences. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. 6th St., Cincinnati, Oh; 9 - 10 a.m.; 513-345-8400 or contemporaryartscenter.org.

FREE TOUCH-A-TRUCK

Get up close and personal with police, fire, SWAT and other cool vehicles! Floral Hills Funeral Home, 5336 Old Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill, Ky; 2 - 4 p.m.; 513-356-2151.

YOUTH NERF NIGHT (register)

Nerf battles and parkour challenges plus pizza. Swift Movement Studio, 4460 W Mitchell Ave. Unit 6, Cincinnati, Oh; 5 - 9 p.m.; $40; 513-5494460 ext 3 or swift-movement. com/nerf.

sun 21

GOAT YOGA (register)

Get ready to relax and do some yoga stretches right along with friends and ... some goats! This whimsical and fun morning of goat yoga with Good Green Earth Farm is sure to bring joy to every family’s day. Fifty West Brewing Company, 7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, Oh; 9 a.m.; $30 per person; 513-8348789 or fiftywestbrew.com.

REDS HOME GAME

vs. LAA, Reds Fleece Blanket giveaway. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, Oh; 6:40 p.m.; tickets as low as $5; 513-7657000 or mlb.com/reds.

STORYBOOK WEEKEND: WINNIE THE POOH

Celebrate Winnie the Pooh and friends at the Highfield Discovery Garden. Visit the hundred acre woods, make crafts, meet animals and more. Glenwood Gardens/ Highfield Discovery Garden, 10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, Oh; 12:30 p.m.; $6 per person, valid vehicle permit required for park entry; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

mon 22

FREE GREAT PARKS

COMMUNITY DAYS

Try out a new Great Parks adventure. At Great Parks, families can explore more than 80 miles of trails and 25 miles of river frontage ... and on Community Days, motor vehicle entry is free! The Great Parks are open dawn til dusk. Great Parks, Cincinnati, Oh; 8 a.m.; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

tue 23

FULL MOON WALK (register)

Witness the night’s magic transform the trails with a oneto-one-and-a-half mile leisurely night walk under a seed full moon! Cincinnati Nature Center, Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, Oh; 8 - 9:30 p.m.; $14 non-members, includes admission; $8 members. Recommended for ages 12 and older with a caregiver; 513-8311711 or cincynature.org.

SIX THE MUSICAL

From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the wives of Henry VIII remix 500 years of historical heartbreak. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Oh; 7:30 p.m.; additional showtimes available through May 5; tickets starting at $40; 513-621-2787 or cincinnatiarts.org.

wed 24

MUSIC IN THE MUSEUM

Head to the grand Rotunda of Union Terminal to hear the 1929 Grand E.M. Skinner Symphonic Concert Organ in action! Ken Cowan, Organist with Christ Church Cathedral and St. Peter in Chains Cathedral Choirs. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, Oh; 7:30 p.m.; $30 general admission; $40 general admission, one drink ticket and bite-size desserts; 513-287-7000 or supportcmc.org.

REDS HOME GAME

vs. PHI, Bark in the Park. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, Oh; 6:40 p.m.; tickets as low as $5; 513-765-7000 or mlb.com/reds.

(please turn the page)

Day celebration at Smale Park on Saturday, April 20.

thu 25

SCIENCE BY THE BITE: HOMESCHOOL COOKING CLUB

Young chefs ages 7 - 14 can discover the chemical reactions that change flavor and textures in food. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, Oh; 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; $30 non-member, $25 member; 513-287-7000 or cincymuseum.org/ create-culinary-studio.

fri 26

CHILDREN OF EDEN

Based on the story of Genesis, the age-old conflict of parents and children takes the stage in this epic, heartfelt Stephen Schwartz musical. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Oh; 7:30 p.m.; additional showtimes available through May 4; tickets starting at $27; 513-621-2787 or cincinnatiarts.org.

COLORFUL POTIONS (register)

This Wild with my Child program features the creation of colorful potions to help little ones discover the colors of nature - all through play! Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, Oh; 9:15 - 10:15

a.m. OR 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; $11 non-members, included daily admission, $5 members; 513831-1711 or cincynature.org.

FAMILY FITTON FRIDAYS –THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE (register)

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park breathes life into C.S. Lewis’ tale of family, war, treachery, bravery and redemption in the fantasy land of Narnia. Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 South Monument Ave., Hamilton, Oh; 7:30 p.m.; $7 for Fitton Center members, $9 non-members; 513-863-8873 or fittoncenter.org.

FINAL FRIDAY OPEN PLAY

Children ages 6 months to 6 years can explore the Tumble Bees gym. Kids First, 7900 East Kemper, Cincinnati, Oh; 5 p.m.; $20 per child, sessions available from 5 - 6 p.m. or 6 - 7 p.m.; 513-489-7575 or kidsfirstsports. com.

WWE SMACKDOWN

27

World Wrestling Entertainment is going to lay the smack down in Cincy! Featuring LA Knight, Bianca Belair, IYO SKY, Bobby Lashley, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Cincinnati, Oh; 7:45 p.m.; tickets starting at $34; 513-421-4111 or heritagebankcenter.com. sat

FREE INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY

FREE ARBOR DAY AT SMALE

Pick up a free tree to commemorate Arbor Day; there will also be naturalists on-site chatting all about trees. Schmidlapp Event Lawn, 124 E Mehring Way, Cincinnati, Oh; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; cincinnati-oh. gov/cincyparks/ visit-a-park/ parks-eventscalendar/arborday-at-smale.

ART & EARTH DAY

Celebrate Arbor Day, Earth Day and International Sculpture Day with fun activities for the whole family. Pyramid Hill, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, Oh; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; included with admission; $10 adult, $5 ages 6 - 12, free for ages 5 and younger; 513-8688336 or pyramidhill.org.

FREE BUTTERFLIES & FRIENDS (register)

Explore the life cycle of a caterpillar to discover how it transforms into a butterfly. Families can then search for butterflies who call Parky’s home. Winton Woods/ Parky’s Farm, 10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, Oh; 10:30 a.m.; valid vehicle permit required for park entry; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

HEROINES OF OUR HISTORY

Reinactors celebrate some of the women who lived in our region including Annie Oakley. Vendors, non-profit organizations and hands-on activities are included. Heritage Village Museum, 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, Oh; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $12 per adult. $8 per child ages 4 - 11. Free for museum members and ages 3 and younger; 513-563-9484 or heritagevillagecincinnati.org.

Browse books galore at JosephBeth to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day. There will also be trivia, gifts for kids, double points for Gives Back Members and more. JosephBeth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Oh; 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; 513-396-8960 or josephbeth.com.

QUEEN CITY POP

Pop culture reigns supreme during Queen City Pop! This one-day-only event will showcase comic books, anime, movies, games and more. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati, Oh; 9 a.m.; $5 admission; queencitypop. com.

sun 28

FREE MARKET ON MAIN

Main Street Shop & Studio will be showcasing a variety of makers, a flower bar and photo booth, too! There will also be food and drink available for purchase. The Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Cincinnati, Oh; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; 513-345-7981 or woodwardtheater.com.

STROLL WITH A NATURALIST

Join a Nature Center naturalist for a Sunday stroll to discover what’s happening in the natural world. Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, Oh; 11 - 11:45 a.m.; $12 nonmembers, included daily admission, $6 members; 513831-1711 or cincynature.org.

tue 30

RESIDENT RAPTORS

Join Cincy Nature Center staff outside the Rowe Visitor Center for a mini-program all about the resident raptors. Cincinnati Nature Center, Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, Oh; 1 p.m.; $10 adults and $6 children, includes daily admission; free for ages 3 and younger and members; 513-8311711 or cincynature.org.

100 ACRE WOOD: Storybook Weekend with Winnie the Pooh takes place on April 21 at Highfield Discovery Garden inside Glenwood Gardens.

Free one-day intensive class teaching caregivers and children techniques to stay safe around water

Saturday, April 13

Carl H. Lindner Impact Center in the West End

Sunday, April 14

M.E. Lyons YMCA in Anderson Twsp.

Saturday, April 20

Campbell County YMCA in Ft. Thomas, KY

Sunday, April 21

Clippard Family YMCA in Colerain Twsp.

For children ages 3-12 with little to no swimming experience. Must be potty trained.

• Stress the importance of asking permission and having adult supervision near water

• Learn how to roll on your back if you fall in the water to call out for help

• How to exit the pool safely

• Pushing off the bottom of the pool and reaching for the wall

• Learning how to help a friend who is struggling in the water

• Caregivers will be offered an in depth class on water safety

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