Kids' Health

Finally his eyes are open! But what does he actually see? More than you know!

By Amanda Hayward

In Your Baby’s Eyes ...

The first time he catches eyesight of you is a big milestone. Your baby went from sleepy eyes 24/7 to alert, wide eyes watching you move from one end of the room to the other. If you’ve wondered what he is actually seeing, it’s quite amazing, and his vision is quickly developing each and every day. Curled up in the womb, his eye development forms the structures needed for vision: eyes, nerves, the light-sensing cells and the neural pathways in the brain. “As the womb is so dark, it isn’t until the baby is born and finally exposed to light that the brain can start changing to accommodate this new way of exploring the world,” says Evan Yeung, M.D. at TriHealth Group Health-Mason. “After birth, neural pathways continue to develop, as does the eye itself, resulting in improved vision as the baby gets older.” At birth, eyesight is pretty bad (20/200 - 20/400), Yeung says. However, babies can distinguish light and dark as well as some patterns. “The best area of focus for newborns is about 8 - 12 inches in front of their eyes, which is also about the distance between Mom’s face and Baby’s face when Baby is nursing,” he says. By 1 - 2 months old, Baby is able to track objects; by 3 - 4 months old, his hand-eye coordination begins to develop as he may begin reaching for interesting things in his environment (toys, blankets, and mama’s hair!); and by 5 months old, his depth perception and color vision have developed. Interestingly enough, most kids won’t reach their adult level of vision (20/20) until around 3 - 5 years old. In those early months, if you notice his eyes going cross-eyed at times, don’t worry. This is actually quite common. “In the newborn period, eyes can ‘wander’ for a little bit as baby’s eyesight continues to develop,” Yeung says. “However, usually by about 3 - 4 months of age, Baby’s eyes should track together.” If you do notice one eye going in a different direction usually after 4 - 6 months or at any age; or he is having trouble seeing out of one of his eyes, a problem called amblyopia can develop and he will need to be evaluated by an ophthalmologist, says Yeung. “One of the eyes ‘takes over’ the job of vision, and the other eye becomes progressively weaker. If this is not corrected, the weaker eye can develop permanent visual impairment once the critical window of brain development closes,” he explains.

Help Him See

Simply playing with your curious baby can help with his eye development. Having daily interactions with him is one of the most important things you can do, even while feeding. “Alternating left and right sides when feeding may help ‘exercise’ both sides of vision,” Yeung says. “Patterns with black/ white, and bright primary colors with large shapes will also help to stimulate Baby’s vision.” Keep items such as moving mobiles about 8-12 inches from him so he has something to look at, but it is also out of his reach. Yeung suggests avoiding using any tech devices for your Baby’s entertainment as it can take away from parent and baby “bonding time” and can set up bad habits in the future.

Amanda Hayward is editor of this publication and a mom of three.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

& AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Boy Scouts of America, Dan Beard Council

10078 Reading Road, Cincinnati 513-577-7700 • gocubscouts.com/family

Scouting is fun, character, leadership and unique adventures your entire family will share for a lifetime. In Scouting, boys and girls start with their best right now selves and grow into their very best future selves. It’s fun, action-oriented learning that reinforces your values while helping prepare your child for today — and for life.

Children’s Meeting House

927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland 513-683-4757 cmhschool.com

Children’s Meeting House fosters the development of the whole child by implementing the philosophy and curriculum of Dr. Maria Montessori, using the abundant natural resources of our seven-acre campus. Voted Best Preschool by the readers of Cincinnati Family magazine.

650 Walnut St., Cincinnati 513-396-7664 cincinnatiboychoir.org

The Cincinnati Boychoir is one of the premiere boychoirs in the United States. The Boychoir meets the needs of each boy who enters the program with a curriculum that teaches not just musical skills but self-discipline, intellectual curiosity, empathy, and a spirit of volunteerism. Boys in grades 3-12 in the 2021-2022 school year and love to sing are encouraged to audition! cincinnatiboychoir.org/audition

Mason Dance Center

600-B Reading Road, Mason 513-398-0353 masondance.com

Mason Dance Center provides an opportunity for anyone ages 3 - adult to discover the joys of dance. Ballet, tap, jazz, hiphop, modern, pre-professional ballet, pre-dance combos, adult classes.

Star Glazers

starglazers.com 513-474-6364

Paint pottery at your location. Pottery experts will bring all the supplies and offer booklets and ideas for your masterpiece. Pricing includes the cost of supplies, glazing and firing. No mess!

West Chester Academy Music, Dance, Acting and Gymnastics

8107 Market Place Drive, West Chester 513-829-2345 westchesteracademy.com

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

GET KIDS INTO CREATIVITY

Peanut Butter & Jam is loaded with fall programming for kids at multiple locations. Here, a young boy takes a guided whirl on percussion.

JOY, CREATIVITY, INNOVATION ... THE BENEFITS ARE ENDLESS. NO MATTER WHAT LIFE THROWS AT A KID — THERE’S ALWAYS THE ARTS!

One thing kids did during the pandemic was art. Indoors or out, painting or dancing, sidewalk chalk or shaving cream — the arts must go on. Many art facilities have taken the extra time alloted them by the pandemic to grow bigger and add more classes welcoming families with their doors wide open. “What we’ve been able to offer has doubled,” says Kim Flamm, ArtsConnect executive director and Springfield Township marketing and communications director. “We are just happy to really see people again; I think people feel more healthy, more whole, more full when they have something that are looking forward to that they enjoy to do,” Flamm adds. And isn’t that true for the youngest among us, too? Local arts groups are ready to welcome families back. Here’s what you have to look forward to this fall and beyond!

Taft Museum of Art 513-241-0343 316 Pike St. Cincinnati, Oh taftmuseum.org The Taft Museum is full of surprises! Kids can look forward to bringing the arts home with them; Take-Home Art Kits will keep their creativity sparked anywhere they go! Just grab a holiday-themed Take-Home Art Kits and enjoy art activities at-home! Each kit comes with instructions and supplies for five art projects for a variety of grade levels: 1 - 3, 4 - 6 and 7 - 12. Subscribe to their newsletter for more information to come in November. Next up to explore at the Taft in the Fifth Third Gallery and History House, is the Jane Austen | Fashion & Sensibility exhibit opening June 11 through September 4, 2022 featuring about fifty costumes and accessories worn in popular film and television productions.

Springfield Township ArtsConnect 513-522-2108 9158 Winton Road Cincinnati, Oh theartsconnect.us After being closed for renovations from January, 2020 to July 2021, let’s just say they are back with an all-new facility and added programming for kids and adults. They offer classes for ages 4 and older including their new Lollipop Piano; Prek Pottery for little hands; and Costuming, where kids ages 14 and older can get creative and make their own costumes. You’ll also find Blacksmithing to Woodshop, Leatherworking to Stained Glass, Pottery (they added a pottery studio to their new space), Digital Art Animation and growing by leaps and bounds, Magic, where kids not only gain confidence, they receive different colored wands as they progress. Learn more about their popular programming, outdoor and special events on their website, and check the full Programming Guidebook at theartsconnect.us/ CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=60. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park 513-421-3888 962 Mt. Adams Circle Cincinnati, Oh cincyplay.com Cincy Playhouse has broken ground in their new theatre space, state-of-the-art Mainstage Theatre Complex, projected to open in 2023. Expect an expansion of their engaging classes, programming and enrichment workshops once they move into their new space. Performances will continue in the Marx and Rosenthal Shelterhouse theatres throughout this exciting progression. See “Family Performances” on page 15 to see what’s in-store for the season! Also, beginning late September, families can expect classes to be back in full swing; they are bringing back their seasonal classes in-person all yearlong, including their creative, drama and acting classes (fall, winter and spring). In addition, they are slowly ramping up their Outreach Tour performances, with Snow White in the fall as virtual-only, and for the winter tour, families can choose between hybrid or virtual. By spring, they plan on going back to all in-person; enrichment workshops for K - 8th grade are also back with a fun theme for each grade level; all workshops are expected to be in-person with the ability to go virtual. Head to their website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information, plus you can sign up for their newsletter for the latest updates!

The Art Workshop at Queen City Clay 513-406-4009 2760 Highland Ave. Cincinnati, Oh theartworkshopinc.net They are moving! Their new, spacious 50,000 square-foot building will have all of the great features that Queen City Clay has now including their kid’s studio. Kids’ art classes begin in the fall; head online to check out their art enrichment classes for ages 4 - 16 including clay, pottery wheel, drawing, painting, Springfield Arts Connect offers pottery for kids as young as age 4.

sculpture, Mom/Dad and Me and more. In addition, they offer classes for your homeschool student, and if you’re looking for a space to have your special event or party, they offer that, too!

Peanut Butter & Jam 513-381-6868 multiple locations across the tri-state PeanutbutterandJam.org PB&J has lots up their sleeves! Indoor programming this fall includes fun themed programming, “A Royal Renaissance,” for ages 2 - 6 years old featuring dragons, knights, kings and queens (costumes optional!). Their Main Series concerts will be on Saturday mornings at different venues around town, and will begin early September. Head to their NEW website for the lineup. Tickets are $6 each or 4/$20. Furthermore, they are expanding their free community programming including free library programs, plus, they are offering free virtual programming for families and classrooms which coordinate with their concert and offer further enrichment through crafts, storytelling, musician interviews and more; available Friday mornings on YouTube (youtube.com/ channel/UCHGkwfgsIlheveSW4oKvYnQ) and Facebook (facebook.com/pbjsessions).

Cincinnati Ballet 513-621-5219 1801 Gilbert Ave. Cincinnati, Oh cballet.org The opening up of their new facility has been game-changing, and the excitement continues as they officially open in the fall. Now with nine spaces, updated amenities and more, Cincinnati Ballet continues to be a professional ballet school while also becoming a community dance center. You don’t need to be interested in ballet to participate and the only prerequisite is to love dance! Ages 2 and older can enjoy classes that offer a variety of dance styles including jazz, tap, modern and more. There are now more opportunities to explore different things. Programming: CB is launching their Community Division - an “a la cart” adventure for ages 10 - 17 beginning Sept. 1! Choose your interests, whether you want to take one ballet or a continued on page 15...

street dance class, and give it a go; enrollment based, no ballet experience required. Choose one of five specific classes, and take control of your dance education. Ballet Moves: Supports students with special needs (including autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy) has significantly expanded. Now with CB’s new facility, they have a studio designed uniquely for special needs students with a number of classes and offerings. Grand Opening Event - A family-friendly academy open house as part of the grand opening of their new facility! Keep a lookout for more information to come, it’s FREE! Take a trial class, watch a performance while enjoying food and music. Sunday, September 19; head to their website for more information in the works and to sign up for classes in advance. Plus, their 2021-2022 season delivers a broad array of family-friendly performances – see “Family Performances” on this page for details.

West Chester Academy 513-829-2345 8107 Market Place Drive West Chester, Oh westchesteracademy.com Classes from gymnastics, to dance to theatre, WCA has it for all ages and interests whether in-person or online. Currently their protocol includes parent drop-off at the front door, and parents can watch their kids in action through their new TV app. WCA offers private lessons for all ages in piano, acoustic and electric guitar and more; music classes including Music Pups for children up to 5 years old, Music for Young Children for ages 5 and older; Instructional Dance classes for ages 2 and older and tons more!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company 513-381-2273 1195 Elm St. Cincinnati, Oh cincyshakes.com Free Shakespeare in the Park is back! This FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour is the only professional outdoor theatre opportunity of its kind in Cincinnati each summer, attracting more than 10,000 patrons and bigger than ever this year performing at over 40 area parks; through September 12.

Clifton Cultural Arts Center 513-497-2860 2728 Short Vine St. Cincinnati, Oh cliftonculturalarts.org CCAC has expanded their visual arts classes for kids to include Maker Kits featuring supplies and instructions for fun at-home projects; and after-school classes and weekend workshops starting up in September (the full lineup was recently announced, head to their website to check it out!). To save the best news for last, they are currently in the midst of a capital campaign to build a new facility! Their new, 18,000-square-foot permanent home will reside right in the heart of Clifton where they will host performances, classes, exhibitions and gatherings for all ages and backgrounds.

Contemporary Arts Center 6th St., Cincinnati, Oh 513-345-8400 contemporaryartscenter. org This fall, CAC’s Thursday Art Play begins a new outdoor series, Art Play Hike, in partnership with the Cincinnati Parks! Families will explore one of Cincinnati’s amazing parks, take part in hands-on art making, get active with yoga and more! Plus, they offer a School Outreach Program that provides an intensive multi-layered experience with contemporary art for students second - 12th grade. Beginning in September through May, 2022, the yearlong program comprises an in-school orientation, two guided visits to CAC exhibitions, an exhibition-related classroom project taught by a local artist and a visit to an artist’s studio in the spring. Cincinnati Art Museum 953 Eden Park Drive Cincinnati, Oh 513-721-2787 cincinnatiartmuseum.org With Artist Workshops the third Saturday of the month; and Studio Classes taught weekly at the Rosenthal Education Center to help you become a better artist (both recommended for ages 6 and older), there is so much for families to experience! In addition, check out their See Play Learn Kits that help promote learning while families explore the CAM; includes a clear tote equipped with sketchpad, puppet, flashcards and more to make it a fun and educational experience. Check their website for details on their current virtual activities including Baby Tours which they hope to bring back in-person in 2022; join their Baby Tour mailing list for up-to-date information.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati 513-569-8080 4015 Red Bank Road Cincinnati, Oh thechildrenstheatre.com TCT’s MainStage shows are back at the Taft Theatre stage – see “Family Performances” on this page for the lineup! Plus, they will be the first theater to produce and present, The Wiz Jr. at the Taft, April 2022. Subscriptions and their new Flex Passes are now on sale now with single tickets going on sale August 23. Their digital programming is also expanding on Broadway on Demand including Jacqueline and the Beanstalk, Harriet Tubman: Straight Up Outta’ the Underground and more! These fabulous productions will be available online, plus many of these same titles will be touring live this year! Register now for TCT Academy classes for their fall session; in-person classes begin on Sept. 7; session includes Academy Live which combines instruction with the opportunity to perform in a fully-staged musical with props, costumes and sets; this fall’s show will be Heathers The Musical (High School Edition). Here are shows to look forward to in the upcoming season.

A Christmas Carol Nov. 24 - Dec. 30 Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Marx Theatre 962 Mt. Adams Cir., Cincinnati, Oh cincyplay.com

The Nutcracker Dec. 16 - 26 Cincinnati Ballet Music Hall 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, Oh cballet.org

Disney’s Descendents Oct. 9 - 17 The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati The Taft Theatre 317 E 5th St., Cincinnati, Oh thechildrenstheatre.com

Elf The Musical Jr. Dec. 4 - 13 The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati The Taft Theatre 317 E 5th St., Cincinnati, Oh thechildrenstheatre.com

The Nutcracker Nov. 27, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Clifton Cultural Arts Center E. T. Carson Lodge 218 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, Oh cliftonculturalarts.org

Wicked (ages 8 and older)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 5 Broadway in Cincinnati Aronoff Center for the Arts 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Oh cincinnati.broadway.com

Hairspray (ages 8 and older)

Jan. 4 - 9, 2022 Broadway in Cincinnati Aronoff Center for the Arts 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Oh cincinnati.broadway.com

Disney’s Frozen (ages 8 and older)

April 20 - May 1, 2022 Broadway in Cincinnati Aronoff Center for the Arts 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Oh cincinnati.broadway.com

Snow White Family Series April 7 - 10, 2022 Cincinnati Ballet Aronoff Center for the Arts 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Oh cballet.org

Amanda Hayward is editor of this publication. She is mom to three children, the youngest of which is 4 months old.

august THINGS TO DO

By Amanda Ciani

CATCH A MOVIE WITH THE KIDS

Movies under the stars are all the rage. Check it out:

HOLLYWOOD DRIVE-IN THEATER: $20 a Carload

1538 Cedar Ave., Cincinnati — movies start at 9:15 —

Aug. 6: Godzilla vs. Kong Aug. 7: Clueless Aug. 13: Guardians of the Galaxy Aug. 14: Shrek Aug. 21: The Greatest Showman & Finding Nemo Aug. 27: The Princess Bride Aug. 28: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

WASHINGTON PARK SUMMER CINEMA: FREE

1230 Elm St., Cincinnati — movies start at 9 —

Aug. 4: Guardians of the Galaxy Aug. 11: Stomp the Yard Aug. 25: The Princess Bride

MOONLIGHT MOVIE NIGHT: FREE

ArtsConnect, 9158 Winton Road, Cincinnati — opens at 8 — Aug. 16: Scoob! Aug. 27: Raya & The Last Dragon

Find even more family movie nights tucked inside the THINGS TO DO family calendar!

DAILY EVENTS sun 1

FREE BLUE ASH NATURE PARK STORYWALK

Take a walk through the park and read a story, too! Blue Ash Nature Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash; all monthlong, daily; blueash.com.

BUTTERFLIES OF BALI (register)

Krohn’s 25th anniversary Butterfly Show. Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati; daily through September 6, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; 513-421-4086 or cincinnatiparks. com/krohn.

FREE CINCINNATI OPERA STORYBOOK HOUR (register)

Teaching Artists will read The Magic Flute and perform selections plus a craft. Hebron Branch BCPL, 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington; 2 p.m.; 859342-2665 or bcpl.org.

EVERYTHING THOMAS

Train activities and crafts. EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester; Sun 12 - 6 p.m., Mon - Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; $14.95 adults, $11.95 ages 3 - 12 and seniors 65+, free for ages 2 and younger; 513-898-8000 or entertrainmentjunction.com.

FREE FLEA IN THE FORT

Live music, food trucks, vendor booths. Fort Thomas Mess Hall lawn, 801 Cochran Ave., Fort Thomas; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; 859572-1209 or ftthomas.org.

FREE FRESHWATER & BIODIVERSITY: CREEK HUNTING (register) Learn about the animals

The Asian Food Festival returns with authentic foods, entertainment, children’s activities and more.

who call the water system home. Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville; 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.; valid vehicle pass required to enter park; 513-563-4513 or greatparks.org.

FREE GLIER’S GOETTA FEST

Treats, booths, a kids’ tent with games and more. Aug 1; and Aug. 5 - 8. Riverboat Row, 1 Levee Way, Newport; 5 p.m.; food and drink available for purchase; see website for schedule; goettafest.com.

FREE GREAT PARKS STORY TIME: WET & WILD

A story adventure and animal encounter. Miami Whitewater Forest, 9001 Mount Hope Road, Harrison; 10 - 11 a.m., 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.; 513-521-7275 or greakparks.org.

SUNDAY FUNDAY WITH THE SUNBURNERS

Tropical island music at Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati; 2 - 5 p.m.; 513-2328230 or coneyislandpark.com/ events.

mon 2

Paints.Washington Park’s Porch, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; 6 - 9 p.m.; washingtonpark.org.

tue 3

FREE BALLOON TWISTING WITH LOONEY BALLOONEY

Amazing balloon art. Elmwood Place Branch, 6120 Vine St., Cincinnati; 10 - 11 a.m.; 513-3694452 or cincinnatilibrary.org.

FREE EDGEWOOD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Live music on Tuesday nights; 283 Dudley Road, Edgewood; 7 p.m.; edgewoodky.gov.

FAMILY CAMPFIRES AT THE J

Bring chairs for a campfire, s’mores and games. Mayerson JCC Baseball Fields, 8485 Ridge Ave., Cincinnati; 7 - 8:30 p.m.; $6 public, $3 J members; 513722-7245 or mayersonjcc.org/ programs/youth-family-events.

FLORENCE Y’ALLS HOME GAME

Ball time! Check the website for promotions like “Thirsty Thursday,” “Fireworks Friday” and more! UC Health Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence; 6:30 p.m.; tickets starting at $10; 859-594-4487 or florenceyalls.com.

FREE STORY TIME AT KING ARTHUR’S COURT

Stories and popcorn at King Arthur’s Court, 3040 Madison Road, Cincinnati; 11 a.m.; 513531-4600 or kingarthurstoys. com.

wed 4

FREE OUTDOOR STORY TIME DRIVE IN (register)

Register by the carload. Monfort Heights Branch, 3825 West Fork Road, Cincinnati; 9:30 - 9:45 a.m.; 513-369-4472 or cincinnatilibrary.org.

FREE WASHINGTON PARK SUMMER CINEMA

(See “Things to Do Opener” on page 17)

FREE WEDNESDAYS IN THE WOODS

Food vendors, a kids’ art corner and beverages available from HighGrain Brewing Co. Burnet Woods Bandstand, 3251 Brookline Ave., Cincinnati; 7 - 9 p.m.; 513-497-2860 or cliftonculturalarts.org/events/ signature-event-series/ wednesdays-in-the-woods.

MUSIC @ BCM 2021

Weekly concerts in a variety of musical styles. Devou Park, 1600 Montague Road, Covington; 6 - 9 p.m.; $5 adults, free for children; 859-491-4003 or bcmuseum.org.

FREE POP UP IN THE PARK

Spend some time in the parks of Blue Ash and grab a prepackaged activity! First Thursday of the month, Oakwood Park (5589 Idalia Ave.), Second Thursday of the month, Hunt Park (9385 Floral Ave.), Third Thursday of the month, Nature Park (4335 Glendale Milford Road). Blue Ash; 10 - 11:30 a.m.; facebook.com/ blueashrecreation.

FREE ROCKIN’ THE ROEBLING

Concerts Thursdays through September 2. Schmidlapp Event Lawn, East Mehring Way, Cincinnati; 6 - 10 p.m.; 513-3572604 or cincinnatiparks.com.

FREE THURSDAY ART PLAY: ON DISPLAY

Hands-on art making. Washington Park’s Porch, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; drop-in program with limited space, arrive early; 513-345-8400 or contemporaryartscenter.org/ calendar/2021/08/05/thursdayart-play-on-display.

TODDLER THURSDAYS AT DIG ‘N PLAY

A huge sand table, a giant three-story play structure and more. Dig ‘N Play, 9405 Cincinnati Columbus Road; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $4 for toddlers two and younger; 513-847-1055 or dignplay.com.

fri 6

GOODNIGHT FIREFLIES (register)

An evening stories among the fireflies! Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford; 7:30 p.m.; $10 nonmembers, includes daily admission; $5 members; 513831-1711 or cincynature.org.

HOLLYWOOD DRIVE-IN THEATER

(See “Things to Do Opener” on page 17)

OUTDOOR FOR ALL EXPO (See “Local News” on page 6)

PIRATE CRUISE

An afternoon cruise for the entire family. BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport; 3 - 4:30 p.m.; $28 adults, $23 ages 4 - 12 years old; 800-261-8586 or bbriverboats.com.

sat 7

FREE ANTI-BULLYING WORKSHOP (register)

Kids will learn about bullying and self-defense. Cinci Martial Arts. Loveland Branch, 649 Loveland Madeira Road, Loveland; 1 - 2:30 p.m., 3 - 4:30 p.m.; 513-369-4476 or cincinnatilibrary.org.

FREE ASIAN FOOD FEST

Food from local vendors, entertainment and kidfriendly activities. Second St., Cincinnati; 12 p.m.; asianfoodfest.org.

FREE CITY FLEA 2021

Vendors, food trucks and more. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; thecityflea. com.

FESTIVAL ON THE LAKE

Live music, a kid’s zone, craft vendors and more. AJ Jolly Park, 1565 Race Track Road, Alexandria; 4 - 11 p.m.; $5 general admission, free for ages 12 and younger; campellcountyky. gov. Symphony 3?”Devou Park, 1201 Park Drive, Covington; 7:30 p.m.; $5 recommended donation; 859431-6216 or kyso.org.

FREE SAWYER POINT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Music featuring numerous bands. Sawyer Point, 705 East Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati; 1:45 - 10:15 p.m.; 513-3572604 or cincinnatiparks.com/ calendar/#start_date=2021-0801.

FREE STONELICK STAR GAZES

Bring a telescope to learn about astronomy. Stonelick State Park, 2895 Lake Drive, Pleasant Plain; 8:30 p.m.; 513321-5186 or facebook.com/ StonelickStargazers.

FREE SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Bring chairs for the Comet Bluegrass All-Stars. Fernbank Park, 50 Thornton Ave., Cincinnati; 7 - 9 p.m.; vehicle pass required to enter park; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

sun 8

FREE KIDCHELLA 2021

Our fun, family-friendly music festival. Live performances by Zak Morgan, Miss Joanie and more; giveaways, tasty treats from The Mobile Cone, an amazing playground, vendor booths and more! Cottell Park, 5847 Irwin Simpson Road, Mason; 1 - 5 p.m.; cincinnatifamilymagazine.com.

NATURE PLAYSCAPE 10TH ANNIVERSARY POPSICLE & SPLASH PARTY (register)

Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford; 2 - 4 p.m.; $9 adults, $4 children; free for members; 513-831-1711 or cincynature.org.

thu 12

FREE MOONLIGHT MOVIE NIGHT

(See “Things to Do Opener” on page 17)

(please turn the page)

FREE KSO’S 27TH SUMMER SERIES CONCERTS

“Who Spiked the

FREE THURSDAY ART PLAY

Creepy crawlers! Kids will design a bug box and make prints. Washington Park’s Porch, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; 10:30 a.m.; arrive early; 513-3458400 or contemporaryartscenter. org/play-creepy-crawlers.

fri 13

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS: SUMMERTIME FUN

Woodwind musicperformed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Greenacres Arts Center, 8400 Blome Road, Cincinnati; 6 p.m.; $15, free for ages 5 and younger; 513-3813300 or cincinnatisymphony. org.

sat 14

FREE KIDS MYSTERY FISH CHALLENGE (register)

Kids 16 and younger can try to catch a tagged fish for a trophy! Bring your own fishing pole; bait available for purchase. Winton Woods, 10245 Winton Road, Cincinnati; 9 - 11 a.m.; vehicle pass required to enter park; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

FREE MUSIC AT THE ESPLANADE

Grab a quick meal from a food truck and enjoy a free community concert with the family. Castellini Esplanade, West Mehring Way, Cincinnati; 5 - 7 p.m.; 513-357-2604 or cincinnatiparks.com.

FREE O.F.F. MARKET

Artisans, brewers, bakers and farmers. Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; theoffmarket.org.

FREE PINOCCHIO

The Madcap Puppets perform this classic tale at 12 or 2 p.m.; Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Cincinnati; register online; 513-

sun 15

CLASSICAL ROOTS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Join the CSO’s John Morris Russell for an anniversary concert that celebrates and amplifies black composers, artists and musicians. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati; 4 p.m.; tickets starting at $14; 513-744-3344 or cincinnatisymphony.org.

wed 18

FREE STORY TIME IN THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN

Bring a blanket to the Arboretum Children’s Garden. Central Park and Arboretum, 9190 Camp Ernst Road, Union; 10 a.m.; 859-342-2665 or bcpl. org.

FREE TOYOTA PRESENTS SUMMIT CINEMA

Grab a spot on the great lawn for movie night with the family. See website for listings. Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash; 7:30 p.m.; movies begin at dusk; summitparkblueash.com.

thu 19

FREE AULT PARK SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Enjoy an evening at the park with kids’ activities from 6 - 8 p.m. Sapphire Express performs. Ault Park, Observatory Circle, Cincinnati; 6 - 10 p.m.; aultparkac.com.

FREE THURSDAY ART PLAY: ON THE GO

Learn how to create art using movement. Washington Park’s Porch, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; arrive early; 513-345-8400 or contemporaryartscenter.org/ calendar/2021/08/12/thursday- art-play-creepy-crawlers.

FREE MOVIES IN THE PARK

Craft and art vendors will be on site at 5 p.m; Shrek starts at 7. Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor, 9001 Mt Hope Road, Harrison; 5 p.m.; vehicle permit required for park entry; 513521-7275 or greatparks.org/ calendar/special-events/moviesin-the-park.

sat 21

FREE GREAT PARKS SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Music by Ben Levin, craft vendors, food and drinks. Miami Whitewater Forest, 9001 Mt. Hope Road, Crosby Township; 7 p.m.; valid vehicle permit is required for park entry; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

PRINCESS CRUISE (register)

Dance and meet fairy tale princesses! BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport; 12 - 2 p.m.; $28 adults, $23 ages 4 - 12 years old; 800-261-8586 or bbriverboats.com.

mon 23

FREE OUTDOOR STORY TIME: PATRICK’S PARK TALES

Enjoy the park with songs and stories. Patrick Wolterman Memorial Park, 5943 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati; 7 - 8 p.m.; 513369-6900 or cincinnatilibrary. org.

thu 26

FREE THURSDAY ART PLAY: SUMMER SENDOFF

Kids can craft and take home a treat. Washington Park’s Porch, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; 513-345-8400 or contemporaryartscenter.org/ calendar/2021/08/26/thursdayart-play-summer-sendoff.play- creepy-crawlers. Your #1 Hometown Family Resource

FREE LINTON MUSIC: OUTDOOR MUSICAL ADVENTURE (register)

An instrument safari at 9:30 or 11 a.m. Main Library BCPL, 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington; peanutbutterandjam. org/event/outdoor-musicalsafari-6; 859-342-2665 or bcpl. org.

FREE MUSIC ON MARKET STREET

A family-friendly concert; kids will love the fenced-in playground. Union Village Square, 3855 Lower Market St., Lebanon; 5 - 8 p.m.; 513-3835627 or unionvillageohio.com.

sat 28

NATURE PAINTING EXTRAVAGANZA (register)

Use paints to create a BIG painting. Cincinnati Nature Center/ Nature PlayScape, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford; 1 - 2 p.m.; included in daily admission, $9 adults, $4 children, free for members; 513-321-6070 or cincynature. org.

sun 29

MAKER TRADES: PIONEER TOYMAKER (register)

Old-fashioned toys. Shawnee Lookout, 2008 Lawrenceburg, North Bend; 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.; $5 per craft, vehicle permit is required; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

tue 31

KINGS OF LEON

Rock out at Riverbend with the When You See Yourself tour. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati; 7:30 p.m.; tickets starting at $45; 513-232-5882 or riverbend.centercincinnati.org.