Kids' Health

With these expert tips from local doctors plus preventative health measures, we can help kids steer clear of sickness this school year.

By Amanda Hayward

A Healthier School Year?

A special Q & A with Abigail Stein, M.D. with TriHealth Pediatrics and Camille Graham, M.D., pediatrician at Mercy Health Primary Care and Family Medicine and Pediatrics in Kenwood.

QAccording to the CDC’s website, “Vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Promoting vaccination can help schools safely return to in-person learning as well as extracurricular activities and sports.” Can you weigh-in on this information?

APediatricians are so unbelievably thrilled that we now have a safe way to help prevent kids 12 years and older from getting and spreading COVID-19. Because of decades of previous research, a ton of resources and manpower, the vaccine was still able to quickly undergo the same steps and safety protocols that our other vaccines go through. The safety data in kids is excellent with the side effects being similar to those we see in adults – pain at the injection site, fatigue, chills and headaches. If you haven’t yet, please talk to your child’s pediatrician as soon as possible about getting your child vaccinated.

— Stein

QHow important is it for my kids to get other vaccinations since the COVID-19 vaccine is not currently available for ages 12 and younger?

AVaccines are truly the number one way that we have to keep healthy kids, healthy. Keeping your child up-todate on their vaccines is one of the most important things you can do for them as a parent. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, a lot of kids have gotten behind on their shots, leaving a high likelihood of outbreaks in diseases that we are not used to seeing, such as measles and whooping cough. Because of this, now more than ever it’s important to make sure that your children are up to date on all their regular immunizations. — Stein

QIt’s been a strange couple of years, and I’m concerned about my kids’ mental health - how can I help reduce my kids’ stress/anxiety throughout the new school year?

AThe best thing that you can do for your child during this stressful time is to simply be there for them. Some days it may feel like it more than others, but you are their best listener, teacher and advocate. Set aside a small amount of time after school where your phone and other distractions are out of sight and mind, and your number one focus is hearing about your child’s triumphs and challenges for the day. Do your best to avoid interrupting, judgements, and lectures, which will only be counterproductive and simply listen. When they are done talking, simply recognize how they are feeling. Knowing that you understand how they feel gives them peace of mind and makes them feel heard. Often, feeling heard is enough to move on from the stress and anxiety of that day. — Stein

QHow can I tell the difference between influenza and COVID-19?

AI cannot tell the difference between COVID and the flu; I cannot tell the difference between COVID and a cold. Unfortunately, the classic symptoms for flu are fever, chills, cough, runny nose, sore throat. Those are identical to the symptoms for COVID. Kids with a common cold also have those symptoms. In this time of COVID, it is impossible for anyone to look at a child if they have COVID, the flu or common cold. This is where we are. There is a lot that we don’t know but we do know the symptoms of COVID can just be a runny nose. It seems like we are going over backwards testing, testing, but that is the only way we can get a handle on the disease and get control of this outbreak. There are tests for both the flu and COVID. — Graham

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The Big Question: Mask or No Mask?

While the American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Education and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center all recommend masks for children right now, some parents are against it. Meanwhile, some local schools are now requiring it. If you combine mask-wearing with other health and safety measures, it does reduce the risk of catching sickness, doctors say. “Our goal is to safely get kids back in school and keep kids in school,” says Stein. “Despite schools doing their best to make virtual learning successful, frequent quarantine periods and time spent in virtual learning environments has had profound negative effects on children in the past year. Not only is their education disrupted, but it is also having widespread effects on their mental and physical health,” she adds. So how well do masks really work? According to Stein, studies show that masking was proven to be effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19 and other sicknesses last school year. “Masks work!” she continues. “Since we know this, children who have a close exposure to COVID-19 but are masking and distancing appropriately do not need to quarantine, allowing them to stay in school, rather than constantly being pulled in and out of the classroom.” With the Delta variant being more transmissible than COVID and affecting kids more significantly than previous strains, according to Stein, masking up is one of the best actions families can take this year. “Your child deserves better than another year spent in front of a computer and away from their peers,” she says.

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

MASK-WEARING TIPS FOR KIDS

Stein and Graham give tips to help your kids be more comfortable with mask-wearing this school year.

• Model mask-wearing to your kids if you want them to wear theirs.

• Offer choices: Have multiple masks for them to choose from, just as they choose their outfit for school.

• Show them the proper way to wear a mask and most likely they won’t mind wearing one.

• Normalize mask-wearing by wearing them wherever you go.

WIN THE READING BATTLE

It feels like a never-ending battle, but you CAN help your kids excel in reading with a little time and perseverance.

The day your enthusiastic kindergartener comes home reading with that little twinkle in her eye is truly a memorable and monumental day; the day she falls in love with reading and indeed becomes a reader. Years pass and in the blink of that twinkling eye, she is struggling to find a book she loves and struggles to keep up. What happened? It’s a cycle some kids go through, and parents, too. We want our kids to grow up to be good readers, but it’s harder than we had expected and the pandemic definitely didn’t help. That initial excitement of “Mommy I can read!” can easily go into the downward spiral and pure exhaustion for you. So how can you win this never-ending battle? Persistence, consistency and patience.

WHAT IS READING LOSS?

Reading loss can happen at the turn of a page. Kids can easily get behind if they are not participating in formal literacy programs during the long summer months, or they are learning at home and unable to match up to the curriculum taught at school. Although it doesn’t mean all is lost, it may take some extra work to get back on track. Unfortunately, reading loss is a thing and affects more than just a kid’s ability to read at the level they should be at. “Reading truly does affect all academic areas of a child’s education,” says Maria, a reading specialist in Fairfield, Ohio. “Reading is required to perform well in other content areas such as math, science and social studies.” Reading fluency affects comprehension, so it is important for a child to be able to read grade level materials independently, she continues. Between sports, work and daily life tasks, finding the time to read seems close to impossible which is another reason kids get behind on reading. Kids’ sports can get demanding, leaving no time for reading before bed. It’s head home, shower and sleep; and the cycle continues. Getting behind in reading can suddenly lead to a snowball effect as it continues to get harder and harder every year, becoming more demanding as the school year progresses. “From year to year, reading materials will increase in difficulty across subject areas, so it

is very important to meet benchmarks each year,” says Maria. “It’s possible to ‘catch up,’ but it’s difficult to watch a child struggle, and the gap can continue to grow wider from year to year. It’s much less stressful to stay on top of benchmark objectives. This will also help student confidence and hopefully increase their enjoyment of reading.”

LOVING TO READ

So how can you realistically help your kids squeeze in reading day-to-day? We’ve heard it all - read to them every night; set an alarm for 30 minutes of reading per day; read before breakfast; etc., etc. Unfortunately, this isn’t always realistic for every family, but there are ways you can win the reading battle. If you put forth all of your effort, it can be done. “There is definitely a shortage of time for many families,” says Maria. “I think it’s about finding little spaces to incorporate reading, whether it’s having your child read to you in the car on the way to practice or reading together as you wait for an appointment.” Maria notes that reading comes in many shapes and sizes. Reading the back of the cereal box, pointing out signs on the drive to school, or reading the menu together at your favorite restaurant you go to every Friday night are some creative ways to squeeze in extra literacy in a busy schedule. If you have a beginner reader, this is a great way to begin and help them to love reading from the get-go. It not only shows them reading is everywhere, it shows how reading is a necessity in everyday life. And when you can, blocking out that time to read together is good not only for learning, but for bonding time, too. Of course, blocking out time to read with your child is always great. You can take turns reading to each other or even read out loud together, for example. “When my children were younger, they always wanted to stay up past their bedtime. I would tell them that as long as they were reading, they could have 15 extra minutes,” she says. “They also loved reading to their stuffed animals when a parent was not available to read with them. I encourage my students to do this, and they often come back to tell me which stuffed animals ‘listened’ to their reading.”

ASSESSING YOUR KIDS

So is she behind and how do you know? Evidence of background knowledge is a good place to begin, according to Karen Clemons, K - 6 curriculum manager at Cincinnati Public Schools. “Looking at what background knowledge the child has and making sure that they are able to produce simple sounds,” she explains. “And if they are able to do those two things - that will increase their vocabulary and for them to be able to read and understand more complex words depending on their grade level.” Communicate with your kids’ teacher and know what is expected of them at school, and from there, you can work with them at home without having to have any special materials on-hand. According to Clemons, most materials you need are already in your home. “Label items in your home, for example. A lot of the things you do, you can invent it in your everyday practice,” she says. Embedding learning into the home as early as age 3 or 4 can help your child become a good reader. Spend a little time each day with your kids and work with their letters and sounds. This “simple” task may seem daunting at first, but if you think about it as a “To Do” on your weekly calendar and embed it into your daily routine, it will become something that doesn’t feel like an extra thing to do. “The more you can find time to read with your child or encourage your child to read at home, the faster those pandemic gaps (or any gaps) will close,” suggests Maria. Right now, many local schools are assessing kids and making up for their reading loss with additional courses, embedded classes and accelerated learning such as the “Every Child Reads” goal from CPS with the goal to teach kids to read by the end of first grade and making sure students have on grade level work and the materials they need. “We know that learning loss happened due to the pandemic,” says Clemons. “So we are making sure we are meeting students where they are so they can continue to succeed.” It’s important for parents to stay informed with what is going on in their kids’ school and whether or not they are meeting their benchmarks. Check with your district and communicate with your kids’ teacher as often as possible to see where your kid is. Students in some schools will be assessed in phonics and fluency and will use standardized tests for reading comprehension beginning in second grade. Other activities and assessments will occur throughout the year, too, to help measure your kids’ progression. “This tells us where students fall compared to their peers with reading skills,” says Maria. “We also use a standardized test for reading comprehension starting in the second grade. This test is normed on a national level. Scores from all of these assessments are shared with parents, as well as the benchmarks for these assessments.” This helps teachers and parents to know if their kids are behind or on-track with their reading. “Our goal is to keep parents informed throughout the school year,” she continues. “A strong homeschool connection will make a huge difference in your child’s success. Teachers are happy to match students with appropriate reading materials that can be used for practice outside of school.”

GETTING BACK ON TRACK

The good news is, not all is lost. With accelerated learning in the classrooms this year and a little push and shove at home, your kid can start right where they left off and excel. Even with all good intentions and utmost efforts, expect there to be wins and loses with this reading battle — especially during a pandemic and an “off” school year. The good news is, it CAN be done. One way you can normalize reading is by modeling it yourself, but how can a busy parent have the time to pick up a book? “I had to make it [reading] a priority,” says Clemons. “I had to calendar it as a meeting and I had to take it seriously. A lot of times with parents working full-time, it’s more than a notion to say that I’m going to go home, I have a family, I have dinner to prepare, the kids might have sports and now I’m going to go read a book at 10 o’clock at night - it’s just not realistic.” This is where creativity comes into play. Have a book on-hand at all times - anytime you have that “in between” time during your kids’ practice, for example, squeeze in some reading time. Once you model that to your children, they will see that you too have time to read. Even swapping out TV time for reading time is another trick which also models a balance between tech (social media) and reading. Time spent on tech can easily take away independent reading time for you and for you to be reading to your kids. However, if you must, there are great reading apps and programs that can work to you and your kids’ benefit. Keeping the balance is key. “You can also use that time on their devices for their reading,” says Clemons. “There are different tech pieces that incorporate reading. There are a lot of learning games they can use that are structured and are aligned with Ohio Curriculum standards that can also be used as a tech tool and a reading tool as well.”

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

READ ON!

According to educators virtually everywhere, helping your kids love to read is one of the most important things you can do. Here’s how:

MAKE IT FUN!

• Read with a snack

• Read in bed

• Have them read to a sibling • Record your child reading, then have him listen in!

• Find a series of books they’ll love (let your child choose) • Talk about what you’re reading • Read outloud to them from infancy on • Be patient and persistent

AFTER-SCHOOL A Paid Advertising Directory PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

Ronnie Grandison Sports Academy

7950 E Kemper Road, Cincinnati 513-605-3836 | rgsportsacademy.com

Give your young athlete the best opportunity to compete with instruction from experienced coaches and proven training methods used by professional athletes. Students as young as 3 years old can participate in our volleyball and basketball programs, enabling them to build a strong foundation from an early age. We are a family-oriented, multi-sport complex based in Cincinnati. Last year, we were honored to be named one of Cincinnati Magazine’s Best of the City 2019 in the “Kids & Pets” category. We’re proud to have built a tight-knit community here at RGSA and we’re excited to continue to serve the athletes of the Cincinnati area.

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.

Chai Tots

7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason 513-234-0600 chaitots.com

The Chai Tots Early Childhood Center is a nurturing place for children to discover their unique personalities and abilities. We are dedicated to each child with the best possible secular education as well as a warm introduction to the joyous traditions of Judaism. Ages 6 mos. - 6 yrs.

Cincinnati BoyChoir

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.

Royalmont Academy

200 Northcrest Drive, Mason 513-754-0555 royalmontacademy.org

With preschool through high school offered at Royalmont Academy, it’s a unique design that complements your child’s learning capabilities. Forming Christian leaders for 25 years.

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.

september THINGS TO DO By Amanda Ciani

2020

EDITOR NOTE:

Because of COVID-19 uncertainties, please verify events before you go in case of cancellations.

This. Is. Monster Jam!

Sept. 4 at 1 and 7p.m. Sept. 5 at 1 p.m.

The world’s most ferocious monster trucks battle it out in an ultimate display of speed and destruction! Motor fans of all ages can experience a massive collection of beastly metal rigs including Gravedigger, Mohawk Warrior, Soldier Fortune, Razin Kane and others. Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway St., Cincinnati. Tickets start at $15 (Pit Party tickets available). Head to monsterjam.com/en-US/ cincinnati-oh, or call 513421-1302.

DAILY EVENTS wed 1

FREE BLUE ASH FARMERS’ MARKET

Fresh goods and tasty bites from food trucks. Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash; 3:30 - 7 p.m.; summitparkblueash.com/ residents/farmers_market.php.

BUTTERFLIES OF BALI (register)

Closes Sept 6. Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; 513-421-4086 or cincinnatiparks.com/krohn.

FREE BLUE ASH NATURE PARK STORYWALK

Walk and enjoy a story, too! Blue Ash Nature Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash; daily; blueash.com.

EVERYTHING THOMAS

Train and crafts ends Sept. 6. 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 OUTDOOR STORY TIME DRIVE IN (register)

Register by the carload; restrooms unavailable during event. Monfort Heights Branch, 3825 West Fork Road, Cincinnati; 9:30 - 9:45 a.m.; 513369-4472 or cincinnatilibrary.org.

FREE PAGES AND PAWS AT THE PARK (register)

Practice reading to a therapy dog. Register for a 15-minute slot. Boone Wood Park, Shelter 3, 6000 Veterans Way, Burlington; 6:30 p.m.; 859-3422665 or bcpl.org.

FREE ART PLAY HIKE (register)

Hiking and Art-2-Go bags for ages 2 - 7. Smale Riverfront Park, 8 West Mehring Way, Cincinnati; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; contemporaryartscenter.org/ programs/family-programs/artplay-hike.

TODDLER THURSDAY AT DIG’N PLAY

Kids can explore a sand table, play area and a three-story play structure. Dig ‘N Play, 9405 Cincinnati Columbus Road, West Chester; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $4 for ages 2 and younger; 513847-1055 or dignplay.com.

fri 3

GOODNIGHT FIREFLIES (register)

Outside story time with fireflies. Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford; 7:30 p.m.; $10 non-members, includes daily admission; $5 members; 513-831-1711 or cincynature.org.

HISTORICAL (TOMA) HAWKIN’ (register)

Learn about tomahawks and throw one. Ages 10 and older with an adult. Sept 4, 6 - 7 p.m., Sept 5, 10 - 11 a.m. OR 1 - 2 p.m.; Shawnee Lookout, 2030 Lawrenceburg, North Bend; $10 per person; valid vehicle permit required for park entry; 513-5217275 or greatparks.org.

sat 4

FREE CAM KIDS DAY

Art-making activities, performances and a scavenger hunt. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 513-721-2787 or cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

FREE KSO’S 27TH SUMMER SERIES CONCERTS

The Boy Band Diaries perform at Devou Park, 1201 Park Drive, Covington; OR Sept 5 at Tower Park Amphitheater, 900 S Fort Thomas, Ave., Fort Thomas; 7:30 p.m.; $5 recommended donation; 859-431-6216 or kyso. org.

MONSTER JAM 2021

(See “Things to Do,” page 17)

OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Visit a 16th-century English village, costumed characters, enjoy food and much more. Ohio Renaissance Festival, Harveysburg; 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; $23 adult general admission, $9.50 child (5 - 12) + $3 parking; buy online for savings; 513-897-7000 or renfestival.com.

FREE POPS LABOR DAY CONCERT IN THE PARK

Salute summer’s end. All ages. Central Park in Forest Park, 1201 West Kemper Road, Cincinnati; 7:30 p.m.; 513-381-3300 or cincinnatisymphony.org.

sun 5

FREE ALL THINGS LOCAL: ART ON VINE

Explore handmade goods. Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Cincinnati; 12 - 6 p.m.;

FREE WESTERN & SOUTHERN WEBN RIVERFEST

The annual event features a Rozzi’s firework show set to tunes. Ohio Riverfront, Newport; 12 p.m.; webn.iheart. com.

FREE KIDS MYSTERY FISH CHALLENGE (register)

Ages 16 and younger can fish for a trophy! Bring pole; bait available for purchase. Lake Isabella, 10174 Loveland Madeira Road, Loveland; 9 - 11 a.m.; valid vehicle pass required to enter park; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

tue 7

BLIPPI THE MUSICAL

Blippi comes to life!The BB&T Arena, 500 Louie B Nunn Drive, Highland Heights; 6 p.m.; tickets start at $25 plus fees & taxes; meet-and-greet tickets available; 859-442-2652 or thebbtarena.com/eventsand-tickets/event-details/ BLippi2021/Default.aspx.

thu 9

FREE THURSDAY ART PLAY

Join the CAC for creative playtime at Washington Park’s Porch, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; 513-345-8400 or contemporaryartscenter.org/ programs/family-programs/ thursday-art-play.

fri 10

FLORENCE Y’ALLS HOME GAME

The Y’alls play ball during fan appreciation night. UC Health Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence; 7 p.m.; tickets starting at $10; 859-594-4487 or florenceyalls.com.

sat 11

FREE CITY FLEA

OTR features this market with vendors, food trucks and a playground. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; 10

CRAZY CARDBOARD REGATTA (register)

Vendors, entertainment and more. Voice of America MetroPark, 7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $20 - 50, free for spectators + valid vehicle required for park entry; 513-867-5835 or yourmetroparks.net.

FREE DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP TOUCH-ATRUCK

Climb in a variety of vehicles, check out the inflatables and so much more. Deerfield Township Center, 5503 Deerfield Boulevard, Mason; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; deerfieldrec.com.

FREE FALL FRENZY CRAFT SHOW FESTIVAL

Enjoy opening day! Country Pumpkins Farm, 1835 Sherman Mount Zion, Dry Ridge; 10 a.m.; 859-905-9656 or countrypumpkinsky.com.

FREE SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Local bands, craft vendors, tasty food. Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville; 7 p.m.; valid vehicle permit is required for park entry; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

FREE O.F.F. MARKET

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

wed 15 ALANIS MORISSETTE IN CONCERT

With special guest Garbage. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati; 7 p.m.; tickets starting at $51; 513-2325882 or riverbend.org.

FREE TOYOTA PRESENTS SUMMIT CINEMA

Grab a spot on the lawn for Big Hero 6! Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash; 7:30 p.m.; movie begins at dusk; summitparkblueash.com.

Coco Live in Concert with the Cincinnati Pops is the call for Sept. 17 and 18. Music and kids’ activities from 6 - 8 p.m. Ault Park, 5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati; 6 - 10 p.m.; aultparkac.com.

FREE OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI

German food, music, dancing, weiner dog racing and more. Sept 16, 5 p.m. - 12 a.m.; Sept 17, 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.; Sept 18, 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.; Sept 19, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Downtown Cincinnati, 2nd St., Cincinnati; oktoberfestzinzinnati.org.

fri 17 CINCINNATI POPS: COCO LIVE IN CONCERT

Michael Giacchino’s score is performed as the film shows on the big screen. Sept 17 at 7:30 p.m. OR Sept 18 at 2 p.m.; Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati; tickets start at $25; 513-381-3300 or cincinnatisymphony.org.

sun 12

CINCINNATI BENGALS’ HOME OPENER

The Bengals meet the Minnesota Vikings. Paul Brown Stadium, 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati; 1 p.m.; tickets start at $49; 513-6218383 or bengals.com/tickets.

FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: ROMEO AND JULIET

Shakespeare’s love story brought to life by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. 1 p.m. Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville; valid vehicle permit required for park entry; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

FREE WASHINGTON PARK SUMMER CINEMA

Movie night and food trucks! Selena starts at 9 p.m. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; washingtonpark.org.

thu 16

FREE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

sat 18

BENTON FARM FALL CRAFT SHOW

Shop, listen to music, enjoy and crafts and snuggle goats! Benton Farm, 11896 Old Lexington Pike, Walton; Sept 18 and 19, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $3 admission, free for ages 12 and younger; 859-4857000 or bentonfarm.com.

BLOOMS & BERRIES FALL ON THE FARM 2021

Mazes, a pumpkin bounce pad, hayrides, a petting zoo, goodies and more. Blooms & Berries, 9669 Ohio 48, Loveland; open daily through Oct 31, 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; 513-697-9173 or bloomsandberries.com.

ESCAPE THE VILLAGE (register)

Choose from two escapes hosted by the museum at 12, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Heritage Village Museum, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville; $25 per person; 513-563-9484 or heritagevillagecincinnati.org.

FAMILY FLASHLIGHT SCAVENGER HUNT (register)

A night scavenger hike! Long Branch Farm & Trails, 6926 Gaynor Road, Goshen; 8:30 - 10 p.m.; $12 non-members, includes daily admission, $7 members; 513-831-1711 or cincynature.org.

FARM ENCOUNTERS (register)

Veggies, animals, farm tours and more. Gorman Heritage Farm, 10052 Reading Road, Cincinnati; 1 - 2:30 p.m.; $7 - $10; 513967-0058 or eventbrite. com/e/166559894127.

FREE GOT MILK DAY AT COUNTRY PUMPKINS

Cow milking demos, calf feedings and free chocolate milk for the first 100 guests. Extra Fall Festival (fees apply), includes hayrides, pumpkins, animals and more. Country Pumpkins Farm, 1835 Sherman Mount Zion, Dry Ridge; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; 859-905-9656 or countrypumpkinsky.com.

JACK O’ LANTERN JUNCTION

Ghost maze, pumpkins, trains and more. EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester; Mon - Sat, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun 12 - 6 p.m.; $14.95 adults, $11.95 seniors

PASTA COOKING IN THE GARDEN (register)

Ages 9 and older can craft lasagna roll-ups. Gorman Heritage Farm, 10052 Reading Road, Cincinnati; 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; $15; 513-9670058 or eventbrite.com/e/ pasta-cooking-in-the-gardentickets-163656560177.

sun 19

FREE ABILITIES WITHOUT LIMITS LAUNCH PARTY

Help a new nonprofit make inspirational shirts to sell. Food trucks, ice cream, face painting and more. Puzzle Pieces, 11912 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati; 1 - 4 p.m.; 513-583-1874 or puzzlepiecesohio.com.

FREE CINCINNATI BALLET ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE

Explore the new dance center, see performances, sample classes and more. The Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance, 1801 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati; 12 - 5 p.m.; 513-5621111 or cballet.org/academy.

tue 21

JONAS BROTHERS: THE REMEMBER THIS TOUR

With special guest Kelsea Ballerini. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati; 7 p.m.; tickets starting at $29.95; 513-2325882 or riverbend.org.

fri 24

FREE ART AFTER DARK

Performances, art, dancing, drinks, treats and more. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati; 5 - 9 p.m.; 513-721-2787 or cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

ZOOFARI (register)

The fundraiser includes food, music, dancing, animals

The Jonas Brothers bring their tour to Riverbend on Sept. 21. and more. Cincinnati Zoo &

Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine

St., Cincinnati; 7 - 12 a.m.; tickets starting at $350, see website for details; 513-2814700 or cincinnatizoo.org.

sat 25

FREE APPLEFEST

Browse arts, crafts, vendors and hear live music, too. Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 North Broadway St., Lebanon; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; 513850-1770 or countryapplefest. com.

FALL FLYER TRAIN RIDE

Take a train ride then visit Applefest. Trip Length: 1 hour, 15 min. LM&M Railway, 16 East South St., Lebanon; Departure Times: 11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m.; $15 adults, $11 seniors and ages 2 - 16; concessions available; +$5 deluxe seats; 513-933-8022 or lebanonrr.com.

FREE GREAT OUTDOOR WEEKEND 2021

Nearly 100 events offered over two days in the area hosted by Green Umbrella. See website for complete list of events in Cincinnati and NKY; 513-5411538 or greatoutdoorweekend. org/events.

KINGS ISLAND TRICKS AND TREATS FALL FEST (register)

Don costumes and enjoy treats, entertainment and rides. Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason; 12 p.m.; see website for ticket information; 513-7545700 or visitkingsisland.com.

PAPAW ICE CREAM DAY FOR FAMILIES (register)

See papaw ice cream and taste it. Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford; 1 - 2 p.m.; $8; 513-831-1711 or cincynature.org.

PYRAMID HILL ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Art, music, food and activities. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton; Sept 25, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sept 26, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $10 per carload, $15 two-day pass; 513868-1234 or pyramidhill.org/artmusic-festival.

FREE SENSORY SATURDAY

Those with developmental disabilities can enjoy a lesscrowded visit and sensory bags. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati; 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.; 513-721-2787 or cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

sun 26

FREE RAPTOR INC. OPEN HOUSE

See birds of prey up close. Raptor Inc., 961 Barg Salt Run Road, Milford; 1 - 4 p.m.; 513625-3325 or raptorinc.org.

mon 27

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Live action! Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway St., Cincinnati; 7:30 p.m.; tickets start at $20; heritagebankcenter.com.