EXPLORABLE

Ableexplor

AAs a family including one son with cerebral palsy who happens to be wheelchair bound and three autistic children, we are so grateful to live in the Cincinnati region. There are many places, events, and museums that all of my children love including great ones in Butler County. We’re excited to tell you about some of our top picks.

EnterTRAINment Junction in West Chester is one of our favorite wheelchair accessible places to visit. The model train display is full of buttons that my children love to push so that they can hear all of the sounds, watch all of the lights, and turn on the trains. The on-site funhouse has so much to offer for more sensory input. With my children having autism, they are interested in lights, vibration, and anything that spins and has fast movement. EnterTRAINment Junction has all of that and much more. It’s also perfect for rainy days, hotter days, and somewhere warm to take the kiddos all winter long to release some fun energy. Seasonal events like Jack O’Lantern Junction and Christmas at the Junction are extra magical. We met Santa at EnterTRAINment Junction. He got down on his

BY JESSICA JIVANJEE

knees to speak to my son in his wheelchair. My son felt so loved and was so full of joy.

If you’re looking for a relaxed day out, be sure to visit Liberty Center. With accessible features, cool mural backdrops, tasty restaurants to try, and great shopping options, it’s the perfect place to meet up with friends.

Another favorite Butler County spot is Marcum Park. Located in downtown Hamilton, this wheelchair-friendly oasis is within walking distance from a hotel, restaurants, and so much more. All of the kids absolutely love the splash pad. Adults always look forward to the DORA district and enjoy drinks while the kiddos have a great time all around the city. While in Hamilton, wander just down the street to InsideOut Studio. Here, all of the artists are wonderful adults with disabilities. Every purchase helps provide them income. I am so thankful to have been able to witness such a beautiful studio. We love supporting them and taking home their beautiful artwork.

Butler County has so much to offer and we are thankful Butler County includes all families, but what makes it so special for our family is how children and adults with disabilities are supported and welcomed in this community.

12 Butler County hAs so much to offer And we Are thAnkful Butler County includes All fAmilies, but whAt mAkes it so speciAl for our fAmily is how children And Adults with disAbilities Are supported And welcomed in this community. “ “

PICTURED: Put on muralist, Kelsey Montague’s, “wings” at Liberty Center.

OPPOSITE, LEFT TO RIGHT:

The trains at EnterTRAINment Junction provide hours of entertainment. A mural by Alison Cook at Liberty Center is the perfect backdrop for a family photo. Paved paths lead the way through Voice of America MetroPark.