January 2024 | Southwest Ohio Parent

JANUARY

2024

the

ABCs OF SCHOOL OPTIONS

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THINGS TO DO

IN JANUARY

T H E # 1 LO C A L R E S OU R C E FO R PA R E N TS

FREE

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FUN FAMILY FITNESS IDEAS

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AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

VS. FREE TIME

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contents

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features Fun Family 14 Fit Easy ways to incorporate exercise into your household.

ABCs of School Options 20 The Discover the best type of school for your child.

the Right Balance 26 Finding with Afterschool Activities Create a schedule that keeps your child engaged and your family connected.

departments In Every Issue 06 Letter from the Editor 08 Local Kids 10

News + Notes

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Our Cover Kid

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24 Education Guide 31 Things to Do in January 35 Fun & Wacky Calendar

Around Town 09 Hidden Gems: Clifton Cultural Arts Center 13

Resources & Calendars

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Teens & Tweens 30 Creating a Great College Campus Visit

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Little Foodies: Charcuterie Creations

28 Local Spotlight: Adventure Crew

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Parenting 12 Creating SMART Goals for Mental Wellness this New Year

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PUBLISHER

Mary Wynne Cox, mary@ohparent.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER + ADVERTISING

Katie Clark, katie@ohparent.com EDITOR

Nicole Sipe, nicolesipe@ohparent.com PRODUCTION MANAGER

Becca Reynolds, becca@ohparent.com DIGITAL PUBLISHER

Wendy Hasser, wendy@ohparent.com DIGITAL EDITOR

Mary Mueller, mary@ohparent.com ADMINISTRATION

LET TER FROM THE EDITOR

Emily Kirchmann, emily@ohparent.com

A Balancing Act

Lindsay Conner, Pam Freeman, Michelle Mastro, Rebecca Matteson, Steffy McCourt, Jennifer Thompson

W O R D S B Y NICOLE SIPE

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

BILLING

billing@ohparent.com efore I had children, I had this image in my head that my kids would be in nonstop extracurriculars. They would play sports — tennis, because that’s what I played in high school. They would play an instrument.

They would take coding classes and art classes.

They’d do all of the things, and be in all of the things, all the time… and then I had children.

And I realized that kids — especially my kids — need down time. Sometimes, lots of downtime.

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According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, my kids are not alone.

The study found that the absence of free play time results in an absence of optimal mental health. “Kids need to engage in creative play, informal social engagement, and interactions with peers,” she study says.

Some days, doing nothing is everything for my kids. But my kids are also kids. If I let them, they would watch Youtube, play video games and eat candy all day. So, we try to strike a balance in our house. My oldest plays an instrument and plays chess. My youngest is on a basketball team. We do as many extracurricular activities

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as makes sense for our schedule, and we’re constantly reevaluating and making changes.

Some months, we don’t have much going on beyond school. Other months, it seems like our afters-school calendar is full every day.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

calendar@ohparent.com

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER

GC Photography

After-school activities are very important to our family. So is down time. It's a balancing act! If you’re trying to find that balance as we head into the new year, you’re not alone. Turn to “Finding the Right Balance with Afterschool Activities” on page 26. We offer some tips for keeping your kiddo engaged and your family’s sanity intact. It’s a goal I’m committed to this year!

Have a great January!

Southwest Ohio Parent is published monthly. Copyright 2024 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein.

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local kids WE LOVE SEEING YOUR PHOTOS OF LOCAL KIDS LIVING THEIR BEST LIVES AROUND TOWN! HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SUBMISSIONS WE RECEIVED THIS MONTH. 2

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1. Harper and Olivia (both 4) at the Cincinnati Zoo

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2. Aryielle (11) and Brayden (15) at The Christmas Ranch 3. Hayes (18 mos) at Sorg House in Middletown

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4. Cameron (11 mos) at home

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5. Fletcher (8) with her Silkie chicken 6. Richard (6) at Moerlein Lager Haus 7. Eva (8) at Pyramid Hill Park

Want to see your cute kids on this page?

Email your photo (with child’s first name, age and location/activity) to editor@ohparent.com, and your photos might appear in our February issue!

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HIDDEN GEMS

Clifton Cultural Arts Center W O R D S B Y R E B E C C A M AT T E S O N

n a brick-exposed former school building in the heart of Clifton, families and children are welcomed into a collaborative space of music, theatre, visual arts, dance, wellness, creative arts, culture and language experiences. With classes, events, concerts and exhibits at the center of the non-profit arts organization, kids get to express themselves in a diverse community.

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Clifton Cultural Arts Center nurtures artistic expression through fun classes like stained glass, paper quilling, cartooning workshops, Art + Tales preschool art, and family workshops like 3D Valentine collages, wool felting, coiled coasters and bowls, and shadow puppets. Nationally recognized, MadCap Puppet shows introduce children to puppet theatre productions in the CCAC’s E.T. Carson Lodge with fun themes like Annie Oakley’s Wild West and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Offering both art camps and weekly classes, kids can participate in ballet, Bollywood dance, classical guitar, piano, ukulele, Musikgarten, The Make a Mess Club, homeschool and afterschool programs. The Clifton

Cultural Arts Center participates in Ohio’s ACE enrichment as a Qualified Education Service Provider for families accepted into the program.

The arts center isn’t just for kids! Whether you’re joining your child for a family workshop or taking a class on your own, teens and adults have an array of classes to choose from. Clay looms, tap dance, fiber macrame or felting, jewelry design, salsa classes, and writer’s retreats are a few of many fine arts courses offered at CCAC. A variety of new classes are offered year round and vary during holiday seasons.

The opportunities to learn a new hobby or skill are endless.

Led by instructors who are masters in their field and a large part of the Cincinnati arts community, inclusion is a passion no matter your ability. With several other programs like Saturdays in the Park, Wednesdays in the Woods, and Blast Off Arts, Clifton Cultural Arts Center offers everyone a chance to be a part of Cincinnati’s vibrant fine arts scene.

2728 Short Vine, Cincinnati

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news + notes OUR MONTHLY ROUNDUP OF NEWS YOU CAN USE

Family Skate Days at RiverScape MetroPark

1 million That’s approximately the number of people who travel each year to The King Center in Atlanta, GA, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

Source: NBC News

RiverScape MetroPark is the place to be in January! Join the park for their Family Skate Days, with a different theme each week and opportunities to skate outdoors, participate in children’s activities, and lots more. Plus, the first 100 kids will receive a free craft bag!

After you’ve skated your heart out, warm up in the Comfort Tent, and enjoy a hot cocoa

and other concessions from the RiverScape Cafe.

Jan. 7: Animal Adventure Jan. 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Skate Jan. 21: Storybook Skate Admission is $7 and skate rental is $3. Ages 3 and younger skate free with the purchase of an adult admission. For more info, visit metroparks.org.

the Date! + Save for the 2024

SW Ohio Parent Virtual Camp Fair

Plan a summer of fun from the comfort of your home! Southwest Ohio Parent is bringing the area’s top summer camps directly to you, starting February 15 through June 30. From day camps and overnight camps to summer programs and classes, explore experiences that will keep your kids learning and entertained all season long. Learn what makes each camp unique and get answers to the most frequently asked questions. Mark your calendar to start your summer camp search on February 15 at ohparent.com/campfair.

Interested in being a part of our Virtual Camp Fair? Contact katie@ohparent.com.

Did You Know?

January 4 is World Braille Day! There are a number of children’s toys that feature braille for people with vision impairments, including braille Uno, braille and low-vision Monopoly, and braille LEGO.

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OUR COVER KID

Meet: Georgia

Age: 2 years old My favorites: COLOR / Pink FOOD / Cheese BOOK / Goodnight Moon ICE CREAM / Chocolate TV SHOW / Like Nastya TOY / Bunny CANDY / Lollipops SPORTS / Gymnastics + tennis

An interesting fact about me: I have twin siblings named Laney and Cooper who will be 11 months old on 01.01.2024!

Cover Photo by GC Photography / gcphotography.com

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PARENTING

Creating SMART Goals for Mental Wellness this New Year W O R D S B Y D AY T O N C H I L D R E N ' S H O S P I TA L

Here are two suggestions to get you started around mental wellness!

he new year’s resolution.

It’s something that always comes around this time of year. And about two weeks into the new year, it’s something that is forgotten about or something you’re frustrated with because you’ve broken it.

What if this year, you and your family set a SMART goal around mental wellness?

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Attainable. You can do the goal — it’s not such a big goal that you will never achieve it. Even if you start with a big goal, you can break it up into smaller steps.

Relevant. It applies to something in your life that is important to you.

Timely. There’s a specific deadline you are giving yourself.

SMART goals teach us to define our goals in a way that helps us achieve them. They help us:

SMART goals are: Specific. Make sure you are writing out the who, what, when and how of your resolution.

Measurable. How will you know you’ve been successful?

Learn healthy habits • Build confidence • Feel a sense of accomplishment • Have an increased sense of responsibility

Sponsored content brought to you by

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1. Practice self-care. Self-care is anything you or your children do to take care of yourself so you can stay physically, mentally and emotionally well.

Practicing self-care can lower stress, help you sleep better and make you feel like you have more energy. Examples of selfcare can be reading a book, taking a walk, trying yoga, or spending less time on social media. Think about a goal around practicing self-care regularly.

2. Grow gratitude. Gratitude is something we can practice all year long and get benefits from. Research shows that people who intentionally think about the good things in their life are healthier and happier.

One goal could be to start a gratitude jar or journal.

You could draw or read from these at different times of the year.

To put this into practice, here’s how you can create a SMART goal around gratitude: I will write down one thing a day I am grateful for three times per week. I will place it in my family’s gratitude jar so we can practice gratitude and share our responses in April 2024.

What will you and your family do to better your mental wellness in the next year? Or did you pick a different SMART goal? Share with us online by using #OnOurSleeves.

LITTLE FOODIES

Charcuterie Creations W O R D S B Y R E B E C C A M AT T E S O N

he funny yet oh-sotrue term “girl dinner” hit the scene in 2023 and we are carrying it into the new year with Charcuterie Creation’s DIY classes and café! Girl dinner is neither a dinner or a snack, but an array of little bites designed to make up one big meal … as it turns out, moms and their kids both love a variety plate.

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Owned and operated by two Cincinnati-based healthcare workers, the darling duo knows more than a bit about health and nutrition. Bringing along with them a knowledge of creating delicious food, entertaining, and sharing with others, Charcuterie Creations was born postpandemic. Monthly classes teach moms and their friends all the basics when putting together a nutritious board of fruit, meat, cheeses, and other fun surprises like a brunch board!

Make it a day out with friends or ride solo, at Charcuterie Creations new friends are made.

Gather with other beginners with a glass of wine or beer, 90 minutes of instruction, food and supplies, and 30 minutes of questions before ending

the evening with a perfectly curated “girl dinner.”

Located in historic downtown Sharonville, the café is open for lunch and dinner with a menu both parents and kids love. Butter boards with whipped butter, toppings and a baguette; paninis on sourdough with peanut butter and honey, turkey and cheese, prosciutto and fig, or ham and cheddar; and grilled bagels offer a hearty and healthy meal to get through the winter season.

The café offers charcuterie boards each served with meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, nuts, olives, homemade jam, honey and assorted crackers — a perfect opportunity to taste test before creating a board of your own. Not the DIY type? Personalized trays take just two days to create like Charcuterie Creation’s popular brunch or dessert tray, snack size cups or cones, individual brunch or lunch boxes, and full size grazing tables.

3327 Creek Road, Cincinnati

charcuteriecreationsllc.com

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FIT FUN

FAMILY Easy ways to incorporate exercise into your household.

W O R D S B Y L I N D S AY C O N N E R

ITH THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF EVERYDAY LIFE, FINDING THE TIME TO EXERCISE CAN BE CHALLENGING — ESPECIALLY AS A FAMILY WITH YOUNG KIDS. HOWEVER, MAINTAINING A HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE IS POSSIBLE, NO MATTER HOW BUSY LIFE GETS! HERE ARE SOME FUN WAYS TO INCORPORATE FITNESS INTO YOUR FAMILY'S DAILY ROUTINE, HELPING YOU STAY ACTIVE AND HEALTHY TOGETHER.

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Family Walks or Bike Rides Encourage your kids to appreciate the beauty of the natural world while burning off some energy.

Southwest Ohio offers an abundance of scenic parks perfect for family hikes such as Mount Airy Forest, French Park, Ault Park and California Woods Nature Preserve. If your kid likes to bring a bike or scooter, they can easily do so on the Ohio River Trail or the Sharon Woods Fitness Trail. Consider planning weekly or bi-weekly nature walks as part of your family's routine so you can explore the great outdoors together.

Outdoor Games and Sports The family that plays together… has more fun! Organizing outdoor games and sports activities is a great way to promote physical activity and friendly competition between kids and grown-ups. You can easily do this right in your yard with games like badminton, cornhole, bocce ball and croquet.

Additionally, local parks and community centersm have basketball courts, soccer fields, and tennis courts where your family can enjoy a friendly game. The Fairfield Fun Center is another winner with its mini golf courses, batting cages and driving

range. Don’t forget about active outdoor games like tag, hide and seek, or capture the flag.

Family-Friendly Gyms Joining a family-friendly gym can be an excellent way to stay active together. Look for fitness centers in your area that offer family memberships and family-oriented activities, such as your local YMCA. Many gyms provide dedicated family zones equipped with activities like swimming pools, climbing walls, and workout equipment suitable for children and adults.

These facilities often offer classes and activities tailored for different age groups, making it a fun and interactive experience for the whole family.

Home Workout Sessions If you prefer to exercise within the comfort of your home, family workout sessions can be a great option! Look online for beginner-friendly exercise videos,

Fun Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat More Mindfully free apps, and subscriptions that offer guided workouts.

There are even some great video games that incorporate sports and fitness. Getting your kids started with aerobics, strength training, or yoga alongside you can yield multiple benefits, including the flexibility to fit it into your family’s daily schedule. Kids of all ages might enjoy finishing off the night with a spontaneous living room dance party, which provides a great cardio workout.

Fitness Challenges Want a sneaky trick for getting kids involved in fitness? Make it a challenge! For example, see who can do the most pushups, sit-ups, or hold a plank the longest. Have the kids help you set up an obstacle course in the backyard using household objects or in the living room using pillows, furniture, and household items, and time each family member as they go through it. You’d be surprised how much cardio you can add by incorporating stair climbing into your route.

Balancing a busy family schedule with a commitment to exercise may seem challenging, but it's entirely achievable! And remember, when it comes to physical activity, making it fun and engaging can go a long way in encouraging your kids to participate.

Incorporating exercise into your family's daily routine is just one aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Getting kids excited about eating nutritious foods is equally important! Here are some tips to make healthful eating more enjoyable for your little ones.

Get Them Involved: Let your children be part of the meal planning and preparation process. They can help choose recipes, shop for ingredients, and even assist in the kitchen. Kids are more likely to eat foods they've had a hand in making.

Make Healthy Choices Fun: Turn mealtime into a fun adventure. Create themes for dinners, like "Taco Tuesday" or "Salad Bar Sunday." Let your kids build their own tacos or salads with a variety of nutritious ingredients.

Limit Sugary Drinks: Encourage your children to drink water or unsweetened beverages with meals and set the juice boxes aside. You can infuse water with fruits or herbs to jazz up plain water and make it more exciting!

Offer Healthy Snack Options: Keep healthy snacks readily available. Cut up fruits and vegetables, storing them in easily accessible containers. When healthy options are convenient, kids are more likely to choose them.

Set a Good Example: Children learn by observing. Be a role model for your kids by making healthy food choices yourself.

When they see you enjoying nutritious meals and snacks, they'll be more inclined to do the same.

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WORDS BY MICHELLE MASTRO

Discover the best type of school for your child.

eciding where your child attends school might be one of the biggest decisions you make as a parent. If you live in Southwest Ohio, you can choose between several different types of educational options, from traditional public or private schools to charter, magnet and virtual schools. What works for your student depends on their individual needs.

Read on for some of the pros and cons of each educational option.

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PU B LIC A N D PRIVATE SC H OO LS Run by school districts, public schools are free to attend, open to everyone, and are funded by tax dollars. Public school curricula are set by government mandates. “In Southwest Ohio, the public school system operates within districts governed by locally elected school boards and superintendents,” says Aldi Agaj, CEO and founder at Alter Learning. For public schools, Ohio offers some open enrollment, allowing students to transfer to schools outside their zip code. But it is up to the school district to decide if students can transfer or pay fees to be able to transfer successfully. Most often, parents are responsible for the transportation to the new public school.

Private schools are also an option. Private schools charge tuition but have more freedom in curriculum. Some private schools offer a faithbased environment, for example, while others provide more elevated learning goals than what you might find in the public schools. While private schools are pricey, Ohio’s Educational Choice Scholarship Program allows every child in the state to apply for funding. Ohio also offers several other funding programs, like the Autism Scholarship Program and Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program. The state also has a scholarship program made available by tax-credit donations. Families enrolled in specific private schools are qualified for a tax credit.

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IN SOUTHWEST OHIO, REACHING OUT TO THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS COULD BE A STARTING POINT TO FIND EXPERTS WILLING TO DISCUSS THE NUANCES OF THE VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS”

“For a thorough discussion about the unique features of these diverse school types in both areas, it would be beneficial to connect with local educational authorities or organizations that specialize in educational advocacy and can provide firsthand insights,” Agaj says.

C H A RTER A N D MAG N ET SC H OO LS Like public schools, charter schools are free and open to all. In Ohio, charter schools are sometimes called “Community Schools.” But like private schools, charter schools have more freedom to change their curriculum, based on the school’s charter overseen by a governing body. For example, a charter school might emphasize project-based learning as opposed to focusing only on testing to gauge student knowledge. Because charter schools tend to be popular school options, character schools usually offer lottery systems to help decide admittance.

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Taking curriculum innovation and flexibility a step further, magnet schools are free public schools that let students concentrate on specific themes, like the performing arts. Ohio has several magnet schools to choose from, so if your child prospers in an environment dedicated to a specific topic, this educational option might be the best for you.

defining your family’s priorities and considering your child’s individual, educational needs. Ask yourself: • Does your child need an environment that is structured?

• Does your child have any special learning needs?

• Does your family have any specific scheduling needs?

• As a parent, how involved do you want to be in your child’s education?

VI RTUA L SC H OO LS Finally, there are virtual or online schools. Here, children can work from home, accelerate their learning, or work at their own pace. Families can choose from many different free and full-time or part-time online schools in Ohio. However, some of the schools have enrollment caps, so check the complete list of Ohio’s e-schools at the Ohio Department of Education for this information and more. In the state of Ohio, districts that offer online learning have to provide their students with a computer and internet access.

AS K Q U ESTIO N S At the end of the day, determining what school option fits your child takes a bit of research. Every child is unique, so it’s important for parents to consider their child’s needs and their family’s priorities when choosing a school. Start the process by

Next, determine which school factors are most important to you. For example, ask yourself: • What is the school’s studentteacher ratio?

• Does the school have a particular focus or theme for the curriculum?

• Does the school’s population reflect that of the greater community around you?

Research schools by reviewing their websites or requesting more information directly from the school and asking friends and neighbors about their school recommendations. “In Southwest Ohio, reaching out to the Ohio Department of Education or local school boards could be a starting point to find experts willing to discuss the nuances of the various educational options,” Agaj says.

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SCHOOL + EDUCATION GUIDE CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL

MONTESSORI

The Campus at Kids First We have FULL DAY Kindergarten!

Located inside the nationally acclaimed Kids First Sports Center, The Campus offers the premier early learning experience for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten. As the only early learning center in the area that makes physical education a top priority, The Campus at Kids First gives your child an academic edge by integrating a world class physical education (including gymnastics, basketball, yoga and soccer!) curriculum in to the daily schedule, at NO additional cost! Our carefully selected and loving teachers utilize a relevance-based curriculum combined with child-directed play to make learning FUN and start each child on their journey to becoming a life-long learner. 7900 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH

Mercy Montessori is Cincinnati's first Catholic Montessori elementary school and provides students with a personalized education. Mercy offers a sliding scale tuition model, in-school swimming instruction starting at age three, and attracts students from over 60 zip codes. Mercy educates the whole child and develops a strong foundation for learning. • 2335 Grandview Avenue,

45249, theCampusKF.com, Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, Email: info@theCampusKF.com

Chai Tots Early Childhood Center Academic excellence via a unique blend of Jewish and Montessori education offering strong academics, stressing life skills, interpersonal relationship skills and nurturing a love for life-long learning.

Individualized curriculum customized for each student, expansive naturally lit rooms, low student ratio. Specials include yoga, music, Hebrew, Spanish, dance, drama, art and Tae Kwon Do. Flexible schedules, before and aftercare, web cams and after-school enrichment available. Transportation available to/from Mason schools.

Limited space - now enrolling! 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, Phone: (513) 234-0600, ChaiTots.com, Ages/ Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60

Creative Tots, Mason Our holistic approach allows children (18 months - 5 1/2 years) the opportunity to learn, explore, play and grow while engaging in the fine arts, science, music, yoga and a modernized curriculum. We provide opportunities to use creativity, solve problems, use language, develop new vocabulary and reading skills, while engaging in intellectual activities. There are elements of STEAM education, bilingual education, arts education, as well as lots of physical activities to strengthen the mind and body. 6408

Thornberry Ct., Mason, OH 45040, Contact: Emilie Parry, Phone: 513-770-6776, Email: creativetotsmason@gmail.com, creativetotsmason.com, Grades: Toddler: 18 months-3 yrs, Preschool: 3-4 yrs; Pre-K: 4-5 yrs

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Cincinnati, OH 45206, Contact: Amanda Grimm, Admissions Director, Phone: (513) 475-6700 ext. 210, Email: agrimm@ mercymontessori.org, mercymontessori.org, Grades: Preschool - 8th Grade, Enrollment: 296

The New School Montessori Cincinnati's only school accredited by the American Montessori Society. Centrally located and surrounded by wooded play yards and gardens, students benefit from a nurturing environment where Montessori-credentialed staff support high academic and personal achievement. Full-day, half-day with healthy lunches included in tuition. ISACS and AMS accredited program. • 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: (513) 281-7999, Email: ceara.c@newschoolmontessori.com, newschoolmontessori.com, Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6, Enrollment: 144 NON–PUBLIC

Bethany School A warm and diverse community that has served Ohio families for 125 years. We believe in the joy of learning. Serving students K-8th grade, our curriculum along with small class sizes of no more than 15 students spark curiosity, encourage play, and make discovery an exciting journey. Our graduates continue to experience academic success in Cincinnati’s premier high schools. Bethany School’s students experience a vibrant array of activities including weekly chapel, fine arts, athletics, travel, and community service.

Our beautiful, nature-filled, 23-acre campus features two LEED Platinum certified buildings offering an ecofriendly learning space where your child can grow and create wonderful memories. Choose Bethany School for your child’s enriching educational journey. 555 Albion Avenue, Glendale, OH 45246 Phone: (513) 771-2462, Email: admissions@bethanyschool.org, bethanyschool.org

Guardian Angels School provides students in preschool through eighth grade with a faith-filled experience focused on academic excellence, whole child education, and attention to each child’s unique learning needs. As a

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school, we push all of our students to earn their HALO through being Honest, Accountable, and a Leader to Others. 6539 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati

45230, Contact: Mr. Corey Stoops, Principal, Phone: 513-624-3141, gaschool.org, Grades: Preschool - Grade 8

Hillel Academy of Greater Dayton is a distinguished Jewish day school dedicated to providing a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for students in grades K-6. Rooted in Jewish values and traditions, the academy fosters a warm and supportive family atmosphere where each child is recognized and celebrated for their unique strengths and abilities. 305 Sugar Camp Circle, Dayton, OH 45409 Phone: (937) 277-8966, daytonhillel.org

Rockwern Academy provides academic excellence within a welcoming community. We ensure that students feel safe to take intellectual risks and each child reaches their full potential. We offer before and after-care. Our after-school activities such as dance, sports, art, and STEAM are open to our students and others. 8401 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236, (513) 984-3770, Contact: Sarah Shmoel, Email: admissions@ rockwernacademy.org, RockwernAcademy. org

St. Helen School Welcome to St. Helen where an amazing sense of community leads to academic excellence! Every day we strive to build character by living virtuously. Our ministry to model Catholic morals, values, and traditions while providing a structured, nurturing environment for each student to grow spiritually, academically, and emotionally. Our focus on faith formation and academic excellence prepares students to be life-long learners. A community that celebrates diversity, we welcome families all over the Miami Valley including military families from WPAFB. 5086 Burkhardt Road Riverside, OH 45431, Phone: (937) 256.1761, sainthelenschool.org

The Seven Hills School At its core, our culture at Seven Hills celebrates human complexity. We love that we’re all different. In our diverse, inclusive community, we learn to approach each other with open minds and compassionate hearts. We learn that each of us has unique potential and that the variations of that potential make each person’s story

worth exploring. Our teachers are recruited from all over the country and trained in some of the nation’s best schools. Our Doherty Campus houses the Doherty division of Lower School (2-year-olds through grade 5). Our Hillsdale Campus houses the Lotspeich division of our Lower School (2-yearolds through grade 5), the Middle School (grades 6-8), and Upper School (grades 9-12). Hillsdale Campus: 5400 Red Bank Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45227; Doherty Campus: 2726 Johnstone Pl., Cincinnati, OH 45206, Phone: (513) 728-2400, 7hills.org/

The Summit Country Day School Founded in 1890, The Summit serves students from 18 months to Grade 12. Full- and half-day Montessori programs for ages 18 months-age 6 begin the academic journey followed by a collegepreparatory program (Grades 1-12). The Summit educates students spiritually, academically, physically, socially and artistically while offering the academic excellence and one-on-one guidance of a top-tier Catholic independent school. 2161 Grandin Road (Hyde Park), Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 513-871-4700, ext. 261, Email: pearl_e@summitcds.org, summitcds.org LEARNING DIFFERENCES

Springer School and Center For 50 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6-14 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area.

The Springer Experience. Success Starts Here. 2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Jill Wieging, Associate Admissions Director, Phone: (513) 871-6080 ext. 211, Fax: (513) 871-6428, Email: jwieging@springer-ld.org, springer-LD.org, Grades: 1 through 8, Enrollment: 200

Interested in being part of our monthly guide?

Email Katie@ohParent.com for more details.

*Sponsored Listings

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W O R D S B Y STEFFY MCCOURT

FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE

WITH AF TE RSC HOOL ACTIVITIES

Create a schedule that keeps your child engaged and your family connected.

O

rganized activities can help build a child's social skills, self-esteem and mental development.

But striking the right balance of after-school activities and family life (and sports and homework and everything else!) can be challenging. Here are some suggestions to help find the right balance.

The Benefits of After-school Activities After-school activities, which can range from sports to arts to academic clubs, provide more than just a way to pass time.

They are opportunities for children to learn new skills, build friendships and develop a sense of belonging. These activities can play a significant role in a child’s development.

Every child is unique. Some thrive in competitive sports, while others might find joy in quieter activities, such as painting or coding. It's essential to understand your child's interests when choosing a meaningful activity. In our area, with its diverse range of activities from basketball leagues to robotics clubs, parents can find something that aligns with their child's passions.

Managing Time and Balancing Activities One of the biggest challenges for families is managing time efficiently. With homework and other responsibilities, it’s important to ensure that children aren't overscheduled. This balance is crucial for their overall well-being and development.

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Do you feel like your family is teetering on the edge of one too many activities? Here are a few simple ideas to avoid overscheduling: • Establish a family calendar.

A visual reminder of family commitments helps everyone understand each other's schedules, and helps with planning family time more effectively.

• Divide chores and responsibilities. Distribute hous hold chores and responsibilities among family members according to their age and capability.

• Plan for downtime. Make sure that there's enough unstructured time for relaxation and spontaneous activities.

• Have regular family meetings. Hold weekly family meetings to discuss the upcoming week's schedule, ad-

dress any concerns, and make adjustments to the family calendar.

• Set realistic goals. It's helpful to set realistic goals for after school activities. Whether it’s developing a new skill, building friendships, or simply having fun, these goals should align with your child's interests and not be overly ambitious or driven by your own aspirations.

• Be flexible. Be prepared to change your outlook.

Children’s interests can and will change, and what works one season might not work the next. Being open to adjusting the schedule and activities as needed is a healthy approach.

Quality Over Quantity It’s not about how many activities your child is enrolled in, but the quality of their experiences. One well-chosen activity that genuinely interests your child is way more

valuable than several they are lukewarm about. This approach not only eases scheduling pressures, but also allows children to delve deeper into their interests.

Research the quality of the program by looking into the program offering the activity. Check for qualifications of the staff, the safety measures in place, and reviews from other parents. If possible, visit the location to observe a session and see if it meets your expectations.

Balancing after-school activities with family time doesn't have to be a daunting task. By understanding your child’s needs, setting realistic goals, and staying flexible, you can create a schedule that benefits the whole family.

Remember, the goal is to enrich your child's life, not to overwhelm it. With the right approach, after school activities can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for the entire family.

Downtime is Important, Too Time to do “nothing” is as important as structured activities. It allows children to process what they have learned, relax and enjoy being kids. Balancing activities with enough free time prevents burnout and keeps the experiences enjoyable and sustainable.

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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Adventure Crew Connecting city teens with nature and each other through engaging outdoor adventures.

W O R D S B Y PA M F R E E M A N

program, smaller groups of interested students can delve deeper into recreation activities they love, like rock climbing or swimming, or gain exposure to conservation and green careers.

Which local schools are involved with Adventure Crew?

We serve all Cincinnati Public Schools high schools, seventh and eighth graders in select CPS middle schools, and six schools in Northern Kentucky — a total of 27 schools.

orking to make the

W outdoors for all,

Adventure Crew helps Cincinnati teens step out of their comfort zones and connect with nature and each other through adventures.

The nonprofit provides gear, transportation and lessons at no cost to students — helping them form a deep connection to nature that will change the course of their lives.

Southwest Ohio Parent spoke to Shauna Steigerwald, communications and events manager for Adventure Crew, to learn more about this outdoorsy organization.

How did Adventure Crew get started?

Adventure Crew began in 2012 when a Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) teacher decided to take his students on an adventure. Denny McFadden was an avid kayaker, but the adventure sport was almost entirely out of reach for

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most of his students at Hughes High School. He set out to remedy that, gathering a small group of teens and teachers for a five-mile float on the Little Miami River.

They shared canoes, lunch and a transformative experience. More than 10 years later, Adventure Crew has grown to provide similar experiences to a roster of more than 800 students per year.

Explain how Adventure Crew works for the participating kids.

We use a school-based model, and any kid in the building can join — there’s no testing in or trying out. Several schools participate in each Saturday adventure, with students catching our buses at Fountain Square. Our adventures change monthly to take advantage of the seasons and to provide new experiences. On a given Saturday, you might find our Crew kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing, zip-lining, ice skating, or skiing and snowboarding.

Through our Crew Pathways

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What events does Adventure Crew have coming up for 2024?

Beyond getting teens out for Saturday adventures and expanding our Crew Pathways program to deepen their experiences, Adventure Crew has some great community events planned for 2024. Most notable is Ohio River Paddlefest

(ohioriverpaddlefest.org), the nation’s largest paddling celebration. Drawing nearly 2,000 paddlers, this year’s event is Saturday, August 3, with the family-favorite Outdoors for Expo the evening before. In the near term, join us for our annual used gear sale on Saturday, January 27 or our screening of the No Man's Land Film Festival, an all-women adventure film festival, on Thursday, February 29. Both events will take place at MadTree Brewing in Oakley. Find more details at adventurecrew.org/events.

How can people support Adventure Crew?

There are lots of great ways to support Adventure Crew! Attend one of our events, sign up to volunteer, enter one of the great raffles we offer or simply make a donation to support our mission. To stay in touch, visit adventurecrew.org to sign up for our online newsletter and follow us on social media.

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TEENS & TWEENS

Creating a Great College Campus Visit Make the most out of a college visit to help your student find the perfect school.

W O R D S B Y JENNIFER THOMPSON

s I type these words, I am sitting in a car with my family, headed to a college town over four hours away so our senior daughter can experience her first official college campus visit. It feels surreal. I know everyone said the time would go fast, but when I was spending my days and nights changing diapers, nursing infants, and trying my best to maintain decent nap and sleep schedules — it sure didn’t always feel that way.

A

But the words were spoken in love and wisdom from those who had gone before me. And while it may not have felt like their words could be true — they most definitely were. Time does go fast. And now, here we are.

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And, oh boy, can it feel overwhelming. If you have found your head swimming with thoughts of scholarships, application deadlines, ACT and SAT scores, tuition costs and more, know you aren’t alone.

So many of us are scratching our heads along with you.

As I sit here with the expanse of highway stretching out before me, I am reminded of why a college visit can be so beneficial.

Tomorrow, I anticipate many of our questions will be answered.

As we stroll the campus, tour the classroom and dorms, and get a chance to talk with professors and students, we will get a clearer picture of all the university has to offer and what it takes to be considered for admission.

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But I am just a mom in a minivan headed down the highway with a head full of thoughts and a heart full of emotions. What you need is to hear from a professional.

So, I talked to Laura Lowder, senior admission counselor with Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, who has taken the time to answer questions and provide some tips to help you have a successful and great college campus visit.

Are online visits beneficial if students can’t visit in-person?

What tips do you have for students who are preparing to go on college visits?

Start early. Have an open mind when visiting an institution.

Visit as many schools of interest that you can. Take notes and enjoy the process.

Do not rush. Utilize your time.

Attend a class, meet with faculty and current students.

Also, explore the city that the university is located in.

What should students consider when choosing schools to visit?

Make a list of the top three things that are important to you in a university and find institutions that meet those needs. Utilize websites to find the schools that offer what you want. There are more than 4,000 institutions to choose from.

Visit small, medium and large institutions to find the right fit.

They are helpful in providing basic information, but if it’s possible for you to go in-person, I highly encourage an on campus visit to find that right fit.

Is there anything else you would like parents and students to know?

It may feel overwhelming at times, but there are a lot of resources available to help those of us who are navigating the college application process for the first time. Take deep breaths, mom and dad — your baby will do great. Let’s eat this elephant one bite at a time. We’ve got this!

January 2024 THINGS TO DO

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16 DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE! at the Taft Theatre

SAT 06 Color Me Calm Join for an hour of grown-up coloring! Coloring is a great way to de-stress with mindful meditation. Coffee, tea, donuts, and supplies will be provided. Location: Groesbeck Library, Time: 11am - 12:30pm, cincinnatilibrary.com *F

MON 01 New Year’s Day Skate Start the New Year with a healthy active lifestyle and be the first to skate in 2024! Weather Dependent. Location:

RiverScape MetroPark, Time: 11am - 5pm, metroparks.org

New Year New You Start the New Year off on the right foot (or left foot)! Join in for a brisk nature hike up and down the gorge trail. Location: Sharon Woods, Time: 1pm, greatparks.org

Young At Art: Chalk Pastels Make your mark with chalk pastels in Kidspace. Location: Cincinnati Museum

Winter Bingo! Hang out at the library and play Winter Bingo! Ages 6-12. Location: Greenhills Library, Time: 2-3pm, cincinnatilibrary.com *F

WED 03 Preschool Storytime with Therapy Dogs Join for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop the language, literacy, and social skills your preschooler needs for school success. You will be joined by special guests from Miami Valley Pet Therapy. For ages 3-5 with caregiver(s). Location: Miami Township Branch Library, Time: 10:30 - 11:30am, daytonmetrolibrary.org *F

Center, Time: 10:30am, cincymuseum.org

TUES 02 Pre-School Craft Club Let's make some art together! Children, ages 3-5, will practice using basic craft tools and they can take home their work after each session.

Location: MidPointe Library West Chester, Time: 11:15am - 12pm, midpointelibrary. org *F

*F = FREE FOR FAMILIES

Stuffed Pal Daycare Stuffed pals will have their own storytime, make new friends, and do other fun activities. Kids can pick up their stuffed pal at the end of the day along with a collage of photos showing what their pal has been doing. Location: Miami Township Branch/ Dayton Metro Library, Time: 9:30-11:30am, daytonmetrolibraryorg

*SN = SPECIAL NEEDS FRIENDLY

THURS 04 Dayton Backpacker Campfire Bring your family and friends to Daytonâs original Backpacker Campfire. In the comfort of the beautiful Cox Arboretum MetroPark Vistor Center, you can hear local outdoor enthusiasts give a presentation about their adventures.

Spark the fire for your next adventure!

Location: Cox Arboretum MetroPark, Time: 6:30 - 8pm, metroparks.or g *F

Family Storytime and Gallery Walk: Sharing is Caring Explore the galleries by stopping at different artworks for a hands-on learning activity and a related story.

Staff will then lead families to see three or four art objects related to a particular theme. Each stop includes an interactive experience that can be enjoyed by families along with a storytime by a Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Librarian. Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, Time: 11am - 12pm, cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Resolution Ride Resolve to put miles on your bike by starting with a ride on the frozen tundra of MoMBA. This beginner friendly ride will introduce you to MoMBA and orient you to the rest of the MetroParks Trails Challenge. Location: Huffman MetroPark, Time: 10am - 12pm, metroparks.org *F

Songs and Stories Join in for songs and storytime in the Children's Museum. Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 10:30am, cincymuseum.org

FRI 05 Sensory Storytime Join us for an adaptive storytime with music, movement, and interactive fun, designed for children with Autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Open to kids of all abilities. Location: MidPointe Library Trenton, Time: 11:30am - 12pm, midpointelibrary.org *F *SN

SUN 07 Paint-A-Park Winter may be cold but there is still beauty to be found in it's depths. The warm classroom gives a window into the world of winter birds and wildlife. Art supplies will be provided on sight for you to create with. Location: Germantown MetroPark, Time: 2-5pm metroparks.org *F

Bengals Tailgate & Watch Party Show your stripes! Join us for a Bengals Tailgate & Watch Party on the Square before Bengals Home Games. Get hyped before the games

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with live music, drink specials, and games! Stick around after the music ends and watch the game on the Fifth Third LED Board with audio on.

Location: Fountain Square, Time: 10am, myfountainsquare.com *F

Family Skate Day Join us on various Sundays for themed Family Skate Days! Our first Family Skate Day kicks off with "Animal Adventure".

Come skate along to family-friendly music, get your face painted, and visit our animal ambassador! Plus, the first 100 kids can enjoy a free craft bag.

Enjoy concessions from the RiverScape Cafe and warm up in our cozy comfort tent. Admission is $7 and skate rental is $3. Ages three and under skate free with the purchase of an adult admission! Location: Riverscape MetroPark, Time: 1-5pm, metroparks.org

MON 08 Bingo for Books! Come join us for BINGO from 6:00PM-7:30PM. Play BINGO and a have a chance to win a book! Everyone is a winner before the evening is over! No-one leaves empty-handed! Location: Northmont Branch, Time: 6-7:30 pm, daytonmetrolibrary.org *F

Young at Art: Collage Buffet Join us for a feast of idea while making your one-of-a- kind collage.

Location: KIDSPACE at the Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 10:30 am, cincymuseum.org

THURS 11 Playdate at the Library Adults, bring your children to meet other children as they play with educational toys geared towards social emotional learning. Recommended for families with children ages 2-5. Location: Anderson Library, Time: 10:45 - 11:30am, cincinnatilibrary.com *F

Thursday Art Play: Marvelous Mobiles Join us Thursday mornings for creative playtime at the CAC. This family program uses hands-on art making activities and yoga to excite and educate our youngest visitors. Many of the Creativity Center's works of art float magically above us throughout the space. Design your own marvelous mobiles to take some of the magic home. Stick around for some kid-friendly yoga following each Art Play session. Free for members, $5 per non member child.

This program is designed especially for children ages 2-6 years old.

Location: Contemporary Arts Center, Time: 10:30-11:30, contemporaryartscenter.org

Creature Chronicles for Kids Calling all young explorers!

Wiggle around with us and our animal friends, learn about them through story time, and waddle through the forest to make neat discoveries! Toddlers, ages 2-5, and their caregivers are invited to join us on this adventure! Location: Miami Whitewater Forest, Time: 10am, greatparks.org *F

TUES 09 Game On-Tween Edition Enjoy a variety of games with the Nintendo Switch, board games, and more. Location: MidPointe Library West Chester, Time: 4-5pm, midpointelibrary. org *F

FRI 12 Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never

WED 10

seen before in Dayton. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Taylor Swift at The Grande Hall at Liberty Tower under the gentle glow of candlelight. Location: The Grande

Hall at Liberty Tower, Time: 8:30-10:30pm downtowndayton.org

Chasing the Eclipse: Snapshots of the Past This lunch hour presentation will take you through the photographic journey of past expeditions to chase eclipses by Cincinnati Observatory directors, employees, colleagues and their families. Location: Cincinnati Observatory, Time: 12 - 1pm, cincinnatiobservatory.org

FRI 12–MON 15 Young’s 155th Birthday Help celebrate the 155th birthday of Young’s Jersey Dairy with specials all over the farm! Location: Young’s Jersey Dairy, youngsdairy.com

SAT 13 Maple Tree Tapping Day Help tap the trees for the start of sugaring season. Head out into the sugarbush with a maple guide to learn the ins and outs of tree identification and tapping, all while drilling holes, setting taps, and hanging sap buckets. Location:

Outdoor Learning Center at Rowe Woods, Time: 2 - 4 pm cincynature.org

Family Festival: Winter Fairyland! Don’t miss our FREE annual winter themed Family Festival with loads of art and science themed projects for children of all ages. Join us as decorate winter wizard hats and frosty fairy wings, design your own miniature fairy land to take home, and create magical snow prints. Stick around for an enchanted story time at

noon and an epic indoor snowball fight. There'll be large-scale snow fort building and a cozy hot chocolate station (because whip cream makes everything better). Location: Contemporary Arts Center, Time: 11am-2pm, contemporaryartscenter.org *F

Junior Chefs: Cake and Ice Cream Come cook with us! Hone your skills as we focus on new techniques. Bake cupcakes from scratch and experiment with decoration techniques! Of course, you can’t have cake without ice cream, so we’ll break out the Liquid Nitrogen for some homemade dot ice cream. Location: Cr(EAT)e Culinary Studio at the Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 11:00 am, cincymuseum.org

Purrfect Tales: Kids Read to Cats Come read to an adoptable kitty at the League for Animal Welfare! Location: League for Animal Welfare (Batavia), Time: 9-9:45am, clermontlibrary.org

SUN 14 Princess Superhero Breakfast Treat the kids to breakfast with their favorite superhero and princess! Location: Receptions Event Center, Time: 10am 12pm, receptionsinc.com

MON 15 Young at Art: Felt Shape Play Join in for a creative play project in Kidspace! Location:

Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 10:30am, cincymuseum.org

Painting Animals in Watercolor This watercolor class is open to all skill levels, we will focus on the techniques and aesthetics of watercolor painting as they pertain to the depiction of animals. Location:

Online, Time: 3-4pm, cincinnatilibrary. com *F

Homeschool Skate Homeschoolers! Hit the rink and make some new friends, too!

Location: Beechmont Rollarena, Time: 12 - 2:30pm, beechmontrollarena.com

KinderBridge Event Get ready for Kindergarten with stories, songs, and hands-on activity stations! Enjoy a new theme each month. Recommended for ages 3-6, and their caregiver(s). Location: Green Township Branch, Time: 1:30-2:30pm, cincinnatilibrary.com

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SAT, JANUARY 13 FAMILY FESTIVAL: WINTER FAIRYLAND at the Contemporary Arts Center

TUES 16 Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Live The grr-ific musical for little tigers and grown-ups alike is back! Daniel Tiger and all of his friends are hopping back on board Trolley and coming to your town with DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE: KING FOR A DAY! Location: Taft

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, presented by Madcap Puppets Travel down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Toto, and their best friends; Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Tin Man. Madcap brings this epic adventure to life with breathtaking puppets in this enchanting, family-friendly classic.

Theater, Time: 6pm, tafttheatre.org

Location: Fairfield Community Arts Center, Time: 7 - 8pm, fairfield-city.org

WEDS 17

SAT 20

Kids D.I.Y. Tweens (and enthusiastic family members) are invited to get crafty with us with a fun project! Location: MidPointe Library

Beginner's Woodcarving Class This two-session class is for beginning woodcarvers ages 14 and up. Carve a small decorative comfort bird in a natural finish–wood blank and pattern provided. Location:

Middletown, Time: 4 - 5pm, midpointelibrary.org *F

THURS 18 Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime An award-winning early literacy program that uses rhymes, songs, puppets, musical instruments and more to stimulate the learning process for babies and toddlers. For children up to 36 months with a caregiver. Location: Burkhardt Branch Library, Time: 10am 10:45am, daytonmetrolibrary.org *F

​​ Science by the Bite Homeschool Cooking Club: Mac and Cheese ​Explore the science behind food from the first chop to the last bite! Discover the tasty science of emulsions as we create a hearty mac and cheese.

Location: Cr(EAT)e Culinary Studio at the Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 11:00 am, cincymuseum.org

FRI 19 Mascot Bank Giveaway A penny saved is a penny that can help you buy tickets to your next Cyclones game. The first 3,000 fans will receive a Cyclones Bank. Location: Heritage Bank Center, Time: 6:30pm, heritagebankcenter.com

Family Game Night - BINGO Spend some quality time together enjoying dinner and a few games of Bingo. The dinner menu will be cheese pizza, salad, and ice cream.

You may even win a prize! Location: Fairfield Community Arts Center, Time: 6 - 8pm, fairfield-city.org

Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, Time: 9am, greatparks.org

Discovery on the Farm Feathers, Fat and Fur How do animals stay warm during the winter on our farm? Let's explore feathers, fat, and fur through fun hands-on activities, experiments, a craft, and a snack inside the beautiful Augspurger House. Location: Chrisholm MetroPark Historic Farmstead, Time: 10 - 11:30am, yourmetroparks.net

SUN, JANUARY 21 FAMILY SKATE DAY at RiverScape

MON 22

MetroPark

Pretend & Play Does your child love pretending? Join us for play-based open sessions of fun with playsets, props and more! Location: MidPointe Library Monroe, Time: 10:15 10:45am, midpointelibrary.org *F

Young at Art: Color Family Collage Use your favorite color to make a unique piece of art Location:

Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 10:30am, cincymuseum.org

Family Flying Squirrel Watch Flying squirrels are usually hidden in the forest but they reveal themselves at dusk. After a brief indoor orientation, head out to our new flying squirrel viewing area to watch the magic unfold as these seldom seen forest residents glide in for their evening meal. Location:

Art + Tales: Little Penguins Read and explore a picture book and then make our own art inspired by the story using a variety of materials.

Dress to allow for a mess! Location:

Cincinnati Nature Center, Time: 6:30 7:30pm, cincynature.org

The Upside Brew, Time: 9:30 - 10am, upsidebrew.com

SUN 21

WEDS 24

Family Skate Day Warm up in the Comfort Tent and hang out with the Dayton Metro Library for story-telling, library card sign-ups and more! Plus, the first 100 kids can receive a free craft bag! Enjoy a hot cocoa and other concessions from the RiverScape Cafe. Location: RiverScape MetroPark, Time: 1pm - 5pm, metroparks. org

Winter Warm Sugar Cookie Decorating Class Interested in learning more about decorated sugar cookies? Sugar Cookie Classes are here to help! In this 2-hour long class, we'll cover the basics of sugar cookies, you'll get a royal icing recipe and we'll talk about how to strategize the best ways to decorate sugar cookies. Location: West Side Brewing,

MON 22–SUN 28

THURS 25

Doo Your Moo Start practicing your MOOs now! Young’s wants to hear your best MOO! A good MOO will rewarded with Young’s Famous Homemade Ice Cream. They won’t accept just any MOO. Staff will be the judge. Location: Young’s Jersey Dairy,

Full Moon Walk Witness the night's magic transform the trails as we marvel at the full moon and reveal natural history happenings on this guided hike. Full Moon Walks provide rare opportunities to hike Nature Center trails after hours. Location:

youngsdairy.com

TUES 23

Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm, westsidebrewing.com

​​ Science by the Bite Homeschool Cooking Club: Muffin Mix-Up ​Explore the science behind food from the first chop to the last bite!From savory to sweet, we’ll personalize this morning treat and discover the baked-in science. Location: Cr(EAT)e Culinary Studio at the Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 11:00 am, cincymuseum.org

Thursday Art Play: Winter Wonderland Join us Thursday mornings for creative playtime at the CAC. This family program uses hands-on art making activities and yoga to excite and educate our youngest visitors. Many of the Creativity Center's works of art float magically above us throughout the space. Design your own marvelous mobiles to take some of the magic home. Stick around for some kid-friendly yoga following each Art Play session. Free for members, $5 per non member child. This program is designed especially for children ages 2-6 years olds. Location: Contemporary Arts Center, Time: 10:30-11:30, contemporaryartscenter.org

FRI 26–SAT 27 MARVEL Weekend Cyclones fan, assemble! Families can meet some Marvel Super Heroes throughout the game and the Cyclones will wear specialty jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game, too. Location: Heritage Bank

Center, Time: 7:30pm cycloneshockey.com

Rowe Woods, Time: 7:30 - 9pm, cincynature.org

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FRI 26

SELECT DAYS, JANUARY 16-28 BEETLEJUICE

Cinderella Wore Cowboy Boots “Hear, Ye! Hear, Yeee-Haw!” The King is throwin’ a royal ball! In this one-woman show, our storyteller will?round-up?audiences as they get pulled into this hilarious, interactive and kneeslappin’ adaption of Cinderella. Location: Fairfield

at the Aronoff Center

ONGOING EVENTS

Community Arts Center, Time: 7pm, fairfield-city.org

Cosmic Skate It will be all things space for our first ever Cosmic Skate!

Skate along to space-themed music, ambiance, and more. Plus, say hi or take a selfie with some Star Wars characters and enter to win a spectacular Lego set. Skate admission is $7 and skate rental is $3. Location: Riverscape MetroPark, Time: 7-10pm, metroparks.org

SAT 27

SUN 28 Tools of the Sugar House Get a behind-the-scenes look at the maple syrup evaporator and sugaring tools like skimmers, filters, and thermometers. You’ll be able to look inside the sap storage tanks, help set up for the day’s programs, and help prepare the materials to fire up the evaporator. Location: Outdoor Learning Center at Rowe Woods, Time: 11-12 pm, cincynature.org

Sensory Saturday This program is designed for families with children who have autism or other developmental disabilities, allowing them to explore the museum’s galleries in a less crowded environment. Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, Time: 9:30–11:30 am, cincinnatiartmuseum.org *SN

Goldilocks & the Three Dinosaurs “Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur... and a Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway” (Goldilocks & the Three Dinosaurs). Original music

by Ben Folds brings author Mo Willems’ fractured and funny iteration on Goldilocks & the Three Bears to life on the Music Hall stage. Location: Music Hall, Time: 10:30am, cincinnatisymphony.org

Families Create! Workshops: Dramatic Deco Art Molly Jo Burke and Nathan Gorgen show you ways to incorporate everyday items into fabulous, “semi-functional” artwork you’ll be proud to have around the house. All workshops are $5 per child; Preregistration is required. Location: Weston Art Gallery, Time: 10am, cincinnatiarts.org/events/ detail/families-create-workshopdramatic-deco-arts

Craft-A-Palooza Join us for a fun afternoon to make some new creations at Craft-A-Palooza!

MON 29 Music and Movement Join in for some lively tunes as you practice coordination and rhythm! Everyone dances and sings in this active 30-minute program. Geared for ages 2-5 years. Location: MidPointe Library Liberty, Time: 11:15 - 11:45am midpointelibrary.org *F

Young at Art: Tissue Paper Collage Paste some (tissue)paper and make you own masterpiece with Young at Art! Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 10:30am, cincymuseum.org

TUES 30 Trivia Night on the Levee Parents! Looking for a fun night out idea? Visit Wooden Cask to go head-to-head against other trivia enthusiasts while enjoying a brew!

Location: Newport on the Levee, Time: 7-9pm, newportonthelevee.com

WEDS 31 Baby Art Playground Babies, ages 0-24 months, will explore art through sensory play while they create an adorable keepsake. Don't forget to dress for the occasional mess. Location: MidPointe Library Liberty, Time: 11:15 - 11:45am, midpointelibrary.org *F

Location: Miami Township Branch, Time: 2-3pm, clermontlibrary.org

Barbie You Can Be Anything: The Experience Through January 7. From career dolls to real-world role models, Barbie has been inspiring girls since 1959-and she isn't done yet! The Children's Museum is proud to partner with Mattel to celebrate 60 years of Barbie.

The exhibit showcases the iconic Barbie doll and encourages the kind of imaginative play that teaches us that no matter our gender, ethnicity, or background, we can all make the world a better place by doing work that excites us, challenges us, and brings us fulfillment. Location: COSI, cosi.org/exhibits/barbie

Shadrack Productions Holiday Light Show Through January 7. If you’re ready for a big dose of Christmas cheer, join us at Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland, where cutting-edge technology and traditional holiday charm unite to offer an unforgettable experience.

Location: Fairgrounds and Event Center of Montgomery County, shadrackchristmas. com/dayton-oh

Laser Light Shows January 5 - February 10. From Elton John to Laser Taylor Swift, this winter laser series is a can’t miss! Location: Boonshoft Museum, boonshoft.org

Holiday Junction Through January 8. The Duke Energy Holiday Trains have been a Cincinnati holiday staple since 1946, delighting generations since they first debuted downtown in 1946. Track-level views reveal intricate details of the display, where over 300 rail cars and 60 locomotives steam past anxious passengers waiting to board while cars sit with snow to their hubcaps and the perfect trees strapped to their roofs. Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, cincymuseum.org

Middletown Holiday Whopla Through January 15. Located in historic and charming downtown Middletown, and featuring a state of the art ice skating rink, beer & wine garden, food trucks, and Holiday Whoville train rides. It is surrounded by larger than life interactive light displays, nestled amongst specialty shops, bars, restaurants, and more.

Location: Middletown N. Broad Street, holidaywhopla.com

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Beetlejuice Select days, January 16 - 28. Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.

Recommended for middle school or older. Location: Aronoff Center, cincinnatiarts.org

The Horse and His Boy Select Days, January 10-20. When Shasta and Bree, a talking horse, plan their escape from slavery to the land of Narnia and freedom, they soon realize the journey holds far more danger than they could have ever imagined.

With an army ready to attack the countries of the North, Shasta and Bree’s journey becomes a race against time to not only escape the slavery they have known but to save Narnia and the North! Location: Ark Encounter, Times: January 10–12 & 17–19 (Weds–Fri) at 1p,; January 13 & 20 (Sat) at 3pm, arkencounter.com

The Marvelous Wondrettes Select Days, January 18 – February 11.

This smash off-Broadway hit takes you to a 1958 high school prom where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! Featuring over 30 throwback 50’s and 60’s hits like “Mr. Sandman,” “Lollipop,” “Lipstick On Your Collar,” “Respect,” “It’s In His Kiss,” and “It’s My Party,” The Marvelous Wonderettes is a musical trip down memory lane that will have you humming along in your seat!

Location: LaComedia Dinner Theatre, lacomedia.com/event/wonderettes/

Fountain Square Ice Rink Through February 19. The UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank is an outdoor ice arena that takes over Fountain Square with 600 pairs of rental skates, the WGU Ohio Warming Tent, a full-service concessions tent with hot and cold snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Location: Fountain Square, myfountainsquare.com

MetroParks Ice Rink Through March 1. Offering beautiful views of the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton, the MetroParks Ice Rink is the region’s largest outdoor ice rink, located under the RiverScape pavilion and wheelchair accessible. Location: RiverScape MetroPark, metroparks.org

FUN+ WACKY 01.2024 CALENDAR by SW OHIO PARENT SUN

MON

TUES

WEDS

1

THURS

2

FICTION DAY

FRI

3 DRINKING STRAW DAY

SAT

WORLD BRAILLE DAY

6

5

4 WHIPPED CREAM DAY

CUDDLE UP DAY

PASS

8

7 BUBBLE BATH DAY

GAS DAY

KITE DAY

15 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

21

28 LEGO DAY

STATIC ELECTRICITY DAY

14

SWEATPANTS DAY

9

16 HOT AND SPICY FOOD DAY

22 POLKA DOT DAY

23

10

11 MILK DAY

TAKE THE STAIRS DAY

RUBBER DUCKY DAY NATIONAL YOUTH DAY

17

KID INVENTORS’ DAY

24

18 WINNIE THE POOH DAY

POPCORN DAY

25

BELLY LAUGH DAY

PIE DAY

13

12

19

20 TAKE A WALK OUTDOORS DAY

27

26 GREEN JUICE DAY

CHOCOLATE CAKE DAY

OPPOSITE DAY

29 BUBBLE WRAP DAY

30 DRAW A DINOSAUR DAY

31 HOT CHOCOLATE DAY

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SOURCE: daysoftheyear.com