0717 cp issuu

Cincinnati

serving cincinnati & northern kentucky

JULY 2017

SUMMER FUN WITHOUT THE SUN BEAT THE HEAT WITH THESE INDOOR ACTIVITIES!

ONLINE

AC ADEMIES EIGHT COMMON MY THS ABOUT VIRTUAL LEARNING

+cincy’s

be st ICE CR EAM

free

BIRTHDAY

BASH! IDEAS FOR MEMORABLE PART Y VENUES

IN EVERY ISSUE

contents J U LY 2 0 1 7

FEATURES

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Cincy's Best Ice Cream

Hot spots for cool treats all over town

Pregnancy Predicaments How would you handle these sticky situations?

Summer Fun Without the Sun

Beat the heat with these indoor activities!

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24 26

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Birthday Bash!

Ideas for memorable party venues

Online Academies

Eight common myths about virtual learning

DEPARTMENTS COMMENTARY & PARENTING 12 A DAD INFLUENCE 28 A SK THE TE ACHER

WOMEN'S HEALTH 13 NAT UR AL BEGINNINGS BIRTH CENTER AT ATRIUM MEDICAL CENTER

IN EVERY ISSUE 06 EDITOR ' S NOTE 08 COM MUNIT Y SP OTLIGHT 10 OUR SOCIAL NE T WORK

RESOURCES & CALENDARS 29 PRESCHOOL & EDUCATION GUIDE 32 J ULY E VENTS

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42 M ARKE TPL ACE 43 FUN & WACK Y C ALENDAR

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EDITOR'S NOTE

WORDS BY // SUSAN BRYANT

meet the staff Publisher Mary Wynne Cox // mary@cincinnatiparent.com Editor Susan Bryant // susan@cincinnatiparent.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER + ADVERTISING

Katie Clark // katie@cincinnatiparent.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Charity Kirtley // charity@cincinnatiparent.com Katy Mark // katy@cincinnatiparent.com Advertising Coordinator

Karen Ring // karen@cincinnatiparent.com COMMUNIT Y Outreach + Social Media

Hot. Hot. Hot! There’s no doubt about it – summer is here in full swing! The

average temperature in Cincinnati during the month of July is 86 degrees, and even for kids who live for summer, a run of days in the upper 80’s can zap energy and good moods.

The solution? A few go-to destinations where families can have fun and be in the A/C. Lucky for you, in this month’s issue of Cincinnati Parent, we’ve put together a list of just such places in Summer Fun Without the Sun. From indoor play spaces and museums to trampoline parks and go kart tracks, we’ve got 22 ideas to beat the heat next time the temperature gets too hot to enjoy outdoor activities.

Speaking of summer, is there a better way to cool off on a hot day than with a few scoops of your favorite ice cream? Whether you’re a hand-dipped devotee or a soft-serve enthusiast, there’s no shortage of choices in our area. Check out some of our favorite places to visit in our guide to Cincy’s Best Ice Cream on page 14.

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Although the start of the school year isn’t until next month for most students, if you’re considering a different educational environment for your child, you’re probably weighing available options right now. Many parents are unaware of or misinformed about the virtual learning opportunities that are currently available. To learn more on the subject, take a look at our article on Online Academies for a discussion on the common myths often associated with online learning.

As always, we appreciate you picking up this month’s issue. Here’s hoping your July is a great one – with just the right balance between summer heat and air-conditioned bliss!

Sarah McCosham // sarah@cincinnatiparent.com DIGITAL PUBLISHER

Wendy Hasser // wendy@cincinnatiparent.com GRAPHICS ASSISTANT

Maria Tancredi // maria@cincinnatiparent.com Business Manager

Roxanne Burns // roxanne@cincinnatiparent.com INTERN

Meg Wynne // meg@cincinnatiparent.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lauren Lawson, Sarah McCosham, Deb Krupowicz, Kim Dinan, Pete Gilbert and Claire Rogers CALENDAR OF EVENTS

calendar@cincinnatiparent.com Contact Us

9435 Waterstone Blvd., Ste. 140, Cincinnati, OH 45249 P: (513) 444-2015 • F: (513) 444-2099 Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2017 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. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.cincinnatiparent.com.

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IN EVERY ISSUE

spotlight

[community ]

W H AT T O L O O K F O R I N J U LY

2017 Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo Want to get your kids excited about the great outdoors? Head to Winton Woods on July 14th for Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo! Presented by Great Parks of Hamilton County and Green Umbrella, this expo is the largest free outdoor water safety and environmental education event for children in the Midwest. The festival features more than 50 exhibitors and interactive activities, all aimed to encourage kids’ interest in outdoor recreation. Children should come dressed to participate in land and water activities that will let them explore nature. https://greenumbrella.org/kids-expo/

Coney Island Glows Coney Island’s annual LaRosa’s Balloon Glow is a highlight to look forward to every summer. Featuring larger than life luminaries floating dreamily over the park’s Lake Como, this event is sure to impress everyone in your family. At 10 pm, a pyrotechnics performance from Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks provides a perfect grand finale. And keep the kids out past their bedtimes for this special event: Coney’s Classic Rides and Sunlite Pool will each stay open until 11 pm for some post-fireworks fun. Be sure to head to Coney Island on July 3rd for this can’t-miss summer event. http://coneyislandpark.com/event/larosas-balloon-glow/

Oh baby!

Babies may be tiny, but their needs are great! Between car seats and strollers, diapers and baby monitors, there are so many options for so much stuff. What if Cincinnati Parents could visit one event to get the latest scoop on all of it? On July 29th and 30th, head to the Sharonville Convention Center for the Cincinnati Baby Expo to see new products from approximately 200 baby and children’s boutiques, specializing in the best new gear, clothing and accessories.

In addition to new baby products, there will be educational and interactive booths with experts to answer questions on baby wellness, pregnancy and post-partum fitness. Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned pro, the Cincinnati Baby Expo is a must for expecting parents! http://cincinnatibabyandbeyondexpo.com

Jump around!

Looking for a break from the heat? Rockin’ Jump Cincinnati to the rescue! This indoor trampoline park just opened in May and is the perfect solution for a too-hot summer afternoon.

Rockin’ Jump’s facility boasts open jump area trampolines, Xbeam jousting, a Dodge Ball Arena, Basketball Dunk Lanes and a challenging Ninja Obstacle course. In other words, hours of active, screen-free entertainment for your kids. And for parents there’s a “waiting and watching” lounge with WiFi and charging stations, so you can relax while watching your kids wear themselves out for an early bedtime. https://cincinnati.rockinjump.com

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Ohio State Fair The Ohio State Fair is a rite of passage in the Buckeye State. What can you expect at this year’s fair? Sporting competitions, 4-H displays, a fine arts show, hypnotists, magicians, exotic animals, a farm animal delivery room, helicopter rides, roving performers, youth agricultural competitions, horse shows, an eight acre natural resources park with free kiddie fishing and more! The Midway features more than 70 exhilarating rides sure to get your adrenaline going, while Kiddieland is home to rides geared for small children. Don’t forget to take a spin on the fair’s famous Ferris wheel – you’ll get unforgettable countryside views of our gorgeous state. The Ohio State Fair runs from July 26th-Aug 6th.

Spend the 4th of July with the Pops

http://ohiostatefair.com

Patriotic Pops is one of Cincinnati’s most festive Fourth of July celebrations, featuring a soundtrack of patriotic music, a summery outdoor venue and red-coated conductor John Morris Russell. This year, the Patriotic Pops promises to be more fun than ever, as all Pops ticketholders get in free to Coney Island! All day on July 4th, simply show your ticket to ride free on all of Coney’s classic rides (Sunlite Pool excluded). The concert starts at 8 pm at Riverbend’s Corbett Pavilion, and ends, of course, with a spectacular fireworks display.

Get your tickets today! http://cincinnatisymphony.org/concerts-plus-events/ special-concerts-and-events/patriotic-pops/

Calling all builders!

If your kid is into building, designing or creating, be sure to clear your calendar on the morning of July 15th for the Weston Gallery’s final Families Create! workshop of the season. It’s a must for mini makers. During Families Create! “Design It!/Build It” architects and designers from DPMT7 will inspire your kids to envision and build new things. They’ll get to meet the members of this local design group, who will help bring your child’s ideas to life. This workshop is just $5; pre-register now to reserve your spot! www.cincinnatiarts.org/weston-art-gallery/exhibitions/detail/ families-create-design-itbuild-it

Macy’s Kids, Cultures, Critters and Crafts Festival Who says a dollar can’t buy anything? On July 19th, a dollar gets you into the worldrenowned Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens! In addition to the regular activities at the Zoo, festival-goers can expect live music, parades, special animal encounters and tons of kid friendly crafts (in other words… kids, cultures, critters and crafts!) Get a full schedule of events on the Zoo’s website and plan to come early: last year 23,000 people attended this event. (FYI, parking is not included in this promotion, so go green and carpool with a friend.)

Taco-topia!

Is there anything better than tacos? (Even dragons love them!) This summer, celebrate all things taco at Taco Festival Cincinnati. This is a national festival stopping at the most taco-loving cities in the U.S., so clearly, the Queen City loves tacos.

General admission is $12 and gets you entrance into “taco-topia,” where you’ll find some 50 restaurants dishing out $2 tacos, plus live music and a Chihuahua beauty pageant. Taco Festival Cincinnati is a family-friendly fiesta that happens July 8th at Yeatman’s Cove. https://thetacofestival.com/cincinnati/

http://cincinnatizoo.org/events/kids-cultures-critters-and-crafts-festival/

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IN EVERY ISSUE

[ B E C O M E PA R T O F T H E C I N C I N N A T I P A R E N T ]

social network

We’re chatting up a storm over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Come find us for quick laughs throughout the day, parenting tips, must-sees-in-the-city, giveaways and more!

like us at

FACEBOOK.COM/

CINCINNATIPARENT

follow us at

Come along with our CP Insiders as we check out sneak peeks around town and show off other behind-the-scenes fun.

It may be the middle of the summer, but fidget spinners are still on everybody's minds. These little gadgets hit classrooms last spring and caused quite a stir. While some praised their effectiveness with helping students maintain focus in the classroom, others railed against them for doing just the opposite.

Here are a few thoughts on the subject from our Facebook readers.

"Kids don't get enough movement. So many kids struggle with sitting all day. If it helps, then I don't see a problem.

[They're] no more distracting than anything else." - Letha M.

"I love them - great thing for anxious kids!

But like any toy, they stay home or in the backpack until after school!"

- Jennifer H.

"They seem to be designed for adults and older students. They are just too big to spin in little hands. I work with first graders who can't get them to work properly so they end up spinning them like tops on the table and staring at them, which completely defeats the purpose. There are much better fidgets available for younger students. I have a few sets I found for cheap on Amazon available for any student that finds them useful. Of course we also have a few rules in place to help the students use them properly as focus aides, not toys that distract." - ROSIE M.

@cincyparent

THE BEST BERRIES IN TOWN

Blooms and Berries boasts some of the best berries in town, and our readers were very excited to learn they opened their strawberry U-Pick fields a little early this year!

CAROUSEL BUCKET LIST

There are so many awesome things about Cincinnati, but our carousels rank at the very top of the list. Our Carousel Bucket List features all of our faves and a few out-oftown contenders, too!

be on the lookout for this month's online contests!

Star Wars™ AT THE MUSEUM CENTER

Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume opened in May, and we were lucky enough to attend a media preview. Even luckier?

Getting treated to a talk by Anthony Daniels (C3P0), who demonstrated the droid's one-of-a-kind walk.

Win Tickets to Day Out With Thomas at Lebanon Mason Monroe RR, Tickets to Petals & Pedals at Krohn Conservatory, a Gift Card to Jeff Ruby's, and Reds Hall of Fame tickets!

we're

@cincyparent

We have our nose to the grindstone on Twitter, retweeting your favorite local hotspot announcements, parenting trends and more.

Want the scoop on the latest things to do around town?

Check out writer Sarah McCosham’s award-winning blog Where Are We Going Today? To find all the kid-friendly adventures to take advantage of in the Cincinnati area.

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COMMENTARY & PARENTING WORDS BY // PETE GILBERT

A Dad Influence Eight Tips for a Happy Stay-At-Home Dad Life Thinking of becoming a stay-at-home parent? It can be a tricky transition, especially for dads, as they may not have anyone they know to help guide them through the process. With that in mind, here are eight tips I’ve found helpful.

3. Learn to cook. Meals need to be planned in coordination with family activities too. If your kids have karate Tuesdays at six, make something that’s easy to cook and even easier to clean up – think crock pot.

7. Don’t make life harder than it needs to be.

For example, is there a grocery delivery service in your area? Use it. It may cost a little extra, but be worth not packing up the kids for a trip to the store.

1. Wake up before your kids in the morning. You do not want to be one step behind them all day.

And although one perk of the job is wearing sweats, occasionally put on real pants too.

Wearing something that requires a belt will make you feel better about yourself.

4. Do something nice for your wife while she’s at work from time to time. Take her coffee, a special lunch – it doesn’t have to be extravagant, just something to let her know she is appreciated.

8. Find something you like to do that doesn’t involve the kids. I’ve had friends that started woodworking, learned how to invest in the stock market, took online photography courses – it can be anything. Just find something that doesn't have to do with laundry, diapers or doing dishes.

2. Get yourself organized with a family calendar.

Whether it’s digital or old school pen and paper, mapping out activities and important dates is a must. Don’t be that dad who sends his kid to school on picture day in something everyone regrets.

5. Make some friends you can relate to. There are other dads out there who stay home with their kids. They may not be easy to find, but they exist – and will keep you sane.

6. Pick up the house before your wife gets home from work. You don’t want her to think you spend all day in that mess do you?

There you have it. Eight suggestions to make your experience as a stay at home dad just a little easier – good luck!

PHOTO BY LISA HEZLEP

WWW.HEZLEPPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 12

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WOMEN'S HEALTH — BRANDED CONTENT

Natural Beginnings Birth Center Offers Moms a Unique Birthing Experience Natural Beginnings Birth Center is the first comprehensive natural birth center in greater Cincinnati to be located within an acute care hospital. The center is located inside Atrium Medical Center, a full-service hospital in Middletown. Two new natural birthing suites opened in May at Atrium and feature queen sized beds, built in jacuzzi tubs and more space for a family-friendly experience.

The Natural Beginnings Birth Center provides low-risk expecting mothers services to cope with labor without traditional interventions. It’s a unique service because of its holistic program of care. The new center offers a combination of labor-coping services to ease delivery, along with

childbirth education classes before birth, options for ongoing education following delivery, certified nurse midwives on staff trained to care for mothers during pregnancy and childbirth, board-certified obstetricians, and labor and birth taking place in a private, home-like setting.

Skilled staff will assist expecting mothers to use labor coping methods such as movement, positioning and hydrotherapy (water) during labor and birth. Additional services offered at Natural Beginnings include: birthing balls, massage therapy and aromatherapy; doppler monitoring of baby’s heart beat; an environment fostering self-responsibility and family empowerment; family-centered care with non-separation of mother and newborn;

and access to emergency medical care and a Level II Special Care Nursery, should complications arise.

For more information, please visit www.atriummedcenter.org/ NaturalBeginnings. Women interested in Natural Beginnings can enroll in the program by contacting their physician or midwife, or by calling (513) 974-4291.

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cincy's best

ICE CREAM Hot spots for cool treats all over town WORDS BY // SARAH MCCOSHAM

Nothing beats a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer’s day. But if you’re wondering where to get a boring, ole’ scoop of vanilla, you’ve come to the wrong place! Today we’re celebrating the best of the best in Cincinnati with our 2017 Ice Cream Awards. Read on for where to find the dreamiest milkshakes, top sundaes and best chips in Cincy.

Dreamiest Milkshake:

UDF

Locations vary https://www.udfinc.com/ UDF’s hand-dipped milkshakes are the perfect blend of icy and creamy, making them unbelievably refreshing on the hottest summer days. Definitely opt for an extra scoop of malt powder: it’s UDF’s secret to the thickest shakes in town! And with a UDF on virtually every corner of the Queen City, you’re never far from a creamy, dreamy shake.

Top Sundae: Aglamesis Oakley location: 3046 Madison Rd. Montgomery location: 9899 Montgomery Road http://www.aglamesis.com/ This old-fashioned ice cream parlor is oozing with warm, fuzzy nostalgia. Sundaes are served in polished silver bowls, complete with house-made syrups (the strawberry sauce is particularly divine), nuts and fresh whipped cream.

Whippy Dip Winner:

Loveland Dairy Whip 611 W. Loveland Ave, Loveland http://www.theldw.com/ Loveland Dairy Whip is king; its toppings and specialty desserts are the stuff of kids’ dreams!

If you’re into tons of toppings on your soft serve, then you’ll love Loveland Dairy Whip’s offerings: sprinkles, cookies, candy and even chocolate cake batter.

Chip King:

Graeter’s

Locations vary http://www.graeters.com/ If you think chipped ice cream is synonymous with brittle, tasteless bits of chocolate, you’ve

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clearly never had Graeter’s. Famous for its creamy, French Pot-churned ice cream that’s loaded with gooey, melt-in-your-mouth chunks of chocolate, Graeter’s takes “chip” ice cream to an other-worldly level.

Best Ice Cream Cake:

Dairy Queen

Locations vary http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/ Dairy Queen is a Midwest icon – and its ice cream cakes are legendary. These frozen desserts feature layers of rich cake, creamy ice cream and crunchy toppings, and are the perfect way to get your cake and ice cream all in one!

Most Unique Flavors:

Hello Honey

633 Vine Street, Cincinnati http://www.hellohoneyicecream.com/ Brown Butter Caramel, Honey Lavender, Bourbon Almond Brittle… this local ice cream parlor has it all. Add a torched marshmallow to really take things over the top.

Ice Cream Sandwich Superstar:

Scrumbles

9361 Montgomery Rd, Montgomery http://www.scrumblescafe.com/ Do you prefer your ice cream sandwiched between two homemade cookies? (Who wouldn’t?) Then Scrumbles in Montgomery will be your happy place. Order a Gelato Cookie Sandwich with Chocolate Chip Cookies and Chocolate Gelato for a decadent, chocolate lover’s treat.

Richest Gelato: Madisono’s

Gelato

Available at retailers throughout Cincinnati http://www.madisonogelato.com/ Madisono’s creamy, rich gelato tastes diet-bustingly decadent; however, Madisono’s makes its gelato with milk instead of cream, meaning it’s lower in fat than regular ice cream. So dig in! The Double Dark Chocolate is a good place to start.

Favorite Frozen Treat:

StreetPops

3096 Madison Road, Cincinnati (also available at several local farmer’s markets) http://streetpops.com/ StreetPops are a modern take on a classic favorite. Their juicy, small-batch popsicles come in kid-friendly flavors like raspberry lemonade and cookies and cream – and they also offer adult-tasting treats like ginger mint mojito and honey bourbon vanilla!

Best Root Beer Float:

The Root Beer Stand 11566 Reading Rd. Sharonville, Ohio http://www.therootbeerstand.com/ This local institution’s eponymous classic features homemade root beer with two scoops of ice cream.

Kid-Friendly Favorite:

Walker Bros

9425 Montgomery Ave., Montgomery http://www.walkerbrosicecream.com/ Walker Bros specializes in soft serve creations – and kids’ scoops feature adorable, edible eyes!

Classic Creamy Whip:

Zip Dip

4050 Drew Ave., Cincinnati http://zip-dip.com/ Whippy dip is a hot topic in Cincinnati, and we’d be remiss not to include the West Side’s Zip Dip. Known for its neon lights and classic creamy whip, Zip Dip offers more than 50 different rotating flavors including low-cal fro-yo options!

For scientific reasons, we recommend taste testing each and every one of our winners to see if you agree with our selections!

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P regnancy P redicaments How would you handle these stick y situations?

WORDS BY // L auren L awson

If you’re expecting – congratulations! You are about to embark on a journey like none you’ve ever experienced before. And while your greatest joys lie ahead, so do a few challenges. Read on for some expert advice on how to smoothly steer your new family’s ship, while avoiding a few storms along the way!

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This may sound like a silly problem but it’s one that is causing major stress between my husband and me.

The issue? Agreeing on a name for our baby. We have two months until she is born and both of us are locked in to our favorite names. Unfortunately, our choices aren’t even remotely similar. I’m worried that our precious newborn is going to be nameless when she leaves the hospital if we can’t work this out. Any suggestions?

This kind of gridlock occurs when you have a preconceived idea of the name you want. This pits you and your husband against each other in a struggle of wills. To find a better way and get unstuck requires a different attitude. Instead of thinking about what name you want, approach this as process of discovery. Ask yourselves this question: “What is this child’s name?” Start from the assumption that the child already has a name and your job is to work together to discover it.

This mindset will help you to be more open, curious and flexible. Try discovering clues about who this child is by reflecting on your experiences: What does welcoming this child at this particular moment mean to you? Who have been the most influential people in your lives, your relationship and in the welcoming of this child? Are there any relatives whom you would like to commemorate? What qualities do you mutually admire and would want your child to emulate? What is this child like in utero or even at birth?

Considering these questions presents a rich field of possibilities.

Through personal reflection and mutual discussion, look for that name that just seems to “click” for both of you. When that happens, there will be a sense of peace and joy that you have mutually discovered your new child’s name.

Andrew J. Sodergren, Psy.D. Psychologist Ruah Woods Psychological Services

Our baby’s due date is fast approaching and we are being pressed by both my husband’s family and mine about who is going to come and stay with us to help when we arrive home from the hospital. Honestly, I don’t want anyone to come. Both sides of our families are filled with drama, and dealing with all that while I’m trying to care for our newborn makes me exhausted just thinking about it. My husband agrees that managing on our own will be easier and more enjoyable. What can we say to our families to make them understand that if they really want to help, they will give us some space for a little while?

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I think you and/or your husband should speak to each person who wants to stay with you after baby is brought home, thank them for their offer and say that you appreciate everyone wanting to be there for you – because it is a nice gesture. You and your husband could then say that you want a bonding experience with your newborn and will call if/when you need help. You may decide that you want to have short visits – you never know what you will feel like after the birth, so you can see how you feel and make the decision of what is best. It can be really hard for family members to give space, newborns are so wonderful! Eventually, everyone goes back to their day to day life and you both can be in control of who you share your child with.

Erin Robinson, MA, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor Beech Acres Parenting Center Butler Behavioral Health Services

I have wanted to be a mom ever since I can remember. Now that I’m pregnant and expecting our first child, I am ecstatic… and terrified. I have a difficult relationship with my own mother and I’m scared I’m going to repeat her mistakes. I’m trying to be positive and really think about the kind of mother I want to be, but I’m worried that I’m going to mess it up and history will just repeat itself. What can I do to get over this mental hurdle?

Having a baby is exactly what you said – both exciting and at moments terrifying, especially to new moms. It is okay to have worries about being a mom!

All parents feel like they have made mistakes along the way because it is really challenging to parent a child. Every mother is different and you will be a different parent from how your mother is. It seems like you have learned from your mother and have an idea of what you don't want to do. You also have an idea of what kind of mother you want to be. Your child just needs you to put them first, to love him or her and to try and make a healthy attachment. You are doing a great job trying to stay positive! You can read books, observe parents who you think are good parents and talk to trusted people about your concerns. And just keep telling yourself that you want to be a mom, you love this child and you will be your own special type of mommy.

Erin Robinson, MA, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor Beech Acres Parenting Center Butler Behavioral Health Services

Learning to address the more difficult issues that surround the birth of a new baby can be tough. With open and honest communication however, those initial rough seas can become smooth sailing along the way!

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summer fun Beat the heat with these indoor activities!

WORDS BY // CL AIRE ROGERS

With temperatures soaring in the Tri-State, summer is here in full force. By now, many families are looking for some fun of the airconditioned variety. Next time you need a break from the heat, check out this list of our favorite indoor family entertainment destinations.

Pogo Play http://www.gopogoplay.com/ Your little ones will love exploring the massive 7,600 square foot play structure at Pogo Play. They can also take advantage of inflatables, bounce houses, a sports court, Lego mania building area, interactive floor, Imagination Playground, a toddler area and dramatic play space. When everyone’s hungry, visit the café where a variety of healthy meals and beverages are available.

Run, Jump n’ Play www.runjumpnplay.com Run, Jump n’ Play is a popular place for families with children of all ages. This spot is packed full of fun with playsets, inflatables (special times only), a basketball court and café.

Parents of little ones will appreciate the designated toddler area. Stop by for Friday Night Family Nights for a great kick-off to the weekend.

Castle Skateland www.castleskateland.com This castle themed roller-skating rink is the largest in the Cincinnati area. It offers up plenty of family fun (and exercise) year-round, but be sure to stop by this summer on Wednesday evenings for special summer family nights.

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Entertrainment Junction www.entertrainmentjunction.com Entertrainment Junction holds the title of world’s largest indoor model train display. Stop by for “Christmas in July” and enjoy a bit of holiday cheer with a visit from Santa.

Newport Aquarium www.newportaquarium.com This summer, cool off at Newport Aquarium – a refreshing destination to beat the heat. Be sure to check the online stroller schedule for specific peak days when strollers are not permitted.

Totter’s Otterville https://tottersotterville.com Totter’s Otterville is a hidden gem for families with small children. A variety of pretend-play stations encourage hours of creativity. Parents can enjoy relaxing in comfortable seating while watching kids enjoy themselves for hours.

Lazer Kraze www.lazerkraze.com This is a popular spot for families with school-age kids with laser tag, a trampoline park and an arcade to provide hours of family fun.

Recreations Outlet http://recreationsoutlet.com Recreations Outlet offers trampolines, more than a dozen playsets and a mini basketball court. Stop at Lulu’s Café for a snack break or kid-friendly lunch.

Scene75 www.scene75.com/cincinnati/ Scene75 is the ultimate indoor play destination.

Activities include indoor go-karts, black light mini golf and inflatables.

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Fire Museum of Cincinnati

Cheers to Art www.cheerstoart.com

www.cincyfiremuseum.com

Cheers to Art is the perfect spot for creative kiddos. Their special “Kids and Canvas” sessions fill up quickly so be sure to register in advance.

This museum provides a unique fire-safety education experience and a chance for kids to see fire trucks and equipment up close.

Adventure Station Indoor Playground at Sharon Woods

Discovery Center at Liberty Center

http://www.greatparks.org/sharonwoods/adventure-station-indoorplayground

https://www.liberty-center.com/ liberty-center-cub-club Stop by the Discovery Center and let your little ones burn off some energy at this free playland. Modeled after the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, the Discovery Center is not your average mall play area. Check out the toddler area with foam blocks and a flying pig-themed play structure for preschoolers and school-age kids.

Do your kids have a need for speed? Children (ages 8 and up) can race around the track during designated kid-friendly racing heats.

Splash Cincinnati Indoor Waterpark http://www.splashcincinnati.com/

www.skyzone.com/springdale

www.scallywagtag.com

Toddlers through adults will have a blast jumping sky high at Skyzone. This enormous indoor trampoline park includes a special toddler time and areas for younger jumpers.

A west side favorite, kids of all ages will love the pirate-themed black light mini golf. Be sure to enjoy a game of laser tag during your visit too.

The Web Extreme Entertainment

Silver Diva https://thesilverdiva.com/

http://www.funattheweb.com/

The Silver Diva is an open hand stamping jewelry and personalized accessories studio and online store where kids and adults alike can create, design, hand stamp and personalize jewelry or shop a collection of handcrafted pieces.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // July

www.gofullthrottle.com

Skyzone

Scallywag Tag

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Located in the Sharon Wood’s Sharon Centre, the Adventure Station is an exciting place for children ages 2–12 to play.

This two-story indoor playground is connected with a large sycamore tree ladder, three slides and various climbing features.

Full Throttle Indoor Karting

There’s something for everyone at the Web Extreme Entertainment.

Mini golf, mini bowling, go karts and lazer tag will provide hours of fun for your kids.

The Red Balloon Café + Play https://redballooncafe.com Your family can relax, play and enjoy a meal (made from scratch) at The Red Balloon. Kids ages 1-6 will love the water play area, imaginative play toys and the slide.

Duke Energy Children’s Museum www.cincymuseum.org/ childrensmuseum The Children’s Museum is a Cincinnati favorite for family outings. Be sure to visit the indoor play area (modeled after a forest), expansive water play tables, pretend town (perfect for hours of imaginary play) and toddler zone complete with sand tables.

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Splash Cincinnati is located in Sharonville with 55,000 square feet of indoor fun. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the lazy river and watching your little ones race down water slides.

Zip City http://zipcityusa.com/cincinnati/ Looking for something to excite your thrill-seekers this summer?

At Zip City, kids can glide across ziplines, scale rock climbing walls and bounce to their hearts delight. Zip City is proud to be the only indoor zipline park and rockwall facility on earth.

July 2017 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 23

WORDS BY // CL AIRE ROGERS

Birthday Bash!

Ideas for memorable party venues

Kids love celebrating their birthdays! Want to make your child’s big day extra special? Try one of these fun destinations for your next celebration. * Bear Paddle Swim

www.bearpaddle.com/swim-lessons-for-kids/pool-parties/ Mason, Ohio & Florence, KY – (513) 285-8855

Celebrate your child’s birthday with a Bear Paddle Pool Party! Your child and 15 of their friends will enjoy structured pool activities with trained swim teachers and an afternoon of fun.

* Newport Aquarium

www.newportaquarium.com/Groups/Group-Activities/ Aquarium-Birthday-Party One Aquarium Way, Newport, KY – (859) 815-1453

Spend your special day petting exotic animals including sea stars, sharks and stingrays. Explore underwater tunnels and dare to cross the Shark Bridge.

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // July

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* The Art Spark

www.theartspark.com/birthdays/

9430 Main Avenue, Cincinnati – (513) 936-8333

Birthday parties at The Art Spark in Montgomery are a special opportunity for your child to envision and plan a creative party. Whether your child wants to explore a magical forest or go shopping in Paris, The Art Spark is sure to please.

* Rockin’ Jump

https://cincinnati.rockinjump.com/trampoline-park-book-party/ 8350 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati – (513) 373-4260

Kids can jump to their heart’s content at this indoor trampoline park where parents can sit back and have a dedicated rockin’ host or hostess assist with any party needs. Several packages are available depending on how many jumpers participate and any extra options parents would like to add.

* Star Glazers

www.starglazers.com – (513) 474.6364

Star Glazers’ mobile pottery studio brings the party to you – you simply provide a table and chairs. Prices range from $9-$40 per piece (price

includes piece, paint, supplies to use, Star Glazers employee on site for event, glazing, firing and delivery of finished pieces).

* Behind the Scenes Airport Party http://www.cvgairport.com/about/tour

CVG offers free behind-the-scenes tours of the airport and planes, a perfect outing for kiddos who love airplanes and transportation. Tours are scheduled around 10 -11 am to allow groups the option to utilize the nearby Holscher Park/Airport Viewing Area for picnic lunches after the tour.

* Mary Helen Studio https://maryhelenstudio.com/

1981 Madison Road, Cincinnati – (513) 802-5020

Mary Helen Studio offers unique sewing and craft birthday parties. During a 2-hour party, guests can create their very own fashion forward piece.

* Gorman Heritage Farm

http://gormanfarm.org/product/birthday-partiesluncheons-mitzvahs/ 10052 Reading Rd., Evendale – (513) 563-6663

Choose from the pavilion, marquee tent or sunflower room for your party, and then add special options such as a hayride or guided tour of the gardens and farmyard, or even a scavenger hunt.

* Charlie Cadabra

https://charliecadabra.com/about/ – (513) 702-4400 Charlie Cadabra presents a blend of original and amazing magic routines, funny hats, goofy costumes and silly fun – and a live rabbit!

* The Web Extreme Entertainment www.funattheweb.com/group-events/ birthday-parties/

7172 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd., West Chester – (513) 860-2882

Jurassic Park Mini Golf, Hang Ten Mini-Bowling, Laser Web Laser Tag, Inside Track Go Karts…the Web has it all. Just bring a cake and a camera and sit back and capture the excitement!

Plan a birthday as special as your child and make the celebration as unique as they are!

July 2017 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 25

Online Academies Eight common myths about virtual learning

Myth #1: Students never see their teachers.

While it’s true that students at online schools don’t see their teachers as often as students at brick and mortar schools do, students and families have a variety of opportunities throughout the school year to see their teachers. “Students see their teachers on field trips and at state testing throughout the year (state testing is done in person). Students don’t see their teachers all the time but they do see them,” says Maria Hanna, Superintendent of Ohio Connections Academy, an online school that served nearly 5,000 students during the 2016-2017 school year.

Myth #2: Teachers at online schools are not as highly qualified as they are at traditional schools.

WORDS BY // Kim Dinan

There are 23 online public schools serving nearly 65,000 students across the state of Ohio. Online academies are an option for students that want or need to move away from traditional site-based schools. When a family makes the decision to enroll their child in an online school, the student receives a computer and online access to the school as well as grade-level instruction from a licensed Ohio teacher. Though students that graduate from online schools receive a diploma just like students at brick and mortar schools, a stigma is sometimes attached to online schools and the students who attend them. We reached out to online school providers in Ohio to bust some common myths and misunderstandings about virtual schools.

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // July

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Parents may worry that teachers at online schools do not have the same qualifications as in traditional schools, but that’s just not correct says Amanda Conley, Head of School at Insight School of Ohio. “Our teachers are highly qualified Ohio licensed teachers.” Hanna seconds that, saying,“The teachers have to be highly qualified here just like anywhere else. Over half of our teachers have a master’s degrees.”

Myth #3: Students never engage with other students.

Though much of the interaction is online, kids often have ample opportunity to connect with other students.

“Students engage with each other daily at Insight School of Ohio,” says Conley. “Students collaborate through the online learning system and present and participate in discussions during live online sessions facilitated by the teacher.” According to a blog written by students of Ohio Connections Academy, in-person engagements such as graduation, the National Honor Society ceremony and field trips take place in Columbus because

it is centrally located for most students that attend throughout the state.

Myth #4: Online school isn’t as rigorous as traditional schooling.

Online schools offer a variety of courses that can be as challenging as in brick and mortar schools, including Advanced Placement classes. “Students take all of the same tests at our school as they would anywhere else,” says Hanna. “If they’re going to college they have to take the SAT and ACT. We offer advance placement (AP) classes and they take the AP exam after doing the AP course. We have basically all the same requirements and standards.”

Myth #8: Colleges don’t like degrees from online schools.

Parents may worry that a degree from an online school won’t carry the weight of a traditional brick and mortar diploma.

“Colleges look at students' individual achievements and grades as well as scores on the ACT and SAT,” says Hanna. “They don’t seem to be interested at all on whether they came through an e-school or not. Many of our students do go to college and our senior classes have earned more than 3 million in scholarships in the past few years.”

Statewide E-Schools in Ohio Ohio Connections Academy Quaker Digital Academy Greater Ohio Virtual School Buckeye Online School for Success Insight School of Ohio Provost Academy of Ohio Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow Ohio Virtual Academy

Myth #5: Online students spend all day in front of a computer.

While students do spend time in front of the computer, administrators make sure that time spent online is developmentally appropriate. “Our K and 1st graders have books and workbooks and they aren’t online all day,” says Hanna. Conley adds that their curriculum “allows opportunities to use visual, kinesthetic and auditory learning to help students who have different learning styles.”

Could an online academy be right for your student? Think about the pros and cons of virtual learning for your child, research available options and talk with families who are currently enrolled in an online school. If a traditional educational setting isn’t working for your student, an online option could be the environment where your child thrives.

Treca Digital Academy Alternative Education Academy Virtual Community School of Ohio Akron Digital Academy

Myth #6: Online school is really just meant for students that have fallen behind academically.

“We understand that online education isn’t for everyone but kids come here for a lot of different reasons,” says Hanna. “Some students have special needs and their parents have decided that the environment at home works better for that child. There are families that have their students come here because they want to have their own values strengthened instead of being at a school with other values. We have kids who take a break from brick and mortar schools because they’ve been bullied or had negative interactions and they may return in a few years.

This is really about personalized learning and what is best for the child.”

Myth #7: Online schools are expensive.

In Ohio, all statewide e-schools (see sidebar) and district-sponsored e-schools are absolutely free.

July 2017 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 27

COMMENTARY & PARENTING WORDS BY // DEB KRUPOWICZ

Ask the Teacher Improving reading fluency, tackling anxiety, shy students

Q:

At the end of the year, my son’s first grade teacher wrote a note on his report card suggesting that he work on fluency over the summer. What does this mean and how do we help him with this?

A:

“Fluency” refers to a child’s ability to read smoothly. This skill is critical to your son’s understanding of the text he is reading. When a new reader stops and starts, jerking through a sentence, whether he is reading aloud or silently, the connection is disrupted and comprehension suffers.

Spending ten to fifteen minutes each day working on fluency will help your child develop this ability. Select reading material at your child’s level, being careful not to pick something that will require a great deal of decoding. To engage your son, pick a topic he will enjoy reading about.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // July

As you finish a couple of paragraphs, have your son summarize in his own words what he has read. Prompt him with questions that require some explanation to let you know if your efforts are achieving the desired result.

Q:

Our seventhgrade daughter gets nervous about things that just don’t seem to matter that much.

Sometimes it even affects her sleep. We have tried having her talk through what is upsetting her, but it doesn’t seem to help.

How can we get her to be less bothered by the small stuff?

A:

It is perfectly normal for children to feel anxious from time to time.

Learning how to cope with new situations or handle new challenges often involves a least a little anxiety and takes some experience to handle confidently.

An important aspect of this practice time should be your modeling of appropriate expression and phrasing.

You may even want to practice this a bit out of his hearing. After you read a sentence to your son a few times, have him read the sentence with you, keeping pace with you, copying your expression and intonation. Then have him read the sentence on his own.

When you have taken a few turns reading first, then have your child read a part of the passage first.

Gradually move to slightly more

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challenging selections. Little by little, read for longer periods of time.

When anxiety goes beyond feeling a little uncomfortable and begins impacting a child’s rest significantly, it may be time to seek professional support. Start by talking to your pediatrician and explaining the specific things that are making your daughter anxious, how frequently this occurs, the signs of anxiety you see in

2017

her, etc. Your pediatrician may refer you to a therapist, counselor or psychologist. These professionals can help your daughter develop strategies for handling her anxiety before it becomes overwhelming. She will learn to predict when she is likely to become anxious and have a plan to deal with these emotions in a more effective way.

Anxiety can be very troublesome – don’t hesitate to seek professional intervention to help your daughter get a handle on this issue before it becomes a larger problem than it needs to be.

Q:

I am afraid my daughter’s summer is going to be very lonely. She has a tough time making friends and is too shy to invite anyone over.

How can I keep her from spending the entire summer by herself?

A:

Start by encouraging your daughter to spend time with other children through summer classes and programs in a structured environment to ease her discomfort with making friends. Public libraries are a great source of childappropriate and interesting opportunities that go beyond reading challenges. They often offer activity times that include games or crafts in an interactive but very casual environment. Nature centers and

parks also provide science education, hiking clubs, etc. for kids that allow them to spend time with others their age.

Your daughter may balk at the idea of signing up for anything. Use your best judgment based on her personal preferences to select just a few activities that you believe would appeal to her. Only tell her about one thing at a time and not too far in advance to keep from overwhelming her.

Spending time with other children in these types of activities may not result in your daughter finding a best friend this summer, but it will expose her to lots of children in a variety of settings that give her more opportunities to gain the skills she may need to feel more comfortable in social situations.

Ask the Teacher is written

by Deb Krupowicz, a mother of four who holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Deb has over twenty years of experience teaching preschool, elementary and middle school students. Please send your questions to her at asktheteacher@ CINCINNATIPARENT.com.

EDUCATION RESOURCES [sponsored listings]

PRESCHOOL &

EDUCATION GUIDE CHILDCaRE & PRESCHOOL

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 45249, www. theCampusKF.com, Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, 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, www.ChaiTots.com, Ages/Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60

CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CHCA is a vibrant, multidenominational, college preparatory school serving students Age 2- grade 12.

We’re investing $9MM to deliver new levels of student engagement through expanded facilities including an expanded Early Childhood Learning Center, Innovation Labs, a Greenhouse, and Engineering and Applied Science Labs. CHCA is leading the way to higher levels of cognitive, relational, and spiritual engagement for each student.

11525 Snider Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Natalie Pfister, Enrollment Director, Phone: (513)2470900, Email: admissions@chca-oh.org, www.chca-oh. org, Ages 2 - Grade 12, Enrollment: 1350

THE COMPASS SCHOOL Ages 6 weeks-6 years plus after school & summer camp up to age 12. Offering outstanding ReggioInspired full and part-time Infant, Toddler, Two’s, and Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, After School, and Summer Camp for school-age children.

Degreed teachers, extensive parent communication, and welcoming family environment. Setting the standard in early care and education. NAEYC Accredited. Call today for your personal tour.

9370 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Meghan Schymanski, Phone: 513-683-8833, Fax: 513-683-8456, Email: compass.meghan@gmail. com, www.TheCompassSchool.com

Creative Tots, Mason Creative Tots has specialized in the private education of Toddler, Preschool and Pre-K children for 20+ years. Our holistic approach allows children the opportunity to learn, explore, play and grow while engaging in the fine arts and Montessori activities.

Our modernized curriculum is rich in opportunities to use creativity, solve problems, use language, develop new vocabulary and reading skills, while engaging in intellectual activities. Enrichment Programs: Spanish, Music, Art, Yoga and Science.

6408 Thornberry Ct.,, Mason, oh 45040, Contact: Emilie Parry, Phone: 513-770-6776, Email: creativetotsmason@gmail.com, www.creativetotsmason. com, Grades: Toddler: 18 months-3 years, Preschool: 3-4 years; Pre-K: 4-5 years

St. John's Westminster Learning Center Since 1962, St. John's Westminster Learning Center has served west- side families providing educational opportunities through our full time childcare, part time preschool and summer camp. We are located in a safe, park- like setting with plenty of room to play in the nature surrounding us. Call for more details.

1085 Neeb Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45233, Phone: 513-922-2703, Email: Candace Lemke, Candace@sjwlc. net, sjwlc.org, Ages/Grades: Birth - 5years and school age summer camp

YMCA of Greater Cincinnati The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati offers state licensed before and after school care at over 85 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

1105 Elm Street, Cincinnnati, OH 45202, Contact: Trish Kitchell, VP Youth Development, Phone: 513-362YMCA, Fax: 513-651-3540, Email: tkitchell@MyY.org,

www.MyY.org, Grades: Ages 3-12, Enrollment: Stop by any YMCA of Greater Cincinnati location or check with your local school district.

MONTESSORI

Children’s Meeting House Montessori School Children's Meeting House Montessori School has been proudly educating students from preschool through 6th grade using the principles of the Montessori philosophy since 1972. CMH offers a variety of preschool, enrichment and before/after school options to meet each family’s needs. Partner with our devoted staff of experienced and Montessori trained teachers throughout your child’s most developmental years. CMH – where learning happens, naturally. Find out more or schedule a tour on our website.

927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Casey Reed, Director, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: reed@cmhschool.com, www.cmhschool.com, Grades: Preschool through Sixth grade, Enrollment: 150

Country Hills Montessori Providing programs for 3 to K. Small, individualized classes with low student-teacher ratios, under the guidance of Montessori certified teachers, in an inter-generational environment. Multiple Locations in Eastgate, Oakley, Harrison and West Chester Ohio and in Ft. Thomas KY. Visit chmschools.com for all location addresses & phones.

Contact: Susan Schreiber, Owner, Email: susan@ chmschools.com, www.chmschools.com/, Grades: 3 - K

Little Sprouts Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Little Sprouts Montessori nurtures the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of children, helping them develop a lifetime love of learning. Our goal is to empower children to discover and hone their strengths as they explore the world. We recognize the importance of individualized education, and maintain a 1:6 ratio.

7131 Plainfield Road, Deer Park, OH 45236, Contact: Christie Sawyer, Phone: 513-697-9021, Email: csawyer@ leavesoflearning.org, www.little-sprouts.org, Grades: Preschool & Kindergarten, Enrollment: Families choose mornings two to four days per week (T/TH and/or W/F), and/or afternoon sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.

July 2017 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 29

The New School Montessori 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 and part-time AMS and ISACS accredited programs with healthy lunches included in tuition.

3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: (513)281-7999, Email: ceara.c@newschoolmontessori.com, www. newschoolmontessori.com, Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6, Enrollment: 125

PUBLIC

Cincinnati Public SChools Our goal is to provide a rigorous curiculum that cultivates critical thinking and technology skills while encouraging collaboration, real-world connections and endless creativity. It’s not just about getting your children ready for graduation. It’s about getting them into college and preparing them for a thriving career!

Phone: 513-363-0123, cps-k12.org

SPECIaL NEEDS

BRAIN BALANCE OF CINCINNATI NON–PUBLIC

THE SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Founded in 1890, The Summit serves students from age 2 to Grade 12. A Montessori Program for ages 2-6 begins 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, www.summitcds.org

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2017

Brain Balance Achievement Centers offer a cutting-edge, drug-free approach to help children improve their ability to learn academically, socially and emotionally. We don’t just work with your child’s strengths or compensate for a weakness. We tackle your child’s issue head on, by addressing the root cause at the most fundamental level.

12084 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, Phone: (513) 257-0705, https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/ locations/brain-balance-center-of-cincinnati/

Springer School and Center For more than 45 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 Changes Everything.

2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Carmen Mendoza, Admissions Director, Phone: 513 871-6080 ext. 211, Fax: 513 871-6428, Email: cmendoza@springer-LD.org, www.springer-LD.org, Grades: 1 through 8, Enrollment: 200

VIRTUAL

Virtual Community School of Ohio Free tuition, free laptop AND Internet. We provide 100% flexibility: Our courses are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Plus Virtual Community School of Ohio has a College Credit Plus (PSEO) partnership with Ohio Christian University.

Phone: 866-501-9473, Email: information@vcslearn. org, vcslearn.org

BE PART OF OUR MONTHLY EDUCATION GUIDE CONTACT KATIE@cincinnatiparent.com

RED, WHITE AND BLUE ASH - TUES 04

calendar

ICE CREAM 5K

SAT 08

J U LY 2 0 1 7 SAT 01

SUN 02

Free Park Entry

Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs

residents.

Time: All day, Location: All Great Parks locations, http:// www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

Time: 1:10 p.m., Location: Great American Ball Park, http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id =cin#y=2017&m=7&calendar=DEFAULT, Phone: 513-381-7337

Turtle Creek Valley Flyer

Hyde Park Farmers Market

As a special thank you for their continued support of Great Parks, Hamilton County residents can enjoy free entry into any Great Park on the first day of June, July and August without the need for a Motor Vehicle Permit. FREE for all Hamilton County

KIDS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EXPO

Sundays are family days at the ballpark! Enjoy a special ticket offer, live mascot races, face painters and more. As part of Family Day, all kids 12 and under get a free Zack Cozart Fathead® Wall Decal.

FRI 14

Experience a historic train ride on the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad. You will travel through the country side of Warren County in Southwestern Ohio. During your ride, you can listen to our informative passenger conductors describe railroad history and operations.

Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Location: LM&M Railroad, http://lebanonrr.com/onehour.html, Phone: 513-9338022

MACY'S KIDS, CULTURES, CRITTERS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL

WEDS 19

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Features over 30 vendors each week at Hyde Park Square! *Ongoing

Time: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Location: Hyde Park Square, http://www.hydeparkfarmersmarket.com

MON 03 LaRosa’s Balloon Glow *CP PICK

The Annual LaRosa's Balloon Glow is a spectacular way to celebrate the 4th of July with your family.

Kids will be delighted as hot air balloons of every color become glowing, larger-than-life luminaries above Coney Island’s Lake Como. And the grand finale - a firework display form Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks – is

quite possibly the best fireworks show in town! Keep the kids out past their bedtimes for this special event: Coney’s Classic Rides and Sunlite Pool will each stay open late for some post-fireworks fun! Be sure to head to Coney Island on July 3rd for this can’t-miss summer event.

Time: 7 pm., Location: Coney Island, http:// coneyislandpark.com/event/larosas-balloon-glow/, Phone: 513-232-8230

Red, Rhythm and Boom

This is a free, family-friendly festival featuring a carnival and kid zone activities such as a zip line, extreme air trampolines, interactive inflatables, a climbing wall, bounce houses, strolling entertainment and more! Phillip Phillips and Ben Rector are the featured artists for this year’s event. Stage entertainment will kick off at 6 p.m. with a skydiving exhibit presented by Start Skydiving and continue throughout the night until a fireworks display presented by Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks at 10 p.m.

FREE. Time: 4-10 p.m., Location: Mason Municipal Campus, http://www.imaginemason.org/things-to-do/RRB17.cfm

Patriotic Pops *CP PICK

Celebrate the Fourth of July with this patriotic program, including America the Beautiful, The Star-Spangled Banner and a salute to each branch of the military. Pops fans 17 and under sit FREE on the lawn, courtesy of Toyota. Fireworks display after the show. Tickets are just $5 for active military members (limit one per member). Bonus: all ticketholders for Patriotic Pops get free classic rides at Coney Island ALL DAY on July 4th. Just show your Pops ticket at the Coney ticket booth.

Time: 8 p.m., Location: Riverbend/Corbett Pavilion, http://cincinnatisymphony.org/concerts-plus-events/ special-concerts-and-events/patriotic-pops/

TUES 04 − SUN 09 Fairy Fest

It’s that special time of year again, when magical visitors fly in from all over. You’re invited to celebrate the mythology of these wee folk with us during this all-week fairy fest. Program included in Highfield admission: $5/person.

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden, http://www. greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

TUES 04 City of Montgomery July 4 Parade and Festival This local parade starts at 10 a.m. along Cooper Rd and continues through Downtown Montgomery.

Afterwards, the Independence Day Festival in Montgomery Park happens from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features kids’ games, pony rides, a variety of food and drinks and live music. The local little league All-Star game takes place at noon on the ball field as another bit of Americana at this community festival. FREE.

Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Location: Downtown Montgomery, https://www.montgomeryohio.org/pages/montgomeryevents/

Kids’ Mystery Fish Challenge

Catch the mystery fish! Prizes are awarded in three age groups to each kid who weighs in a fish closest to the mystery weight. Every kid who catches a fish will receive a trophy. Any species can be weighed, and live bait is permitted. For children ages 15 and under, accompanied by an adult. FREE. Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Location: Lake Isabella/Boathouse, http://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-5217275

The annual Independence Day celebration will feature entertainment from The Steel Woods at 5:30 p.m., followed by headliner REO Speedwagon at 8 p.m. The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks display at 10 p.m., presented by Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics.

FREE. Time: 4-10:30 p.m., Location: Summit Park, http:// blueashevents.com/events_calendar/red_white_and_ blue_ash/index.php

Spend an evening in the great outdoors with the Cincinnati Pops, featuring John Morris Russell, Conductor. Presented by Great Parks Foundation.

FREE. Time: 8:15 p.m., Location: Woodland Mound/Weston Amphitheater, http://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

FRI 07 − SUN 09 The Cat in the Hat *CP PICK

Don’t miss the final weekend of this Seuss-irific show!

From the moment the Cat appears at their door, Sally and her brother’s afternoon instantly goes from boring to bright – and the same will be said for anyone who attends this Children’s Theatre summertime show.

Tickets are just $20 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster or by calling 800-745-3000.

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: Showtime Stage on Red Bank Road, https://www. thechildrenstheatre.com/mainstage/dr.-seusss-the-catin-the-hat

St. Thomas More JulyFest

WEDS 05 Bowls

Bring your young artist to Brazee and create glass art together! Students will learn about and experiment with a range of Bullseye accessory glass to design and create their own 5.5" bowl. Age 5+; no experience necessary.

Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Location: Brazee Street Studios, https://www.brazeestreetstudios.com/products/bowls, Phone: 513-321-0206

Little Tykes

We will be going back in time to visit the world of ice age animals. Give your youngster a thrill learning about mammoths, saber tooth cats and more as you immerse yourself in this chilly ancient world. For ages 3-6. FREE. Time: 11 a.m., Location: Winton Woods/Winton Centre, http://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-5217275

THURS 06 OneMain Financial Red, White and Blue Ash

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, a Community Concert *CP PICK

Burnet Bash – The Fab Five: Music of the Beatles

The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra once again partners with Cincinnati Parks to present the Summer Concert Series at the bandstand on Burnet Woods Drive. Another great venue for a picnic dinner! Be sure to stop by the Naturalist activity table. Visit www.cincinnatiparks.com or Cincinnati Parks Facebook page for performers’ schedule and weather updates. FREE. Time: 6-9 p.m., Location: Burnet Woods, http://www. cincinnatiparks.com/event/burnet-bash-2/?instance_ id=17396

St. Thomas More's annual festival features food, drink, games and entertainment.

Time: Check website for festival schedule, Location: St. Thomas More, https://www.facebook.com/JulyFest

FRI 07 African Penguins with the Newport Aquarium

Do you want a penguin to waddle around you? Learn everything about penguins? Join us as we see live penguins and learn about them from the Newport Aquarium and Wave Foundation! FREE. Time: 3 p.m., Location: Symmes Township Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/ Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6001

Creature Feature

Join the naturalist at the wet playground today to see a few live animals before the little ones play. FREE. Time: 11 a.m., Location: Woodland Mound/Parky’s Wetland Adventure, http://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

SAT 08 Ice Cream 5K

This family friendly 5K, along Cincinnati’s riverfront parks, features ice cream on the course and after-party. It’ll also feature a kids 1 mile run and a baby/toddler crawl/walk. Proceeds benefit the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Location: Sawyer Point Park, http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/event/ice-cream5k/?instance_id=16989

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Taco Festival Cincinnati

Time: Shotgun start at 5 p.m., Location: Woodland Mound/The Vineyard Golf Course, http://www. greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

Time: 4-10 p.m., Location: Sawyer Point/Yeatman’s Cove, https://thetacofestival.com/cincinnati/

MON 10

A General Admission ticket provides access to taco-topia! Inside the event, you’ll find about 50 restaurants dishing out $2 tacos and bars and beverage stations serving margaritas, beer, water and soda.

SAT 08 − SUN 09 Fairy Festivities & Trading Post

Fairies will be setting up a booth inside Highfield Discovery Garden to trade natural materials for treasures. Bring in a selection of special rocks, seeds, buttons and ribbon to barter for something new.

Program included in Highfield admission: $5/person.

Time: 12-4 p.m. both days, Location: Glenwood Gardens/ Highfield Discovery Garden, http://www.greatparks.org/ calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

CAC Art Lab: Rainbow Rocks

Join the Contemporary Arts Center for a colorful workshop that focuses on the Swiss artist, Ugo Rondinone. The artist is known for his day-glow stacked rock sculptures, often called cairns. Cairns were built as landmarks in ancient times, but Ugo’s neon paint give these rocks a modern twist. Stop by the library to paint and build some brightly colored sculptures of your own. FREE. Time: 2-3 p.m., Location: Walnut Hills Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, 513-369-6053

FREE Movies for Kids: The Wizard of Oz

SUN 09 Life Under a Log

Bring your bug boxes and search for hidden life living under our feet. We’ll roll logs and use special tools to investigate the tiny residents that call the Schott Nature PlayScape home. Drop in anytime between 2-4 p.m. Great for all ages. No preregistration required. Free; nonmembers pay daily admission.

Time: 2-4 p.m., Location: Cincinnati Nature Center PlayScape, http://www.cincynature.org/events-andprograms/nature-playscape-events-and-programs/ happenings-4/, Phone: 513-831-1711

This summer, enjoy Free Movies for Kids on Mondays and Wednesdays at Kenwood Theatre, Esquire Theatre, Mariemont Theatre and Eastgate Brew & View. All movies carry a rating of “PG” or under.

FREE. Time: 10:30 a.m., Location(s): Kenwood Theatre, Esquire Theatre, Mariemont Theatre and Eastgate Brew & View, http://www.esquiretheatre.com/page/8440/FreeMovies-For-Kids

TUES 11 Glass Garden

Parent/Child Golf Tournament

This 9-hole tournament features scramble, best ball and select drive alternate shot formats for 2-person teams comprised of parent and child ages 10-17.

Registration includes greens fee, cart, contests and prizes. $50/team; register by July 5th.

Bring your child's imagination to life in glass, as they draw, design, then create their own standing glass panel inspired by Spring! Create colorful flowers, buzzing bugs, blue skies and sunshine in this creative glass workshop. There are no limits to what your child can create! Finished projects will be free-standing glass panels. Ages 6 and up; no experience necessary.

Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Location: Brazee Street Studios, https://www.brazeestreetstudios.com/products/ glass-garden-standing-panel, Phone: 513-321-0206

ManaTotZZZ

Join Miss Sarah at the Oakley Sleepy Bee for Blue Manatee tradition of great books, easy laughs, and sweet songs. Most appropriate for ages under 4.

FREE. *Ongoing Time: 10-10:30 a.m., Location: Sleepy Bee Café in Oakley, http://www.bluemanateebooks.com/home/ activatees.html, Phone: 513-731-2665

WEDS 12 − FRI 14 Roy Lichtenstein Pop Art

Create in the iconic style of Roy Lichtenstein!

Inspired himself by comic book art, Lichtenstein headed an entire movement of artists exploring pop culture as the core subject of their work. Students in this three-day workshop will learn about pop art and culture, color, cartoon imagery, and benday dots to create a self-portrait influenced by the artist’s work.

Make yourself portrait POP! Ages 10+.

Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. each day, Location: Brazee Street Studios, https://www.brazeestreetstudios.com/products/ roy-lichtenstein-pop-art-portait, Phone: 513-321-0206

WEDS 12 Spin Science

What do you call a twisting force? A torque! Kids learn they already know the big ideas behind the phenomena of spinning using toys as well as their own bodies! Presented by Crystal Clear Science. This program is included with paid admission and free for members.

Time: 12-1 p.m., Location: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, http://pyramidhill.org/kids-summer-series/, Phone: 513-868-1234

THURS 13 Barnyard Bonanza: Pony Parade

Our pony is a mess. Can you help groom her and shine her saddle, too? She will be so pretty! Optional package includes a wagon ride and time to play in Parky’s Playbarn. Program only: $2/person; package: $6/child and $4/adult. Register by July 11th.

Time: 9 a.m., Location: Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm, http://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-5217275

SMALE FAMILY FUN

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Smale Family Fun

Enjoy a full day of fun at Smale Riverfront Park with entertainment for all ages, including a concert by Grammy nominee Zak Morgan! Bring a picnic and make it a family day at the park. Be sure to visit Parks Naturalist booth. For event details, visit the park calendar at www.cincinnatiparks.com or https://www. facebook.com/CincyParks/. FREE. Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Location: Smale Riverfront Park, http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/event/smale-kids-day3/?instance_id=17594

FRI 14 Bright Star Theatre: Aesop’s Fables

These 2,600 year-old gems have never been this entertaining! From “The Fox and the Grapes” and “The Tortoise and the Hare” to “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and “The Lion and the Mouse,” these animal-filled adventures focus on honesty, compassion, hard work and kindness. Presented by Bright Star Touring Theatre. All ages welcome.

Sponsored by the Library Foundation and the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. FREE. Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Location: Norwood Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/ Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6037

Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo *CP PICK

Head to Winton Harbor for the largest free outdoor environmental education event for children in the Midwest! This unique opportunity will encourage kids’ interest in the great outdoors and recreational activities. Come out and discover more than 50 exhibitors and interactive activities. Presented by Great Parks and Green Umbrella. FREE. Time: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Location: Winton Woods/ Harbor, http://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

SAT 15 − SUN 16 Carol Ann Carousel’s Nostalgic Weekend

Bring your family and travel back in time to the glory days when Carousels were the favorite past time.

Family activities will include board games, crafts and music.

Time: 11 a,m.-7 p.m. each day, Location: Carol Ann’s Carousel, http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/event/ carousel-nostalgic-weekend/?instance_id=16611

SAT 15 Crazy Cardboard Boat Regatta

BOATS! BOATS! BOATS! Cardboard boats, that is.

The MetroParks of Butler County presents the 8th Annual Crazy Cardboard Regatta on Saturday, July 15th at the Voice of America Park in West Chester.

Do you think you’ve got what it takes? Then sign your team up to build your own cardboard boat and join the amazing race around the lake! Sea legs aren’t quite ready; you say? No problem! Vendors, entertainment, activities and more await you upon shore. So, come on out for some summer family fun, and don’t forget to keep calm and boat on!

Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Location: Voice of America MetroPark, http://reservations.yourmetroparks.net/ programs/1319/

Families Create! “Design It/ Build It” *CP PICK

Architects and designers from DPMT7 envision and build new things. Meet the members and bring your artful ideas to life. All workshops are $5 per child and conducted at the Weston Art Gallery in the Aronoff Center for the Arts. Pre-registration is required.

Time: 10 a.m., Location: Weston Art Gallery, http://www. cincinnatiarts.org/weston-art-gallery/exhibitions/detail/ families-create-design-itbuild-it, Phone: 513-621-2787

Nighttime Garden Party

Join us for this special evening celebration as we participate in various nighttime activities throughout Highfield Discovery Garden. We will also be joined by the Cincinnati Astronomical Society geared with telescopes and binoculars for some star gazing fun! $5/child; register by July 13th.

Time: 8-9:30 p.m., Location: Glenwood Gardens/ Highfield Discovery Garden, http://www.greatparks.org/ calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

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City Flea

The City Flea is Cincinnati's original curated, urban flea market and takes place once a month at Washington Park. The City Flea has specialized vendors and food trucks -- something for all family members!

Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Location: Washington Park, http:// www.thecityflea.com

Super Why Limited

Take a train ride with Whyatt from Super Why! Whyatt will visit passengers on board the train. A story teller will be on board reading a book featuring Whyatt and other Super Why characters.

Pet Academy

During our Pet Academy program (previously called FutureVet), bring your young animal lovers to the Duke Energy Children's Museum to meet local therapy dogs and receive a stethoscope to try on your pets at home!

Time: 11 a.m., Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, https://www.cincymuseum.org/programs/pet-academy, Phone: 513-287-7000

MON 17 Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: LM&M Railroad, http://lebanonrr.com/superwhy.html, Phone: 513-933-8022

Take advantage of the Paycor Business Day Special: for $20, fans can purchase a View Level ticket and receive $10 in concession credits. Drop your business card in the container at a Fan Accommodation Station and you could win tickets to the next Business Day Game!

SUN 16

Time: 12:35 p.m., Location: Great American Ball Park, http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id =cin#y=2017&m=7&calendar=DEFAULT, Phone: 513-381-7337

Butterfly Sundae

It’s a midsummer celebration of butterflies! Children can complete a butterfly craft or scavenger hunt. This summer outdoor festival will also feature tastes of a teeny, tiny, old-fashioned ice cream sundae, lemonade, iced tea and grilled corn. Nature’s Niche gift shop will offer 10% off all butterfly merchandise.

FREE. Time: 1-4 p.m., Location: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve/Ellenwood Nature Barn, http://www. greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

Chill Out Funday *CP PICK

Spend this Funday relaxing with art! Tour the museum to find peaceful landscapes, complete some art puzzles at the Art Cart, and make a craft to take home. Learn how reptiles and amphibians manage their temperature during a presentation by Cool Critters at 2 p.m. Chill out even more with yoga in the garden from 3-4 p.m. No reservations required.

FREE. Time: 1-4 p.m., Location: Taft Museum of Art, http:// www.taftmuseum.org/events/fundays, Phone: 513-241-0343

TUES 18 Loveland Farmers’ Market

The market promotes buying locally, healthy eating, education for adults and children, and features weekly entertainment for all and activities for kids in the Kids’ Patch. The market runs weekly from 3-7 p.m. on Tuesdays from May through October. *Ongoing

WEDS 19 Macy’s Kids, Cultures, Critters and Crafts Festival *CP PICK

Learning Through Art, Inc. invites you to our 12th annual Macy's Kids, Cultures, Critters, & Crafts Festival! This event is perfect for kids of all agesAdmission to the zoo is $1.00 and includes free activities for the whole family to enjoy. Highlights of this event include: live music, dance performances, face painting, take home crafts, and hands-on STEAM activities from the Cincinnati Museum Center. New this year is our International Village, were families can take an interactive trip around the globe, completing activities at each country in order to fill their passport and receive a prize. Come join us and celebrate the mosaic beauty of our neighborhood- we hope to see you there! Parking not included in the $1 admission.

Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Location: Cincinnati Zoo, www. learningthroughart.com, Phone: (513) 242-6028 ext. 1

Summer Cinema at Washington Park

Summer Cinema features a free movie screening every Wednesday at the Park! Dust off those lawn chairs, grab a picnic basket, and join us for a fun, relaxing evening over on our civic lawn. On July 19th, catch a screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!

Time: 9 p.m., Location: Washington Park, http:// washingtonpark.org/event/summer-cinema/2017-0705/?event

Time: 3-7 p.m., Location: 205 Broadway Street in Loveland, http://www.lovelandfm.com

THURS 20 Teen Stop-Animation Shorts

Teens learn the key principles of stop-motion animation and create your own videos using iPads and movie making software! Participants will work in groups to plan, shoot and edit their animated works.

All supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own movie stars (aka LEGO people, action figures or other toy figures). FREE. Time: 2-4 p.m., Location: Deer Park Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-4450

ABCs: Arches, Bridges and Construction

Work in teams to build arches, a suspension bridge and a truss bridge you can actually crawl across. Learn what makes bridges work and explore the concepts of live load, dead load and environmental stress.

Presented by the Cincinnati Museum Center. FREE.

Time: 2-3 p.m., Location: Mt. Healthy Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-4469

FRI 21 Arty Afternoon

Be inspired by Van Gogh. Join us for Arty Afternoon!

You will find us in a shady spot with some relaxing music creating our masterpieces - juice box style.

Perfect for ages 2 and up. No preregistration required. Free; nonmembers pay daily admission.

Time: 1-3 p.m., Location: Cincinnati Nature Center PlayScape, http://www.cincynature.org/events-andprograms/nature-playscape-events-and-programs/ happenings-4/, Phone: 513-831-1711

ARTY AFTERNOON

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Frisch Marionettes

The famous Frisch Marionettes will be giving a live performance at your library! Come join us for an exciting show of song, dance and story. Fun for the whole family! FREE. Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m., Location: College Hill Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/ Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6036

SAT 22 Summer Dinner Series: Historic Hauntings

Examine the history of ghost stories and hauntings in our area with the Cincinnati Museum Center. Hear how not only houses and public places, but also bridges and railroad tracks, are affected by the supernatural.

Learn what haunted places still exist today and where they are located. Includes a Zinzinnati German buffet.

Cost is $35/person plus tax, and advanced registration is required.

Time: 6:30 p.m., Location: Winton Woods/Mill Race Banquet Center, http://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

Family Open Mic Campfire and Cooking

We’ll begin the evening with a demonstration of primitive fire-starting and a fire-related natural history story, then welcome your family’s songs, skits, stories and poetry (anything family-appropriate and under 10 minutes is welcome). We'll provide the crackling fire and ambience; you bring the food and entertainment.

Arrive promptly to add your name to the schedule of campfire entertainment. We’ll provide marshmallows and skewers. Feel free to bring your own food to cook on the fire. Meet at the Fernwood Shelter fire pit.

Preregistration required. Members $3; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).

Time: 7:30-9 p.m., Location: Cincinnati Nature Center/ Fernwood Shelter firepit, http://www.cincynature.org/ events-and-programs/, Phone: 513-831-1711

Cincinnati Reds vs. Florida Marlins

As part of Family Day, all kids 12 and under get a free Devin Mesoraco Fathead® Wall Decal. (This game is part of PEANUTS™ Theme Ticket Package, where participating fans can get an exclusive Charlie Brown bobblehead. Must purchase your game ticket through this offer to receive the bobblehead. Available while supplies last only at reds.com/Peanuts.)

Time: 1:10 p.m., Location: Great American Ball Park, http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id= cin#y=2017&m=7&calendar=DEFAULT, Phone: 513-381-7337

CAC Art Lab: Ceramic Pictures

Join the Contemporary Arts Center for a special workshop that uses an image transfer technique to create contemporary pottery. Learn how to take images we see every day (emojis, gifs, patches, magazine ads, etc.) and turn them into a formal work of ceramic art. FREE. Time: 2-3 p.m., Location: Walnut Hills Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6053

TUES 25 SUN 23 The Magic Flute

Mozart's sublime tale has been masterfully reimagined by Komische Oper Berlin's Barrie Kosky and the British theater group 1927 in an enchanting production that has stunned and delighted audiences across the world.

Time: 3 p.m., Location: Aronoff Center for the Arts, http://www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/the-magicflute, Phone: 513-767-5500

Barnyard Friends Puppet Show

Participate in an interactive puppet show, and then become a friend of the barnyard when you meet some live animals up close. Optional package includes a wagon ride and time to play in Parky’s Playbarn.

Program only: $2/person; package: $6/child and $4/ adult. Register by July 23rd.

Time: 9 a.m., Location: Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm, http://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-5217275

Visit with Mr. Redlegs

MON 24 FREE Movies for Kids: The Neverending Strory

This summer, enjoy Free Movies for Kids on Mondays and Wednesdays at Kenwood Theatre, Esquire Theatre, Mariemont Theatre and Eastgate Brew & View. All movies carry a rating of “PG” or under.

FREE. Time: 10:30 a.m., Location(s): Kenwood Theatre, Esquire Theatre, Mariemont Theatre and Eastgate Brew & View, http://www.esquiretheatre.com/page/8440/FreeMovies-For-Kids

We’re celebrating Sports Week with the Cincinnati Reds! Enjoy fun games and crafts while you visit with Mr. Redlegs! All ages welcome. FREE. Time: 2-3 p.m., Location: Westwood Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-4474

WEDS 26 Barnyard Bonanza: Pen Pals

Take a walk on the wild (or domestic) side and create some new farmyard friends. Discover how animals “talk” to each other and speak to us! Optional package includes a wagon ride and time to play in Parky’s Playbarn. Program only: $2/person; package: $6/child and $4/adult. Register by July 24.

Time: 9 a.m., Location: Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm, http://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-5217275

Hammock Swing

Come hang out with us! We’ll provide the hammocks and story books for ages 2-5. Or, bring your own story to read while you relax in the shade. No preregistration required. Free for members; nonmembers pay daily admission.

Time: 2-4 p.m., Location: Cincinnati Nature Center PlayScape, http://www.cincynature.org/events-andprograms/nature-playscape-events-and-programs/ happenings-4/, Phone: 513-831-1711

BANYARD BONANZA: PEN PALS

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Springy Science

Fun experiments in elastic energy connect the dots behind language, energy, and everyday life. Presented by Crystal Clear Science. This program is included with paid admission and free to members.

Time: 12-1 p.m., Location: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, http:// pyramidhill.org/kids-summer-series/, Phone: 513-868-1234

THURS 27 ManaBabies

A fun introduction to language for your smallest ManaBabies! Miss Alicia will be doing finger plays, rhymes, songs and bouncy times with our youngest customers! For ages 1 and under. FREE. *Ongoing Time: 10:30-11 a.m., Location: Blue Manatee, http://www. bluemanateebooks.com/home/activatees.html, Phone: 513-731-2665

Turtle Creek Valley Flyer

Experience a historic train ride on the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad. You will travel through the country side of Warren County in Southwestern, Ohio. During your ride you can listen to our informative passenger conductors describe railroad history and operations.

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Location: LM&M Railroad, http://lebanonrr.com/onehour.html, Phone: 513-933-8022

FRI 28 Kidz Bop Best Time Ever Tour

KIDZ BOP fans, get ready for the best news ever! The #1 music brand for kids has announced the ALL-NEW KIDZ BOP Best Time Ever tour, sponsored by Juicy Juice Splashers. The KIDZ BOP Kids will headline the national live tour, which will hit more than 50 cities across the U.S. Time: 7 p.m., Location: PNC Pavilion, http://www.riverbend. org/event/kidz-bop-best-time-ever-tour/

SharonFest

The Party with a Purpose will be taking over Gower Park on July 28th, bringing music, rides, games, beer, food and lots of organizations that help make Sharonville great. Features lots of family friendly activities! FREE. Time: 6 p.m.-midnight, Location: Gower Park, https://www. facebook.com/events/1031250626984821/

SAT 29 Saturnday

Viewing of Saturn through telescopes (weather permitting), running talks, and tours of buildings. If clear, we’ll see the moon, Mars and Jupiter.

Time: 9-11 p.m., Location: Cincinnati Observatory, http://www. cincinnatiobservatory.org/publicevents/, Phone: 513-3215186

Summer Concerts in the Park

Enjoy a free evening of music with the UC Community Band! FREE. Time: 7-9 p.m., Location: Winton Woods/Harbor, http://www. greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

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Ohio State Fair

SAT 29 & SUN 30 Cincinnati Baby & Beyond Expo *CP PICK

Whether you’re expecting your first child or adding to a growing home, the Cincinnati Baby & Beyond Expo is your guide to everything family. Mom, dad, brothers, sisters, grandparents and extended family and friends can all enjoy discovering new products from approximately 200 baby and children’s boutiques specializing in the latest and greatest new products, clothing and accessories! Admission is $8/adults and free for children 12 and under. Save $3 by purchasing your ticket at Kroger.

Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on July 29 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 30; Location: Sharonville Convention Center, http:// cincinnatibabyandbeyondexpo.com

SUN 30 Raptor Inc. Open House

Meet avian ambassadors up close, learn about important role raptors play in environment. Tours and educational programs available at other times by appointment. Donations accepted; FREE. Time: 1-4 p.m., Location: Raptor, Inc., http://raptorinc. org/open-houses/, Phone: 513-825-3325

MON 31 Harry Potter Birthday Celebration

Happy Birthday Harry Potter! Come celebrate with Raptor Inc. and their magical creatures! FREE.

July 26-Aug. 6 Get ready for the Ohio State Fair, a favorite family tradition since 1850! Enjoy a variety of activities and exhibits, plus more than 70 exhilarating rides for kids big and small. Bring an appetite: you won't be able to resist all your favorite Fair goodies from any of the nearly 200 food vendors.

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: The Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, http://ohiostatefair.com

Newport Aquarium Summer Family Hours

Sundays-Fridays through Sept. 1 Sundays through Fridays, one kid (age 2-12) gets in free after 4 p.m. with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket. This offer is available between May 28 and September 1, online only.

Time: Check website for daily hours, Location: Newport Aquarium, https://www.newportaquarium.com/ Visitor-Tips/Aquarium-Events/Summer-Family-Hours, Phone: 1-800-406-3474

Petals & Pedals

Daily through Aug. 27 (closed Mondays) The 2017 Krohn Summer Floral Show “Petals and Pedals - Take a Ride on the Floral Side” is celebrating biking and summer flowers --- so ride your bike to Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park and receive a dollar off admission to the Summer Show! You can park your bike right out front. Then, come inside and enjoy the bounty of beautiful summer blooms! The 2017 Summer Show is presented by Scherzinger Termite and Pest Control.

Time: 2-3 p.m., Location: Westwood Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-4474

Time: Tuesdays-Sundays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Location: Krohn Conservatory, http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/ krohn-conservatory/

ongoing events

Groceries and Grilling Wednesdays

Soak City Dive-In Movies

Fridays in July Enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen in Soak City Water Park with our summer Dive-In Movie series every Friday in July! Movies are included with park admission to Kings Island. Titles include The Secret Life of Pets (July 7), Finding Dory (July 14), Sing (July 21) and Zootopia (July 28).

Time: 9:30 p.m., Location: Kings Island’s Soak City Water Park, https://www.visitkingsisland.com/play/events/ soak-city-dive-in-movies, Phone: 513-754-5700

Toddler Story Time in the Nature PlayScape

Thursdays in July Join us for a unique, outdoor story time in the Schott Nature PlayScape. Our story expert, Ms. Addie, will lead finger plays, songs and read nature themed books.

After our reading time, we will do a small craft/nature activity. Each week is a new topic! No preregistration required. Free; nonmembers pay daily admission.

Time: 10:30 a.m., Location: Cincinnati Nature Center PlayScape, http://www.cincynature.org/events-andprograms/nature-playscape-events-and-programs/ happenings-4/, Phone: 513-831-1711

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Wednesdays through Sept. 27 Head to Findlay Market on Wednesday evenings for Groceries & Grilling! Each Wednesday, a merchant or vendor will demonstrate a themed recipe in a newly installed demo kitchen. Guests will get the recipe and list of ingredients so they can shop and then grill the recipe on-site, on grills provided by the market, along with some tools, plates, napkins and utensils.

Time: 5-8 p.m., Location: Findlay Market, http://www. findlaymarket.org/events-and-activities

Summer Cinema Wednesdays

Through Aug. 30 Summer Cinema features a free movie screening every Wednesday at the Park! Dust off those lawn chairs, grab a picnic basket, and join us for a fun, relaxing evening over on our civic lawn. Check website for full movie schedule. FREE. Time: 9 p.m., Location: Washington Park, http:// washingtonpark.org/event/summer-cinema/2017-05-31/, Phone: 513-621-4400

Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume *CP PICK

Opens May 25 Iconic costumes from “a galaxy far, far away” are presented in the Smithsonian traveling exhibition Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume. Opening May 25th, Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume is perhaps Cincinnati’s most anticipated event of the summer. This exhibit is brought to Cincinnati in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and Lucasfilm, and features fan-favorite costumes such as Obi-Wan Kenobi’s robes, Chewbacca’s yak-and-mohair costume, Queen Amidala’s regal gowns and Boba Fett’s armored attire. Museum-goers can expect lots of interactive elements, such as digital interactives featuring sketches, photographs and notes that contextualize each costume. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the Museum Center’s website.

Time: Open daily, Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, https://www.cincymuseum.org/content/coming-soonstar-wars%E2%84%A2-and-power-costume, Phone: 513-287-7000

Friday Night Grill Outs

Through Sept. 1 Bring the family to Lake Isabella to enjoy a relaxing Friday evening with flame-grilled food and local live music. Dine on the patio pier or in the Chart Room.

Playground and boathouse open before and after dinner. Meals available for $8.95–$10.95.

Time: 5-8 p.m., Location: Lake Isabella, http://www. greatparks.org/calendar#, Phone: 513-521-7275

Baby Splash Classes at Hubbard Family Swim School

Daily/Ongoing Being in the water with your little one is an amazing and rewarding experience. Let us show you what they are capable of. The child has an adult (parent or other) in the water with him/her at all times. For babies 8 weeks to 5 months. Free; registration required. FREE. Time: Check website, Location: Hubbard Family Swim School at Kids First, http://www.hubbardswim.com/, Phone: 513-530-0123

Christmas in July

June 26-July 31 Think some Christmas Cheer might help get you through the summer heat? Cool off at the Junction with a visit to the North Pole to get your mid-year check up with Santa as well as stop by all of our great attractions.

Time: Open daily, Location: Entertrainment Junction, http://entertrainmentjunction.com/calendar/, Phone: 513-898-8000

P L E A S E N OT E At CINCINNATI PARENT, we work hard to ensure our calendar and guide information is accurate.

Occasionally, event specifics change after we go to press. Therefore, we encourage our readers to call locations or visit them on the web to verify information.

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