July & August 2019|Dayton Parent

JULY/AUGUST 2019

(FREE)

GO

UNDERGROUND COOL CAVES

inside:

PREGNANT AFTER

35:

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?

TO VISIT THIS SUMMER

+

back to school…

ALREADY?!

TIPS FOR MAKING THE TRANSITION EASIER

July / August 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

03

contents

JULY/AUGUST 2019

12

20 departments In Every Issue 06 Letter from the Editor 07 Our Cover Kid

features

Resources & Calendars

Calendar

Me Grow Brighter Futures

24 Make a Splash at Your

Sleep, Baby, Sleep

16

Pregnant After 35: What's the Big Deal?

20

The Back-to-School Grind

26 To Do With Your Crew 27 Fun & Wacky

Around Town 22 Local Spotlight: Help

12

Sponsored Content 10 Home Buying

Mistakes to Avoid

Five Rivers MetroParks This Summer

When should you stop counting sheep and start seeking support for your baby's sleep issues?

Understand the pros and cons of getting pregnant when you're older

Tips for making your summer-to-school transition a success

Parenting 19 All About Swimmer's Ear

08

Travel 08 Let's Go Underground

04

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

16

20

July / August 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

05

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

Publisher Mary Wynne Cox mary@daytonparentmagazine.com Associate Publisher & Advertising Hannah Mohler hannah@daytonparentmagazine.com Editor Nicole Sipe nicolesipe@daytonparentmagazine.com Account Executives Katie Clark katie@daytonparentmagazine.com Brooke Litherland brooke@cdaytonparentmagazine.com

Sweet Dreams My children were never what you would call “good sleepers.” I like to tell people that my oldest son never slept through the night until he was almost 4 years old because a) it’s true, and b) hopefully it will explain the perpetually tired and shellshocked look that I still carry on my face.

Then we had my second son, and while he was a slightly better sleeper, he — like his brother before him — would not sleep in a crib, would only sleep if I nursed him to sleep, and would only sleep 10 cumulative hours every night. But I call my second-born my better sleeper because he would only wake me up three or four times per night, unlike my first-born, who would average seven to eight time per night. Obviously, my standard of “better” was greatly skewed. I blame it on the sleep deprivation.

Looking back on this time, I breathe a sigh of relief because it’s over. Both of my children sleep through the night. Also important: I sleep through the night. My sons are now 8 and 4 years old, and we got through that stage intact. (For the most part.)

For the parents who are still in that stage of sleepless nights, rest assured (heh) that you are not alone. You might find some comfort in our article “Sleep, Baby, Sleep” on page 12, which discusses baby sleep issues, and offers some tips to help everyone get a good night’s sleep. Just know that this season does come to an end — usually whether you do something about it or not. Before you know it, your baby who never wanted to sleep will be your teenager who only ever wants to sleep!

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

Creative Director Katie Clark katie@daytonparentmagazine.com

Digital Publisher Wendy Hasser wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com Digital Editor Brooke Litherland brooke@daytonparentmagazine.com

Billing billing@daytonparentmagazine.com

Contributing Writers Rachael Dupree, Lauren Lemons, Andrea Limke, Haley Paddock

Calendar of Events calendar@daytonparentmagazine.com

Contact Us daytonparent@daytonparent magazine.com Dayton Parent Magazine is published bi-monthly. Copyright 2019

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.

EDITOR

06

Production Manager Karen Ring karen@daytonparentmagazine.com

OUR COVER KID:

DELVIN

[age] 2 years old [my favorites] NICKNAME FOOD SONG MOVIE TOY

Bowdy PB&J Baby Shark Boss Baby Anything with wheels BOOK Ten Apples Up on Top by Dr. Seuss

[an interesting fact about me] He caught his first fish a month ago (he loves the outdoors!)

COVER PHOTO BY: Flash Photography

flashphotodayton.com

July / August 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

07

TRAVEL

WORDS BY KAREN RING

Let’s Go Underground Keep cool in a cave this summer

If you’re looking for a new family adventure this summer, why not head underground? The Midwest is home to a number of intricate cave networks, several of them right here in Ohio, where kids and adults can get up close and personal with the wonders of the underground world, from rock formations to waterfalls, blind cave fish to Ice Age bones. The best part? These caves stay a cool 54 degrees yearround on average, making them the perfect place to cool off when the temperatures soar.

Below are just a few of our favorites.

Ohio Caverns

If you want give your kids a cave experience, but you’re not quite ready to tackle the real thing, head over to

Location: 2210 East State Route 245, West Liberty, OH Known as “America’s Most Colorful Caverns,” here you’ll find stunning rock formations in shades of blue, orange, white, red and black. The caverns are the largest in the state, with over two miles of passageways running in depth from 30 feet to 103 feet. Be sure to see the “Crystal King” while you’re there: a huge, perfectly formed white stalactite estimated to be over 200,000 years old. Visit ohiocaverns.com for more details.

Olentangy Indian Caverns Location: 1779 Home Rd., Delaware, OH Want to take your cave experience to the next level? Explore by f lashlight! Olentangy Indian Caverns offers Flashlight Tours where the main lights are turned off and guests use only the glow of their f lashlight to see the cave.

Check out the 50,000-square-foot Animal Encounter and new Treasure Hunt Maze while you’re there, too. Visit olentangy indiancaverns.com for more info.

08

Cincinnati Museum Center ’s replica

Seneca Caverns

Mammoth Cave

Location: 15248 E. Township Road 178, Bellevue, OH

Location: 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY

Seneca Caverns was discovered by two boys in 1872 who were chasing their dog when it suddenly disappeared into a sink hole.

Today, visitors can see a series of rooms and passageways on their tour, as well as Ole Mist’ry River, a crystal clear f lowing stream 110 feet below the surface that is part of the vast underlying water system in the region. Pan for gemstones, crystals, arrowheads and fossils while you’re there, too.

Check out senecacavernsohio. com to get the full scoop.

Mammoth Cave is one of the largest cave systems in the world and is certainly worth the hike to Kentucky. This massive cave sprawls over 400 miles, with 16 different tours for all ages. If you are looking to make this more than a day trip, there are opportunities to enjoy surface hikes, canoeing on the Green River, picnicking, horseback riding, bicycling, camping and more. Advance reservations for cave tours are highly recommended. For more, visit nps.gov/maca/planyour visit/gocavetours.htm.

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

limestone cave. This popular attraction re-opened in March after the completion of the museum’s restoration efforts, and it is now better than ever. Part of the Museum of Natural History & Science, the cave is two levels (a total of 500 feet) packed with twists and turns, waterfalls, pooled water, tight corridors and cave formations like stalagmites and stalactites. You can even feel the chill as you explore this immersive cave experience. Visit cincymuseum.org for museum hours and visitor info.

DP

on the go.

Family-friendly fun at your fingertips. daytonparentmagazine.com

July / August 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

09

SPONSORED CONTENT

BROUGHT TO YOU BY REALTOR AMANDA DELONG, COLDWELL BANKER HERITAGE

Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid Real estate professional Amanda DeLong shares some tips from her experience to help you avoid making these mistakes. * Don’t buy a place today that won’t work for you tomorrow. When my husband

and I bought our first home, we had two children almost immediately after we moved in and we instantly outgrew that house. If you anticipate adding more children to your family, or perhaps an aging parent, try to think ahead about how this could change what you will require of your space.

* Don’t buy something you cannot comfortably afford. So, what if the lender

approved you for $350,000? If you ran your own numbers and feel the mortgage payment for a house of that price doesn’t leave you with enough discretionary income, then don’t spend that much. Set your own budget parameters and make sure you’re not relying on any future, uncertain increases in income.

* Go into the home inspection with realistic expectations. You’re likely to get a

75-page report from the home inspector that talks about things you’ve never even heard of and there will be lots of red ink. This is normal — don’t freak out! What’s important is to work with a strong agent who will help you focus on what issues you’ll want to bring up with the seller.

* Shop for your homeowner’s insurance right away after you’ve found “the one.”

Nine out of ten buyers wait too long to shop for homeowner’s insurance! The real estate purchase contract is written in such a way as to

give you a set time period within which to get quotes for the homeowner’s policy. That way, if the cost comes in way higher than anticipated, you’ll be able to use this as a reason to get out of the contract.

* Once you’ve gotten pre-approved for a mortgage, do not apply for any new lines of credit. That means no new credit

cards (I don’t care if they’re offering you 90% off, don’t do it!), no buying or leasing any vehicles, and no cosigning anything for anyone.

Protect your credit score like it’s your first born and don’t let anything come near it!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

10

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

* You’re not renting an apartment, so don’t get hung up on paint. Paint is one of

the easiest and least expensive things that you can change when you get the keys. Covering colors that you don’t care for or someone else’s sloppy paint job can dramatically change the look of the place and even add value, so don’t pass up the Easter egg colored house if she’s got the right bones.

As always, when you’re ready to talk about selling or buying, give me a call.

sleep,, baby,, sleep

WHEN SHOULD YOU STOP COUNTING SHEEP AND START SEEKING SUPPORT FOR YOUR BABY’S SLEEP ISSUES? WORDS BY RACHAEL DUPREE

12

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

R

egardless of your chosen parenting method, there’s one thing everyone can agree on when it comes to raising a child: Sleep is important. It’s important for you and it’s especially important for your baby, whose brain is undergoing a developmental marathon. However, for families with a little one in the house, it often doesn’t come easy, leaving sleepdeprived parents desperate for a cure to bedtime troubles.

Fortunately, poor sleep doesn’t have to be a chronic problem for families with small children. With consistency and a good routine — and perhaps a little outside help — it’s possible to support your baby’s natural sleep rhythms and leave everyone in the household feeling rested and refreshed.

A GOOD FOUNDATION The term “sleep training” can be controversial in some parenting circles, but in reality, starting with good sleep habits at the get-go can set your infant up to be a good sleeper for life. “It is never too early or too late to implement positive sleep routines, but they must also be balanced with age appropriate methods and

expectations,” says Karolyn Kritikos, sleep consultant at Sleep and Sensibility, which serves the Dayton area.

The first step is to practice safe sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines include laying the baby on his back on a firm surface, such as a bassinet or crib, with no soft bedding, for the first year. It’s also helpful to establish a routine where your child can get about 12 hours of sleep per night. Be aware that in the first few months of life, your baby will not sleep completely through the night. However, if by 6 months old, he is on a normal growth curve and at least 14 pounds, but not sleeping soundly, you may want to reach out to a sleep consultant, like Kritikos, for help.

COMMON SLEEP ISSUES Kritikos says that between the ages of 6 and 9 months is the perfect window for beginning sleep training if you have concerns about your child’s sleep habits. There are two main sleep issues often seen in children: Sleeping independently.

They may take short naps and wake often throughout the night. They need mom or dad to connect the sleep cycles by feeding, rocking or holding, particularly for lengthy amounts of time.

Poor napping. Going too long between naps can leave a child to feel overtired, meaning they nap too long or have a hard time falling and staying asleep.

When Kritikos meets with her clients, she presents a variety of different sleep training methods and offers ways to provide comfort to their child along the way.

“Seeking the help of a professional consultant can help you clear through the clutter of the online noise and numerous books with conf licting info to the roots of the method that is going to support your family,” Kritikos says. “The one-on-one support can help you face small setbacks and adjust as needed, so that you reach your goals quickly and comfortably.”

SLEEP TRAINING MISCONCEPTIONS Sleep training isn’t for every family.

Some parents identify with a parenting philosophy that doesn’t support sleep training, or they fear it could negatively affect the child.

“Helping our children make changes to their current sleep routines is often met with some fear and pushback, both from the

child and the parents,” Kritikos says. “My job is to help parents feel less fearful about implementing changes so that they can make the changes confidently, which ultimately helps the child feel more comfortable.”

If you’re considering sleep training, but still have some reservations about it, here are some ideas that may ease your mind.

Sleep training is not necessarily “cry it out.” If a provider is pressuring you to practice a type of sleep training that doesn’t feel right or align with your values, then consider finding one who can be more supportive.

Sleep training won’t come without tears. Introducing a new concept to your child is often met with protesting. If you feel guilt or disappointment that your child cries when trying to implement a new schedule, give yourself grace and be confident that what you’re doing will be better for your family in the long run.

Let go of the idea that sleep comes naturally. Many things in our culture, from artificial lighting to the food we eat, can play a role in poor sleep. However, by establishing a good foundation for sleep, you can foster your child’s natural sleep rhythms.

With a little help, you and your baby may be able to stop counting sheep and start looking forward to a restful night’s sleep.

July / August 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

13

14

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

June 2019 I CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

15

Pregnant After 35:

What’s the Big Deal?

Understand the pros and cons of getting pregnant when you’re older WORDS BY ANDREA LIMKE

P

regnancy is a personal decision that each family makes on its own, and the age of the mother may be a part of the conversation.

More women are delaying motherhood until they are older for various reasons — including career goals, financial concerns and delaying marriage — and it has become common for women to become pregnant at age 35 or older.

Voss says that a woman is considered to be at her reproductive best at age 16, so by the age of 35, there is a slightly increased risk of complications, including preeclampsia, diabetes and birth defects, among others.

Amy Sweeney, a Dayton-area mom, became pregnant with her second child at age 36. “I didn’t have any personal concerns, but I do not want to have any more kids because of my age now,” she says.

Dr. Deward Voss of Tri-State Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Cincinnati notes that in his 30-year career, he has seen an increase in women becoming pregnant over the age of 35. If you or someone you know has ever been pregnant at or over the age of 35, then you know that “35” seems to be a magic number for obstetricians.

16

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

“There is a satisfaction of being able to have a baby at this age.”

At age 35, doctors will also discuss the increased risk of potential genetic abnormalities with an advanced-age pregnancy. But, Voss points out, the mother’s overall health is a key factor during a pregnancy, and that often determines the plan of action for a mother of “advanced age.”

Pregnant women of every age have aches and pains during pregnancy, but some women, like Sweeney, notice more physical discomforts with an advanced-age pregnancy. “I felt it all over,” she says. “I didn’t feel like my body was happy about this pregnancy.”

Voss says that while being pregnant at 35 or older can have some increased risks, the pregnancy may not have any additional concerns.

Voss says that the most important thing for a woman to do is to monitor fetal movement, as is the case with any pregnancy. Voss also begins non-stress tests and fluid checks with his patients who are age 35 and older at 34 weeks for extra precaution.

Despite the slightly increased risks, being pregnant at age 35 or older can have its benefits — for both the mother and the child. The mother is often more confident in her decisions, and is usually well educated in pregnancy and overall health. Voss says that an older mother usually has reached a level of maturity that can be helpful in pregnancy and parenting. He also often sees lower stress levels and financial stability in older pregnant women.

“There is a satisfaction of being able to have a baby at this age,” Sweeney says.

July / August 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

17

18

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

PARENTING

BROUGHT TO YOU BY DAYTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

All About Swimmer’s Ear What to do about this summertime swimming infection It’s officially summer, and kids are ready to jump into the pool or beach waves to beat the scorching heat.

But one thing you may hear complaints of after swimming is ear pain or water stuck in the ear. This pain could be a result of acute otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear.

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the ear canal, where the sound is carried from outside the body to the eardrum. Knowing the symptoms and treatment for swimmer’s ear can help keep your kids cool in the pool all summer long.

“We will see lot of swimmer’s ear cases this summer,” says Dr. Lisa Ziemnik, program director of Dayton Children’s Hospital urgent care and Kids Express.

“Kids will complain of ear pain or water stuck in the ear as the main signs of swimmer’s ear. However, there are several other symptoms, including the ear feeling full or uncomfortable, itching in the ear canal, red or swollen outer ear, enlarged or tender lymph nodes around the ear or ear discharge.”

Although it makes sense that more kids get swimmer’s ear in the summer because of summer swimming, there are other ways that kids can get swimmer’s ear.

The infection can be triggered by anything that irritates or breaks down the skin in the ear canal and allows bacteria or fungi to get in the inner ear. Swimmer’s ear can be caused by dry skin, eczema, using ear swabs or other objects to clean the ear, or even irritating the ear canal by scratching the ear too much.

“Swimmer’s ear needs to be treated by a doctor with antibiotic ear drops to keep the pain from getting worse and the infection from spreading,” Ziemnik says. “Before seeing the doctor, placing a warm washcloth or heating pad against the ear and taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help with the pain.”

If your kids are swimming this summer, we recommend these seven tips to help avoid swimmer’s ear:

2. Use a towel to dry ears well.

3. Tilt the head and hold each ear facing down to allow water to drain from the ear canal. Pulling the ear lobe in different directions will help the water to drain out more easily.

4. Use a hair dryer to help move air within the ear canal. Use the lowest heat and fan settings, and hold the hair dryer several inches from the ear.

5. Do not try to remove ear wax, as it helps protect the ear canal from infection. Consult your pediatrician if you think the canal is blocked by wax.

6. Consult your pediatrician before using a 1:1 mixture of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar or commercial ear drops after swimming.

7. Contact your pediatrician if ears are red, flaky, swollen, painful or have drainage.

1. Wear a bathing cap, ear plugs or custom fitted swim molds while swimming to prevent water from entering the ear.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY July / August 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

19

THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL GRIND Tips for making your summer-to-school transition a success

WORDS BY HALEY PADDOCK

LATE NIGHTS, LAZY MORNINGS AND A LACK OF RIGID SCHEDULES — THAT’S WHAT SUMMER VACATIONS ARE MADE OF. BUT WHEN THE END OF SUMMER IS NEAR AND A NEW SCHOOL YEAR IS FAST APPROACHING, HEALTHY HABITS AND A THOUGHTFUL ROUTINE CAN BE CRUCIAL FOR THE TRANSITION. Check out our list of tips and tricks to help your kiddo prepare for the back-to-school grind and make this year their best one yet!

Reading Fundamentals It’s no secret that books are a great tool for children when it comes to learning. And the longer days of summer present the perfect opportunity to encourage good reading habits.

20

To make this activity more enticing, most local libraries offer a summer reading program with gift incentives. Visit your favorite library to sign up for a reading challenge, and ask a librarian to help your child choose books they’ll want to read over and over again.

School Readiness Make the best of preparing for class by including your child in the back-to-school shopping experience.

Let them pick out fun and colorful school supplies, a new backpack or even back-to-school clothes to get them excited and ready to take on the new year.

For older kids, consider showing them how to make use of a planner or calendar. Teaching them to stay organized will make the busier schedule of school activities and extracurricular choices much less overwhelming.

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

Bedtime Routines

Healthy Habits

As hectic school mornings draw near, making sure your child gets enough sleep at night will become a high priority. According to the American Association of Pediatrics, elementary-aged children should be getting 10 to 13 hours of sleep each day, and middle- and high-school aged children should be getting 9 to 12 hours.

Alongside good bedtime routines, healthy habits such as limiting screen time and encouraging active play are important to most parents.

But perhaps the most simple, yet highly effective, thing we can do to help our kids focus at school is to provide them with healthy food choices.

Parents may want to try slowly instilling earlier bedtimes in the week or two before school. Start with a time that still allows your kiddo to stay up later than normal, and then gradually move bedtime back by 20 minutes or so each night.

This way, the change isn’t abrupt and when school starts, kids are already going to bed at a time that ensures they get a full nights’ sleep.

“Avoid starting the day with sugary cereals, as they cause a sugar high, then a crash,” says Abby Pippin, a certified nurse practitioner and a local mom of four. “It’s best to start the day with fruits, proteins and whole grains, as they will fuel the body for a long period and help sustain attention levels.”

Change can be tough, so help your child switch from summer fun to school-time focus and set them up for success!

DP on the go.

Family-friendly fun at your fingertips. daytonparentmagazine.com

July / August 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

21

AROUND TOWN

WORDS BY HALEY PADDOCK

Local Spotlight: Help Me Grow Brighter Futures This Dayton organization is helping parents overcome obstacles so kids can thrive Parenting is a tough job. After all, there are no instruction manuals for how to raise children. But imagine if all the challenges of pregnancy and child rearing were made more difficult because of an unstable financial situation.

Or if you learned that your young child had a developmental delay due to a medical diagnosis. Where can parents get help for such delicate circumstances?

Can you share a story of a family who has been helped through one of your programs?

Dayton Parent spoke with Marianne Pohlmann of Help Me Grow Brighter Futures in Dayton to learn how their programs and services are working to respond to unique situations such as these.

What kinds of programs and services do you offer?

Our Early Intervention (EI) program supports families with young children who have developmental delays or disabilities. Every eligible family has a local EI team that consists of the family members, a service coordinator and service providers. This team will work to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan to support a child’s development. Services are typically provided in a client’s home or other places the family spends time. The goal is to build on parents’ abilities to enhance their child’s learning and development.

Our Parenting Support Home Visiting Program provides a low-income mom or family with a well-trained nurse, social worker or teacher who offers information and support during pregnancy.

22

We want to empower parents and help them gain the skills, tools and confidence to nurture the healthy growth of their child through the earliest years — a critical time of development.

Why is early intervention so important?

Early Intervention services cover any concern a parent may have about their child, including developmental delays, such as not talking or walking on time. Early diagnosis and treatment for delays increases the chances of improvement.

Treating communication and language difficulties early on can prevent potential problems with behavior, learning, reading and social interaction. That is why we’re here. We want to help parents connect to community resources and understand what just 15 minutes a day can do to make sure a child is reaching their developmental milestones.

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

One of our nurses went into a home for a first-time visit with a pregnant client. The mom was agitated but our nurse tried to make her feel comfortable just by talking to her. She asked the mom how she felt that day and because she was not feeling well, our nurse took her blood pressure. It was extremely high and after a call to a doctor, it became apparent 911 must be dialed immediately. Our nurse stayed with the young mom in the ER so she would not be alone.

Despite several miscarriages in the past, I am happy to say she had a very healthy baby and is doing very well.

To learn more about Help Me Grow Brighter Futures or to donate, visit www.hmgbf.org.

PHOTO CREDIT HELP ME GROW BRIGHTER FUTURES

July / August 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

23

AROUND TOWN

BROUGHT TO YOU BY LAUREN LEMONS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS

Make a Splash at Your Five Rivers MetroParks This Summer Start your summer by making a plan that will allow you to maximize your family’s outdoor To cool down in the great outdoors this summer, look no further than your favorite Five Rivers MetroPark. Through Labor Day, MetroParks offers free, kid-friendly spaces to splash and programs that encourage families to get out on the water.

Island MetroPark , 101 E. Helena St. Offering paved recreation trails, access to the Great Miami River and a traditional playground, Island MetroPark is perfect for a family day out.

During warm-weather months, Island MetroParks’ sprayground is open daily, giving kids the opportunity to be physically active and enjoy water play.

Hours for the sprayground at Island MetroPark are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7:50 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 7:50 p.m. Starting Aug. 13, the sprayground is open Monday through Friday, from 4 to 7:50 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7:50 p.m.; and Sunday 1 to 7:50 p.m. through Labor Day.

RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave. Families who find themselves downtown during the summer enjoying the many events, amenities, shopping destinations and restaurants can plan ahead and pack a swim suit for a quick cool off at RiverScape MetroPark’s interactive fountains. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day, the interactive fountains feature jets that shoot water as high as 20 feet in the air and are choreographed to family-friendly music.

Make a day out of it: Known as Dayton’s front porch, RiverScape MetroPark has so much to offer, from festivals to cycling adventures.

Located at the heart of 340 miles of paved recreation trails — the nation’s largest paved trail network — RiverScape MetroPark is the perfect place to work up a sweat on the trails before enjoying the interactive fountains. For those without gear for themselves or their little ones, RiverScape Rentals offers equipment for all ages. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day, families can rent youth bikes, strider bikes, weehoos and safety equipment. To finish the day, grab a treat

Make a day out of it: Families can spend the entire day on an Island MetroPark adventure or opt to explore the many cool destinations a walk or bike ride away. A few of these destinations include Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and Fifth-Third Field, home to the Dayton Dragons.

PHOTO CREDIT

FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS

24

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

from the Fountain Snack bar and take in the beautiful views of the Great Miami River.

Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark , 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave.

For families who are looking for more of a sensory adventure, the Children’s Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark gives children the chance to use their curiosity to discover and explore the natural world. Dig in the sandboxes, crawl through the fossil cave, get up close to some wild plants in the sensory garden and rock out in the music maze before stopping by the Children Discovery Garden’s water features. These features allow children to get their feet wet and experience water as if it were in its natural setting in watercourses in Ohio.

Make a day out of it: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch with your kids after your Children’s Discovery Garden Adventure. Next, stop by the gardens at the park to admire the colorful blooms and see how many bees, butterf lies and other pollinators you can spot.

July / August 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

25

TO DO WITH YOUR CREW

BARNSTORMING CARNIVAL This two-day event has tons of activities for everyone in your family to enjoy! Taking place July 13-14 at the Springfield Beckley Airport, the 6th Annual Barnstorming Carnival is a gathering of the community and barnstorming pilots with their antique aircraft. The event is free and kidfriendly, with face painting, rocket building, clowns, model airplanes and more offered throughout the day. Antique open-air biplane rides will be available for an additional cost. This is a great opportunity to see some of the rarest 1920s, -30s and -40s aircrafts gathered together in one area!

THE OHIO CHALLENGE BALLOON FESTIVAL On July 19 and 20, enjoy a weekend of hot-air balloon activities, festival food and drinks, live music, carnival rides and the famous hot air balloon glow. It's the most popular balloon festival in Southwest Ohio, and it takes place at Smith Park in Middletown, Ohio! The festival is open 4 to 10:30 pm on both days, and walk-in admission is $5 per person ages 13 and up; kids ages 12 and under are free.

Parking is $15 with free shuttle and admission for all in the car. ohiochallenge.com

barnstormingcarnival.com

26

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

GERMANFEST PICNIC Celebrate a weekend of German culture, food, drink, music and crafts at the 36th Germanfest Picnic on Friday, August 9 through Sunday, August 11. There will be a KidZone, culture display, 5K and 10K race, genealogy assistance, a Polka Mass on Sunday, a big 50/50 raffle each day and a markt platz, featuring handcrafts and German items.

Germanfest Picnic takes place at RiverScape MetroPark. germanfestdayton.com

31ST ANNUAL ART ON THE COMMONS

2019 DONATOS FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

More than 100 talented artists from around the United States will display their fine arts and crafts at the Lincoln Park Civic Commons on August 11 from 11 am to 5 pm. The 31st Annual Art on the Commons will feature artwork for display and sale, including ceramics, digital art, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal and stone, mixed media, painting, photography, wood and paper creations.

There will be live entertainment and tons of interactive art activities scheduled throughout the day. Admission is free and open to the public!

On Saturday, August 24th, Fifth Third Field will be turned into the ultimate movie theatre! Bring a blanket, sit on outfield grass and come watch The Secret Life of Pets (PG).

Be sure to get there early to claim your spot and take part in the inflatable games for kids and ballpark food. To get your free ticket, order a medium or large pizza (carry-out or delivery) from a Daytonarea Donatos location between July 22-August 18, and you will receive a ticket request form and information on how to claim your five free tickets.

playkettering.org/ art-programs-events/ art-on-the-commons

daytondragons.com/ movienight

fun and WACKY DAYTON PARENT'S

Did you know that there is an official holiday for just about anything you can think of?

Here are a few fun days worth celebrating!

JULY 7/1

INTERNATIONAL JOKE DAY

Why DID the chicken cross the road?

7/3

AUGUST

7/21

ICE CREAM DAY

Cool down with a scoop (or two)

GORGEOUS GRANDMA DAY

PHOTOGRAPHY DAY

Snap some pics

8/2

COLORING BOOK DAY

7/23

8/19

Get out your crayons

8/3

Tell granny she’s beautiful

COMPLIMENT YOUR MIRROR DAY

WATERMELON DAY

Enjoy a sweet slice

Hello, gorgeous!

8/22

BURGER DAY

Do you want fries with that?

8/26

7/25

CAROUSEL DAY

Whee!

CHOCOLATE DAY

Go cuckoo for cocoa

7/9

COW APPRECIATION DAY

A mooo-ving tribute to beautiful bovines

8/6

Give those piggies a workout

8/30

WIGGLE YOUR TOES DAY

7/27 7/7

DOG DAY

Cuddle your favorite canine

WALK ON STILTS DAY

How’s the weather up there?

7/30

PAPERBACK BOOK DAY

Curl up with your favorite

TOASTED MARSHMALLOW DAY

8/8

INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY

We need “s’more” days like this

Gotta love a day with purrrrpose

8/10

LAZY DAY

Permission to do nothing

8/13 7/13

EMBRACE YOUR GEEKNESS DAY

INTERNATIONAL LEFHANDERS DAY

Lefties unite!

Nerds rule!

SOURCE: daysoftheyear.com

July / August 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

27