FALLISBLOOMING! SEPTEMBER 2022 (FREE) CopingBreak5INSIDEFallIdeaswithSchoolAnxiety5ReasonstoChoosePrivateSchool ++ 7 FUN AUTUMN ACTIVITIES TO CHECK OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST
04 ohParent.com I September 2022 contents // SEPTEMBERdepartments2022features 18 222713 18 22 In Every Issue 06 Letter from the Editor 07 Our Cover Kid 08 Local Kids 10 News & Notes Around Town 11 Hidden GumdropGems: 15 Little Foodies: Peace, Love and Little Donuts 32 Local Spotlight: Girls on the Run Parenting 16 Checking In With Kids Going Back to School Travel 13 5 Amazing Fall Break Ideas Sponsored Content 17 Education for ALL Students Resources & Calendars 30 Education Guide 34 Things to Do in September 39 Fun & Wacky Calendar 272218 Fall Fun Bucket List Family-friendly ways to celebrate the season! 5 Big Reasons to Choose Private School Private school can be a great educational choice. Here's why many families are making the switch. Dealing With Your Child's School Anxiety Anxious feelings about school are normal and expected. Here's how to handle them.
WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 06 ohParent.com I September 2022 SW Ohio Parent is published monthly. Copyright 2022 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this maga zine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commen tary or services herein. Publisher Mary Wynne mary@ohparent.comCox Associate Publisher + Creative Director + Advertising Katie katie@ohparent.comClark Editor Nicole nicolesipe@ohparent.comSipe Production Manager Becca becca@ohparent.comReynolds Digital Publisher Wendy wendy@ohparent.comHasser Digital Editor Rebecca rebecca@ohparent.comMatteson Administration Brooke brooke@ohparent.comLitherland Billing billing@ohparent.com Contributing Writers Lindsay Conner, Pam Freeman, Jennifer Thompson Calendar of Events calendar@ohparent.com
Now that my kids are back at school, the energy of the house has shifted. It’s definitely quieter. The house stays cleaner for longer. The snack shelf — that oh-so-important spot in the kitchen that gets a lot of use during the summer — isn’t depleted quite so quickly. With my children at school, I have long, luxurious periods of time to concentrate on my work. I’m not interrupted every 15 minutes by pleas for more snacks. (“How can the snack shelf be empty already?!”) With my kids at school, playdates and park visits have been replaced with solo walks and yoga classes. In case you couldn’t tell: I really like when my kids go back to school. A nd yet. The other day, I found myself looking at pho tos of my children on my phone, smiling as I remembered all of the good times we had this summer. Then I found myself daydream ing about my kids, wondering what they were doing at school — wondering if they were hungry for a snack. Parenthood is kind of strange that way: Sometimes, when your kids are around you all the time, you long for some time to yourself. And then, when you get that alone time — that’s when you start looking at photos of your kids and wish ing that they were there next to you. All this to say: Fall break is coming up soon, and my kids will be right back with me, and we’ll be doing more fun things. Need some fall break ideas for when your kids are back at home, too? Then turn to page 13, and you’ll find lots of fun ideas to spend those precious few fall break days together as a family. I’m still planning out our fall break agenda, but I know that whatever we’ll be doing, it will in volve making sure to pack lots of snacks!
Home is Where the Snacks Are
September 2022 I ohParent.com 07 OUR COVER KID: COVER PHOTO BY: Gabrielle Cheikh Photography gcphotography.com WALKER an interesting fact about me // I was born in Chicago! when I grow up // I want to be a daddy. COLORFOODSPORT SCHOOLSUPERHEROTVSUBJECTBOOKSHOWMOVIETOYCANDY MathSwimmingPizzaPink Elephant and Piggy Number Blocks The Incredibles Hershey'sSpider-ManGo-cartchocolate bar my favorites age // 7 years old
08 ohParent.com I September 2022 say cheese! LOCAL kids Want to see your cute kids on this page? We love seeing your photos of local kids living their best lives! Here are some of our favorite submissions we received this month. We're looking for photos of cute kids for the October issue of Southwest Ohio Parent! Email your photos (with the first name and age of the child) to editor@ohparent.com, and your photos might appear here! Sana (14) Alec Jr (11 mos) Daylin (5 mos) Ahana (7) Isaiah (9) Ellery (8 mos) Paxton (5)
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The Disney Junior tour is back with an all-new show at Taft Theatre in Cincinnati! Disney Junior Live On Tour: Cos
Enjoy the unique ambiance of fall on the farm during Aull wood's annual Fall Fest, returning September 17-18. Aull wood Audubon Farm will feature many fan-favorite foods, including Dutch oven apple pie, fresh-pressed cider and chili, plus fun children’s activities and crafts. Visit farm ani mal friends, take a tractor-pulled wagon ride, and enjoy mu sical entertainment in the Bank Barn. Don’t miss the artisan and craft exhibitors offering needle crafts, animal masks, sand art, painted pumpkins, garden ornaments, wood craft, jewelry, hand-made soap and more. For more info, visit aullwood.audubon.org
Grandparents’ Day has been celebrated since Septemberon11,2022.
tume Palooza brings beloved Disney Junior characters and favorite Marvel super heroes together LIVE on stage for a jam-packed, concert-style show with singing, dancing and acrobatics. Enjoy your favorite songs from popular Disney Junior series, as well as new original music. Mickey, Minnie and their pals are ready to throw a huge costume party, but mysterious green rain, wind and smoke keep interrupting the fun. Can Spidey and his Amazing Friends help save the Costume Palooza? Come find out on September 29! For more info and to purchase tickets, visit tafttheatre.org
1978. Celebrate the grand in your life this year
the Sunday after Labor Day
Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza
Aullwood Fall Fest
10 ohParent.com I September 2022 NEWS & Notes Our monthly roundup of news you can use 480,000 STUDENTSBUSESHOWTHAT’SMANYSCHOOLBRINGTOANDFROMSCHOOLEVERYDAYINTHEU.S. Source: americanschoolbuscouncil.org DID YOU KNOW?
Gumdrop
When customers enter Gumdrop, a children’s boutique in Covington, they enter into a children’s wonderland of books, games, children’s trinkets, clothes, sustainable toys, baby accessories and much more. Gumdrop is an offshoot of Handzy, a women’s clothing and lifestyle studio. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, Gumdrop offers gifts like easy grip jumbo brush markers, silicone bibs, magnetic playsets, and childrens books on diversity, mixed families and kindness. This is a store where you will find toys and accessories not seen in traditional large retail stores. The online shop at Gumdrop allows for free pick up in-store, typically within 24 hours. Great sales are often posted online for 0-5T clothing, linen rattles, wooden toys, water shoes and the occasional gift for mom.
Gumdropin.is a one-stop-shop for birthday gifts, baby showers, nursery design, back to school clothing, Christmas shopping and just about every other reason to surprise a kiddo with an adorable new gift. The thoughtfulness of quality toys, sustainable snack accessories, darling paper prints and boutique clothing will bring joy to children and parents. 417 W. 6th St., Covington, KY gumdroptots.com
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WORDS BY REBECCA MATTESON HIDDEN GEMS
The ladies at Gumdrop love to help coordinate an outfit or put together a thoughtful baby gift. When considering your upcoming nursery design, keep Gumdrop in mind. With pleasingly lovely macrame, plush soft blankets, wool garland and trendy wall art, your little one will have a warm, inviting space to grow up
5 Amazing Fall Break Ideas
Autumn is a great time to travel and have fun with your family.
WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE TRAVEL
HalloWeekends run September 15 through October 30 and feature family-friendly fun by day and hair-raising frights by night. At Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, enjoy Kids World during weekends through September 18, plus on Labor Day. These weekends are perfect for little ones, and include everything you love about the park, plus magic shows, juggling, special food just for kids and interactive play. Or enjoy Halloween fun for the whole family during Happy Halloween Weekends, September 24-October 30. Go Underground For a different experience, go underground! Channel your inner explorer and tackle one of the many intricate cave networks in the Midwest. Ohio Caverns, also known as “America’s Most Colorful Caverns,” are open year-round and feature stunning rock formations in shades of blue, orange, white, red and black along the two-mile pathway. Or head to Mammoth Cave, the largest cave in the world, which is just a short drive away in Kentucky. The cave sprawls for over 400 miles and offers 16 different tours for all ages that cover different aspects of the natural wonder. If you are looking to make this more than a day trip, there are opportunities to camp and explore what lies above Mammoth Cave. Consider Camping Fresh air, wide-open spaces, s’mores melting over a fire — these are just a few things to love about camping. Add crisp temps and changing leaves, and you have all the fixings for a beautiful fall camping trip in Ohio. Whether you are looking for a rustic camping experience at Hocking Hills State Park or a deluxe cabin with all the modern amenities at one of the six Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Parks around Ohio, there’s a camping experience perfect for everyone.
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Fall break is a great time to travel: The temperatures are cooler, the crowds are usually fewer, and the prices tend to be a little lower. If you’re looking for a place to have fun as a family during your time off this autumn, here are some ideas around Ohio and the Midwest!
Visit an Amusement Park Amusement parks are usually associated with the summer, but most are also open weekends in the fall. Cedar Point, located on the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, remains open weekends through October.
Have fun and learn a little something this fall break by heading to a museum. COSI in Columbus, Ohio, is an interactive science center that is just as much for adults as it is for kids. Don’t miss COSI’s planetarium — it’s the largest in Ohio! — and the 6-foot-long mechanical T. rex model in the Dinosaur gallery. If you’re up for a little drive, Terre Haute Children’s Museum is three stories of nonstop science fun. The museum was recently remodeled and now includes a huge ropes challenge course, which is open on weekends.the
Explore the Midwest Ohio’s location in the U.S. puts us in close proximity to a number of amazing cities that are constantly evolving. St. Louis offers acres of urban green spaces, a one-of-a-kind shoe factory turned surreal playscape known as the City Museum and a budget-friendly zoo. Get a view of it all from the top of the Gateway Arch. If the hustle and bustle of the big city is calling, make the short three-hour drive to Chicago, where you can world-famousexploremuseums,getauniqueperspective of the city’s architecture aboard a water taxi, shop ‘til you drop along the Magnificent Mile and dine on dim sum in Chinatown. If you want to keep your travels in-state, you might find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in Dublin, a city just 20 minutes north of Columbus that celebrates all-things Irish all year long. Journey along the Irish Fairy Door Trail, hike through gorgeous woods to view the multiple waterfalls in the area, stop at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and enjoy a proper Irish meal in Dublin’s historic district. Whether you’re looking to relax or have non-stop adventures this fall break, a family getaway will help you make the most of the school-free days — and make lots of memories.
14 ohParent.com I September 2022 Make Your Way to a Museum
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The perfect size for little hands, the tiny breakfast treats at Peace, Love and Little Donuts in Hyde Park are made to order with all the toppings kids love. Fla vors include Oreo, banana split, apple pie, cinnamon roll, chocolate chip cookie dough, Fruity Pebbles, pb&j and many others. Or keep it simple with op tions like plain, powdered sugar, maple sugar or honey glazed.
Peace, Love and Little Donuts
WORDS BY REBECCA MATTESON LITTLE FOODIES
Customers are encouraged to try a Funkadelic donut, which is funky in all the best ways and piled high with untraditional toppings to create a flavored masterpiece. Magically Delicious starts off with berry flavored icing, stacked high with Lucky Charm marshmallows and finished off with a drizzle of icing glaze. Strawberry French Toast will have you dreaming of brunch with maple icing, cinnamon sugar, a dollop of strawberry filling and a pinch of powdered sugar. For candy bar lovers, Peace, Love and Little Donuts have mastered the Funkadelic with candy options. Each one is named after a popular candy bar, and include Heath Wind and Fire, Almond Brothers, Buttafinga, Peanut Nutter and Snick Jagger. Snick Jagger is exactly what you’d expect, chocolate icing, a cream cheese rosette, crumbled snickers and caramel drizzle. Yum! By focusing on flavors that compliment each other without overwhelming other flavors, the tiny creations at Peace, Love and Little Donuts make it a fun, delicious donut experience that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
3440 Edwards Rd., Cincinnati peaceloveandlittledonuts.com
• Thank them for sharing.
• Try to keep the conversation positive while naming, hearing and understanding their feelings.
• Ask for permission to start the conversation. If your child is not ready, ask them when a good time would be.
• Find a quiet and phone-free spot to have conversationyourwhere you won't be interrupted. Start the conversation on an upbeat and light note.
• If they are ready to talk, ask them, “How are you feeling about starting school again?”
• Ask open-ended questions.
While having these conversations, make sure you normalize emotions and refrain from judging or dismissing what your child is sharing. Also make it a point to focus on what your child is telling you instead of what you want to say next. Then, repeat back what they said to you. If during your conversations about going back to school, your child brings up something that can be considered negative, you can handle the discussion using these tips:
Checking In With Kids Going Back to School
• Continue to talk about feelings surrounding back to school and let them know it is OK to feel more than one type of feeling.
• See if they can identify the challenges that they had at school last year.
• Ask how you can support and encourage them this year.
• Remind them that this is a new school year with a fresh start.
• Set some one-on-one time at least two times a week to talk about school issues and feelings.
16 ohParent.com I September 2022 BROUGHT TO YOU BY DAYTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL PARENTING BROUGHT TO YOU BY
• Be intentional about continuing the conversation throughout the school year.
• Talk with your child about new solutions to their problems.
Are you feeling a lot of emotions during this back-to-school season? Chances are your kids are, too. Talking with your kids about how they are feeling can help their mental health, ease them back into the school year and help them be ready for learning. How can I talk with my child about the new school year?
Having conversations with your child and setting manageable expectations for the school year can help diminish any anxieties or stress about going back to school. The conversations can also set the stage for your child to share with you the things that may concern them about school, either now or in the future. Here are some ways to start the conversation to let your child know that you are a safe person to share with.
At Bishop Leibold School, our goal has always been to meet students where they are and help them reach the academic success that is specific to their individual needs. In 2019, we adopted an approach that helps us more accurately identify the needs and strengths of our students to better serve them. Utilizing Multi-Tiered Student Support (MTSS), our team of intervention specialists, teachers, counselors, aides, and parents can come together and work as a unified team to meet students’ needs. Through dif ferentiated classroom instruction and small group instructional support, individual strengths are fostered and praised while addi tional needs are addressed.
“MTSS is vital for us to be con sistent as an entire staff,” says Dr. Theodore Wallace, principal of Bishop Leibold “in doing so, we are able to work with our students that need the most help, and our highest achievers so that they are being appropriately challenged in the classroom.”
MTSS is just one component of the strides that Bishop Leibold is taking to best meet our student's needs. Bishop Leibold is also an official provider of the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholar ship (JPSN), a K-12 program that provides scholarships to students who have an Individualized Edu cation Program (IEP) from their local district but prefer to attend a participating private school. Bishop Leibold is proud of our unique collaboration with special ized community partners. One such partnership is with The Reading Lab, a program that provides dyslexia testing, training & tutoring services to “bright but struggling” readers during the school day. “Our partnership with Bishop Leibold is quite unique since we can serve students dur ing the school day. Families really appreciate this in addition to the impact it is having on helping unlock the full potential of their children.” says Donna Donahue, director of The Reading Lab. Visit us online and learn more today at bishopleibold.org .
September 2022 I ohParent.com 17 SPONSORED CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Education for ALL Students Unique Programs and Partnerships at Bishop Leibold School
LM&M Railroad in Lebanon offers fall-themed train rides, including one that makes a journey to a pumpkin patch. Ohio River Scenic Getaway in Tell City, Indiana, offers several fun train rides throughout the year, including a Pumpkin Patch Express and an Outlaw Chuckwagon Meal Train. And if you’re up for a road trip into Indiana, Whitewater Valley Railroad ’s Valley Flyer takes riders on a tour starting at Connersville and through Metamora. It’s officially time to embrace all-things fall and cozy. Make the most of the season!
WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE
Pumpkin Patches
There are plenty of U-pick farms in the area where you can stroll through an orchard and pick your own apples. Iron’s Fruit Farm in Lebanon is one of the finest in the area, and they offer varieties like Paula Red, McIntosh and Gala. If you’re up for a road trip, A&M Farm Orchard in Midland is well worth the drive. Corn Mazes We’re surrounded by corn in Ohio, so why not get a little corny this season?
Nature Hikes Take advantage of cooler temps by going on a family hike. The Great Parks of Hamilton County, Cincinnati Parks and Cincinnati Nature Center are great options in Cincinnati, while John Bryan State Park is a super scenic spot in the Dayton area.
FALL
Loveland’s Blooms & Berries has two corn mazes for kids of all ages: a 7-acre labyrinth that takes about an hour to conquer, and a smaller 15-minute maze. And if you’re up for a drive, Shaw Farms in Milford has a 12-acre maze that’s not for the faint of heart. Fall Festivals
The orange and red leaves on the trees, the brisk breeze blowing outside, the urge to bundle up and sip on everything pumpkin-spiced flavored — there’s nothing like Ohio in the fall! Our region really shines during this season, and there are many opportunities for outdoor adventures and fall fun. Here are a few ideas to put you in an autumn state of mind! Apple Orchards
Family-friendly ways to celebrate the season!
There are so many festivals happening this fall. Check out our calendar on page 34 to discover some of the can’t-miss festivals this month! Hayrides Hayrides are a necessary part of fall. Hitch a ride on a covered wagon at Bonnybrook Farms in Clarksville to explore the farm in the most charming fashion. And if your kids prefer horseback rides to hayrides, Nation Road Horse Rental in Oxford takes guests on a trek through the beautiful backwoods of Butler County.
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BUCKETFUNLIST
No matter where you’re located in Southwest Ohio, you’ll find a place to pick the perfect pumpkin, including Shaw Farms in Milford, Burwinkel Farms in Ross and McMonigle Farms in Middletown all boast a beautiful selection of fall’s unofficial mascot. And of course, Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs has one of the most picturesque pumpkin patches in Ohio! Scenic Train Rides Ohio is gorgeous in the fall, and one of the best ways to see the fall foliage is on a train.
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Private
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THOMPSONCBIG REASONS TO
HOOSING WHAT SCHOOL YOUR CHILD SHOULD ATTEND CAN FEEL LIKE A LOT — ESPECIALLY WITH SO MANY INCREDIBLE OPTIONS FOR QUALITY EDUCATION AVAILABLE. IF PRIVATE SCHOOL HAS NEVER BEEN ON YOUR RADAR, IT SHOULD BE! FROM CLOSE KNIT-COMMUNITIES TO STELLAR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, HERE ARE FIVE GREAT REASONS WHY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SHOULD CONSIDER PRIVATE SCHOOL. BY JENNIFER CHOOSE PRIVATE SCHOOL school can be a great educational choice. Here’s why many families are making the switch.
WORDS
5
Strong Sense of Community
Enhanced StandardsandOpportunitiesLearningHigherAcademic
Parental Involvement Private schools encourage, and provide a variety of opportunities for, parents to become involved. With fewer students, it is easier for the parents to develop relationships with administration and other staff members, in addition to their child’s teachers. Parent-teacher meetings are encouraged, as well as opportunities for the parents to attend social gatherings, and help with the needs of the school, such as fundraising. Parents are also invited to be involved in their child’s education — to speak up when necessary and to bring up any concerns or challenges as they arise with the teacher.
Because of the smaller class sizes and opportunities for parental involvement, private schools often foster a strong sense of community. Teachers and staff members are able to really get to know the students and parents on multiple levels. In addition, some private schools will center around beliefs, such as religion, which also may enhance the community feel as the families not only attend school together, but also
According to a 2021 US News article, “Research has consistently shown that private school students tend to perform better in standardized tests. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, which is often referred to as “the nation’s report card,” assesses both public and private school students in subjects such as math, reading, science and writing. The most recent NAEP data shows what other research has found: Private school students score better in almost all subjects. On college entry tests such as the SAT, NAIS found that students in private schools consistently out-performed their public school peers in all subject areas.”
Somechurch.schools will also offer programs for parents and students that center on personal growth, such as book clubs, speakers and
Smaller Class Sizes
Private schools also tend to offer a wide range of course selections, including Advanced Placement courses, gifted programs, the International Baccalaureate program (and the IB diploma program), as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities.
The typical private school will have smaller enrollment numbers than you will find in public schools, which in turn leads to smaller class sizes. With smaller class sizes, kids are able to receive more one-on-one time and attention from the teacher. Fewer kids in the class also means children may be more apt to ask questions. Without as many students vying for their attention in a day, teachers may also be more quick to recognize when a student needs to be more greatly challenged, or in need of extra support - and provide them the means to fulfill those personal needs.
Also, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, private high schools list more vigorous graduation requirements than their public school counterparts, requiring more coursework to be completed. This typically results in higher test scores, which can lead to increased post-graduate opportunities.
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With so many great educational programs available, it can be hard for parents to choose which type of school is the best fit for their child. Private schools have a lot to offer. If a private school seems best for you, be sure to visit the campus, join social media groups, consult with neighbors and friends — and don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions. The staff and administrators want to help you find the best fit, too. In addition, for those concerned about the financial burden, scholarships and financial assistance are oftentimes available for families.
With so many great educational programs available, it can be hard for parents to choose which type of school is the best fit for their child. Private schools have a lot to offer. If a private school seems best for you, be sure to visit the campus, join social media groups, consult with neighbors and friends — and don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions. The staff and administrators want to help you find the best fit, too. In addition, for those concerned about the financial burden, scholarships and financial assistance are oftentimes available for families.
It is no surprise that the world of sports and after-school activities for children has become competitive. The physical activity and sense of community that extracurricular activities provide are invaluable, and something a lot of parents want for their children. Because private schools do not have the large numbers that many of the public schools have, it may be easier for a child to secure a coveted spot on the team. The need to be the best in order to make the team diminishes and consequently takes the pressure off the child. In addition, only 27% of private school students say they play sports to chase college athletic scholarships (vs. 42% of public school students).
Participate in Extracurricular Activities
24 ohParent.com I September 2022 workshops that address current issues like social media trends, online safety, substance abuse, balancing personal and family needs and more. Attending events such as this strengthens not only the family unit, but also the community bond as well.
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Anxious thoughts and feelings are normal and expected, and this is especially true during times of transition or change like going back to school. If your child’s moods have taken a turn for the worse — or they start to complain about headaches, a nervous stomach, or sleep problems — they may be having some common physical symptoms of anxiety.
Anxious feelings about school are normal and expected. Here’s how to handle them.
WORDS BY LINDSAY CONNER
What if my teacher doesn’t like me? Will I have classes with any of my friends from last year?
Reading a book together on the topic of anxious thoughts and feelings can help give you a better language to talk about anxiety with your child. Some parents recommend the following books to help ease the transition.
One or two weeks before the first day of school, get your kids waking up and going to bed on their regular school schedule. Have them pick out clothing the night before and eat a healthy breakfast. Having routines can help ease anxiety, and so can getting proper sleep and
There are many ways you can help ease your child’s fears and prioritize their mental health. Here are six tips parents love to help kids start school with a can-do mindset!
Work extra hard to listen to your kids and acknowledge their back-to-school worries. A statement like “That must feel scary,” can open up the conversation. But simply saying, “You’ll be fine!” may feel like a brush-off. This is also a great time to empower your child with words of affirmation. For example, you can talk about how brave they are, the new friends they will meet, and how exciting it is to grow up and learn new things. Instead of referring to your child as shy, worried, or fearful in their presence, you can tell them that they are experiencing a feeling of shyness, worry or fear today, and that talking about those feelings with a grown-up can help them feel more manageable.
Encourage Exercise, Breathing and Meditation
What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner
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If your child’s anxiety is getting in the way of learning, talk with their school social worker or counselor. A student may qualify for a 504 plan, which is a formal written plan specific to your child to help them be successful in class (for example, being able to take a test in a private room). Visit the website WorryWiseKids.org for more advice on working with your child’s school.
Some schools offer events during the summer to help families get connected. If your school doesn’t offer this type of meetup, reach out and see if it’s possible to arrange a private meeting with another family before the school year starts. It may help your child to meet or at least see the faces of some of their future classmates.
Work With Your School
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
Hopefully, once your child gets into the swing of things, attending school and overcoming worry will be a positive growth experience for them.
Once kids become familiar with the routine and what will happen each morning, that can remove some of their worries.
Children might like to go to school with a transitional object, such as a picture of their family, matching friendship bracelets, or a small memento they can keep in their pocket to remind them they are loved and supported. Let them know that it’s OK to be anxious, but that going to school gets easier with time!
starts, do a practice run. This includes packing a backpack, driving or walking the route, and practicing drop off. Also, if it’s an option, visit your child’s classroom and meet their teacher, find their cubby, and ask any questions before the first day of school.
Talk About It Does your child have a specific worry that’s weighing on them? For instance, if they are concerned with how long the school day lasts, you can print off a daily schedule and tape it to their pencil case so your child will know what’s coming up next. You can mention that other kids have the same nervous feelings and teach them to look for someone else who is alone at lunch or recess.
Practice Daily Routines
Kids of any age can benefit from regular exercise to help their body and mind work their best. Incorporate playground time, family bike rides, or team sports in addition to academics. Big changes, like going back to school, can cause the mind to race, but deep breathing and meditation are proven strategies to counter anxiety.
Try following a video together or downloading a meditation app on your phone, and practice the breathing and mindset techniques together to build healthy habits that can be recreated during the school day when your child needs a moment of calm.
Listen To and Affirm Them
Read About It
Beforenutrition.school
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The Summit Country Day School Founded in 1890, The Summit serves students from 18 months to Grade 12. Full- and half-day Montessori programs for ages 18 months-age 6 begin the academic journey followed by a college-preparatory 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.
Guardian Angels School
NON–PUBLIC Bishop Leibold School When you join the Bishop Leibold Family, you join a community of students and families, a caring staff, and three parishes dedicated to providing your child with an excellent Christ-centered education. We serve students in preschool (3 years old) through eighth grade! Contact us today to learn more .
EDUCATION GUIDE * SPONSORED LISTINGS
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.
• 541 Main Street, Milford OH 45150, Contact: Kate Jordan, Phone: (513) 831-5806, Email: info@ amilliondreamslc.org, amilliondreamslc.org
MONTESSORI
• 17 S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH, Contact:
CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL A Million Dreams Learning Center New Learning Center now open in Milford, OH! Now Enrolling ages 6 weeks - School Age! We strive to provide an environment, staff, and programs that will enhance and encourage the million dreams of each child, family, and staff member. Through our classroom design, playground design and Christian curriculum, it is this Center’s desire to maintain a joy-filled, peaceful, creative environment for infants and children. We are committed to furnishing such an environment and adding a quality of childcare that is desirable and much needed in our community.
• 7900 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, theCampusKF.com , Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, Email: info@theCampusKF.com
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 relevancebased curriculum combined with child-directed play to make learning FUN and start each child on their journey to becoming a life-long learner.
Mercy Montessori is Cincinnati's first Catholic Montessori elementary school and provides students with a personalized education. Mercy offers a sliding scale tuition model, in-school swimming instruction starting at age three, and attracts students from over 60 zip codes. Mercy educates the whole child and develops a strong foundation for learning.
• 2161 Grandin Road (Hyde Park), Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 513-871-4700, ext. 261, Email: pearl_e@ summitcds.org, summitcds.org
Chai Tots ChildhoodEarlyCenter
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CHARTER Citizens of the World Charter School Our model focuses on social and emotional learning, project based learning, and difference and inclusion. We empower children to think critically and learn to engage respectfully and productively with fellow students by developing their capacity to enter into and understand the lives of others.
• 6666 N Springboro Pike Dayton, OH 45449 | 24 S. Third St. Miamisburg, OH 45342, 937-434-9343 | 937-866-3021, bishopleibold.org Creative World of Montessori Creative World of Montessori focuses on the comprehensive education of students from age 3 to 12th grade throughout the Dayton region and the greater Miami Valley area. Designed to ignite a passion for learning while developing important life skills, Montessori education at Creative World of Montessori encourages active learning and helps build a well rounded, engaged student. We have locations in Miamisburg, Beavercreek, and Centerville. We also have preschools and learning center programs across the Miami Valley. • 6833 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, Ohio 45459, Phone: (866) 866-7339, Inspirechildren.com
• 5086 Burkhardt Road Riverside, OH 45431, Phone: (937) 256.1761, sainthelenschool.org
The Campus at Kids First
Mercy Montessori Center
• 7131 Plainfield Road, Deer Park, OH 45236, Contact: Christie Sawyer, Phone: 513-697-9021, Email: csawyer@ leavesoflearning.org, 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.
Guardian Angels School provides students in preschool through eighth grade with a faith-filled experience focused on academic excellence, whole child education, and attention to each child’s unique learning needs. As a school, we push all of our students to earn their HALO through being Honest, Accountable, and a Leader to Others .
• 4324 Homer Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45227, Contact: Executive Director, Phone: (513) 445-4793, Email: recruitment@cwcschools.org, cwccincinnati.org
• 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, Phone: (513) 234-0600, ChaiTots.com , Ages/ Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60 Creative Tots, Mason Our holistic approach allows children (18 months - 5 1/2 years) the opportunity to learn, explore, play and grow while engaging in the fine arts, science, music, yoga and a modernized curriculum. We provide opportunities to use creativity, solve problems, use language, develop new vocabulary and reading skills, while engaging in intellectual activities. There are elements of STEAM education, bilingual education, arts education, as well as lots of physical activities to strengthen the mind and body.
The LearningT.U.L.S.A.Center Dayton's Premier Microschool Option! Through individualized support, discussion, interest-based learning, and collaborative, hands-on activities, T.U.L.S.A will create a safe space for students and families to explore, engage, and be empowered as they prepare to make a lasting impact on the world. Located in the heart of downtown Dayton, our full-time, intentionally small classes, prioritize culturally responsive teaching and active learning experiences.
• 6408 Thornberry Ct., Mason, OH 45040, Contact: Emilie Parry, Phone: 513-770-6776, Email: creativetotsmason@gmail.com, creativetotsmason.com , Grades: Toddler: 18 months-3 yrs, Preschool: 3-4 yrs; Pre-K: 4-5 yrs
• 2335 Grandview Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206, Contact: Amanda Grimm, Admissions Director, Phone: (513) 475-6700 ext. 210, Email: agrimm@ mercymontessori.org, mercymontessori.org , Grades: Preschool - 8th Grade, Enrollment: 296 The New School Montessori Cincinnati's only school accredited by the American Montessori Society. Centrally located and surrounded by wooded play yards and gardens, students benefit from a nurturing environment where Montessoricredentialed staff support high academic and personal achievement. Full-day, half-day with healthy lunches included in tuition. ISACS and AMS accredited program.
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!
• 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: (513) 281-7999, ceara.c@newschoolmontessori.com,Email:newschool montessori.com , Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6, Enrollment: 144
• 6539 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati 45230, Contact: Mr. Corey Stoops, Principal, Phone: 513-624-3141, gaschool.org , Grades: Preschool - Grade 8 St. Helen School Welcome to St. Helen where an amazing sense of community leads to academic excellence! Every day we strive to build character by living virtuously. Our ministry to model Catholic morals, values, and traditions while providing a structured, nurturing environment for each student to grow spiritually, academically, and emotionally. Our focus on faith formation and academic excellence prepares students to be life-long learners. A community that celebrates diversity, we welcome families all over the Miami Valley including military families from WPAFB.
September 2022 I ohParent.com 31 Michelle Person/Director, thetulsalearningcenter.com,info@Phone: (937) 550-1020, thetulsalearningcenter.com SPECIAL NEEDS Springer School and Center For 50 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6-14 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Springer Experience. Success Starts Here. • 2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Jill Wieging, Associate Admissions Director, Phone: 513 871-6080 ext. 211, Fax: 513-871-6428, Email: jwieging@springer-ld.org, springer-LD.org , Grades: 1 through 8, Enrollment: 200 BE PART OF OUR MONTHLY GUIDE KATIE@OHPARENT.COMCONTACT
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Volunteer coaches are certified to facilitate the curriculum before the program begins via a national coach training program. This training prepares them to build relationships with girls, create a positive, inclusive environment, support individual improvement and deliver the intentional curriculum. Each team requires three to six coaches to lead the team of eight to 20 girls over 10
Additionally,weeks. each 5K requires about 400 volunteers. We welcome anyone to join us on the day of the 5K as a volunteer in various roles: water stop, entertainment, finish line, registration and more. What if GOTR is not offered at my child’s school?
For more information about Girls on the Run, visit gotrcincinnati.org
The program weaves physical activity, such as running, into a total experience that is designed to enhance girls’ social, psychological and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences.
WORDS BY Girls on the Run (GOTR) is more than a race — it’s an activity-based positive youth gradesprogramdevelopmentforgirlsin3through8.
This nonprofit program uses running to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident.
The research-based curriculum includes lessons that specifically target helping girls improve in competence, confidence, caring, character, connection and contribution. Girls learn specific skills and strategies, such as how to manage emotions, help others, make intentional decisions, and resolve conflicts that they can use at home, at school and with friends. How old do girls need to be to participate?
Local Spotlight: Girls on the Run
PAM FREEMAN AROUND TOWN
We have two programs: Girls on the Run for grades 3 to 5, and Heart & Sole for grades 6 to 8. When are GOTR races run? We conduct a spring and fall season each year. The spring 5K celebration is in early May and the fall 5K occurs around the week before Thanksgiving. Both events take place at Yeatman’s Cove and are open to the public to register and participate. How can people help GOTR and get involved?
We are always working with the community to bring our programming to more girls. Connect with our program director Regina communityteamaboutgotrcincinnati.org) toRankin (regina@inquirestartingorresurrectingaatyourgirl’sschoolorlocation.
Southwest Ohio Parent spoke to Annie Horn, executive director for Girls on the Run Cincinnati, about this nonprofit that’s working to empower girls’ lives. How does GOTR work? Girls on the Run is not a running club. Rather, we use the goal of completing a 5K (3.1 miles) to help the girls progress in their individual skills throughout the 10-week season. Many of our girls are not runners and our coaches do not need to be runners, either. We simply ask each girl to do her best and for coaches to demonstrate a positive lifestyle for the girls to Theemulate.program concludes with all participants walking or running in a celebratory 5K event, which gives them a tangible sense of achievement, as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals.
FRI 02 SUN 04 Lunken Airport Days Airport Open House featuring dozens of aircraft on display, rides available in historic military aircraft, helicopter rides, classic car displays, military vehicles on display, educational exhibits, food vendors, and a patriotic flag ceremony at Noon each day.
SUN 04 28th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta Buy a duck, feed a child!Nearly 200,000 ducks race along Serpentine Wall for prizes during the regatta's 28th anniversary. Every single duck helps feed a child facing hunger in our community. The first prize winner will drive away with a 2022 Honda CRV EX, second place will receive $5200 in Kroger gift cards and the remaining 5 prizes will are $500 cash from Kemba Credit Union.
• Location: Young's Jersey Dairy, Times: Vary Daily, youngsdairy.com/labor-dayfamily-value-weekend/
FRI 02 Fireworks Friday at Florence Y’alls Enjoy an exciting baseball game and stick around afterwards to watch the skies light up. Presented by Rozzi, fireworks Fridays take place at the end of every Friday home game.
• Location: Chrisholm MetroPark Time: 10a, metroparks.org FREE
Bike the 'Boro Springboro's 9th Annual Bike the ‘Boro FREE event features 2-, 10- and 16-mile rides, giving cyclists of all levels the opportunity to ride through the City. Get a free bike helmet and fitting. Vendor booths include bike safety education, local bicycle shops and advocacy organizations. The Big Event features bounce houses, face painting, and other kids' activities!
MON 05 Music Monday at Happy Hangouts Westside Explore all our kid-friendly instruments in our small party room all day. Start a band with your friends or see how many different ways you can play a single instrument!
Cruise
• Location: Purple People Bridge, Time: 3p, rubberduckregatta.org
• Location: Isabella Hopkins Park, Time: 11a-11:30a, chpl.org FREE Story Walk at California Woods We Walk Through the Forest written by Lisa Ferland is beautifully illustrated by Yana Popova. Reminiscent of Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See?, this story follows a little girl and her dog as they romp through the forest acting like the animals they see.
• Location: Heritage Village Museum, Time: 10a-5p, heritagevillagecincinnati.org
TUES 06 Toddler Storytime Join us for nursery rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories that encourage early literacy skills in young children. For toddlers 12-36 months with a caregiver.
• Location: Happy Hangouts Westside, Time: 9a-3p, h appyhangoutws.com
BB Riverboats
• Location: Lunken Airport, Time: check website, warbirds. clubexpress.com
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view on this 1 1/2 hour sightseeing tour on the Ohio River. Listen as the captain guides your adventure with historic, fascinating commentary of our beautiful river city.
• Location: BB Riverboats, Time: 2:30p, bbriverboats.com
Celebrate things that start with the letter R with ABC's of Farm Life. How about rabbits? Do they eat radishes? Come join us and see what else we can find on the farm through fun hands-on activities, craft and visit with the farm animals.
FRI 02̶MON 05
SAT 03, 17 & 24 History Alive Days Visit the Village during History Alive Days for a guided or self-guided tour and meet interpreters in historical clothing doing demonstrations. There will be different demonstrations each day and they may include: woodcarving, broom making, textile demonstrations, food preservation, and an organ performance in the church.
WEBN Fireworks at Riverfest Enjoy an all-day affair with music, food and family fun and entertainment! Then view the choreographed Rozzi's Fireworks show while listening to the soundtrack on WEBN (102.7 FM) starting just after 9 p.
Celebrate Labor Day at Youngs Dairy! Take advantage of a special Family Value wristband good for all day, unlimited family fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy. Play Udders & Putters miniature golf, batting cages, driving range, Moovers & Shakers, Cowvin’s Fast Slide, Cowvin’s Kiddie Corral, Cowvin’s Corny Maze, and Wagon Ride on the Farm.
• Location: North Park, Time: 10a-1p, cityofspringboro.com/369/Biking-In-The-Boro
• Location: California Woods Nature Preserve, Time: All Day, cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks FREE
WED 07 Outdoor Movers and Shakers Join the library for storytime at Isabella Hopkins Park, you and your child will shake it together! Sing, dance and enjoy music, movement and fun. Recommended for ages 1 – 4.
*ONGOING THINGS TO DO // SEPTEMBER 2022 FREE / free for families! *ONGOING /a recurring event / a SW Ohio Parent favorite!*SN / special needs friendly34 ohParent.com I September 2022
• Location: Thomas More Stadium, Time: 7p, florenceyalls.com/
SAT 03 Cincinnati Sightseeing
THURS 01 Show and Tell on the Farm
FREE
• Location: Dayton Metro Library Huber Heights, Time: 10-10:30a, daytonmetrolibrary.org
• Location: Sawyer Point & Yeatman's Cove, featured/western-southern-webn-fireworkswebn.iheart.com/
SUN 11 SAT 17 First Responders Week at the Cincinnati Zoo The Cincinnati Zoo is honoring those who protect our community by offering free admission to all active fire, police and safety personnel and all members of the military (active and retired).
FRI 09 Moonlight Movie Night: Encanto ArtsConnect brings the excitement of outdoor big screen movies to Springfield Township! Open early for family games and activities. At dusk, enjoy free family friendly movies under the stars on our huge, 16 ft inflatable screen. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and a flashlight. Hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks will be available for purchase.
SEPTEMBERSUN,11 BENGALS PAYCORSTEELERSVS.ATSTADIUM
SAT 10 SUN 11 Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Concert
Location: Clifford George Park, Time: 6:30p, movie-night-encantoguide.artswave.org/event/moonlight-
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Location: Music Hall, Time: 2p, cincinnatisymphony.org Beavercreek Popcorn Festival
THURS 08 Homeschool Day Homeschool Day is a wonderful way for home-schooled students to enjoy hands-on educational activities and programs. With a 4-D animatronic theatre, 30 exhibit buildings, costumed historical interpreters, object theatre presentations at the Wright Brothers Aviation Center, carousel rides, and more!
Watch the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first official home game of the regular season. WhoDey and the boys are back for another winning season!
• Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Time: Fri/Sat 11a-10p Sun 12p-4p, daytongreekfestival.com FREE Clinton County Corn Festival Help us celebrate our agricultural heritage as we honor one of the area's biggest industries! The festival features antique farm machinery, a parade, games, all types of food made from corn, a quilt show, musical entertainment, antiques and crafts and the Corn Olympics!
Location: Memorial Hall, Time: 12p & 2p, shows/pinkalicious-the-musicalmemorialhallotr.com/cincinnati-
Scared of spiders, but don't want to be? Enjoy a family excursion while learning how to identify & appreciate them. See a real brown recluse and black widow so you'll know how to recognize them. Weather Dependent.
• Location: Cincinnati Zoo, cincinnatizoo.org/events/hometown-heroes
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Location: Carillon Historical Park, Time: 10a, daytonhistory.org Volcanoes! Design, build and erupt your very own volcano! For kids and teens. Registration required.
SAT 10 Pinkalicious The Musical Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, and when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious has to figure out a way to get out of her predicament! Stay after the show for a special Cupcake Meet & Greet in the Gold Ballroom with pink cupcakes and a photo opportunity with members of the cast.
FREE
Location: Sharonville Branch Library, Time: 4:30-5:30p, chpl.org
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FRI 09 ̶SUN 11 Dayton Greek Festival
FREE
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The Dayton Greek Festival is an excellent opportunity to try delicious Greek food, pastries, shop for arts and crafts, see Greek cuisine demonstrations, try Greek beer and wine, enjoy music and watch vibrant dance performances.
Spider Search
Be our guest as the Cincinnati Pops performs the score to Disney’s animated classic, Beauty and the Beast, live to the complete, beloved film! Featuring unforgettable characters and Academy Award®-winning music (Best Original Song, Best Original Score, 1991), Beauty and the Beast is a classic tale that’s been capturing hearts for generations.
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• Location: Paycor Stadium, Time: 1p, bengals.com
Location: Hills & Dales MetroPark, Time: 7-8:30p, metroparks.org
• Location: Clinton County Fairgrounds, Time: Varies daily, cornfestivalonline.com
Location: Intersection of Dayton-Xenia and North Fairfield roads in Beavercreek, beavercreekpopcornfestival.org
• Location: Historic Grimes Field, Time: 4-9 pm, balloonfestohio.com
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Columbia Settlement 1788 Learn about the first pioneer settlers to the Cincinnati area as interpreters share artifacts and history. This event will also include demonstrations, crafts, and games.
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Location: Deerfield Towne Center, Time: 10a-1p, facebook. com/events/606957977615083
SUN 11 Bengals Home Opener
Join us for festival foods, continuous live entertainment, 5K popcorn run, tantalizing treats, creative crafts, and sensational specialties made with Popcorn. Events include a 5k and Fitness Walk (Saturday), Car Show with DJ, Beer Garden, Kidz Area with inflatables, face painting, door prize drawings and puppet shows!
Location: Hertiage Village Museum, Time: 10a- 4p, heritagevillagecincinnati.org Touch-A-Truck We're teaming up with Deerfield Township for our annual Touch-A-Truck event! Climb in a variety of vehicles, inflatables and receive fun giveaways at this FREE community event!
FRI 09 SAT 10 Balloon Fest - A Hot Air Affair Bring your folding chairs and enjoy an awesome display of light and color. Fun for the entire family with food trucks, contests and vendors! The balloon activities are weather dependent.
Light up any space with your own art! Join us as we paint with brushes & our fingers!
• Location: Learning Tree Farm, Time: 10 am- 4 pm, learningtreefarm.org/autumn-fest/
Join us both days as we once again celebrate the special ambiance of the farm in the fall! Many of your favorite foods will be back including Dutch oven apple pie, fresh-pressed cider and chili. Fun and exciting children’s activities will keep the little ones entertained with games and crafts. Visit farm animal friends, take a tractor-pulled wagon ride, and enjoy musical entertainment in the Bank Barn. Don’t miss the artisan and craft exhibitors offering needle crafts, animal masks, sand art, painted pumpkins, garden ornaments, wood craft, jewelry, hand-made soap and more..
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Monarch Tagging Bring the entire family out to participate in an international citizen science program by helping us capture and tag monarch butterflies. Come and see live monarchs and learn about their amazing life cycle and incredible migration to Mexico.
• Location: Russ Nature Preserve, Time 1p-4p, gcparkstrails.com/ event/monarch-tagging-3/ FREE Hispanic Heritage Festival
MON 12 Lightning Bug Paint
I September 2022
• Location: RiverScape MetroPark, Time: 11a-11p, metroparks.org Autumn Fest
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• Location: Greene County Parks & Trails, Time: 10a-12p, gcparkstrails.com Pizza with the Police Spend an afternoon eating Pizza with officers from the Miamisburg Police Department. Check out their emergency vehicles.
• Location: Ault Park, Time: 1-4p, cincinnati-oh. gov/cincyparks/ MON 19 Storytime in the Forest Join Great Parks ‘round the tree for a fun nature themed story at the Nature Center at The Summit Children will then have an opportunity to meet an animal ambassador up close and personal!
• Location: Ault Park, Time: 6-10p, aultparkac.org
Location: Elm and Walnut Street, Time: 11a-11p, oktoberfestzinzinnati.com/events.html
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Treat your preschooler to dirty hands and fresh air as we build forts, turn over logs and explore in this Nature Play Area. Weather Dependent.
Come join us for fantastic live music at Ault Park’s September Summer Music Festival – a Cincinnati tradition for over 20 years. Local favorite food, craft beer/wine/hard seltzer and water will be available for purchase. Kids’ entertainment will be provided by Cincinnati Circus and Beech Acres from 6-8pm.
• Location: Aullwood Aububon Farm, Time: 10a-5p, aullwood.org SUN 18 Fun on the Farm Experience life and activities away from the city and down on the farm at this year's Fun on the Farm - farm fun the old fashion way! Enjoy a Meet and greet with the animals, samples of open hearth cooking, tours of the 1874 Amish-Mennonite Augspurger Home and more.
The Wiggle Worms fair will be rolling into town with fun for everyone! Walk down our midway where you will find fair-style games, visit some animals, race a stick horse and even enter your stuffed animal into a 4H animal show… these are just a few things you will get to do.
SAT 17 Teddy Bear Dental Clinic
• Location:, Englewood MetroPark, Time: 10-11a, metroparks.org
FREE Wiggle Worms – County Fair
FRI 16 Game Night on the Hill Pay admission to Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Jumanji is free! Watch Jumanji under the big screen at dusk. Event starts with board games under the pavilion.
This event is geared toward children who have never been to the dentist or who experience fear when it's time for their appointment. Children will have the opportunity to be the dentist and take their teddy bear through a typical dental exam.
• Location: Centerville Pediatric Dentistry, Time: 10a-12p, centervillepediatricdentistry.com
The 21st Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival will offer something for all ages. Dance to hot and electrifying Latin music and enjoy delicious food. Enjoy children's activities, and entertainment to include demonstrations of art, food, crafts, and traditional dance and dress.
Location: MidPointe Library Trenton, Time: 5:30-6:15p, midpointelibrary.org
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• Location: Nature Center at the Summit, Time: 12p, greatparks.org FREE Bubble Wrap Art Make interesting printed artwork and cards using bubble wrap. Ages 6-12. Please register in advance.
• Location: Greene County Parks & Trails , Time: 8a-5p, gcparkstrails.com Apple Adventure It's apple season and a perfect time to celebrate a sweet treat from the trees. We'll share a special story with a riddle to solve and make apple-inspired art. For ages 3-7.
SAT & SUN, SEPTEMBER 17 & 18 AULLWOOD FALL FESTIVAL AT AUDUBONAULLWOODFARM
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• Location: The Upside Brew, Time: 9:30a, hugs-a-cactus/cliftonculturalarts.org/product/art-tales-nobodyNature Play
Location: Dayton Metro Library, Miamisburg, Time: 3:30-5p, daytonmetrolibrary.org
Location: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Time: 6:30-10p, pyramidhill. org/familyfunonthehill2022
Location: Chrisholm MetroPark Time: 12-4p, metro parks.org Ault in Bloom Join The Greater Cincinnati Rose Association, The Wildflower Society, Herb Society, Dahlia Society, the Cincinnati Zoo's Best Plants for Pollinators, Raptors Inc., organic farmers, and proffesional flower arangers at Ault Park for an afternoon full of flower power! The theme this year is Roses and families can enjoy garden crafts for kids, flower aranging demonstrations, a live string ensamble, Cincinnati Brush and Palate Artist, a cut rose sale, and FREE UDF ice cream.
Tween Scene
• Location: Dayton Metro Library, Main, Time: 4-5p, daytonmetrolibrary.org
• Location: Main Street Commons, Time: 3-7p, fairbornoh.gov
• Location: Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, Time: 10:30-11:30a, metroparks.org
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Each Monday afternoon, Tweens in grades 4-6 can come by for a variety of engaging activities, ranging from arts and crafts, table top and video gaming, fandom exploring and more.
Food trucks, vendors and a special evening market the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Patrons can purchase fresh floral arrangements, baked goods, farm-grown produce, herbs, honey, preserves, and other related items.
• Location: Dayton Metro Library, Brookville, Time: 6-7p, daytonmetrolibrary.org
TUES 20 Greene Grasshoppers – Carnival Can toss! Ring toss! Popcorn! Photo Booth! Cotton Candy and more! ALL free. ALL kids win at our carnival! Great prizes too…See you all soon No registration required.
FREE WED 14 Fairborn Food Truck Rally and Night Market
TUES 13 Art + Tales: Nobody Holds a Cactus In this art class for the preschool set (ages 2-4), we will read and explore a different picture book each week and then make our own art inspired by the story using a variety of materials. Dress to allow for a mess!
Enjoy a day of family fun on the farm while supporting Learning Tree Farm’s mission of providing hands-on learning in a traditional farm setting! Activities for the whole family, including farm animals, food trucks,live music, pony rides, hay rides, historic and nature-based games, local vendors and artisans and more!
SAT 17 SUN 18 Aullwood Fall Festival
FRI 16̶SUN 18 Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Cincinnati hosts the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world (surpassed only by the original festival in Munich, Germany). A massive three-day celebration of German culture, food, and beer attracts about a million visitors downtown each September.
THURS 15 Ault Park September Summer Music Festival
• Location: Hills and Dales MetroPark, Time: 4-6p, tashlich-shofarjewishdayton.org/event/family-
Location: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, Time: Saturday: 11a-9p & Sunday: 11a-4p, pyramidhill. org/artfair2022 Country Applefest Lebanon's only 2 day arts and crafts festival! The festival features over 300 arts, crafts and food vendors, as well as live entertainment each day.
THURS 22 Dot, Dash and the Pony Express Discover the history of transportation and communication! From waterways to railways and newspapers to telegraphs, the speed of communications changed as transportation evolved. Watch the Pony Express deliver mail! Visit the flatboat, Chester Park Train Station, and Schram Print Shop.
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum Art Fair 2022 This year, the Art Fair will bring together over 70 artists vendors to sell their one-of-a-kind handmade creations. You’ll be able to peruse their works amongst the monumental sculptures that dot our gorgeous grounds. Art Fair is one of the Park’s largest events, providing entertainment and activities for all ages including live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and a beer garden!
SAT 24 Be a... Bug Hunter Come and discover some of our native bugs and learn the important role they play in our ecosystem. We recommend closed-toed shoes, long pants or bug spray as we will head slightly off trail when we search for local species.
FRI 23 SAT 24 Loveland Oktoberfest Head to historic Loveland for German fun and food including a stein hoist competition, weiner dog races, Nisbet Park Biergarten featuring Warsteiner (tips to benefit Cancer Free Kids!), lederhosen competition.
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FRI 23 Family Friday Enjoy some family time while learning and creating alongside your children. Creations can be taken home after each session. Space is limited. Program may be cancelled in the event of bad weather – check MidPointe’s social media for updates.
• Location: Warren County Fairgrounds, Time: 10 am, countryapplefest.com FREE SUN 25 Raptor Inc. Monthly Open House Take a peek behind the scenes at the Raptor Center during RAPTOR Incorporated’s monthly Open House. Educators will be available to welcome guests, lead tours, and conduct educational programs with their LIVE avian ambassadors. Stop in to meet and learn about their amazing local birds of prey and to support raptor conservation!
• Location: Multiple Locations, greatoutdoorweekend.org
• Location: Duke Energy Convention Center, Times: Vary Daily, cincinnaticomicexpo.com
• Location: Downtown Loveland, Time: 5-11 pm, events/338166157760701/facebook.com/
• Location: Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center, Time: 1p, greatparks.org/ calendar# FREE Krohn Craft Corner Create fall colorful tree art. Have your kiddo's observe the many different shapes and sizes of tree trunks and branches before they enter the Conservatory. Let their creativity come out during this colorful activity! Free-with the cost of admission to Krohn Conservatory.
• Location: MidPointe Library Monroe, Time: 1-1:45p, midpointelibrary.org
• Location: Raptor Inc., raptorinc.org/ open-houses
SAT 24 SUN 25 Great Outdoor Weekend 2022 Get outdoors! Throughout the weekend, kids and adults of all ages can sample a wide range of the best outdoor recreation and nature awareness programs available across Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. Paddle the Mill Creek or canoe the Little Miami River, learn outdoor survival skills, enjoy birdwatching, take a free 10-minute golf lesson, wake up with a Sunday morning rooftop yoga class, or venture out on a self-directed nature scavenger hunt. Check our website for the full schedule!
*ONGOING
• Location: Krohn Conservatory, Time: 10a-12p, cincinnati-oh. gov/cincyparks
• Location: Heritage Village Museum, Time: 10a-2p, dot-dash-and-the-pony-expressheritagevillagecincinnati.org/events/
FRI 23 SUN 25 Cincinnati Comic Expo Annual show celebrating all periods and genres of pop culture with emphasis on comics. Latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, artwork, games, toys, movies and TV.
MON 26 Family Tashlich & Shofar The Dayton Jewish Community invites all children together with their parents to join for a fun and meaningful Rosh Hashana Tashlich program. We will listen to a story, enjoy delicious snacks, sing songs and play games! Each child will receive a special gift!
• Location: Brown's Family Farm Market, Open: 9a-7p, brownsfarm market.com
• Location: Burwinkel Farm, burwinkelfarms.com
Cowvins Corny Maze at Youngs Dairy 2022 Daily starting September 17 through October 30. Cowvin, the baby of the Cow Family, has created a family fun maze of more than 3½ acres of cornfield and has over one mile of paths. Cowvin’s Corny Maze goes through our cornfield and has many twists, dead-ends and tricky twists. It’s an adventure! Are you up for the challenge?
38 ohParent.com I September 2022 SEPTEMBERBEGINNING17 FALL ON THE FARM AT BLOOMS AND BERRIES
NOTE 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.
Kids Crew at Newport on the Levee Tuesdays through October 25. Free family fun at the Levee, every Tuesday through October 25th! Every week is something new and exciting for kids at the Levee; playtime may include face painters, story tellers, magicians, arts and crafts and more!
THURS 29 Disney Junior Live: Costume Palooza The Disney Junior tour is back with an all new show, Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza at Taft Theatre. This show brings beloved Disney Junior characters and favorite Marvel Super Heroes together live on stage for a jam-packed, concert-style show with singing, dancing, acrobatics, and more.
• Location: Anderson Branch Library, Time: 4-5p, chpl.org WED 28 U-Pick Flowers at Marmalade Lily
Ohio Renaissance Festival Weekends through October 30. The Ohio Renaissance Festival offers something for everyone featuring nearly 100 shows daily on 14 stages, over 150 unique arts and crafts shops, hearty food and drink, games of skill and humanpowered rides to amuse all ages.
Jack O’Lantern Junction September 24 through October 31. Halloween fun for the whole family! Walk thru our indoor, kid friendly maze and see friendly ghosts, skeletons and more. Each child will receive a bag of trick-or-treat candy! Plus, see our new Halloween mini scenes and a Halloween themed train display! Don’t worry about the weather it’s all indoors!
Through October 16. This interactive art experience at Krohn consists of being surrounded by an array of colors from the rainbow and learning more about the science of color. For this event, Krohn will essentially be turned into a giant kaleidoscope with giant prisms all around that transmit every color. Come to Khron conservatory to enter to an immersive, colorful experience.
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PARKING, NO ADMISSION!
• Location: Bloom & Berries Farm Market, FallOnTheFarm.com The Science of Color: PRISMATICA
September 25 through October 30. Make no bones about it, Kings Island's Tricks and Treats Fall Fest is set to be the area’s favorite Halloween event. Everyone in the family—from tots to tweens to grown-ups—will have a spooktacular time with fun fall activities, specialty food and craft beers, games and game shows, music entertainment, trick-or-treating, and so much more!
Blooms & Berries Fall on the Farm! September 17 through October 31, Open Daily Voted by CityBeat “Best Pumpkin Farm”, Fall on the Farm at Blooms & Berries is back! Tickets are all activity inclusive with the brand new Petting Farm, Pumpkin Bounce Pad, Farm Games, Trike Track, Bee Train, Hayride, Corn Maze, and Pumpkins and Bakery Treats available for purchase. Weekends feature the Beer Garden! Come out for an amazing whole family experience. Tickets online only.
• Location: Taft Theatre, Time, 6p, paloozaevents/2022/09/disney-junior-live-on-tour-costume-tafttheatre.org/
Cut your own fresh, specialty-cut blooms straight from the Marmalade Lily gardens. When you arrive, you will be greeted by a member of The Lily Crew. We provide clippers, baskets, and water. Our floral specialist can show you what flowers are currently blooming. Our flowers are priced anywhere from $1 for a Zinnia to $4 for huge Hydrangea stems.
ONGOING EVENTS
Location: EnterTRAINment Junction, Time: 10a-6p, entertrainmentjunction.com/calendar
Location: MidPointe Library West Chester, Time: 12:30-1:15p, midpointelibrary.org Curious Kids Club Join us each month as we explore science, technology, art, engineering and math in a fun and hands on way while using our imaginations! For ages 6-12. In September, the Bug Chicks will be here to talk about Incredible Arthopods!
• Location: Aronoff Center for the Arts, cincinnati.broadway.com/shows/hamilton-2022
TUES 27 Pre-School STEAM Stations Children ages 3-5 will rotate through fun stations to learn about science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math!
Tricks and Treats Fall Fest Select days
• Location: Young's Jersey Dairy, Time: 11a-6p, youngsdairy.com/cowvins-corny-maze
Fall Family Fun Weekends at Brown's Family Farm Market Weekends, Starting September 17 & 18 Through October 30. We are the perfect day trip for Fall family fun! Weekend Fall activities include pick your own pumpkin, hayrides, barrel train, play village, corn maze, straw maze, farm animals, picnic area, sunflower patch and lots of photo opportunities! Don't forget to check out the Farm Market for all your Fall decorating needs! FREE
• Location: Marmalade Lily, Time: 6-9p, themarmaladelily. com/upickflowers
Location: Kings Island, Time: 11a-7p, com/events/tricks-and-treats-fall-festvisitkingsisland.
September 24 through October 31. Celebrate fall with over 20+ varieties of locally grown apples, as well as all your fall decorating needs! Burwinkel Farms is the perfect place to take your family for corn stalks, gourds and pumpkins of all sorts, Indian corn, apple cider, and mums. Plus, activities for all ages including a corn maze, skid maze, Halloween scavenger hunt, crawl-thru straw tunnel, corn pool, and weekend hayrides to our pumpkin patch and sunflower field (when in bloom).
• Location: Krohn Conservatory, visit-a-park/find-a-parkfacility/krohn-conservatorycincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/
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HAMILTON Select Days through October 02. HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
• Location: Ohio Renaissance Festival, Time: 10:30a, renfestival.com
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Location: Newport on the Levee, newportonthelevee.com/kids-crew FREE Fall Fun at Burwinkel Farms
SW OHIO PARENT'S SOURCE: daysoftheyear.com September 2022 I ohParent.com 39 SUN MON TUES WEDS THURS FRI SAT calendar 09.2022 92 19 292228212511 12 PETDAYROCK READBOOKADAY SQUASHACORNDAY STAR TREK BEARTEDDYDAY TV DINNERDAY PIRATELIKETALKADAY PEPPERONIPIZZADAY MINIATUREGOLFDAY FIRST DAY OF FALL APPRECIATIONREDHEADDAY RABBIT DAY 18 103WRITINGLETTERDAY COCONUTWORLDDAY SKYSCRAPERDAY 13 fun & WACKY 16 5 7 30232027 17 HASHANAHROSHBEGINS FAMILY DAY CRUSH A CAN DAY NEIGHBORGOODDAY COFFEEDAY CHEWINGGUMDAY 24 NATIONALDAYOFSERVICE CHOCOLATEMILKSHAKEDAY ROALDDAHLDAY QUIET DAY MAKE A HAT DAY GUACAMOLEDAY DANCE DAY 6 814 26 CHEESEBURGERDAY
