I didn’t think my girls would love playing laser tag so much but they do. Plus it’s something we can do as a family and my husband really enjoys it too. Although, he’s a good sport, I think he gets tired of me schlepping him all over Cincinnati for all the other things we do. But for this activity, he’s all for it. Now, laser tag may be a bit difficult for pre-schoolers since the “mission packs” are a tad heavy, but last year my youngest tried it. Granted, the “mission pack” was as long as she was and probably just as heavy but she loved it. Now that I think about it, my girl had some strength lugging that around while navigating her way through a laser tag course.

There’s going to be a brand new laser tag facility opening soon. It’s called, THE WEB extreme entertainment, and will make its big debut at the end of March. Their facebook page says it all, “The Tri-States newest and most exciting FamilyEntertainment Facility! Featuring Inside Track go-karts, Laser Web laser tag, Hang Ten bowling, Jurassic Park mini-golf and a fantastic arcade and redemption center!” Wow, looks like so much fun.

On March 26, they are having a grand opening celebration. From 6-11pm, you can enjoy all the great features. There’ll be laser tag, Hang Ten mini-bowling, Jurassic Park golf, go-karts, and arcade games. They also have an onsite pizza parlor, Noble Romans & Tuscano’s Italian Subs and the Sweet Spot Ice Cream Shop that features Aglamesis Brothers ice cream (yum yum).  100% of all proceeds for the grand opening celebration will benefit the Anthony Munoz Foundation and Mr. Munoz will make a special guest appearance. You can purchase the tickets the night of the event for $15/kids 9 and under and $25/10 and up. The ticket price includes all the attractions but there are some age limitations. Golf and bowling are open to all ages but you have to be at least 7 years old to play laser tag. In order to ride the go-Karts, you have to be 10 years old and 54” (if under 10 then you can ride with a licensed driver if you are able to be secured safely). It’s nice to know that THE WEB is big on promoting family safety.

In addition to the new West Chester location, Laser Web is also located in Centerville (their Fairfield location will be closing March 14).  When the weather warms up you can also enjoy Adventure Golf South in Centerville.  Both locations are great places to host a child’s birthday party. A place where they can play hide and seek,  play arcade games, eat pizza & ice cream and zap people with cool toys that have sound effects sounds like a winning combination to me.

Hurray for the weekend! We don’t know about you, but the visit from the sun on Thursday got our families itching to get and and enjoy the city.  As always, here are a few of our picks for fun things to do this weekend.  If you’ve got something fun on your agenda for this weekend that we don’t have listed, please leave it in the comments if it’s something you think FFC readers might enjoy too.
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CANstruction (Downtown) – Check out fun large sculptures built from canned goods at the Weston Art Gallery downtown.  Exhibit benefits the FreestoreFoodbank. Cost: Attendees encouraged to bring canned goods for donation; Hours are Sat. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sun. 12pm to 5 p.m. Visit http://www.westonartgallery.com for details.

Princess Tea Party (Cincinnati) - Children ages 3-8 will enjoy this magical event at Beech Acres Park RecPlex.  Fun includes treats, pretend tea and a visit from a real live princess! Saturday, March 6, 10:30 – 12pm. Cost is $15, $12 residents.  Registration required. Visit www.andersonparks.com or call (513) 388-4515 for details.

Lebanon Quilt & Fabric Show (Lebanon) - Take your children back in time to learn about the art and craft of quilting.  Show includes quilt exhibit & sales from more than 35 vendors. Benefits Warren County Historical Society. Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Cost is $6; for additional information visit http://www.wchsmuseum.org or call (513) 932-1817 for details.

Bead Crazy Earing Class (Springdale) -  A great way to spend the day with your daughter! Participants will learn how to make two pairs of earrings. Saturday, March 6, 10am – 3pm. Appropriate for ages 12 and up (children must be accompanied by an adult). Visit www.beadcrazygirl.com or call (513) 671-3456 for details.

Cincinnati Home & Garden Show (Downtown) – Who’s ready for spring?? Head downtown this weekend for the Fifth Third Bank Cincinnati Home and Garden Show at the Duke Energy Convention Center. Show runs this Saturday & Sunday (and next weekend too). Cost is $11 adults, children 13 and under free. For complete details visit http://www.hartproductions.com.

Jack & The Bean Stalk (Downtown) - Check out the final performance of the Children’s Theatre’s production of Jack & The Bean Stalk this Saturday, March 6th at the Taft Theatre.  Show starts at 2pm and tickets range in price from $7-$20. Visit http://www.thechildrenstheatre.com or call (513) 569-8080, ext. 10 for more information.

Percussion Group Cincinnati (Clermont County) – Music from Scratch – Part of Calico Children’s Theatre at UC Clermont College. March 5 at 7pm and March 6 at 10:30am.  $6/adults and $4/kids. More info on http://www.ucclermont.edu/collegecalendars/calico_theater.html.

Rosenthal Next Generation Series (Mt. Adams) - World of Wonder – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park - Saturday, March 6 - 10:30am & 1pm. $5/kids 4-18 and $6/adults. Free parking.

Family First Saturday (Eden Park) - Cincinnati Art Museum - Saturday, March 6 - 1-4pm – Great free family event where you can introduce your kids to the art musuem and take part in lots of fun activities including art making, story telling, dancing, and much more.

Learning Through Play Conference (Downtown) – Cincinnati Musuem Center - Saturday, March 6 – 9:30am-4pm – Great parenting forums and interactive workshops for kids.

Madcap Puppets - Annie Oakley’s Wild West Show – Part of Xavier University’s Hat’s Off Series - March 6 & March 7. $7/ticket.

“Are you ready for some football?”……..The Cininnati Commandos have arrived and their season opener is on Saturday, March 13.  They are part of the Continental Indoor Football League. So get your tickets and head to the Cincinnati Gardens to see the Cincinnati Commandos take on the Miami Valley Silverbacks (got to love the names).  Game time is 7:30pm.

For their opening season, patrons will have free parking and they are offering $1 beers at every home game.  They want to make the games affordable for families so children under 10 are only $7.  Regular seating is $12 and premium seating is $17. Military and student tickets are $10.  They also have season ticket options ($50/$75 depending on the row).

Here is their upcoming home schedule (from website):

• Game 1: Miami Valley Silverbacks – Sat, 3/13/10 07:30 PM
• Game 2: Columbus Aces – Fri, 03/26/10, 8:00 PM
• Game 4: Wisconsin Wolfpack – Sat, 04/10/10, 7:30 PM
• Game 6: Miami Valley Silverbacks – Sat, 04/24/10, 7:30 PM
• Game 8: Chicago Cardinals – Sat, 05/15/10, 7:30 PM
• Game 9: Ft. Wayne Firehawks – Sat, 05/22/10, 7:30 PM

We all know how important birthday parties are. We work hard to make sure they’re perfect, that our children have fun and that great memories are made. Unfortunately, sometimes this is easier said than done, as it can be hard to find places other than the typical ones you think of {you know the places we are talking about }.

This is exactly why a few weeks ago on Facebook we asked you to share your favorite birthday party locations in Cincinnati. Boy were we excited about your responses! So many great suggestions – places we’d not heard of, places we’d been to, places all over the city.  It was a great list and we couldn’t wait to share it here on the blog.

**Please note that our goal is to continue to grow this list, adding new places as we discover them or when you send them our way. If you know of a great place that’s not included on our list, please feel free to leave information about it in the comments, or you can shoot us an email at FamilyFriendlyCincinnati(@)gmail.com.

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Jump! Zone ~  Jump!Zone is an indoor party center featuring nine large inflatables, interactive games and various toddler activities. Prices start at $159 for 15 kids and run to $259 for 25 kids. Locations in Florence & Milford. Visit the Jume!Zone web site for complete details on party packages and pricing.

Beechmont Rollarena ~ If your child is old enough, roller skating may be the party for you.  Party pricing is based on attendance – $7.00 per child, includes skate rental, party supplies, drinks & ice cream. Pizza & soda avail; minimum of 8 children. For complete details visit the Beechmont Rollarena web site.

Here’s a fun idea, paint pottery for your next party. Locally, two options include Star Glazers and Color Me Mine.

• Star Glazers ~No need to travel, Star Glazers brings the party to you.  Paint ceramic mugs, plates etc and w/I 2 weeks your finished pieces return! Details on the Star Glazers web site. Call for party pricing.
• Color Me Mine ~ Located in Crestview Hills Towne Center children will have fun painting pottery with their friends. Prices vary based on pieces painted. Details on Color Me Mine Web site.

Snappy’s Tomato Pizza Party ~ What child doesn’t love pizza? How about a party at Snappy Tomato where you get to eat what you helped make?  Call your local Snappy Pizza to see if this is offered. We know in Bright, IN the Snappy location offers a ‘make your own pizza’ party for kids for just $5 per child.

Pump It Up ~ Large private indoor arenas, filled with gigantic inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses and more (Parents can play too!) Parties include a private party room with a party coordinator to help run things so parents can just sit back and enjoy. Parties run from $189 – $269. Located in West Chester. Complete details on the Pump It Up Web site.

The Little Gym ~ Located in Liberty Township, Kids who have their birthday party at the Little Gym get the whole place to themselves! Party includes lots of tumbling and “gymnastics” fun and they take care of everything for you.  Visit The Little Gym web site for details, call for pricing.  Perfect for children 12 and under.

Cincinnati Museum Center ~  Choose from the Duke Energy Children’s Museum or the Cincinnati Museum Center for your party. Lots of party themes available including Construction, Fish, dinosaur, cave and more.  Party includes 15 guests with prices ranging starting at $160 for Museum members, $185 for non members. Visit the Cincinnati Museum Center Web site for complete details and pricing.

Happen, Inc’s Toy Lab ~ How fun would it be to create your own toy? Party goers at Toy Lab on Beechmont Avenue get to do just that with the help of one of Happen’s wacky professors.  Party packages range in price from $160 – $240. Complete details are available on the Happen, Inc. Web site.

Wake Nation ~ Want to take your party to the ‘Extreme’? How about a party at Wake Nation in Fairfield?  Party goers can learn to wakeboard, water ski, and/or kneeboard WITHOUT a boat. The main lake is good for kids 10 and up and this summer they are opening The Practice Pond for ages 5 and up. Pricing starts at $300. Complete details on the Wake Nation Web site.

Little Songbird Music ~ Perfect for little ones ages 1-4, Little Song Bird music will bring the party to you. Parties include a half hour music class and creating a musical craft. Costs start at just $45.  Visit the Little Songbird Music web site for complete details.

The Enchanted Village in Lebanon~ In addition to being an amazing toy store, one the second level they have the cutest rooms perfect for a princess party for a little girl. You can decorate cookies in the pretend kitchen, play dress up with their beautiful costumes and have cake and a tea party with your animals. Visit the downtown Lebanon web site for contact information.

Here’s a fun idea one reader submitted:  “We take all the kids to a matinee performance at the Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati and then have a party at home w/ food and games inspired by the show.” Lots of great local theater productions for children. Visit the Ensemble Theatre or The Children’s Theatre web sites  for details/inspiration.

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Don’t forget, we know this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you know of a great place to have a party, please let us know. We want to keep this list up-to-date and growing!

Thanks to everyone who shared ideas on the Family Friendly Cincinnati Facebook Fan page!

Oh yes Cincinnati, the Circus is coming to town and a whole bunch of Cincy bloggers have free tickets to give away courtesy of Mom Central.  So up your chances and visit all the following:

mommybits.net

mommysnacks.net

doingtheworkingmomthing.com

blog.nickels-n-dimes.com

amyinohio.com

Another great weekend with things to do all over the city!

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Friday, February 26

Jack & the Beanstalk (Feb. 26-28 ) — The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents Jack and the Beanstalk at the Taft Theatre.  Visit the Children’s Theater Web site for complete show details.

Saturday, February 27

Zak Morgan LIVE -- See Zakland at Raymond Walters College – part of  ARTrageous programming- Two performance (11am & 1pm) in the Muntz Theatre. Only $5/ticket.

Lowes Build & Grow Clinic -- Free at 10am, build a Lowebot at the Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic – various locations, pre-registration requested.

Cincinnati Museum Center’s Day of Literacy — Kids (ages 12 and under) can sign up for a library card and get free admission on March 2  to the Duke Energy Children’s Museum (with paid adult admission). There’ll also be story time, a Lorax program and activities with the Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District. Note: March 2 is the National Education Association Read Across America Day.

Boone County Arboretum – From 10-11am the Boone County Arboretum hosts a  fun experience that will have your family turning maple sap, into maple syrup! Class is free, but registration is required.  Call 859-586-6101 or visit the Boone County Arboretum Web site for details.

Maple Sugar Days at Farbach-Warner Nature Preserve (Feb. 27-28) – Part of the Hamilton County Park District programming.  Noon-5pm. Get more info on greatparks.org.

Sunday, February 28

Heritage Village Museum Tours — Bring your family to Sharon Woods and tour 11 historic buildings depicting life in the 1800s. Tours available by appointment only from 1-5pm. Cost is $5, $3 ages 5-11. For more information call (513) 563-9484 or visit http://www.heritagevillagecincinnati.org.

Camp Ernst Open House - Enjoy treats, tractor rides and horse ring rides while Camp Ernst representatives talk about their summer camp program. 1-4pm, free to attend. Call (859) 586-6181 or visit http://www.myYcamp.org for more information.

Peter Pan performed by the Children’s Repertory of Clifton Performance Theatre. This all-child cast will perform at 2pm. Tickets are $7 per child, $10 per adult, and $8 per senior. The Clifton Performance Theatre is located at 404 Ludlow Avenue. Call 513-861-SHOW for more information.

Have we mentioned how much we {heart} libraries? We do. They’re such great resources. From books and music to crafts and games, they are a wonderful FREE and educational resource for families.

While we already shared with you the Cincinnati Library story times for March, we also wanted to share with you some of the special programs that our local libraries are offering this month.  Once again the main list is quite big so we picked just a few to highlight here. You can view the complete list of Cincinnati Library special programing here. PS. Libraries in northern Kentucky also offer special programs: Kenton County | Boone County | Campbell County.

Animals & Insects

Saturday 6
Greenhills Branch Library, 7 Endicott St., 369-4441
Cool Critters: Learn more about reptiles with Brian from Cool Critters Outreach! Saturday 6, 2:00 p.m., All ages Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library

Art & Crafts

Tuesday 9
Avondale Branch Library, 3566 Reading Rd., 369-4440
Fun Kid Crafts: Come to the library after school and make a fun craft. Tuesday 9, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Ages 5-12

Saturday 20
Delhi Township Branch Library, 5095 Foley Rd., 369-6019
Make It Pop! Create basic pop-up cards and crafts to give and enjoy. Saturday 20, 11:00 a.m., All ages

Creative Writing & Poetry

Saturday 27
Mt. Healthy Branch Library, 7608 Hamilton Ave., 369-4469
Poetry Palooza: Celebrate the start of National Poetry Month by illustrating a favorite poem. Bring one from home or use one from our collection. Saturday 27, 3:00 p.m., Ages 5-12 Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library

Family Fun Nights

Tuesday 23
Harrison Branch Library, 10398 New Haven Rd., 369-4442
Scooby Doo Family Fun Night: Play Scooby Doo Bingo, make a Scooby puppet and have some Scooby Snacks. Tuesday 23, 7:00 p.m., Ages 4-12 Registration is required

Health & Fitness

Saturday 13
Hyde Park Branch Library, 2747 Erie Ave., 369-4456
Karate Demonstration: Grand Master Lew Rogers will teach and demonstrate the history & basics of the martial art of Karate. Saturday 13, 2:00-4:00 p.m., All ages Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library

Special Needs

Thursday 11
Mariemont Branch Library, 3810 Pocahontas Ave., 369-4467
Special Needs Storytime: Special needs children and their parent/caregiver share a reading adventure in a fun and safe environment! Please contact Children’s Librarian Katheryn Toren-Jones for more information and to register: Katheryn.Toren-Jones@CincinnatiLibrary.org or 369-4467. Thursday 11, 10:30 a.m., Ages 1-6 Registration is required