Are you ready for an amazing weekend? There’s so much going on this weekend, my head was spinning just writing about it all!  From classes at Happen Inc and the UnMuseum to baseball games and festivals, there’s a little something here for families with children of all ages.  We hope you have a great weekend!

PS. In honor of my new job in the arts, you’ll notice this weekend’s write up includes several activities that are arts related!

Saturday

Happen Inc — Head over to Happen Inc’s Northside location for its “Be a Bookworm” event and let your children have a blast creating their own imaginative book this Saturday.  Open 10am – 5pm; call (513) 751-2345 or visit http://www.happeninc.com (click on Events) for details.

UnMuseum – Have you been to The UnMuseum? The 4th Saturday of each month the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) hosts “Family Saturday” from 1-4 pm. Children in attendance work with a real artist joins families in creating art projects  inspired by current & upcoming exhibits at the Musuem. Open to children ages 5-10 (+ adult chaperon); Members of the CAC are free, Nonmembers pay general CAC admission – Adults $7.50/children (3-13) $4.50. Visit http://contemporaryartscenter.org for details.

Cincinnati Art Museum — Family ARTventures at the Cincinnati Art Museum help children learn more about artists and art through hands on tours that include touchable objects and art stops.  Tour kicks off in the front lobby at 1pm. Family ARTventures is free, parking just $4 (free parking for members).Visit http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org or call (513) 721-2787 for complete details.

Great American Ball Park — Get out the peanuts and cracker jacks, the Cincinnati Reds are in town this weekend! Head down to Great American Ball Park Saturday to see the Reds take on Cleveland at 7:10pm.  Free Reds pennant to the first 20,000 fans in the gates.  Pick up $5 tickets in the upper levels and pack a cooler for a low cost/high fun evening at the ballpark! For more savings and ideas, check out this post we wrote last year on Family Fun {and $1 hot dogs } at the Reds ballpark.

Florence Freedom — This is a baseball town! Saturday the Florence Freedom take on the Southern Illinois Miners at Champion Window Field in Florence.  Game starts at 6:05pm; Tickets are $10-$12 VIP, $9, $7 lawn. Call (859) 594-4487 or visit http://www.florencefreedom.com for complete details.

Boone County Arboretum — Does your children love kites? Then you wont want to miss Boone County Arboretum’s Kite Festival at Central Park.  Hosted at shelter #2, the fun event includes a team of trick kite performers and attendees will have a chance to make their own kite! Runs 12p.m. – 3p.m. Visit http://www.bcarboretum.org for complete details.

Warren County Arts Festival -- Downtown Lebanon hosts the Warren County Arts Festival featuring art for sale from 54 juried local/regional artists such as painters, wood workers, jewelers, sculptors, glass artists, photography and more. Festival includes lots of tasty food, street performers and more. Children’s art activities available at no cost all day. Free to attend; runs 10a.m. – 6p.m. For more information call (513) 934-9905 or visit http://www.warrencountyarts.org.

Sunday

Taft Museum of Art — Sundays are Free at the Taft Museum of Art! In addition to great self-guided tours just for children & families, the Taft offers children’s labels in the permanent collection with kid-friendly descriptions of many of the artworks. Visit www.taftmuseum.org for details.

Cincinnati Art Museum – Can’t make it on Saturday to Family ARTventures at the Cincinnati Art Museum (see above for details)? It’s offered on Sunday too!  Tour kicks off in the front lobby at 3pm. Family ARTventures is free, parking just $4 (free parking for members).Visit http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org or call (513) 721-2787 for complete details.

Great American Ball Park – Weekend fun continues with the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday as they return to Great American Ball Park to take on Cleveland at 1:10pm.  Free Reds team card set to the first 30,000 fans in the gates.  Check out this post we wrote last year on Family Fun {and $1 hot dogs } at the Reds ballpark for ideas on how to have fun & save $$ at Great American.

Florence Freedom – Sunday also sees the Florence Freedom returning to take on the Southern Illinois Miners once again.  Game starts at 6:05pm; Tickets are $10-$12 VIP, $9, $7 lawn. Call (859) 594-4487 or visit http://www.florencefreedom.com for complete details. Sunday Twilight N’s game is themed Twilight Night where fans can choose Team Edward or Team Jacob… also families will enjoy Family Fun Sunday which features autographs with players, running the bases and a pre-game parade for kids.

All Weekend Long

Panegyri Greek Festival – One of the best festivals of the summer, the Panegyri Greek Festival features authentic Greek cuisine, delicious pastries, lots of great live music, raffles, games and plenty of amusement rides for kids and grownups alike. Cost is $2, with children 12 and under admitted for free. Runs Friday 5p.m.-11p.m.; Saturday 3p.m. – 11p.m.; Sunday 1p.m. – 8p.m. Call (513) 591-0043 or visit http://www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org/92.html for complete details.

It’ s supposed to cool WAAAY down this weekend (we’re talking high temps in the 50s!), so that may affect your weekend plans. But I also saw a lovely sun in the forecast — maybe a great time to get out, as long as you bring a jacket?

Whether you’d rather stay indoors or get out and about, here’s our roundup of fun stuff to do for Cincinnati families this weekend:

Friday, April 16

Fantastic Farm Fridays at Parky’s Farm (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.): Hands-on educational activities and live demonstrations. Includes goat milking, sheep shearing, vegetable planting and more. Pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. (FREE with vehicle permit)

Family Fun Night at Town and Country Sports and Health Club (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.): Family-organized games, optional crafts, Aeroball, rock climbing, Wii Sports, sports wall and swimming. ($5 per family, reservations required)

Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Green Thumb (Opening Night) at Bank of Kentucky Center (7 p.m.): Join all your favorite friends on an amazing adventure as they help Elmo find a new home for Sunny in this all new Sesame Street Live stage show. ($27 gold circle seats, $19, $15, $12)

Family Movie Night on NBC: Secrets of the Mountain One Family’s Adventure. Every Family’s Challenge. promises to bring great entertainment with good values back to our television screen.

Saturday, April 17

Butterfly Show at Krohn Conservatory (Opening Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily): Featuring international butterflies, flowers, culture and art of Japan. Show divided into three sections to mimic change of seasons, beginning this weekend with Sakura. ($10 unlimited admission pin; $6, $5 seniors, $4 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and under)

Linton Music’s Peanut Butter and Jam Sessions at Mount Washington Presbyterian Church (Shows at 10 a.m. - 10:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.): The Madcap Puppets join Peanut Butter and Jam musicians to tell exciting stories set to chamber music. For ages 2-6 and their families. Free Graeter’s cookies at concert. ($12 flexbook of four tickets, $4)

Earth Day Celebration at Sawyer Point (12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.): Features exhibitors with hands-on displays representing environmental groups, government agencies and businesses. Rock-climbing wall, kayak paddle safety pool, ORSANCO’s aquarium, baby animals from Farmer Frank’s Sunrock Farms, Mother Earth and story telling, environmental puppet show, children’s fashion show with creations made with recycled material and more. Music by the Turkeys, Wild Carrot, the Blue Grass All-stars and others. (FREE)

Family ARTventures at Cincinnati Art Museum (Saturday at 1 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.): Meet in front lobby. Tours feature touchable objects and hands-on art stops led by specially trained docents. (FREE; parking $4, free for members)

Earth Day Celebration at Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore (1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.): With Imago Earth Center. Including stories, songs, crafts and more. Ages 2 and up. (FREE)

The Garden of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi at Silverton Paideia Academy (3 p.m.) (Also at Evendale Cultural Arts Center on Sunday, 3 p.m.): Featuring Playhouse’s Touring Company. Free-flowing adaptation of the Kipling classic, a comedy about sharing and cooperation. Part of Playhouse Off the Hill Series. Ages 4 and up. (FREE)

Sunday, April 18

Chocolate Festival in Village of Washington, Ky. (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; also on Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.): Chocolate treats, children’s games, street vendors, food and strolling entertainment. Log Cabin Cruise-In 1-5 p.m. Chocolate Candy Hunt 1:30 p.m. Music by Four-string band 3-4 p.m. (FREE)

Family Bowling Bash at Super Bowl, 510 Commonwealth Ave. Erlanger, KY 41017 (1 – 4 p.m.): Includes two hours of bowling, shoes and pizza. Registration available at 2nursesonamission@gmail.com. Benefits Project CURE and Kids Against Hunger. ($12, $10 ages 12 and under)

ALSO ON SUNDAY: See listings above for details on Sesame Street Live, Butterfly Show, Family ARTventures and The Garden of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.

Mirror Lake, The Krohn Conservatory, The Cincinnati Art Museum, Segway tours and so much more…..

We had family in town for this beautiful Easter weekend, and thought we’d take them to our fabulous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens.  Of course, I think everyone else in Cincinnati had the same idea (great for the Zoo but not so great for all of us).  After sitting in traffic and slowly inching our way to the Cincinnati Zoo’s new parking entrance, we knew that luck was not on our side when we saw the big red….”Lot Full” sign flashing at us.  We then had to readjust our strategy as well as appease our girls who were looking forward to visiting the animals.

We ended up heading to Eden Park near Mt. Adams and I have to say it was the best last minute decision.  We parked close to Mirror Lake and for the first time, we walked around the lake. People were sunbathing, having picnics, walking their dogs, jogging and flying kites.  My girls really loved seeing the large fountain in the center of Mirror Lake but wondered why they couldn’t get in.  I’ve been to Eden Park many times but we’ve always parked at the attraction we were visiting so I’ve never actually walked the trails.  We decided to walk from Mirror Lake to the Krohn Conservatory and we headed up the paved Hinkel Trail path.   It was great being outdoors and seeing other visitors enjoying the park.  One group that suddenly came up behind us was a group of tourists on Segways.  They offer Segway tours of Eden Park which includes a 90 minute tour and a guide for only $50.  How fun is that?  I’ve always wanted to try one of those Segways so I may have to return one day sans kids and give it a go.

After, letting the Segways bypass us, we emerged to the most gorgeous setting.  The magnolia trees were in full bloom and they were stunning.  Plus, the whole park smelled wonderful.  If you can get there soon, seeing these trees in all their glory is worth it.  It’s called the Hinkel Magnolia Garden located just south of the Krohn Conservatory.  After the walk up the hill, my girls decided it was time for a breather in the covered gazebo so we stopped and had a snack and a drink (lucky for me I remembered to bring our snack bag with us).

Following our pit stop, we finally made it to the absolutely amazing Krohn Conservatory.  The Krohn had lots of volunteers outside planting flowers, and getting the Krohn ready for their annual Butterfly Show (opens April 17).  The Krohn is the perfect place to get some fabulous photos.  We were lucky to see all the beautiful spring flowers in full bloom – the Easter lilies were gorgeous.  My girls love running walking quickly through the rainforest as well as strolling through the desert and seeing all the cacti (please don’t touch, ouch!).  One thing that makes the Krohn so family-friendly is that it is free but after visiting, I know you’ll want to leave a donation at one of the donation boxes at the front entrance.  Thank you to the Cincinnati Parks for maintaining such a treasure for all of us.

Normally, after seeing Mirror Lake, taking a small hike and seeing the Krohn, we would have called it a day, but since we had out of town guests we were in the “we need to see as much as we can” mode so we drove up  to the Cincinnati Art Museum (another free attraction – parking is $4).  I knew the girls were a bit tired so as our guests toured the museum, we visited the onsite Terrace Café (if you are a museum member you can get a 10% discount to the Terrace Café as well as free parking). We got to sit outside and enjoy the Alice Bimel Courtyard.  We ordered some iced teas and lemonade and got the girls a decadent chocolate mousse which they devoured in no time flat.  I wish we were hungry since their lunch menu looked delicious and I had some major food envy after seeing the other diners’ meals.  The courtyard was also the perfect distraction for my girls – I let them take photos and tour the enclosed courtyard while we sat and enjoyed our cool drinks.   After our “beverage break”, I took the girls up to see some of the museum.  Of course, they were more excited about walking up the steps in the Great Hall then taking in all the art.   But, we did get to see Marc  Chagall’s, The Red Rooster after just learning that my Mom named my brother after this artist (never knew that little tidbit of family history).

The Cincinnati Art Museum is phenomenal and they really want to get families involved in art.  Every first Saturday of the month, they have Family First Saturdays which is a great way to introduce your kids (best for ages 6 to 12) to the art museum.  They have scavenger hunts, storytelling, entertainment and art activities and best of all, it’s free.  They also have free programs for preschoolers and their families during Wee Wednesdays and they offer many other family- friendly programming throughout the year.

So even though, we missed out on seeing the Cincinnati Zoo, I think our day turned out to be one of the best ways to showcase some of what Cincinnati has to offer.  Eden Park has even more to see with additional walking trails, Playhouse in the Park, a refurbished outdoor amphitheater, Twin Lakes, and festivals and events throughout the year.

If you want to read more about some great parks in the Cincinnati area, see Katie’s posts on Family Friendly Cincinnati – she has a great series of articles called “Perfect Parks”. I’ve also got some fabulous parks and playgrounds listed on MasonMetu.  Pack a picnic lunch, sunscreen, a kite or a frisbee and enjoy!

It’s the last weekend in March. Can you believe it?  Don’t let a little rain stop you from getting out with your family this weekend. There’s plenty to see and do regardless of what part of town you are in. Here are a few of our favorites. As always, feel free to add ideas in the comments! We love hearing about the things you’re doing.

Have a great weekend,

Shannan

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Read to a Therapy Dog (Fairfield, OH) – The Lane Public Library Fairfield invites children to stop in and practice reading with a four legged friend on Saturday from 6-7p.m.  Registration required. Call (513) 894-6557 or visit the library web site for details.

The Garden of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi (Mt. Adams, OH) –  Playhouse in the Park presents a fun comedy about sharing and cooperation. Perfect for ages 4 and up. Shows Saturday at 10:30 & 1:00pm. Cost is $6, $5 ages 4-18; Reservations needed, call (513) 421-3888 or visit the Playhouse web site for details.

Lunch with Easter Bunny - Parky’s Farm Hayloft Barn hosts lunch with the Easter Bunny on Saturday from 10:30am – 1:30pm.  Includes complimentary photo and egg hunt.  Cost is $8.95; reservations required. Call (513) 521-7275 or visit http://www.greatparks.org for additional information.

Pancake Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt (Union, KY) The City of Union invites families to join them for an Easter Egg hung at the Union Community Building.  Open to children of all ages; Runs from 8:30 – Noon, Easter Egg Hunt starts at 10am and cost is just $3.  Children should bring a basket for their “loot.” For more info, call (859)384-1511 or visit the city’s web site.

Easter Bunny Express Train Rides (Lebanon, OH) – The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad invites you and your family to take a ride on the Easter Bunny Express!  Ride includes visit with the Easter bunny, an Easter egg hunt, a gift for children, games and more.  Cost is $18.50, $15.50 ages 62 & up & 5-16, $8.50 ages 2-4, free ages 1 & under. Tickets available online (They reco you buy them in advance); Rides Saturday & Sunday at 10, 12:15, 2:30 and 4:45pm. Call (513) 933-8022 or visit http://www.lebanonrr.com for tickets.

Just for Kids Fishing Day (Pleasant Plain, OH) – Head out to Stonelick State Park and grab your tackle box and your reel for a fun time fishing. Open to parents & children ages 15 and under. Includes hot dog, chips & drink. Cost: Free; Runs from 11 – 3pm. Call (513) 734-4323 for more information.

Fa Mulan (Cold Spring, KY) - St. Joseph School presents Fa Mulan, a play based on a poem on a Chinese hero named Mulan. Cost is $5; shows run Saturday 7:30 – 9:30 & Sunday 2 – 4:30pm.  Call  (859) 441-2025 or visit the school web site for more information.

Easter Egg Hunts - (various locations) You can also check our post, Easter Egg Hunts, The Easter Bunny, Egg Hunts & More  for a listing of more egg hunts.

Family First Saturday – Cincinnati Art Museum - (Eden Park, Mt. Adams) Free – 1-4pm – Theme: “Film Fest” – Great way to introduce your kids to the art museum. They can enjoy art activities, entertainment, art demos and more. Parking is $4.

Greater Cincinnati has a lot going on this weekend and we’re excited to share some of these events with you.  Hopefully, you’ll find something family-friendly that sparks your interest.  Have a great weekend.

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Nov. 6 - Cincinnati Cylcones take on the Toledo Walleye – Throwback Night – 7:30pm – US Bank Arena. Tickets are only $7 and you get $1 beers, $1 hot dogs, $1 pizza.  Wow, you can’t beat that. 800-745-3000.

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Nov. 6-7- FAME (The School for Creative & Performing Arts) Aranoff Center Ticket Information

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Nov. 6-7 – Miss Saigon performed by the Loveland Stage Theater Company – Call 513-697-6769 for information. tickets are $19/general admission and $16 for seniors/students.

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Nov. 6-8 – Royal Hanneford Circus – The Bank of Kentucky Center – Northern Kentucky University. Get tickets at www.ticketmaster.com or at select Kroger stores or call 800-745-3000. Visit www.bankofkentuckycenter.com for more info.

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Nov. 7 – The Education & Enrichment Fair - 10am-3pm – Presented by Cincinnati Family & Northern Kentucky Family Magazine – preschools, day cares, enrichment programs such as music, dance, and art will be featured. Sycamore Plaza, Kenwood (across from Kenwood Towne Center).

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Nov. 7- Family First Saturday - Cincinnati Art Museum – Art in Bloom - FREE – 1-4pm. Scavenger hunts, art activities, demos and more. 953 Eden Park Dr. 513-721-2787 or www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

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Nov. 7 – Kinderklaus Market – 9:30am-3pm – Crafts, holiday decorations, baked goods. $5 admission and free admission for seniors ages 65 and up and kids 12 and under. Benefits Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Receptions Banquet and Conference Center – 10681 Loveland Madeira Rd., Loveland. 513-683-2614.

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Nov. 7 – Linton’s Peanut Butter & Jam Session - http://www.lintonmusic.org/PBJ.htm – Dancing Day with Bach, Vivaldi 7 Irish Jigs. 10am & 11:30am – Enjoy chamber music with your preschooler. Tickets are $4 person or purchase a flex book of 4 for only $12. Performance at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – 7701 Kenwood Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio.  Call 513-381-6868 for more info.

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Nov. 7 – Cincinnati Sports Club – Novemberfest Open House – www.cincinnatisportsclub.com - FREE – 10am-4pm – 3950 Red Bank Rd., 513-527-4000.

• The Christ Hospital will also be on hand having a health fair with most events free. See many local health and wellness groups.
• Indoor Fall Festival – FREE – inflatables, games, program demos, mascot appearances and more.

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Nov. 7 – Families Create - FREE - Paper Party – 10am-Noon – Taft Museum of Art - 316 Pike St. 513-684-4528. Reservations required. $12/nonmember adult/child & $8/member adult child.

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Nov. 7 – The Chinese Acrobats of Hebei – 7pm – Miami University Middletown – Dave Finkelman Auditorioum. Order tickets by phone 513-727-3383 or visit www.tickets.muhoio.edu. $35/adults, $15/students & youth, $25/MU Faculty & Staff & Seniors. See more info in ShannanB’s recent post on FFC.

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Nov. 7 – Children’s Concert – Thadeus Rex – Read Like a Rock Star! -www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com – 11am – Tickets are $7/adults and $5/children – Covedale Center for the Performing Arts – 4990 Glenway Ave, Cincinnati. 513-241-6550.

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Nov. 8 – Amazing Race Family Challenge – 1-3pm – FREE – Head to Ault Park for this great family event where you will be on a nature quest with your kids (best for ages 5-12). Please RSVP in advance to 513-761-4313. 3600 Observatory Rd., Cincinnati.

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Nov. 8 – Dedication Ceremony – Deerfield Honors Veterans Park – 2pm – Cottell Park - Representatives from all branches of the military will be there to unveil the bell cast by the Verdin Company as well as host Cammy Dierking from WKRC Local Channel 12. 5487 Irwin Simpson Road.

Happy Friday everyone! If Trick or Treating tomorrow night isn’t enough to wear you out this weekend, here are a few more fun activities you might want to check out! Just a reminder, if you are looking for trick or treat times, you can find them here on the Cincinnati Enquirer’s web site.

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Findlay Market will be spooktackular this weekend - Saturday children will enjoy seeing merchant stands decorated and employees decked out in their Halloween costumes as they (merchants/employees) compete in a costume/decorating contest. Stop down Sunday and check out the Al Janna Dancers from 1:00pm – 2:00pm. They’ll perform traditional gypsy and Middle East dances in the area outside the farmers market. PS. FM’s web site hints that you should arrive around 12:30pm you might see a surprise….. Click the link above for more on what’s happening at FM this weekend.

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Cincinnati Art Museum - On Saturday & Sunday children can explore the interactive discovery area for families at the Art Museum. Themes rotate and include hands-on activities for all ages. Artworld is FREE and runs from 11 am to 5 pm both days

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Halloween Treat Street -Oct. 30  Deerfield Towne Center -FREE – 6-8pm – Honey Hill Farm Petting Zoo, Treats for kids and kids’ activities.  5305 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, Ohio.

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Costume Contest & Trick or Treat at Cincinnati Premium Outlets -Oct. 30 –  4-7pm – For ages 12 and under. Stores provide treats for the kids while supplies last and at the food court area there will be the costume contest. 513-539-0710. Premium Outlet Dr., Monroe, Ohio.

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“You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” – Oct. 30-31 & Nov. 6-7 -Enjoy this musical based on the “Peanuts” comic presented by the Mason Theater Department. Children are encouraged to come to the performance on October 31st dressed in costume for trick-or-treating as they help Charlie Brown and his gang await the arrival of The Great Pumpkin. Ticket information can be obtained by calling 229-4070. Tickets are $7 for students and seniors and $10 for adults.

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Barnes & Nobles Halloween Extravaganza – Oct. 31  - Noon-4pm – Kids can come in costume for a costume party, trick-or-treating, games and at Noon ghost hunter, Judy Knuckles will be there and at 2pm meet the authors of “Haunted Cincinnati & Southwest Ohio”, Jeff & Michael Morris.  9891 Waterstone Blvd., Mason, Ohio. 513-683-5599.

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Spooky Saturday- Oct. 31 – Loveland branch libarary – Noon-2pm – FREE – Dress up in your Halloween best and enjoy lots of “spooky” fun activities. 649 Loveland Madeira Rd., Loveland. 513-369-4476. www.cincinnatilibrary.org.

Open the attached flyer for more info. (Time on flier is listed incorrectly)

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Franklin Fallfest–Oct. 31, Downtown Franklin, Ohio around the city building and fire house. 1PM-5:15PM.  There will be a pumpkin pie eating contest, costume contest, magic show and pumpkin rolling contest (down a huge hill).  Sounds like fun!

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