This week we are excited to have Laura Hoevener, co-author of the book Adventures Around Cincinnati: A Parent’s Guide to Unique and Memorable Places to Explore with your Kids, sharing a few tips with us on making the most out of the rest of our summers. Laura and her co-author Terri Weeks have been exploring locations in and around Cincinnati for the last 7 years and we think you’ll agree that they know this city inside and out.
Three Simple tips to make the most out of the rest of your summer (and beyond)!
1) Find a friend who you’d like to spend some time with.
2) Pick some dates that work out for both of you.
3) Plan some fun Adventures!
What’s an Adventure? It’s a time to explore somewhere new with your kids. It’s a chance to create memories and traditions that you kids will remember forever. It’s fun, interesting, educational, silly, exciting or anything you want it to be. It will give your kids a reason to say, “You’re the best! Thanks for taking us there and for having fun with us, Mom!” Maybe you can fit a couple adventures in before the kids go back to school. Give them some extra-fun memories to begin the school year right. You don’t have to stop with summer; you could plan an adventure each month during the whole year. Summer isn’t the only time to have fun! Making a plan will help you break free from your normal routine and encourage you to try something new! The laundry can wait for a day while you are enjoying your kids.
Need some tips for interesting Adventure locations?
Trammel Fossil Park is located in Sharonville in an Industrial Park. It was never developed or disturbed leaving fossils for us all to see. No special tools required, just some sturdy shoes. Every step you take, you’ll be stepping on fossils and a piece of history. Picnic tables are available. Check out the nature trails at the top of the hill, and while you’re up there, see how far south you can see too! Great for all ages. www.sharonville.org/fossilpark.aspx FREE
Highfield Discovery Garden at Glenwood Gardens Park is a wonderful spot for kids 3-8. Investigate the giant 25-foot Discovery Tree, climb inside and see what surprises are waiting for you. The park also contains Grandma’s Scent Garden with lots of flowers to experience. The Wizard’s Garden includes a boardwalk, a swinging bridge and a dragon! Check out the Butterfly Garden shaped like a butterfly and the tea house too. See the fish in Frog and Toad’s pond and push the buttons to work the train display. http://www.greatparks.org/discoverygarden/index.htm Small charge
BB Riverboats is a great way to see the landmarks of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky from the river. Enjoy the tour from the top deck, or the air-conditioned cabin. The cruises leave from Newport. Check for coupons in the Entertainment Book. This is great for all ages, but smaller kids might need a coloring book or toys to keep them busy while you listen to the commentary. www.bbriverboats.com
Cincinnati Fire Museum is located downtown and has lots to do for kids (2 and up) and parents of all ages. Slide down the fire pole, sit in the cab of a fire truck complete with buttons to activate the lights, watch a movie about fire safety, visit the safe house and more. Lots of antique fire engines and equipment are also on display. www.cincyfiremuseum.com
Carriage Hill Park is a gem of a park tucked away in Dayton. Learn about life in the 1880’s on this farm that includes reconstructed and historical buildings including a blacksmith shop, woodshop, historic house and barn. The park workers wear period clothing that they have usually made themselves. See how they plow the fields, cook in the summer kitchen or churn the butter. Hike the trails, explore the exhibits in the visitor’s center and let your kids play in the children’s interactive center. Our kids love the penny candy store where they can choose candy by the piece. Picnic tables are available, there is also a snack bar but call first to see if it will be open. www.metroparks.org/parks/carriagehill/home.aspx FREE
Enjoy your kids, experience the city and create some unforgettable memories!
Want to know more about Adventures Around Cincinnati? Find them on Facebook, here: http://www.facebook.com/AdventuresAroundCincinnati
Great website. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you for your sweat!
Thanks for the great tips Laura – We’ve never been to Trammel Fossil park or Carriage Hill Park – great suggestions.