December 2019 | Cincinnati Parent

DECEMBER 2019

merry

(FREE)

GIVE THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE

WINTER STAYCATION IDEAS

INSIDE:

DAYS OF

HOLIDAY GIVEAWAYS

contents DECEMBER 2019

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26 departments In Every Issue

Around Town Parenting

06 08 09 10 17

16 Local Spotlight:

11 Parenting in the

25 Hidden Gems:

24 Teens & Tweens:

Letter from the Editor News & Notes CP Online Cincy's Kids Our Cover Kid

Giving Girls

Holiday Toy Trains at Behringer Crawford Museum

Kidwest A Giving Teen

Resources & Calendars 28 32 41 43

Education Guide December Events Monthly Marketplace Fun & Wacky Calendar

features

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12 Days of Holiday Giveaways

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Give the Gift of Adventure

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Winter Staycation Ideas

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The Benefits of Year-Round Swimming

04

Your chance to win big!

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Make the holidays memorable by giving experiences as gifts.

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You don't have to travel far to have fun with your family over winter break.

Swimming isn't just for warm-weather months.

Make a splash this winter and swim indoors!

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

Publisher Mary Wynne Cox mary@cincinnatiparent.com Associate Publisher + Creative Director Katie Clark katie@cincinnatiparent.com

Editor Nicole Sipe nicolesipe@cincinnatiparent.com Account Executives Hannah Mohler hannah@cincinnatiparent.com Trisha Brand trisha@cincinnatiparent.com

Giving Adventures I am blessed because I married into a very thoughtful and generous family. I could name a hundred reasons why my in-laws are the best, but there is one example that stands out around this time every year.

Each Christmas for the past few years, my sister-in-law has gifted us a family membership to either the zoo or a local museum. She has two children of her own, and although her children are now adults, she remembers what it was like to be bombarded with toys, gadgets, gizmos and stuff during the holidays. So, when Christmas rolls around, she has taken it upon herself to not give my family more things. Instead, she gives us memories and experiences, in the form of a membership that we can use all year long.

visits, we would stay all day. This flexibility is one of the benefits of having a membership.

And when you’re a parent of young children like I am, having that flexibility is a gift itself.

As you can see, I’m a big fan of giving — and receiving! — experiences as gifts. If you need some experiential gift ideas for your loved ones this season, turn to “Give the Gift of Adventure” on page 18. (Or if you want to give a gentle hint to your loved ones, show them this article!) It’s filled with ideas for gifting experiences all around Cincy. From museum memberships to classes to camps, there’s something for every family that will allow everyone to spend quality time together. These are the kinds of gifts that keep on giving!

Have a great time making memories this season!

Production Manager Karen Ring karen@cincinnatiparent.com Community Outreach + Social Media Sarah McCosham sarah@cincinnatiparent.com Digital Publisher Wendy Hasser wendy@cincinnatiparent.com Event Coordinator Brooke Litherland brooke@cincinnatiparent.com Billing billing@cincinnatiparent.com Contributing Writers Rebecca Hill, Riane Konc, Dana Kuhnline, Steffy McCourt, Rebecca Todd Calendar of Events calendar@cincinnatiparent.com Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2019

by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein.

And use it, we do! I am not ashamed to say that last year, we used our membership to visit our local museum every day for five days straight. (By the end of that week, I’m pretty sure everyone who worked there knew our names.) Some days, we would pop in for an hour and check out one exhibit. Other

EDITOR

NICOLESIPE@CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

25,000 - 45,000 CIRCULATION CATEGORY

NEWS & Notes

Our monthly roundup of news you can use

the Nutcracker

3,473 THAT’S HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE PART OF THE LARGEST RECORDED GATHERING OF PEOPLE WEARING HOLIDAY SWEATERS. THE GATHERING TOOK PLACE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS ON DEC. 19, 2015 DURING A HOME BASKETBALL GAME. 08

DID YOU KNOW? The Santa Claus Post Office in Santa Claus, Indiana is the only post office in the world with the Santa Claus name.

It opened its doors in 1856. Today volunteers from Santa’s Elves Inc, and the Santa Claus Museum donate their time to answer the thousands of letters that flood in every holiday season.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

If you have to pick just one holiday event to attend in Cincinnati, make it Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Year after year, this holiday show continues to awe audiences of all ages with its beautiful dancing and memorable music. The story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, the graceful Snow Queen and King, delightful Sugar Plum Fairies and mischievous mice will surely capture your kids’ hearts. (And a dancing #TeamFiona adds delightful humor and fun to this show!) Families will be enchanted by the Cincinnati Ballet dancers as they perform this beloved holiday classic — set to Tchaikovsky’s swoon-worthy score — with grace and beauty. (Even the dancing hippo is elegant and poised!) The Nutcracker returns to Music Hall for 14 magical performances Dec.19-29. And for mega-fans, don’t miss the Nutcracker Luncheon on Dec. 21, which features a kid-friendly spread with all your favorite characters! cballet.org/nutcracker

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

is what Christmas is all about

Each December, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) wows audiences with a wonderful holiday show at the Taft Theatre. This season, join TCT, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang for a friendly reminder of what the holidays are all about. 2019 marks the 54th anniversary of the animated TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and TCT is doing this beloved classic proud. Upbeat music, Broadway-level dancing and choreography, spectacular set design (we can’t wait to see the famous Charlie Brown Christmas tree!) and memorable characters (including an absolutely delightful doggy debut by Local 12 anchor Bob Herzog) make this holiday show a must-see for families! TCT’s A Charlie Brown Christmas plays Dec. 7-8 and 13-15 at the Taft Theatre.

thechildrenstheatre.com/mainstage/details/ a-charlie-brown-christmas

CP ONLINE cincinnatiparent.com

upcoming guides 10 Cincinnati Holiday Light Displays that Dazzle cincinnatiparent.com/ cincinnati-holidaylights

Cincinnati Parent's Epic Holiday Roundup

15 Awesome Winter Break Camps for Kids in Cincinnati

cincinnatiparent.com/ cincinnati-parentsepic-holiday-roundup

cincinnatiparent.com/ 15-awesome-winterbreak-camps-for-kidsin-cincinnati

upcoming contests Be on the lookout for these hot giveaways!

follow us Facebook (@CincinnatiParent), Twitter (@CincyParent) and Instagram (@cincyparent) for live stories and on-location coverage!

For the latest kid-friendly happenings around town, follow Sarah McCosham's "Where are we going today?" blog. With bright photos and vivid descriptions, her posts let parents know exactly what to expect when your family visits Cincinnati sites! This month, follow along as Sarah and her crew check out the coolest under-the-radar holiday train display in Cincinnati, go ice skating a Blue Ash park and enjoy one of Cincy’s most beloved holiday traditions.

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ENDS DECEMBER 31ST

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December 2019 I CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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CINCY'S KIDS Brrr… it’s cold outside! The weather has officially turned wintery, and Cincy kids are out having fun and making memories.

Here are some of our favorite photos submitted by our readers!

The Schweiterman Family

Samantha (2)

Eden (4) and Dad

Want to see your cute kids on this page?

WE WANT TO SEE PHOTOS OF YOUR KIDS AND THEIR PETS!

Chase (7) and Kate (3)

Blake (8)

Gabriel (9)

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

Whether they are furry, feathery or four-legged, pets are part of the family. Email us photos of your kids and their pets (with the kids’ names and ages, and the pet’s name) to editor@cincinnatiparent.com, and your picture may be selected to appear here!

PARENTING IN THE KIDWEST

WORDS BY RIANE KONC

The Science of Sleep As someone who deals with occasional bouts of insomnia, I’ve read a lot of the literature (by literature, of course, I mean “message boards on Google”) about how to promote a good night’s sleep. When adults are giving tips to other adults on how to achieve a good night’s sleep, they typically sound something like this: ∙ Limit caffeine intake ∙ Stop using screens two hours before going to bed ∙ Try to sleep and wake at consistent times They’re all good tips, definitely the sort that adults give to other adults.

But one of the issues these lists fail to address is that there is another cause for my difficulty sleeping.

She’s about 39” tall, has bright red hair, and declares to anyone who will listen that she’s “not really into sleeping.”

A Four-Year-Old’s Advice for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep 1. Bathtime screaming. Scream about having to take a before-bed bath for 20 minutes longer than the bath actually takes. All the screaming will wear you out and prepare you for slumber.

2. Diet. Pre-bedtime snacking is crucial. And remember: The ideal time for snacking is immediately after brushing your teeth.

3. Relax. Drink a nice herbal tea meant to support sleep. By “herbal tea,” we mean “juicebox full of sugar.”

4. Talk. Save all of your deep, existential questions for right as your parents are trying to deposit you in bed. If they don’t take the bait, try asking them one last simple question, like, “Who made the world?” or “Do you truly love me?”

5. Exercise. Has your mom seen your latest silly dance? Mid-pajamas is the ideal time to show her your moves.

Nighty-night!

My daughter has struggled to sleep since she was born. I can’t help but think that if she were a sleep doctor, her sleep recommendations would read a little differently.

FOLLOW RIANE

TWITTER @THEILLUSTRIOUS WEBSITE RIANEKONC.COM December 2019 I CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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Sponsored by

JEFF RUBY CULINARY ENTERTAINMENT *MUST FOLLOW AND LIKE CINCINNATI PARENT ON FACEBOOK FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN. STARTING DEC. 2ND, WE WILL POST EACH DAILY CONTEST BELOW WITH ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS. GOOD LUCK!

day 1: DEC 2

day 2: DEC 3

THE NIGHT SKY The Night Sky makes an incredible, memorable gift for your child, and will be treasured for years to come. With this service, it is simple to create an 18" x 24” star map of the night your child was born! The unique and personalized star map is printed on high-quality, Art Matte paper with over 190g weight. Choose from 8 different styles at any place or time in the world to memorialize the night that your child joined the family. (thenightsky.com)

iFLOOR VACCUUM With its light-weight build and easy maneuverability, the iFloor allows easy cleaning around the house and in tight corners. The iFloor features 8.6W maximum suction power, a self-cleaning storage tray as well as clean and dirty water tanks that can each fill at least 0.5L of water. The iFloor also offers Spot Mode to remove stubborn dirt and stains 50% faster than the normal mode and gives you the extra scrubbing power you need for extra-tough messes.

day 3: DEC 4

SMART BEAT

BIZYBEEZ

Looking for a sensory toy that will engage your child while fostering cognitive development? The BizyBeez MagStix 41-Piece set features magnetized sticks and colorful metal balls that can be combined in an endless variety of ways with a simple click. MagStix Jumbo size makes them easy to grip and provide a proprioceptive input that is pleasing to both spectrum and sensory kids.

$200 GIFT CARD TO JEFF RUBY STEAKHOUSES

GOFUNFACE CREATIVE ANIMAL MASKS

Featuring award-winning U.S.D.A. Prime Steaks, Seafood, Impeccable Service and Live Entertainment, Jeff Ruby’s restaurants provide the perfect backdrop for your Holiday celebrations. Whether you are entertaining clients & coworkers, reconnecting with old friends or creating new memories with family & loved ones, The Precinct, Carlo & Johnny and Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse are all ready to make this Holiday Season one you won’t soon forget. (JeffRuby.com)

A new first-of-its-kind baby monitor that can detect a baby’s breathing without wearables is a must-have for new parents. Smart Beat is a video baby monitor with breath detection to track movement with such precision that it can measure the depth and duration of every individual breath.

Give the kiddos the ultimate gift by encouraging their wild side! From lions, tigers and bears, oh my! to T-Rexes and dragons, Go Fun Face! offers a variety of fun, highquality animal masks for children, perfect for playtime, dress up, birthday parties and more. (GoFunFace.com)

$100 GIFT CARD TO KING ARTHUR'S TOYS

At King Arthur’s Court, gift cards can make a great gift for all! We want to make sure that every time you come into our store; we’ve made your experience here even better than the last. We are a place for guests, games, toys & gifts. Where Play Is King! (kingarthurstoys.com)

MAGICAL TALES 4-IN-1 HERE I GROW MOBILE ACTIVITY CENTER

The latest addition to the sleek Magical Tales Collection. The interactive play center teaches babies cause and effect, builds gross and fine motor skills and encourages babies to explore movement from 6 months and beyond.

MAGICAL TALES BLACK & WHITE GYMINI

A dynamic playmat, built to grow with baby as they develop motor skills, cognition and emotional intelligence.

Now paired with an expertlycreated guidebook to help parents measure key growth milestones, the mat allows parents and babies to develop in style from day one.

December 2019 I CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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day 5: DEC 6

day 4: DEC 5 RAINRAP HOODED REVERSIBLE RAIN WRAP W/TRAVEL POUCH

4 TICKETS TO BROADWAYS' THE LION KING

The RAINRAP is a lightweight, fastdrying easy to pack, hands-free alternative to a raincoat or umbrella.

More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING, and now you can too when Cincinnati’s best-loved musical returns to the Aronoff Center January 8 through February 2. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event from Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. Weds., January 8, 7:30pm show. (CincinnatiArts.org)

$100 GIFT CARD FROM DISCOUNTGLASSES.COM DiscountGlasses.com is an online optical retailer dedicated to making the savviest shoppers look amazing. We spend our days curating affordable, trendy, top-quality eyewear for you and your family.

day 6: DEC 9

1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP TO ABCMOUSE.COM

ONE-NIGHT STAY AT THE NEWLY RENOVATED GREAT WOLF LODGE IN MASON Create beloved family moments at the Great Wolf Lodge. Your family will enjoy a one-night stay in one of the resort’s themed Wolf Den Suites, and have unlimited access to the expansive indoor waterpark the day you check-in and the day you check-out. The waterpark has slides and water play features for all ages and thrill levels. Along with the waterpark, there are plenty of other family activities throughout the resort, including morning yoga and nightly dance parties, plus meet and greets with some of the Great Wolf Lodge characters. (greatwolf.com/mason)

day 7: DEC 10

A comprehensive supplemental curriculum that encompasses reading/language arts, math, science, health, social studies, art and music. Nearly 20 million children have learned using ABCmouse. Ages 2-8, ($9.95/month Value, abcmouse.com)

$100 ONCE UPON A CHILD GIFT CARD + BASKET

Receive a holiday gift basket from Once Upon a Child with our favorite stocking stuffers! Plus a CC Beanie for mom and a $100 gift card to help with your holiday shopping - perfect for toys, jammies, clothes, or more toys! (onceuponachildcincydayton.com)

RAVENSBURGER GAMES BUNDLE

Ravensburger North America’s (RNA) award-winning brands promote playful development and classic fun at every stage and every age. This games bundle includes family fun for toddlers and preschoolers – featuring a wooden train/farm set, Mickey’s bedtime cuddles and a colorful game of collecting. Just in time for the holidays!

day 8: DEC 11

KIDBOX’S

KIDBOX is the first social mission-based kids’ style box that not only provides amazing clothing offerings, but also has a true charitable heartbeat at its core. For every KIDBOX sold, another one is donated to a kid in need!

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

FELTMAN BROTHERS VELOUR BABY SET IN BOW DESIGN

Meet the Velour Bow Romper from Feltman Brothers, a winter season must for your little bundle of joy! This vintage-style baby outfit that will surely keep her nice and warm. Available in timeless ivory and baby pink colors. And to bundle her up for going out, finish off her outfit with a matching velour hat and baby blanket so she's snug as can be! (FeltmanBrothers.com)

MOMKINDNESS BAG

Durable, stylish and incredibly versatile, the Carry-All Tote Trio by Mom Kindness is the perfect multi-tasker... just like you! Our Tote, Organizer Insert and Diaper Clutch combo is thoughtfully designed to fit your ever-changing daily routine. It's 3 bags in 1 (plus, a padded changing mat) so take them all or take only what you need.

Carry on your shoulder, as a backpack or messenger style; however you wear it, we think you wear it well. ($135 value )

UNICORN BUNDLE

BY ANTSY PANTS

Antsy Pants aims to bring back imaginative playtime with toys that encourage kids and families to create, imagine and build together. According to the National Association for Sports and Physical Education, only one in three children are physically active every day.

With its new Holiday 2019 toys, Antsy Pants continues to help families get active indoors and outside.

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LULLABUDDY + $50 GIFT CARD A comprehensive supplemental curriculum that encompasses Lullabuddy comes pre-loaded with two hours of Mae Robertson's award-winning lullabies and love songs. It's powerful enough to bring peace & calm into your home, but tiny enough to throw in the diaper bag!

6 MONTH YMCA FAMILY MEMBERSHIP The Y is for Everyone. Our programs, services, and initiatives enable kids to realize their true potential, prepare teens for college, offer ways for families to have fun together and empower people to be healthier in spirit, mind and body. The membership includes free Kid’s Club and all Group Exercise classes are also free. Valid at all YMCA of Great Cincinnati branches. ($500 value, MyY.org)

day 9: DEC 12

ISABELLE GRACE JEWELRY COLORED CUFFS

Make a bold statement with these colorful cuffs that bring a splash of color to any outfit, taking you from day into evening, without missing a beat! Brighten up the dark days of winter with one of these beautiful accessories, hand crafted by artisans who love what they do. (IsabelleGraceJewelry.com)

BABY BOXY

Baby Boxy takes the stress out of shopping for your BFF’s new baby! With just a few clicks you can order TWO uniquely curated and beautifully packaged gift box filled with the best brands of high quality baby apparel and accessories with adorable modern themes including cactus, sloth, donuts!

FAMILY FOUR-PACK OF TICKETS TO CATS

Rediscover CATS—the beloved musical with breathtaking music—including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater, "Memory.” Featuring new sound design, direction and choreography for a new generation — experience CATS for the first time as it begins a new life, or let it thrill you all over again! Tues., May 26, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mead Theatre − Schuster Center in Dayton. ($260 value, victoriatheatre.com/shows/cats)

BABY DIAPER BAG BACKPACK + BABY BUNDLE

Multi-Function Waterproof Travel Baby Bags for Mom, Dad, Men, Women. The perfect diaper bag backpack loved by Moms & Dads.

day 11: DEC 16

day 10: DEC 13 BLIPBLOX TOY SYNTHESIZER

The Blipblox is more than a toy, it is a completely new way for kids (and adults) to explore electronic music. Colorful buttons, knobs and levers encourage creative play, while spacey sounds and flashing lights keep kids engaged in STEAM learning. No need to connect a phone and no software to download, just turn it on and start having fun.

1 YEAR CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER FAMILY MEMBERSHIP Cincinnati Museum Center inspires people of all ages to learn more about the world through science; regional history; and educational, engaging and meaningful experiences. The newly revamped Museum Center houses the hands-on Duke Energy Children's Museum, brand-new Dinosaur Hall, Cincinnati History Museum and several rotating, interactive exhibit spaces.

1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP TO ADVENTURE ACADEMY

Learning comes to life with thousands of activities including interactive experiences, educational videos, curriculum-based games, books, and the opportunity to explore hundreds of topics within individual subjects, like math, science and social studies.

Ages 8-13. ($9.99/month value )

day 12: DEC 17

YELLOW SCOPE SCIENCE KITS

Science before sparkles! Yellow Scope Science Kits will appeal to all kids, even those who might not realize they love science. They are the only science kits out there designed for girls ages 8-12. Three exciting science kits are available that will provide hours of critical thinking while having fun!

MYFIT ZIP AIR HARNESS BOOSTER BY CHICCO Designed to grow with children from toddler through big kid, the MyFit Zip Air converts from a 5-point harness to a belt-positioning booster and has convenient added features like the dishwasher safe CupFolders to make mom and dad’s life simpler. The zip and wash seating allows for easy cleaning, and the second full seat pad is perfect for continuing travel while top pads are in the wash. It’s the only Harness Booster to provide four true recline positions, allowing children to rest with optimal posture and no head flop. ($299.99 value, ChiccoUSA.com)

LAZER KRAZE BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGE Lazer Kraze Birthday Parties are the BEST of BOTH WORLDS! Whether it’s the hi-tech excitement of Lazer Tag in a haze-filled arena with electronic wizardry or the physical fun of air dodgeball and slam dunking on the basketball run in the Trampoline room, there’s something for everyone at Lazer Kraze! (LazerKraze.com)

STARLUX GAMES GLOW IN THE DARK GAMES These group glow in the dark games including Capture the Flag Redux and Glow Battle bring all ages together, from kids, tweens and teens and beyond! Starlux Games offer a fun way for groups to engage face to face and leave their phones, video games and laptops behind all while getting some fresh air outside!. Starlux Games are ideal, engaging activity for birthday parties, sleepovers, family gatherings and more. (StarluxGames.com)

JBL FLIP

Portable listening just graduated to epic with the newest addition to the award winning Flip series.

A compact and rugged design built for adventure takes this Bluetooth speaker to marathon heights.

Take the elements out of the picture because with its waterproof rating, we’re talking kid and adult-proof.

December 2019 I CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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AROUND TOWN

WORDS BY SARAH MCCOSHAM

Local Spotlight: Giving Girls Two tweens are on a mission to spread kindness and inspire giving. making scent sachets to sell, as well as receiving donations from people and places that we know and having a bake sale in our neighborhood.

The holidays are here, and while most kids are finalizing their letters to Santa, Elise Tong and Maddie Evers are in the midst of organizing their third holiday toy drive.

ME: We’re going to be doing a lot of bake sales and lemonade stands and we will use the money from that to buy toys or gift cards. My favorite thing about the toy drive is [seeing] the smiles on the kids’ faces.

Tong and Evers are sixth graders at Mason Intermediate School. The longtime friends organized their first toy drive for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 2017, and with the help of their parents in 2018, Tong and Evers established their nonprofit, Giving Girls.

The duo has since organized numerous community service events for a number of high-profile nonprofits, including pet food and toy donations for the SPCA and Humane Society, a holiday toy drive for Dragonfly Foundation, blanket-making and donations to Warm Welcomes and backpack collection and school supply donations to Upspring. Tong and Evers have invited friends and local organizations to join them on their mission to spread kindness, serve the community and inspire giving.

Cincinnati Parent spoke to Tong and Evers about running a nonprofit, spreading kindness and what’s ahead for Giving Girls.

What inspired you two to start a nonprofit?

Elise Tong (ET): Giving Girls was inspired by a friend who had cancer.

She was in the hospital a lot and we realized there are more kids out there just like her. We thought we could help them, and we realized

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How can Cincinnati families support what you're doing?

we could do more than just help them — we could help many more people. So, we decided to start a nonprofit.

Maddie Evers (ME): We watched a video online and decided that [by creating a nonprofit] we could help a lot of people and do something that would last a long time.

Your mission is spreading kindness. Why is this so important?

ET: I think that being kind is so important to us because a lot of people are so caught up about things in their own lives instead of thinking about what someone else might be going through.

What are some of the ways Giving Girls works in the community?

ET: We try to help as many different types of problems, as much as

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

possible. We have a [Facebook] page and we reach out to different businesses, friends and family, [to organize] things like bake sales and lemonade stands.

ME: We’ve helped Dragonfly Foundation and Matthew 25 Ministries; we’ve fed dinner to firefighters; we’ve donated cat and dog food to SPCA and the Humane Society; we’ve donated blankets to Warm Welcomes and school supplies to Upspring.

This year marks your third annual holiday toy drive.

Tell us about that.

ET: We plan to donate to the Dragonfly Foundation again this year. We are going to get most of our toys from a donation table that we are going to set up at Kroger.

(The duo will be hosting a toy drive at the Mason Kroger on Terra Firma Drive on Saturday, November 30.) We will also be

ET: Cincinnati parents can follow our Facebook page and keep up with what we’re doing. They can spread the word to friends and family. They can just be kind in honor of Giving Girls.

What do you envision for the future of Giving Girls?

ET: We hope to eventually have our own workshop or building. We would love to have people who are designated as our helpers. We want to have a really large impact [outside Cincinnati]. We want people to be inspired by, and help people in honor of, Giving Girls.

As we enter the season of giving, let Giving Girls be an inspiration to us all! To learn more about Giving Girls, or to make a donation to the holiday toy drive, visit Giving Girls on Facebook at facebook.com/ 2givinggirls.

OUR COVER KID:

ADRIANA

[age] 6 years old [my favorites] COLOR FOOD SPORT ICE CREAM TV SHOW SCHOOL SUBJECT BOOK MOVIE CANDY SUPER HERO

Green Veggie noodles Soccer Lime sorbet Bunk'd Recess Just Add Magic The Grinch Sour Patch Kids Wonder Woman

[an interesting fact about me] I am bilingual and I love to ice skate!

[when I grow up] I want to be a teacher!

COVER PHOTO BY:

Hannah Hilliard Photography hannahhilliard.com December 2019 I CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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Give the Gift

O F ADVE NTU RE Make the holidays memorable by giving experiences as gifts.

WORDS BY REBECCA TODD

I

t’s a great feeling for parents to see the delighted faces of their children on Christmas morning — their gleaming smiles as the toys begin to pile up. The next part of the morning is often a not-so-great feeling for parents, as it entails pulling out scissors, pliers, hammers and screwdrivers — and that’s just to get the toys out of the boxes. Then by Christmas evening, many of the presents have already been abandoned, at which point, the joy of the season does not seem quite so, well, joyful.

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

“One of the enemies of happiness is adaptation,” says Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor at Cornell University who studies the effects of money and happiness.

“We buy things to make us happy, and we succeed, but only for a while. New things are exciting to us at first, but then we adapt to them.”

The average child in the developed world owns over 200 toys but only plays with 12 of them on average per day. So, this year, consider replacing at least one or two of those toys with gifts of experience that will keep the joy of the season going throughout the year.

TICKETS AND PASSES Tickets or passes to theaters, sporting events, indoor water parks and even festivals and shows that take place later in the year are great gifts for children. Tickets to local movie theatres, putt-putt golf, trampoline parks and other activities that take place

indoors can also make exciting gifts that can be used to break up the winter blues. Even a stay in a local hotel with a nice pool can be a fun adventure for a family during the winter months. In addition, the anticipation of the event in and of itself becomes part of the gift. The best part for gift-givers is that tickets to events and venues are often available to fit any budget, and are often discounted if you purchase well in advance.

MEMBERSHIPS Memberships to museums, zoos, local state parks and other attractions keep the holiday excitement going year around.

Not only can you get memberships for the whole family to most of these places at a sizeable discount, several also include members-only benefits, such as extra discounts and special events. Let’s not forget about the added advantage of being able to skip long lines. As a bonus for the gift-giver, most memberships are available for purchase quickly and easily online.

CLASSES AND CAMPS Cincinnati and the surrounding areas offer many creative and athletic classes and camps for children. You can find classes for everything from music, theatre and dance to gymnastics, swimming and baseball. For added enjoyment for you and your child, look for classes you can do with them or as a family.

Gift certificates for spring break and summer camps also make great gifts. Many unique camps are available, whether your child is interested in science and math or learning to build a house. It’s a great way to introduce children to something new, or to allow them to spend time doing activities they already love.

THE BENEFITS OF EXPERIENTIAL GIFTS Studies show that consumers derive value from anticipation, and that value tends to be greater for experiential gifts than for material purchases.

As every parent has inevitably experienced at some point, the joy of material gifts fades quickly and even the most anticipated Christmas toys soon become another discarded heap in the corner.

Rather than scouring store shelves and the internet for those most-have toys of the season, consider giving your child and your family the gift of new adventures and special memories instead.

Neither of you will be sorry. The toys will be gone by next Christmas, but the memories of time spent together and experiencing new things can last a lifetime.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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staycation ideas You don’t have to travel far to have fun with your family over winter break.

WORDS BY DANA KUHNLINE

e are lucky to live close to so many great experiences in this city, but sometimes it’s hard to find the time to truly enjoy them. Devote a staycation weekend to these incredible family-friendly places in Cincinnati.

Explore Art Downtown The Cincinnati Ballet has a full calendar of stunning and family-friendly performances this winter. Amenities include booster cushions to help your little dancers see these worldclass performances. Tip: Call the box office to learn about sensory-friendly performances, which are offered for some shows and often at a lower price than the regular nights.

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

Create an art-filled day at the Contemporary Arts Center in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Be sure to check out the UnMuseum on the top f loor, which is free and encourages littles to touch and create art.

Can’t get enough visual art? Also downtown, but not on the streetcar line, is the Taft Museum of Art, which features the fairyland like outdoor sculpture exhibit “Entwined at the Taft”

by Patrick Dougherty and Free Family Fundays the third Sunday of every month.

Murals are big in downtown Cincinnati! Bundle up this winter and take a mural tour with ArtWorks Cincinnati. Many of these stunning works of art showcase Cincinnati history, making this activity both educational and perfect for Instagram.

As part of your artsy staycation, explore local architecture by strolling to Fountain Square, which is often bustling with special events and ice skating through the winter season, or take a trip up to the observation deck of the stunning Art Deco masterpiece Carew Tower.

Where to eat: All these activities are an easy walk or streetcar ride to countless great Over the Rhine restaurants. For a cozy but kid-friendly atmosphere, check out Quan Hapa, which features anime on multiple screens, hearty ramen and a cauliflower pancake (it’s delicious and kid approved!) that will warm you right up. If you want a little more room to spread out, Taft’s Ale House is a classic brew pub in a 19th century church.

Or grab a multicultural feast at Findlay Market.

While you’re there, keep an eye out for some stunning street art, including some left by the renowned street artist Swoon.

Where to stay: For an art-filled overnight, book a stay at the 21c Cincinnati. Be sure to ask for the Kid’s Exploration Package, which includes guided gallery tours, milk and cookies, and in-room camping complete with tent!

Just a little east: Visit the Cincinnati Nature Center near Milford, OH. Those suspicious of hiking in winter should consider these two words, “No bugs!” As the Swedish say, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. Bundle up and

enjoy a bug free time hiking on 17 miles of trails or exploring creative play options at the Schott Nature PlayScape. Learn about rehabilitating birds of prey at nearby Raptor Inc, which hosts open houses the last Sunday of every month.

Also in Milford is Recreation Outlet. They sell recreational equipment, but their expansive indoor showroom doubles as an indoor, year-round playground wonderland.

Prices vary by day; check out their charitable play days for an extra discount on play that supports charities.

Just across the river lies the Newport Aquarium, where you can buy a bonus package to pet a penguin, or pet the sharks and starfish for free. The million gallons of water are seemingly filled with as many beautiful specimens to wonder at. Conveniently located on Newport on the Levee, which has other great winter activities like bowling and a movie theater.

The BehringerCrawford Museum is in a historic mansion and full of interactive local history exhibits perfect for burning off energy while you learn. If the weather is nice, be sure to explore Nature Play, December 2019 I CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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an innovative playscape that features kid-sized log cabins, caves and flatboats. The museum is located at Devou Park, which has many stunning vistas of the Cincinnati skyline. Some of the best views are at Drees Pavilion.

Where to eat: The Gruff showcases brick oven pizzas but has something for everyone. Stroll down historic Mainstrasse Village in Covington and check out local favorites like the creative dishes with a casual vibe at Frida 602 or farm to table at Bouquet.

Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg, IN, is less than an hour from Cincinnati. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing, or take lessons if you are a beginner. Relax after a day on the slopes in the beautiful ski lodge and you’ll think you’ve traveled a lot farther than Indiana!

Or travel a bit north to Hueston Woods Lodge, rent a cabin in the woods and enjoy beautiful hikes through this state park, and fun splashing in the indoor swimming pool.

Camp Washington isn’t usually considered the trendiest tourist neighborhood in Cincinnati, but it has a couple treasures worth exploring, including The Swing House, surely one of the most unique places to stay in all of Ohio! This art exhibit/house/ giant swing is open to the public the second Saturday of every month, but you can reserve it all to yourself to stay overnight.

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Just a few blocks away, the American Sign Museum is a glowing treasure trove of American pop-culture history.

It doesn’t take long to skim, but you can spend a lot of time exploring (and Instagramming) this visual history of signs, sign-making and design.

Not far away is the Cincinnati Museum Center. The new space exhibits are phenomenal and immersive. You could spend a few days exploring all the newly opened exhibits and admiring the stunning architecture, but don't forget to check out the Cave, a replica cave so authentic and winding you'll be blinking in surprise when it ends and you realize you are still in a museum!

Where to eat: If you don't choose to eat at one of the many new restaurants at the museum center, including the Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor, which allows you to gaze at dinosaurs while enjoying famous Graeter's ice cream, you could easily head to nearby Over the Rhine and its many trendy options. However, consider traveling up the hill to the Incline Pub House. View the expansive rail yards that are still active around this historic transit hub from above. This classic pub style restaurant has a great kids menu, but best plan to eat early to avoid long wait times.

If you want to drive just a little bit, there is so much to do within two hours of Cincinnati. Here are a couple weekend itineraries:

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

Indianapolis:

Columbus:

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the world’s largest children’s museum, and possibly the coolest! It has days worth of indoor entertainment, including highlights like digging for fossils, visiting the International Space Station, and a wonderful holiday exhibit. If you haven’t been, prepare for a whirlwind day (or two) and a lifetime of memories. Tip: You can save up to 25% by buying your tickets in advance (two weeks is recommended).

COSI is a science wonderland, with a fantastic newer dinosaur exhibit, and classic exhibits like the mythical water wonderland in the Ocean exhibit. Special exhibits this winter include Unseen Oceans and Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles. Tip: if you have a Cincinnati Museum Center pass, you may be able to get free admission (you have to live at least 100 miles away from the museum to qualify).

Other highlights include the Rhythm! Discovery Center, perfect for kids who want to touch everything - that’s encouraged here! You can catch the dolphin show year round at the Indianapolis Zoo, or play fun indoor games at GlowGolf or Action & Atomic Duckpin Bowling.

Indianapolis Hotel Suggestion: Plenty of great hotels with wonderful indoor pools, but for added magic, check out the train car rooms at Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station.

You can also check out the Columbus Legoland Discovery Center, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and Columbus kid classics like Magic Mountain.

Columbus Hotel Suggestion: The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus - Polaris Parkway has an indoor pool featuring spray fountains and a frog waterslide.

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TEENS & TWEENS

WORDS BY REBECCA HILL

A Giving Teen

How to teach your teenager about generosity.

At a young age, Sarah McDaniel’s daughter lost her left eye to cancer.

While the tragedy was a painful time for the McDaniel family, they also experienced much kindness and generosity from others. Because of her experience with generosity, McDaniel says that her daughter gives a Christmas gift to one girl and one boy her age in the Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The family also volunteers at many fundraising events around Cincinnati. “My daughter loves helping others,” McDaniel says.

What can parents do to teach their teens how to be generous in an age that doesn’t always value generosity? Here are a few ways.

Teach empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Not all children are adept at empathy — they must be taught first.

Cincinnati mom Sarah Moore teaches her children about the people she encountered in her many travels to Central and South America. “We talk of how different our culture is, and how in their culture, it is important to be generous and empathetic because they depend on one

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Teach generosity early.

Like with teaching children most things, the earlier a parent starts, the more a child understands and practices these deeds throughout their life.

Stephanie Seymour, a year-round volunteer for Operation Christmas Child, has encouraged her children from an early age to be generous.

another for survival,” Moore says.

“I tell my kids that it’s our differences that bring us together.”

Be a good role model.

A recent study found that parent role-modeling and conversations about giving were strongly related to an adolescent’s giving and volunteering habits. How? Through role modeling and conversations which, ultimately, socializes adolescents to charitable giving and volunteering.

“Parents can demonstrate generosity by helping family, helping neighbors, giving to charitable organizations and volunteering through an organization,” says Dr. Mark Ottoni-Wilhelm, professor of philanthropic studies at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

The key to transmitting generosity, Ottoni-Wilhelm says, is to make sure that kids know that their parents are doing those things. So, to be good role models, parents who volunteer or give to charities should share their experiences with their kids.

Have a conversation about generosity.

When kids act charitably, parents should point it out with praise, saying something like, “That was very generous of you.”

Parents should also teach kids the meaning of philanthropy, says Kelly Collison of Cincinnati’s Magnified Giving, a Midwest nonprofit educational organization. Collision says that parents should inspire kids to investigate what the community needs and what talents they bring to the table. “When you empower kids, they like that they have done something and made a difference,” Collison says.

“We have been packing shoeboxes for years,” says Seymour, who has seven children. “Now, all but one of mine are grown, and I have just one teen left. They pack their shoebox gifts but still come home for my family packing party.”

Being generous can not only help others, but it can change a kid’s world view.

Without charitable giving and volunteering, a lot of people would go without help, and a great many causes would go untended. The fact is: The world needs generous people. “For kids to be able to give is eye-opening and heart-opening,” Collison says.

HIDDEN GEMS

WORDS BY SARAH MCCOSHAM

Holiday Toy Trains

at Behringer Crawford Museum The holidays are here and trains are a quintessential part of the experience.

While Cincinnati boasts several high-profile holiday train displays, if you head over the river (and through the woods), you’ll find one of the city’s coolest under-the-radar holiday attractions. Holiday Toy Trains at BehringerCrawford Museum (BCM) is a must-visit for families.

Each year, this northern Kentucky museum puts on a holiday train display that’s just so much fun.

Now celebrating its 28th year, BCM's Holiday Toy Trains features 250 feet of track and more than 30 guest-activated displays.

What’s striking is how little-kid-friendly this exhibit is: It’s the perfect height for kids to see everything, there are lots of animated and

interactive elements and all the little details are so fun!

Holiday Toy Trains runs daily through Jan. 5, 2020 and needs to be on your “must” list this season.

Holiday trains aside, BCM is also a wonderful winter outing in and of itself. This museum boasts four levels of interactive fun, featuring rails, roads, rivers and runways. There’s dress-up, drive-ins and Devou family history. On the first floor, be sure to check out the train town display that’s up year-round; your kids will love climbing inside to reach the bubble that puts them right into the middle of this bustling tiny town.

Behringer-Crawford Museum is good, oldfashioned fun — and truly one of the most delightful hidden gems in the city.

1600 Montague Rd, Covington, KY 41011 bcmuseum.org

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WORDS BY STEFFY MCCOURT

the benefits of

YEAR-ROUND SWIMMING Swimming isn’t just for warm-weather months.

Make a splash this winter and swim indoors!

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eaves crunch underfoot and a crisp wind ushers in brisk mornings. The sounds of summer — children laughing and splashing in a crystal-clear pool — have been stowed away along with our flip-flops and pool bags.

Except they don’t need to be stowed away.

Even if a tropical vacation isn’t in the cards for your family this winter, you can make your children feel like they are on vacation by taking them to your local indoor pool for swim lessons and indoor swimming. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports swim lessons for most kids ages 4 and older. And yes, swim lessons do continue from summer into fall and even through those cold winter months. Here are some excellent reasons to continue swimming through the winter.

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

Water Safety Should Always Be a Top Priority The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates. Many winter swimming lessons target this age group. Parents are often invited into the pool, as well.

“Retention of skills and safety information is the number-one reason for parents to keep children swimming in the winter,” says Jenna Igel, senior program director for the Clippard Family YMCA in Cincinnati. “Every time a child gets in the water, they have a different experience.”

Keep Them Active, Relaxed and Happy “We consider swimming not just a year-long sport, but a lifetime sport,” Igel says. “Swimming keeps your heart rate up, takes impact off your body, and builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness.”

Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that involves multiple muscle groups. This kind of exercise is similar to running, in that it releases mood-boosting endorphins.

According to the American Council on Exercise, water supports 90% of one’s body weight. This makes swimming a wonderfully accessible sport for almost anyone at any age.

Regular swimming practice as a child may just lead to a lifetime of fitness.

In addition to being an excellent aerobic activity, swimming is also good for your child’s mental well-being. The intentional breathing that swimming requires mirrors meditative breathing. The synchronized breathing and

movement is restorative and relaxing, while the quiet that one experiences under water is soothing.

Stay Sharp Swimming might seem like riding a bike: Once you know how to do it, you just don’t forget it. With swimming, however, there are actually quite a few skills taught in a linear fashion. You can’t just be away from the pool for six months and expect to pick up right where you left off. In addition, to be a good swimmer, one needs practice. Lots of it.

“We teach the same all year, so that kids can continue with their progression,” says Edward Rouse, franchise owner of British Swim School in the Cincinnati area.

“Uninterrupted learning and practice makes these skills ‘second nature,’ enabling the student to quickly engage them when needed.”

Immunity Builder There is an old wives’ tale that getting wet in the winter will lead to the sniffles. Research shows the opposite. Exercise, nutritious eating and good sleeping habits are actually what keep kids healthy through cold and flu season.

Taking weekly swim lessons is excellent exercise, which leads to awesome sleeping, healthful eating and excellent health in general.

During the cold months, it is a good idea to bundle up on your way to and from swim lessons.

“Always change [your kids] out of their suits, and make sure you have plenty of layers, including a warm hat,” Igel says.

Most indoor swimming pools keep their pools and decks very warm during the winter months. Many also provide hair and swim suit dryers. Be sure to bring a hair dryer, if the facility doesn’t provide one. After swim lessons, it is important to get your child as dry as possible, to keep them as warm as possible on the way home.

With so many excellent facilities in the area that offer swim lessons yearround, it will be easy to find a place to take your child for fun and exercise this winter.

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CP EDUCATION GUIDE CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL

The Campus at Kids First 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 relevance-based curriculum combined with child-directed play to make learning FUN and start each child on their journey to becoming a life-long learner. • 7900 E Kemper

Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, theCampusKF.com, Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, info@theCampusKF.com

Chai Tots Early Childhood Center 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 afterschool enrichment available.

Transportation available to/from Mason schools. Limited space now enrolling! • 7587 Central Parke

communication, and welcoming family environment. Setting the standard in early care and education. NAEYC Accredited. Call today for your personal tour. • 9370

Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Meghan Schymanski, Phone: 513-683-8833, Fax: 513-683-8456, Email: compass. meghan@gmail.com, TheCompassSchool.com

YMCA of Greater Cincinnati The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati offers state licensed before and after school care at over 85 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

• 1105 Elm Street, Cincinnnati, OH

45202, Contact: Trish Kitchell, VP Youth Development, Phone: 513-362-YMCA, Fax: 513-651-3540, Email: tkitchell@MyY. org, MyY.org, Grades: Ages 3-12, Enrollment: Stop by any YMCA of Greater Cincinnati location or check with your local school district.

MONTESSORI

Children’s Meeting House Montessori School Children's Meeting House Montessori School has been proudly educating students from preschool through 6th grade using the principles of the Montessori philosophy since 1972. CMH offers a variety of preschool, enrichment and before/after school options to meet each family’s needs. Partner with our devoted staff of experienced and Montessori trained teachers throughout your child’s most developmental years.

CMH – where learning happens, naturally. Find out more or schedule a tour on our website. •

Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, Phone: (513) 234-0600, ChaiTots.com, Ages/ Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60

927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Casey Reed, Director, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: reed@ cmhschool.com, cmhschool.com, Grades: Preschool through Sixth grade, Enrollment: 150

The Compass School

Country Hills Montessori

Ages 6 weeks-6 years plus after school & summer camp up to age 12. Offering outstanding ReggioInspired full and part-time Infant, Toddler, Two’s, and Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, After School, and Summer Camp for school-age children. Degreed teachers, extensive parent

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Providing programs for 3 to K. Small, individualized classes with low student-teacher ratios, under the guidance of Montessori certified teachers, in an intergenerational environment. Multiple Locations in Eastgate, Oakley, Harrison and West Chester Ohio and in Ft. Thomas KY. Visit

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

chmschools.com for all location addresses & phones. • Contact:

Susan Schreiber, Owner, Email: susan@ chmschools.com, chmschools.com/, Grades: 3 - K

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. • 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.

Mercy Montessori Center 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. • 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 Montessori-credentialed staff support high academic and personal achievement. Full-day, half-day with healthy lunches included in tuition. ISACS and AMS accredited program. • 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: (513) 281-7999, Email: ceara.c@newschool

montessori.com, newschool montessori.com, Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6, Enrollment: 144

Prince of Peace Montessori School Prince of Peace Catholic Montessori School is a multi-aged, child-centered community that provides high quality education for children ages 3 years old to 8th grade with aftercare options until 6 p.m. We also offer gym, religion, technology, music, art and Spanish classes. Prince of Peace strives to foster a love of learning, selfconfidence and a desire to serve others. • 625 Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011, Phone: (859) 431-5153, popcov.com/

NON–PUBLIC

Cincinnati Christian Schools CCS has been creating lifelong learners, creative thinkers, passionate disciples, and visionary leaders for over 40 years. Our graduates are welcomed at universities because they’ve become the natural learners and inquisitive students that God created them to be. CCS knows that faith and learning go hand-inhand. Outstanding. Proven. • Elementary Campus: 7350 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH, 45014, Junior/Senior High Campus: 7474 Morris Rd., Fairfield, OH, 45011, (513) 892-8500, Contact: Peggy Head, Director of Admissions, Email: peggyhead@cincinnatichristian.org, cincinnatichristian.org, Grades: PS - 12

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy CHCA is a vibrant, multidenominational, college preparatory school serving students Age 2 - Grade 12. We've recently invested $9MM to deliver new levels of student engagement through expanded facilities including an expanded Early Childhood Learning Center, Innovation Labs, a Greenhouse, and Engineering and Applied Science Labs. CHCA is leading the way to higher levels of cognitive, relational, and spiritual engagement within and outside of the classroom walls. • CHCA Welcome Center: 8283 E. Kemper Road Cincinnati, OH 45429 Contact Admissions (513) 247-0900,

* SPONSORED LISTINGS

Email: admissions@chca-oh. org, chca-oh.org, Ages 2 Grade 12, Enrollment: 1300 among four campuses

Guardian Angels School 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. • 6539

Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati 45230, Contact: Mr. Corey Stoops, Principal, Phone: 513-624-3141, gaschool.org, Grades: Preschool - Grade 8

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. • 2161 Grandin Road (Hyde Park), Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 513-871-4700, ext. 261, Email: pearl_e@summitcds.org, summitcds.org

Villa Madonna Academy Villa Madonna Academy, a co-ed, private, Catholic K-12 school in Northern Kentucky, is a diverse community of students from all corners of the Tri-state and around the world and from many faith backgrounds. Villa's teachers encourage active, collaborative, and investigative learning.

Villa's community emphasizes scholarship, hospitality, respect, and

service. • 2500 Amsterdam Road Villa HIlls, KY 41017, Contact: Janet Baugh / Director of Admissions, Phone: 859-331-6333 ext. 139, Email: admissions@ villamadonna.net, villamadonna.org

SPECIAL NEEDS

Springer School and Center For more than 45 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: Carmen Mendoza, Admissions Director, Phone: 513 871-6080 ext. 211, Fax: 513 871-6428, Email: cmendoza@ springer-LD.org, springerLD.org, Grades: 1 through 8, Enrollment: 200

TUTORING

Kumon Math & Reading Centers Preschool through high school: Kumon’s timetested self-learning program uses engaging worksheets and guidance from an on-site instructor to present new concepts and materials, giving children an academic advantage in the classroom and throughout life. To learn more, attend a free orientation at a Kumon Math & Reading Center near you – locations in Anderson, Blue Ash, Loveland, Springdale, and West Chester. Call 1.800.

ABC.MATH or visit kumon. com for more information.

Join Kumon’s parent community at facebook. com/kumon for helpful tips.

BE PART OF OUR MONTHLY GUIDE CONTACT

KATIE@ CINCINNATI PARENT.COM

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THINGS TO DO

December

sun 01

BAH HUMBUG! A ONE-MAN CHRISTMAS CAROL

It’s the season’s most entertaining and unique holiday offering — with a fun twist! All characters in this production are performed by one person, from Scrooge to Tiny Tim! Audiences will be mesmerized by this imaginative and magical re-telling of the powerful Charles Dickens holiday classic filled with hope and compassion. • Time: 2 pm,

Location: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Showtime Stage, the childrenstheatre.com

HOLIDAY SEASON KICKOFF AT THE TAFT

Enjoy free activities for the whole family at the Taft’s Holiday Season Kickoff. The house will be decorated inside and out with lights, garlands and displays of antique ornaments on

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old-fashioned feather trees.

Enjoy lunch in the Lindner Family Café and do some holiday shopping in the Museum Shop, where you’ll find gifts for all ages, including the one-size-fitsall Taft membership. • Time: 11 am-4 pm, Location: Taft Museum, taftmuseum.org

FREE

GERMAN VILLAGE CHRISTMAS WALK

Carriage bells on horsedrawn carriages will ring out once again for the 28th Annual Christmas Walk in Hamilton’s Historic German Village! • Time: 12-5 pm,

Location: North 2nd Street in Hamilton, facebook.com/ GermanVillageChristmasWalk FREE

mon 02

ART AFTERNOON: WAX RESIST SNOW SCENES

Join Erin Holland from the Taft Museum of Art in creating Wax Resist Snow

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I December 2019

Scenes! Enjoy art of all kinds and get a little messy and lot creative with hands-on art afternoons. No registration required. • Time: 4-4:30 pm, Location: Main Library, cincinnatilibrary. evanced.info/signup/ Calendar FREE

tues 03

TODDLER STORYTIME

Encourage emerging language skills with books, rhymes, music and fun.

Recommended for toddlers ages 18 months to 36 months. • Time: 10:30-11 am, Location: Madeira Branch Library, cincinnatilibrary. evanced.info/signup/ Calendar *Ongoing FREE

FREE Free for families! *Ongoing A recurring event

holiday spirit. Everything old is new again as you share this historic organ and talent with your friends and family at this special time of year. • Location: Music Hall, Time: 10:30 am and 7:00 pm, cincinnatiarts.org/events/ detail/happy-holidays

thurs 05

GINGERBREAD CHALLENGE

Can you build the best gingerbread house using only the materials provided?

For kids in grades 6-12; registration recommended.

• Time: 6-8 pm, Location:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS WITH THE MIGHTY WURLITZER

Join us for all your seasonal favorites as the one of a kind special effects and jingling bells of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ sets off the

Harrison Branch Library, cincinnatilibrary.evanced. info/signup/Calendar FREE

*SN Special needs friendly A Cincinnati Parent favorite!

TAFT JR.: HOLIDAY FUN

Enjoy a holiday story, make an ornament and explore the decorations of the Taft’s Antique Christmas. Taft Jr. welcomes visitors ages 3 to5 to have fun with their favorite adults during this interactive experience. Taft Jr. is free for members and children; regular admission applies for non-member adults. • Time: 11:15 am-12:15 pm, Location: Taft Museum of Art, taftmuseum.org

SIP AND SHOP

This holiday season come to Baker Hunt to support your local artisans. This is a great opportunity to do some of your holiday shopping and get that one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted gift for your loved ones! Baker Hunt will be having 30 vendors, both instructors and students

participating in this one time shopping event. •

Location: Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center, Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, bakerhunt.org/ product/sip-and-shop/

fri 06

FANTASTIC FREE FRIDAYS: MRS. CLAUS SAVES THE DAY

Kids get a taste of the arts — for free! Enjoy a free showing of TCT on Tour’s Mrs. Claus Saves the Day. With traditional carols and a world-premiere script, this holiday musical is about leadership, goodwill and teamwork. • Time:

Shows at 10 am and 12:30 pm, Location: Miami University Middletown, miamioh.edu/ regionals/arts-culture/ fantastic-free-fridays/ index.html FREE

FITTON FAMILY FRIDAYS

She’s making a list and checking it twice! When the holidays are threatened by a severe outbreak of the North Pole Pox two days before Christmas, it’s Mrs. Claus to the rescue. Mrs. Claus Saves the Day is presented by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Tickets are $5 for members and $7 for non-members. • Time: 7:30

pm, Location: Fitton Center for Creative Arts, fittoncenter. org

HOLIDAY SKIES PLANETARIUM SHOW

Come to the Wolff Planetarium to experience the real holiday light show: the winter sky! Discover the mysteries of the Christmas Star, see a bright holiday “wreath” of twinkling lights and hear the tale of the man being pulled across the sky… and his three baby goats!

Program is $5/person. • Time: 7-8 pm, Location: Trailside Nature Center, cincinnatiparks.com

fri 06 & sat 07 REDSFEST

Reds fans, save the date for FOX Sports Ohio Redsfest presented by PNC Bank!

This event is a must for Reds fans of all ages. • Time: Check website, Location: Duke Energy Convention Center, mlb.com/ reds/fans/redsfest

5TH ANNUAL HAMILTON CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOW

This two day event features dozens of vendors inside the expo center showcasing items such as clothing, jewelry, home decor, health and beauty, Gourmet food, home improvement and more. This family friendly event will also have a Santa, demo stage and food trucks. What a great opportunity to find unique one of a kind gift ideas, grab a bite to eat, support local businesses and more.

• Location: Butler County Fairgrounds, Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, facebook.com/ events/ 412852926074165/

fri 06−sun 08

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE

Bring the family, grab the kids and come to celebrate the Christmas Holidays in the historic town of Waynesville. Lights in the streetscape, 1,300 Luminaries, carriage rides, entertainment by choirs and barbershop quartets, and if you are really lucky, a visit from old St. Nick and his wife might just be in order! Eat, shop, play and be entertained and delighted with the wonderful experiences that this historic town offers. • Location: Downtown Waynesville, Time: Check website, waynesvilleshops. com/place/christmas-inthe-village/

sat 07

ARCTIC BLAST COOKIES AND CRAFTS

Families are invited to the Summit Park Community Room for cookie decorating, winter crafts, pictures with Santa and family fun! • Time: 12-2 pm,

Location: Summit Park, summitparkblueash.com

LEBANON HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE PARADE AND CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Located in Historic Downtown Lebanon, don’t miss this cheerful and one-of-a-kind holiday event! The highlights of the event are the 1 pm carriage parade and the 7 pm parade, which each feature over 100 decorated, horse-drawn carriages. • Time: 10 am-8 pm, Location: Downtown Lebanon, lebanonchamber.org/ events/carriage-parade FREE

THE SNOWMAN

Introduce your family to The Snowman, a timeless animated classic full of wonder and magic, during this kid-friendly Lollipops concert. Get lost in the film as it plays above the stage and the Pops brings Howard Blake’s beautiful score to life. • Time: 10:30

am, Location: Music Hall, cincinnatisymphony.org

MACY'S DOWNTOWN DAZZLE Also on December 14th and 21st

Macy’s Downtown Dazzle is one of the biggest highlights of the holiday season. See Santa rappel off of a Cincinnati skyrise and wait with anticipation for the sky to fill with light thanks to a fabulous Rozzi fireworks display. Come early and stay late Saturdays at the Square include skating at the UC Health Ice Rink, presented

by Fifth Third Bank from 10a-10p, shopping during the Winter Market at Fountain Square and free photos with Santa at the Carew Tower. • Time: 5:30

pm, Location: Fountain Square, myfountainsquare. com/series/macysdowntown-dazzle/

SAT 07

ARCTIC BLAST COOKIES AND CRAFTS

FREE

FAMILIES CREATE!: BEAUTY AND THE BREEZE

Meet artist Emily Moores and make marvelous mobiles from malleable materials like fabric and paper. Cost is $5 per person. • Time: 10 am,

Location: Weston Art Gallery, cincinnatiarts.org

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sat 07−sun 08

sun 08

Back by popular demand, bring your family and celebrate the season with TCT’s live rendition of your favorite holiday TV special!

Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays get you down. Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang are here to remind us about what’s most important during the season. • Time: Check

Meet your PJ Library friends at Queen City Clay to paint your own menorahs! It is Jewish custom for every child to have their own menorah; gather with your PJ Library friends to begin the Hanukkah celebration as each child creates their own masterpiece menorah!

Cost is $15/child. • Time:

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

website for showtimes, Location: Taft Theatre, thechildrenstheatre.com

TROLLS LIVE!

Get ready for another hair-raising adventure when Poppy, Branch and all their Trolls friends come to life on stage in Trolls LIVE!, their first ever live tour. This is one Trolls party you won’t want to miss! • Time: Check website, Location: Heritage Bank Center, heritagebankcenter. com/event/2019/12/ trolls-live

SAT 14

MT. ADAMS REINDOG PARADE

PJ LIBRARY MENORAH PAINTING

1:30-4 pm, Location: Queen City Clay, mayersonjcc.org

SECOND SUNDAY FAMILY SHOWTIME: BAH HUMBUG! A ONE-MAN CHRISTMAS CAROL

It’s the season’s most entertaining and unique holiday offering. What’s the fun twist?! All characters in this production are performed by one person — from Scrooge to Tiny Tim! Tickets are free for kids and $5 for adults. • Time: 2 pm, Location: 2728 Short Vine Street, Cincinnati, cliftonculturalarts.org

mon 09

A CELEBRATION OF ANIMATION: THE 100 GREATEST CARTOON CHARACTERS OF ALL TIME

Award-winning author of more than 150 books and pop culture historian, Martin Gitlin, hosts this fun, nostalgic and family-friendly presentation based on his new book. • Time: 6:30- 7:30 pm, Location: Monfort Heights Branch Library, cincinnati library.evanced.info/ signup/Calendar FREE

tues 10 & wed 11 MEMORIAL HALL PRESENTS JIM BRICKMAN: A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Jim Brickman returns to Cincinnati this Christmas to wow the crowd with his uplifting, family-friendly, holiday concert tradition.

The best-selling piano artist of our time, Jim Brickman and his special guests will dazzle audiences with holiday favorites, vibrant vocals, laughter and joy in this bright, festive celebration. • Time: 8 pm, Location: Memorial Hall, memorialhallotr.com

wed 11

CAC HOMESCHOOL WEDNESDAYS

Join the Contemporary Arts Center for a special workshop designed specifically for homeschool families. Stop by the library to participate in hands-on art making, learn about contemporary artists and take home an extended learning sheet with tips and resources for building on what you've discovered.

This program is designed for children ages 6-12 and a parent or caregiver.

Registration required. • Time: 12-1 pm, Location: Cheviot Branch Library, cincinnatilibrary.evanced. info/signup/Calendar FREE

PJ MASKS LIVE: SAVE THE DAY!

Catboy, Owlette and Gekko will delight fans of all ages with live performances featuring world-class production, toe-tapping tunes and a whole lot of super fun as they go into the night to save the day from the Villains along with PJ Robot who is new to the live show! • Time:

6pm, Location: BB&T Arena, thebbtarena.com

fri 13

GINGERBREAD HOUSE FUN WITH THE FAMILY

Enjoy some family fun building a gingerbread house together. Limit to gingerbread house per family. Limited number of spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. • Time: 6-7:30 pm,

Location: Blue Ash Recreation Center, blueash.com FREE

fri 13 & sat 14 CINCINNATI CYCLONES STAR WARS WEEKEND

Celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Episode 1: The Phantom Menace as the Cyclones welcome members of the Star Wars galaxy. • Time: 7:30 pm,

Location: U.S. Bank Arena, cycloneshockey.com

fri 13−sun 15

HOLIDAY POPS FEATURING MEGAN HILTY

Cozy up to warm and inspiring music, and make memories of a lifetime with friends and family. Star of TV's Smash and Broadway's Wicked, Megan Hilty joins the Pops to bring your favorite holiday classics. Complete with choirs, dancers, costumed characters and Santa himself, Holiday Pops is the perfect way to spread the joy and cheer of the season. Kids’ tickets are $15. • Time: Check website, Location: Music Hall, cincinnatisymphony.org

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

Back by popular demand, bring your family and celebrate the season with TCT’s live rendition of your favorite holiday TV special!

Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays get you down. Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang are here to remind us about what’s most important during the season. • Time: Check

website for showtimes, Location: Taft Theatre, thechildrenstheatre.com

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sat 14

CITY FLEA HOLIDAY MARKET

Shop local this holiday season! The Holiday Market at Washington Park is a festive event featuring loads of cheer and one-of-a-kind gifts. • Time:

4-9 pm, Location: Washington Park, thecityflea.com/ markets

MT. ADAMS REINDOG PARADE

One of Cincinnati’s most adorable holiday traditions, watch as a parade of four-legged friends walk through the picturesque streets of Mt. Adams dressed in holiday wear.

Prizes are awarded in multiple categories. All proceeds from the fee registration go to SPCA Cincinnati. Event is free to attend! • Time: 12-2 pm,

Location, The Monastery, 1055 St. Paul Place in Mt. Adams, mtadamscincy.org FREE

sat 14 & sun 15

BREAKFAST WITH MOTHER CHRISTMAS

Meet Mother Christmas and enjoy a breakfast of pancakes, sausage and fruit. This family-friendly holiday experience includes story time and balloon art. Bring your camera for photos! • Time:

10:30 and 11:30 am, Location: Heritage Village Museum, heritagevillagecincinnati. org

HOLIDAY HIJINKS! PRESENTED BY SIR PAT-TRICK

This special family holiday show is a throwback to the days of vaudeville, starring award-winning magical entertainer Sir Pat-Trick, who takes the audience on a whimsical journey of laughter, wonder and downright silliness. Watch as Sir Pat-Trick performs feats of mind-blowing magic and sleight of hand, along with vaudeville style juggling, slap stick and audience participation. • Time: Sat. 11 am & 1 pm and Sun. 1 pm & 3 pm, Location: Madcap Education Center, cincinnatilandmark productions.com

The trusted resource for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky families for 34 years.

FIND US IN PRINT AND ONLINE. cincinnatiparent.com

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HOLLY DAYS

Feel the warmth, the beauty, the sights, sounds and smells of the 19thcentury holiday season.

Each historical house will be decked out with traditional decorations from the 1800s. Stop by and sample holiday treats.

Hear holiday music being played at Somerset Church. Children can make traditional holiday crafts.

Each day there will be a reenactment of the first Christmas Dinner in Cincinnati, or as it was known in 1788: Columbia. • Time: 12-4 pm, Location: Heritage Village Museum, heritagevillagecincinnati. org

sun 15

CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

As the neighborhood lights up the streets, the Cincinnati Observatory will open its 1873 Samuel Hannaford building. Cruise along luminary-lit streets from Mount Lookout Square to the Observatory for carolers, stargazing and hot drinks. Viewing through the historic telescope is allowed (weather permitting).

Perfect for all ages. • Time: Check website, Location: Cincinnati Observatory, cincinnatiobservatory.org

FREE

MT. ADAMS LUMINARIA

Every December, Mt. Adams comes aglow with the soft light of thousands of luminaries for this event organized by the Mt. Adams Beautification Association. Residential streets and the business district are lined with the temporary “lanterns” inviting neighbors to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Santa will visit the Monk Fountain at 6 pm, and tours will run from 6:30-8:30 pm. • Time: 6-9 pm, Location: Mt. Adams, mtadamscincy.org FREE

CINCINNATI BENGALS VS NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Come cheer on the Bengals as they take on the Patriots! Who Dey! • Location: Paul Brown Stadium, Time: 1:00 pm, bengals.com/schedule/

mon 16

TAILS TO TALES

Kids can read a story to Ruby, a certified therapy dog. No registration required. • Time: 3:30-4:30 pm, Location: St. Bernard Branch Library, cincinnati library.evanced.info/ signup/Calendar FREE

tues 17

STEM FUN: HOLIDAY SLIME

Mix, squish and squeeze while learning about the changing states of matter of slime. For ages 6-12. No registration required. •

Time: 4-5 pm, Location: Reading Branch Library, cincinnatilibrary.evanced. info/signup/Calendar FREE

S.T.E.M. IN THE GARDEN: THE SCIENCE OF SAUERKRAUT

Wanted: Junior scientists who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and have a love of learning. Please register with Dr. Madeline C. Munsford at Glenwood Gardens for her latest experiment on this humble cabbage dish and its ancient cooking technique.

Program is open to kids ages 6-10 and is $7.50/ person. • Time: 3:45-5 pm,

Location: Glenwood Gardens/ Garden View Room, greatparks.org/calendar

wed 18

STORY TREE TIME

Bring your little one to play, dance, sing and listen to a new story every Wednesday at 11 am. Free for CMC members or included with a Discovery Pass. • Time: 11 am, Location: Duke Energy Children’s Museum, cincymuseum.org

*Ongoing

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SAT 21

SKATE WITH SANTA

wed 18 & thurs 19

BARNYARD BONANZA: PRETTY PONY

Brush and decorate a real pony with bows, braids and beads! Learn howto care for ponies. Program includes a wagon ride and time to play in Parky’s Playbarn. For ages 2-5.

Program is $13.50/child and registration is required.

• Time: 9:30-11:30 am,

Location: Winton Woods/ Parky’s Farm, greatparks. org/calendar

wed 18−fri 20

fri 20

BABY TOURS: FURRY FRIENDS

This 40-minute experience will introduce you and your infant (ages 2 and under) to the world of art with a tour designed to stimulate their developing minds. Program is free; registration is required. • Time(s): Tours at 11 am, 2 pm and 3 pm, Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, cincinnati artmuseum.org FREE

TRAIN DAYS

Watch model trains chug through villages, around mountains, and through tunnels in these large model train displays inside an actual historic train station and Hayner House.

Admission is $3/person.

Museum members, veterans and active duty military members and children 4 and under are free. • Time: 10 am-2 pm,

sat 21

Location: Heritage Village Museum, heritagevillage cincinnati.org

Location: Groesbeck Branch Library, cincinnatilibrary. evanced.info/signup/ Calendar FREE

thurs 19

NUTCRACKER LUNCHEON

STAR WARS OPENING DAY EVE CELEBRATION

Come celebrate the ninth(ish) installment of Star Wars with crafts and treats! For ages 6 and up.

No registration required. •

Time: 3:30-5 pm, Location: Hyde Park Branch Library, cincinnatilibrary.evanced. info/signup/Calendar FREE

CINCINNATI KINDERBALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

The Cincinnati Kinderballet will be performing their winter production of The Nutcracker. No registration required. • Time: 3-4 pm,

Enjoy a scrumptious kid-friendly lunch and holiday photo opportunities with your favorite Nutcracker characters! • Time: 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Location: Music Hall Ballroom, cballet.org

SKATE WITH SANTA

Meet Santa at Miami’s Goggin Ice Center!

Admission is $7.50 and includes skate rental. • Time: 3-5 pm, Location: Goggin Ice Center, gettothebc.com

COSMIC KIDS

Explore the cosmos during our new multi-disciplinary classes which help grades K-7th learn and discover topics in astronomy and investigate the wonders beyond our world. These classes meet on the third Saturday of the month and are open to members and non-members. • Time: 9 am,

Location: Cincinnati Observatory, cincinnati observatory.com

sat 21 & sun 22 MRS. CLAUS SAVES THE DAY

Behind every great Man-in-Red, is a great Woman-in-Red! When the holiday is threatened by a severe outbreak of the North Pole Pox two days before Christmas, and Santa himself is quarantined, it’s Mrs. Claus to the rescue! She has less than 24 hours to figure out how to pull off the best Christmas ever. With traditional carols and a world-premiere script, this holiday musical is about leadership, goodwill and teamwork. • Time: Check

website, Location: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Showtime Stage, thechildrenstheatre.com

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sun 22

thurs 26 & fri 27

Santa Sunday is a nearly 70-year Milford tradition of Santa Claus visiting city neighborhoods aboard a fire truck to visit with children and deliver treats.

Come to the library for winter crafts, games and more! No registration required. • Time: 3-4 pm,

SANTA SUNDAY

• Time: 1-5 pm, Location: Milford, OH, facebook.com/ events/353572375348474 FREE

mon 23

LOTS O’ LATKES

Celebrate Hanukkah with families and friends at the JCC! Enjoy a latke bar, make crafts and dance along to festive Hanukkah music. The latke bar opens at 5 pm, with a menorah lighting and Hanukkah sing-along at 5:30 pm.

Dreidelman may even stop by to take Hanukkah selfies! • Time: 5-6:30 pm,

Location: Mayerson JCC, mayersonjcc.org FREE

tues 24

STORY TIME WITH MS. ERIN

Join Ms. Erin every Tuesday and Thursday for story time at the Blue Manatee. She’ll pick her favorite books to read and create some magic bringing the story to life for her young audience.

• Time: 10-10:30 am, Location: Blue Manatee Literacy Project, bluemanatee.org *Ongoing

FREE

SNOW DAZE

Location: Main Library Children's Learning Center, cincinnatilibrary.evanced. info/signup/Calendar FREE

fri 27

TRAIN DAYS

Watch model trains chug through villages, around mountains, and through tunnels in these large model train displays inside an actual historic train station and Hayner House.

Admission is $3/person.

Museum members, veterans and active duty military members (with a military I.D.) and children 4 and under are free. • Time:

10 am-2 pm, Location: Heritage Village Museum, heritagevillagecincinnati. org

SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY NIGHT

This open-house, after-hours event is designed to provide an opportunity for a lowstress visit to the library to explore the collection and participate in fun activities.

No registration required. • Time: 6:30-8 pm, Location: Norwood Branch Library, cincinnatilibrary.evanced. info/signup/Calendar *SN

sat 28

HOLIDAY LUNCH CRUISE

Climb aboard for two-hour cruise featuring games, entertainment and a holiday buffet. Plus, enjoy a special appearance by Santa. • Time: 12-2 pm,

Location: BB Riverboats, bbriverboats.com

THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

The Original Harlem Globetrotters are on the road for their action packed tour! A star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. • Time: 2:00

pm and 7:00 pm, Location: Heritage Bank Center, harlemglobetrotters.com/ world-tour/schedule

FREE

FRI 27

TRAIN DAYS AT HERITAGE VILLAGE

sun 29

CINCINNATI BENGALS VS CLEVELAND BROWNS

Come cheer on the Bengals as they take on the Browns! Who Dey! • Location: Paul Brown Stadium, Time: 1:00 pm, bengals.com/schedule/

tues 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT MUSIC HALL: FRANK AND ELLA

Ring in the New Year with the Cincinnati Pops with unforgettable music in a decked-out Music Hall. • Time: 8 pm, Location: Music Hall, cincinnatisymphony. org

NEW YEAR'S EVE KIDS' LUNCH CRUISE

Come aboard and ring in 2019 — just not so late at night! Bring the whole family to count down to 2019 at 12 noon. Your cruise will be complete with all the party favors as well as a DJ for entertainment.

There will be some great activities throughout the day for the kids, as well as a tasty lunch buffet. Plus, some of your kids’ favorite characters from BB Riverboat’s Pirate, Princess and Super Hero cruises will be onboard celebrating! • Time: 11:30 am, Location: BB Riverboats, bbriverboats.com

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TUES 31

HAPPY ZOO YEAR KIDS FIRST FAMILY PRE-NEW YEARS EVE BIG TOP CELEBRATION

New Years Eve early evening festivities for kids age two and up! Enjoy our Circus theme fun, complete with stilt walking jugglers, phot booth, Elephant bounce house,Ferris wheel bounce house, gymnastics, basketball, New Years hat craft, dodgeball, dance party and of course a balloon drop at 7pm! Each ticket even gets pizza, drink and popcorn! You must pre-register and this event does sell out! • Time: 5:00 to

7:00 pm, Location: Kids First Sports Center, kidsfirstsports.com/

HAPPY ZOO YEAR

Guests are invited to ring in the New Year at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. “Party Animals” of all ages invited to celebrate the Happy ZOO Year early!

New Year’s activities will include shows of Winter Wonders by Madcap Puppets and a bedtimefriendly countdown with fireworks, presented by Rozzi Fireworks. • Time: 5-9

pm, Location: Cincinnati Zoo, cincinnatizoo.org

ONGOING EVENTS

HOLIDAY JUNCTION FEATURING THE DUKE ENERGY HOLIDAY TRAINS

DESTINATION MOON

Through Jan. 5, 2020

Through Feb. 17, 2020

Destination Moon gives guest the rare opportunity to see artifacts that made the 953,000-mile journey possible, like Buzz Aldrin’s gold-plated extravehicular helmet visor and thermalinsulated gloves. The star of the exhibition is the Columbia command module, on display outside the National Air and Space Museum for the first time since 1976.

• Time: Open daily from 10 am-5 pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days), Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, cincy museum.org/destinationmoon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: SECRETS OF THE SEWER Through Jan. 5, 2020

Leap to the rescue and learn teamwork, collaboration and problem-solving as you work your way through puzzles, mazes and obstacles. Explore the sewer-like lair, where good guys win and bad guys lose! Families can join these pizza-eating, crime-fighting “Heroes in a Half Shell” to hone their ninja skills and problemsolving intellects while learning the secrets of the sewer!. • Time: Check website, Location: COSI, cosi.org/exhibits/tmnt

FOUNTAIN SQUARE ICE RINK Through Feb. 18, 2020

Ice skating at Fountain Square is a beloved Cincinnati tradition. Hours vary by month. Call for rink status updates, call. • Time: Check website, Phone: 513-381-0782, Location: Fountain Square, myfountainsquare.com

One of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions. Every holiday season, Cincinnatians welcome out of town family and friends home with visits to Union Terminal, a tradition that brings generations together every year. •

Time: Open 10 am-5 pm daily. Hours may vary during peak weeks, so check the website before you go.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, cincymuseum.org/ holiday-junction

ANTIQUE CHRISTMAS AT THE TAFT Through Jan. 5, 2020

This year, guests can expect many new and exciting displays, including several feather trees with decorations ranging from vintage Disney ornaments to Santa collections and characters from German fairy tales. Admission and parking are free on Sundays. • Time: Open

Wed-Sun during museum hours, Location: Taft Museum, taftmuseum.org

THE POLAR EXPRESS Through Dec. 15

The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs Connersville's Grand Central Station for a journey through the quiet countryside for a special stop at the "North Pole" to allow Santa Claus to board the celebrated train. Guests on board will enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie while listening and reading along with the magical story. • Time: Check

website, Location: Whitewater Valley Railroad, whitewatervalleyrr.org/ polarexpress

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HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS Through Dec. 31

Don’t miss this Cincinnati holiday tradition! Enjoy more than a mile of fantastic seasonal lights all from the warmth of your car. See more than 120 moving and standing holiday-themed figures depicting everything from Santa to the 12 Days of Christmas. • Time: Open

6-9 pm, Sun-Thurs and 5:30-10 pm, Fri-Sat, Location: Sharon Woods, holidayinlights.com

CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS Through Jan. 5, 2020

Coney Island offers an enchanting, 2.5-mile drive-thru ride through its historic park. Larger-thanlife trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes and a tunnel of lights are all synchronized to music.

This year, they’ve updated the music for the ultimate car karaoke sing-a-long soundtrack, and added a 50-foot mega tree and adorable new gingerbread in Candyland. • Time: Dusk-10

pm, Location: Coney Island, facebook.com/ ChristmasNights ofLightsConeyIsland

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Through Dec. 29

The Playhouse's version of A Christmas Carol combines faithful storytelling with spellbinding stage magic to bring to life its familiar story of a sinner given one last chance at redemption by four persuasive ghosts.

Suitable for all general audiences, including children ages 5 and older.

Please note: due to the full-length nature of the show, children younger than 5 cannot be admitted. Please contact the Box Office with questions. • Time: Check

NORTH POLE EXPRESS Select dates through Dec. 28

During your hour-long journey, Santa and his elves will make their way through the train to visit with each family. Every child will receive a bell from Santa’s sleigh.

Balloon artists will also be on-board the train. Each child will receive a special "North Pole Express" souvenir train ticket. •

Time: Check website for train schedule, Location: LM&M Railroad, lebanonrr.com/ northpole

THE FROG PRINCESS Dec. 4-Jan. 4, 2020

Prince Ivan’s father has declared that it is time for his sons to marry, but when Ivan discovers his bride-to-be is actually a frog, he is toad-ally disappointed. Vasilisa is more than your typical hoppy-go- lucky frog, though — she’s a kindhearted princess under a curse! With a revitalized script and score, this modern, musical spin on the famous fairy tale celebrates the beauty within each of us. • Time: Check website, Location: Ensemble Theatre, ensemblecincinnati.org

BOREALIS Through Jan. 5, 2020

Formerly Holiday Lights on the Hill, Borealis is a new collaboration between Pyramid Hill and Brave Berlin. Take in a complete transformation of their outdoor pavilion into a 13 projector, 180° drive-by media experience. Drive through and enjoy dazzling light displays right from your car. • Time: Open nightly,

Location: Pyramid Hill, pyramidhill.org/ holiday-lights-on-the- hill

website, Location: Playhouse in the Park, cincyplay.com

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SANTALAND Select dates through Dec. 23

After your tour of Holiday in Lights, head inside Sharon Centre for some more holiday magic.

Enjoy the family-friendly entertainment, share your wish list with Santa, check out the train display, do some holiday shopping at Nature’s Niche and pick up a sweet treat. • Time: Check website, Location: Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre, holidayinlights.com/ santaland FREE

A ZINZINNATI HOLIDAY Through Jan. 5, 2020

Krohn’s annual holiday show celebrates the festive and fun Queen City. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is $10/adults, $7/youth 5-17 and free for children 4 and under. • Time: Open daily from 10 am-5 pm, Location: Krohn Conservatory, cincinnati parks.com/krohn

SUMMIT PARK ICE RINK Through Feb. 18, 2020

Ice skate under the glass canopy at Summit Park!

Cost is $6/person and $5/ person in groups of 3 or more. Admission includes skate rental. Dates and times are subject to change. • Time: Check

website, Location: Summit Park, summitparkblueash. com

STARTS DEC. 19

CINCINNATI BALLET'S THE NUTCRACKER

CHRISTMAS AT THE JUNCTION

PNC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Through Jan. 1, 2020

Through Jan. 4, 2020

Create a holiday tradition for your family! See the magic of Christmas at the home of the World’s Largest Indoor Train Display. Take a “Journey to the North Pole” where you can meet Mrs. Claus and Santa himself. • Time:

In addition to admiring the beauty of 3 million LED lights, visitors can watch a Madcap black-light puppet show, ride the Toyland Express train ride, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, or snack at one of two S’mores-n-More stands.

Santa will be available for visits starting at 4 pm. •

Check website, Location: Entertrainment Junction, entertrainmentjunction. com/calendar

HOLIDAY TOY TRAINS Through Jan. 5, 2020

BCM's Holiday Toy Trains features 250 feet of track and more than 30 guest-activated displays.

Enjoy Wahoo's Winter Wonderland, a kid-size, animated exhibit based on the children's book by Kenton Hills author Diana Grady, "The Holiday Adventures of Wiley Wahoo & Me," plus special Polar Express and Wahoo readings, Santa visits, Charles Dickens Victorian Village display, holiday concerts, performances and more. Admission is free for museum members and included with museum admission ($9 for adults, $8 for seniors 60+ and $5 for children).

Parking is free. For more information, call 859-4914003. • Time: Open daily, Location: BehringerCrawford Museum, bcmuseum.org

Time: Open SundayThursday, 4-9 pm and Friday-Saturday, 4-10 pm, Location: Cincinnati Zoo, cincinnatizoo.org/events/ festival-of-lights

WINTERFEST AT KINGS ISLAND Through Dec. 31

It’s an unforgettable experience with the park transformed into enchanting winter wonderlands featuring ice skating on the Royal Fountain, the Eiffel Tower transformed into a magical Christmas tree, rides including Mystic Timbers, millions of lights and holiday characters spreading merriment, like Jack Frost and Sugar Plum Fairy. • Time: Check

website, Location: Kings Island, visitkingsisland. com/play/winterfest

SANTA SKATES

HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS

Every Saturday and Sunday, November 30 through December 22

Nightly through Dec. 31

Santa will lace up his skates each weekend and join families out on the ice for an hour of holly-jolly fun! Grab your friends, your family and your wish list get down to the Square before Santa makes his way back to the North Pole. • Time: Noon-1:00 pm, Phone: 513-381-0782, Location: Fountain Square, myfountainsquare.com/ series/santa-skates-2/

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET THE MUSICAL Dec. 5-29

A holiday classic from Meredith Willson, the writer of The Music Man! Filled with humor, spectacle and beloved songs such as "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” "Pinecones and Hollyberries," and "My State, My Kansas," this joyous, heartwarming musical is pure family entertainment for the holidays. • Time: Check website, Location: Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, cincinnatilandmark productions.com

Don’t miss this Cincinnati holiday tradition! Enjoy more than a mile of fantastic seasonal lights all from the warmth of your car. See more than 120 moving and standing holiday-themed figures depicting everything from Santa to the 12 Days of Christmas. Event is $15/car and $45/buses & 15-passenger vans. • Time: 6-9 pm Sun–Thurs and 5:30-10 pm Fri-Sat, Location: Sharon Woods, holidayinlights.com

CINCINNATI BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER Dec. 19-29

Celebrate the holiday season with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they journey to the Land of Sweets. Join us for Cincinnati’s favorite family tradition: The Nutcracker.

Let your imagination transport you to a land of dancing snowflakes and childhood dreams. Artistic Director Victoria Morgan’s whimsical choreography accompanies Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. • Time: Check

website for showtimes, Location: Music Hall, cballet.org

CP MARKETPLACE

BROADWAY IN CINCINNATI PRESENTS HELLO, DOLLY! Dec. 3-15

This classic musical comedy comes to the stage in an exquisite new staging. This family-friendly show is best-suited for ages 8 and up. • Time:

Check website, Location: Aronoff Center, cincinnati. broadway.com

DESTINATION MOON* Open daily through Feb. 17, 2020

Guests have the rare opportunity to see artifacts that made the 953,000mile journey possible, like Buzz Aldrin’s gold-plated extravehicular helmet visor and thermal-insulated gloves. The dizzying star chart that helped Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins navigate the historic journey and the rucksack and survival kit that accompanied the astronauts are also included. • Time: Open daily from 10 am-5 pm (closed Christmas Day), Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, cincymuseum.org/ destination-moon

WATER WONDERLAND WITH SCUBA SANTA Through Dec. 31

Since 2003, Scuba Santa has visited the shark tank, diving down to swim and chat with his visitors. The entire aquarium transforms this season; adding festive touches throughout the exhibits, with the highlight being a personalized visit with Santa. You’ll find playful bubbles, twinkling lights and friendly elves, ready to make your holiday visit to the Newport Aquarium a memorable one. • Time: Check website, Location: Newport Aquarium, newportaquarium.com

LIGHT UP THE FAIR Nightly through Jan. 4, 2020

Light Up the Fair is Northern Kentucky’s premier light show synchronized to music located at the Boone County Fairgrounds. This event will be a two-mile long display with over half a million lights! Admission is $6/person and free for children 3 and under. • Time: Open nightly from 5:30-10 pm, Location: Boone County Fairgrounds, facebook.com/ LightUpTheFair

LIGHT UP MIDDLETOWN Nightly through Dec. 31

Now in its 20th year, Light Up Middletown is a drive-thru holiday lights display spanning 100 twinkling acres! Admission is by donation only — you set the price. • Time: Open

nightly from 6-10 pm, Location: Smith Park in Middletown, lightup middletown.org

WOMEN BREAKING BOUNDARIES Through April 12, 2020

A special exhibition that explores the role of women in art and art history at the Cincinnati Art Museum through artworks from the museum’s permanent collection created by female artists from the seventeenth century to today. The exhibition will encourage visitors to think critically about gender, inclusion and diversity and how that translates to the museum’s gallery walls. •

Time: Open during museum hours, Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, cincinnati artmuseum.org FREE PLEASE NOTE At Cincinnati Parent, 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.

CP

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Family-friendly fun at your fingertips. cincinnatiparent.com

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fun and WACKY CINCINNATI PARENT'S

CALENDAR 12.2019

SUN

MON

TUES

1 EAT A RED APPLE DAY

WEDS

2

3

THURS

4

MAKE A GIFT DAY

FRITTERS DAY

FRI

SAT

BATHTUB PARTY DAY

PUT ON YOUR OWN SHOES DAY

INTERNATIONAL CHEETAH DAY

8 PRETEND TO BE A TIME TRAVELER DAY

15 CAT HERDERS DAY

9

10 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

12 POINSETTIA DAY

14

13 HOT COCOA DAY

MONKEY DAY

CHRISTMAS CARD DAY

17

16 CHOCOLATECOVERED ANYTHING DAY

18

WRIGHT BROTHERS DAY BAKE COOKIES DAY

22

COTTON CANDY DAY

11 INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN DAY

7

6

5

24

23 ROOTS DAY

25

19 LOOK FOR AN EVERGREEN DAY

GO CAROLING DAY FIRST DAY OF WINTER

26

EGGNOG DAY KWANZAA

21

20

28

27 VISIT THE ZOO DAY

CARD PLAYING DAY

FIRST DAY OF HANUKKAH

29 TICK TOCK DAY

SOURCE: daysoftheyear.com

31

30 BACON DAY

NEW YEAR’S EVE

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