Southwest Ohio Parent | October 2025

A TOUR: SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES

Wondering

Southwest Ohio Parent's digital editor discovers that breast cancer can happen to anyone at any age – even in your

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Put Your Own Oxygen Mask On First

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

hen was the last time you did something for yourself? I am a big believer in self-care, especially for parents, who tend to put everyone else first and put their needs on the backburner. “Put your own oxygen mask on first,” that familiar phrase that flight attendants say during pre-flight instructions, is true. In the context of flight safety, it means that, in case of an emergency, you should put your own oxygen mask on first even before helping children, because otherwise, you risk running out of oxygen and won’t be able to help anyone else. In the context of self-care, it means making yourself a priority, so that you can show up as the best version of yourself for your family.

The main takeaway: If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t effectively help others!

I try to do little things every day to care for myself: yoga, taking a walk outside, drinking plenty of water. One of the big things that I do, when I can, is take a trip every so often by myself. I really enjoy the peace that solo

travel brings — not just a semi-break from family responsibilities, but also a quiet time to reflect. And, most importantly, I get to do the things I want to do, eat the things I want to eat, and go where I want to go! It’s a fun, indulgent break from reality.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Brown County for a solo mom trip. I got to explore the cute town of Nashville, Indiana, and many of its shops, restaurants and attractions — without kids in tow. It was just what I needed for my soul and spirit, and you can read about some of the places I visited in Nashville, Indiana is the Perfect ‘Momcation’ Getaway” on page 16. I hope it inspires you to take some time for yourself, whether it’s a solo trip out of town, or even just scheduling some “me” time into your day. You’re worth it!

PUBLISHER

Mary Wynne Cox, mary@ohparent.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER + ADVERTISING

Katie Clark, katie@ohparent.com

DIGITAL STRATEGIES + SALES

Theresa Cicchinelli, theresa@ohparent.com

EDITOR

Nicole Sipe, nicolesipe@ohparent.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Becca Reynolds, becca@ohparent.com

DIGITAL PUBLISHER

Wendy Hasser, wendy@ohparent.com

DIGITAL EDITOR

Mary Mueller, mmueller@ohparent.com

ADMINISTRATION

Emily Kirchmann, emily@ohparent.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Pam Freeman, Heather Lusk, Michelle Mastro

BILLING billing@ohparent.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS calendar@ohparent.com

local kids

WE LOVE SEEING YOUR PHOTOS OF LOCAL KIDS LIVING THEIR BEST LIVES AROUND TOWN! HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SUBMISSIONS WE RECEIVED THIS MONTH.

1. Zoë (3.5) and Olivia (9) in College Hill

2. Amelia (2) at home

3. Longoria (5) at Washington Park

4. Rory (5) at Irons Fruit Farm

5. Kee'Gean (9) and Kam'Dynn (5) at Five Guys

6. Yashvika (5) at Parky's Wet Playground

7. Kiara (7) and Kaia (6) at home

Stricker's Grove

WORDS BY PAM FREEMAN

etro is cool these days, and Stricker’s Grove fits that bill perfectly. Think wooden roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, mini golf, cotton candy and snow cones. Started in 1924 on 55 acres in Mt. Healthy, Stricker’s Grove was a place for families to picnic on the weekends in the apple groves that Henry Stricker planted. It went through iterations with a dance hall, chicken coop dreams, pony rides and the first mechanical ride added in 1954. The park was moved to its current location in 1960 and is still family-operated.

How to Visit

Stricker’s Grove is open during the Hamilton County Community Fair each July. It is also open to the public four times a year: July 4th, Family Day (the second Sunday in August), Labor Day and Customer Appreciation Day, which is October 12 this year. Park hours on that day will be from 12 to 8 p.m., with rides open from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Parking is $5 cash, and admission is $20 per person. Children under 2 are free.

Hosting Groups

As a private amusement park, Stricker’s Grove is available to rent to groups, organizations and churches and is used for family picnics, wedding receptions, retreats and meetings. It is usually rented one group at a time to ensure privacy. For smaller groups, Stricker’s Grove does offer small business days where several groups share the park at once.

11490 Hamilton-Cleves Rd., Hamilton strickersgrove.com

25 That’s the percentage of Americans who say that Halloween is their favorite holiday.

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition

Follow the yellow brick road to The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati for The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, playing on select dates from October 10 through October 26 This family favorite kicks off the season and the return to The Emery Theater, with a one-hour “youth edition” of Frank L. Baum’s timeless classic. A story that has enchanted audiences for generations, audiences will

follow Dorothy and friends down the Yellow Brick Road in an unforgettable experience unlike anything you have ever seen before! This wickedly colorful adventure over the rainbow will surely be remembered for generations to come.

To purchase tickets online, visit thechildrenstheatre. com

explore the outdoors at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience

Connect to nature on October 4 & 5 at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, happening at Eastwood MetroPark in Dayton. Presented by Huffy and produced by Five Rivers MetroParks, this is your chance to camp, compete and experience dozens of outdoor activities during a two-day event that celebrates the outdoors and all of the adventures available in the Midwest. Enjoy food, music and workshops, plus a plethora of opportunities to bike, slackline, climb and get out on the water. This is a great event to try out an activity for the first time or sign up for a competition. There is something for everyone... even the dog!

Find out more about the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience at outdoorx.metroparks.org

Did You Know?

The beautiful orange, red and yellow colors that you see in fall leaves are always there. They are just hidden by chlorophyll the pigment that makes leaves appear green during the spring and summer months.

Kawa Revolving Sushi

or kids, and even adults, sushi can be a bit intimidating. Kawa Revolving Sushi takes out the intimidation factor and replaces the “no” with a “yes.”

Entertaining & Unique

At Kawa, a conveyor belt of sushi allows guests to grab their picks, and special orders are brought to the tables via remote-controlled vehicles like a semi-truck or bullet train. Many customers enjoy the concept of having sushi of various types revolving past them for to select and eat.

What’s on the Menu

The extensive appetizer menu, including edamame and kani salad, gets things started. Sauces include spicy mayo, eel sauce and ponzu with white and sushi rice options. From there, Kawa offers lots of choices including hand rolls, ramen, tempura and teriyaki, special cooked egg rolls, special rolls, raw rolls, sashimi, nigiri, maki and don. Pick your own maki rolls allows you to customize

with two choices from grassland, California, Phil, salmon avocado, tuna avocado, tempura shrimp, sweet potato, spicy salmon, spicy tuna and yummy. Pick your own special rolls allows you to choose any mix of three rolls, including Bengals, Dragon, Jade, Black Dragon, Pink Lady, Rainbow, Ruby, Spicy Girl, Tiger, Tokyo, Kirrin and Magical.

11381 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati kawa-revolving-sushi.resmenu.com

WORDS BY PAM FREEMAN

find

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PRESCHOOL ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY

based on your child’s personality

WONDERING WHAT KIND OF ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES WOULD BEST SUIT YOUR PRESCHOOLER? THEN TAKE OUR FUN QUIZ TO FIND OUT!

Preschool gives kids too young to attend kindergarten the foundation on which to build important social, emotional and academic skills, which will enable their future success in elementary school and beyond. Below are some preschool enrichment activities you can do at home or in preschool with other students, according to education experts. Want to find out which of these activities might work best for your child’s interests and personality type? Just take the quiz to find out!

1. If my child could do anything they wanted all day, it would be:

A. Interacting with others, especially over new foods to try

B. Exploring nature and learning about animals and plants

C. Pulling out the craft supplies and creating works of art

D. Talk all day and share stories they’ve heard or made up on their own

2. If you checked your child’s pockets right now, you’d probably find:

A. leftover snacks from lunch

B. rocks, twigs, and other treasures from nature

C. broken crayons and glitter

D. their favorite pocketsize kids book

3. Pick a word that best describes your child.

A. Foodie

B. Outdoorsy

C. Artistic

D. Talkative

4. Where is your child’s “happy place”?

A. The kitchen

B. Outdoors or someplace where he has freedom to roam

C. Art store, museum, or gallery

D. Anywhere where the picture books are

5. You take your child to the dollar store and let her pick out one item. What does she choose?

A. A new food item

B. Toy animal figures

C. A watercolor paint set

D. A new book

Mostly A’s: cooking together

Cooking combines multiple developmental concepts. According to Maria Moon, an early childhood education expert with nearly 30 years of experience as a teacher, preschool owner, curriculum developer, and now vice president of curriculum at The Learning Experience, preparing food offers valuable opportunities for developing literacy, mathematics, science and motor skills. “Following a recipe helps children practice sequencing and following step by step instructions,” she says. They also gain exposure to subject specific vocabulary such as nouns (whisk) and verbs (stirring, mixing, whisking). And, measuring ingredients, mixing them together, and the act of pouring, stirring, practicing hand/eye coordination and more supports all the other skills’ development.

Choose this preschool activity for kids who prefer staying at home, mimicking what adults do, hands-on learning opportunities, or simply tasting new foods.

Mostly B’s: nature activities

Exploring local environments is an excellent way to practice early literacy, phonics and mathematics while also supporting physical development, says Moon. In terms of literacy, your child will be tuning into sounds, a key step in early phonics, such as listening for sirens, birds chirping or even car horns. This activity also supports mathematics, if you encourage your child to count out animals they see or identify different

shapes they might discover on the walk. Plus, walking, running, and exploring outdoors strengthens both gross motor skills. “Even activities like focusing on small details outdoors help strengthen eye muscles, supporting overall academic readiness.”

Choose this activity if your child likes being outdoors, surrounded by animals and nature, and exploring their environment, or trying new adventures and experiences.

Mostly C’s: arts and crafts

Plenty of home improvement and craft shops like Hobby Lobby offer workshops that teach kids how to build a variety of items from planters and picture frames to homemade ceramics pieces. But according to Marie Martinez, dually certified pediatric speech-language pathology and behavior analyst and author of the new book, Path for Words, you can also complete arts and crafts together on your own at home. Simply collect paper, glue, pieces of a cardboard box, bottles, and small toys, and either build a sensory bin or game or let your child’s imagination soar, by showing them how they can make anything they like from popsicle stick cabins to glitter covered artwork.

Choose this activity if building together, problem solving, making something original, creatively thinking up new forms, or trying new things appeals to your child.

Mostly D’s: story telling

Making up or retelling stories can be done anywhere, without any special materials, says Moon. Parents might retell a family trip, describe a weekend activity, or create a funny rhyme while playing with favorite toys. You can then encourage your child to do the same on their own. This activity helps with developing literacy and oratory skills — the ability to use spoken language effectively. This includes practicing vocabulary, sequencing events, and using imagination to create new narratives. These skills are fundamental to reading and writing and give children confidence in expressing their thoughts, she says.

Choose this activity if your child likes reading, talking to people, sharing stories or learning new words.

Nashville, Indiana is the Perfect “Momcation” Getaway

raveling with kids can be fun, but sometimes parents just need a grownup getaway to recharge. That’s why I took a solo trip to Nashville, Indiana, just a short hour drive south of Indianapolis. Everything I did on my solo adventure is just as perfect for couples, friends or group getaways. So if you’re planning a parents’ weekend, a girlfriend escape, or a mom-and-dad group trip, Nashville, Indiana, should be at the top of your list!

WHAT TO DO + SEE + EXPERIENCE IN NASHVILLE

Happy Hour Health at Nashville Wellness

Nashville Wellness is a health oasis in Brown County, consisting of six individual businesses specializing in everything from massage therapy to naturopath services. I visited Happy Hour Health for a relaxing halotherapy (or salt therapy) session. At the end of my 30-minute salt therapy session, I was almost ready to take a nap! This is the place to visit if you need a place to relax and recharge.

Brown County Art Gallery

One of the oldest art galleries in the county, the Brown County Art Gallery is one of the pillars of the Nashville art scene. This is the place to view work from more than 60 working artists, as well as permanent collections of historical art. Bonus: It’s free and open to the public.

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

Second Story Studio

To experience even more of Brown County’s art scene, step inside Second Story Studio, aptly named because it is literally located on the second floor of the historic Village Green Building in downtown Nashville. At this gallery, you’ll find a well curated collection of contemporary and modern art from regional and national artists, alongside unique handmade one-of-a-kind pieces.

Range 46 Wine Co.

Just outside of Nashville proper is Range 46 Wine Co., a familyfriendly and pet-friendly farm winery. Wine novices and connoisseurs alike will find something to enjoy here, but those who enjoy sweeter wines are in for a treat, because that’s what this winery specializes in. Some of their more popular flavors include Peanut Butter & Jelly, Moscato and Cotton Candy, if that gives you a taste of the sweet level that you can expect!

Bear Wallow Distillery

Bear Wallow Distillery, located just outside of downtown Nashville, is one of the only femaleowned distilleries in the country, creating their spirits in a traditional copper pot still. Visitors can enjoy whiskey tastings and flights, or sip a craft cocktail and relax in the shop. Those who are interested in learning more about the craft can go on a Farm-toFifth Tour, which takes you behind the scenes to learn about the history of whiskey and see the full production process.

Lakehouse Candle Company

Follow your nose to Lakehouse Candle Company, a shop specializing in candles. This woman-owned business not only offers hand-crafted candles made with quality ingredients, but they also have fun events every so often, like their Pour & Restore event, which I had the pleasure of attending while I was in Brown County. During the event, we were led through a candle-making demonstration, where we got to pour our own candle. While we waited for the candles to set, we were treated to a restorative yoga session right in the store.

RETAIL THERAPY IN NASHVILLE

You will definitely want to give yourself plenty of time to explore the downtown shops that are located all around Nashville. Here are just a few that I popped into during my visit.

Lumi Boutique

Specializing in clean, crueltyfree beauty products, Lumi Boutique is packed with handmade items, such as soaps, skincare, lotions, beard oils and lots more. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind items made by local artists, like blankets, socks, t-shirts and home decor.

The Wild Olive

This delightful store is great for people who like to cook and eat! Specializing in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, The Wild Olive is the place to sample oils and vinegars to find your perfect pairing. The specialty store also carries imported snacks and pantry goods, like tinned fish and pasta.

Rustic Charm Permanent Jewelry

Located in a little bungalow in downtown Nashville, Rustic Charm is the place to find custom-sized bracelets and anklets that are welded shut, making them a permanent piece of art on your arm or ankle. If you’re not into big commitments, you can also get any of their jewelry with clasps, so you can take them off.

Brown County Antique Mall + Route 46 Vintage

Vintage lovers: Nashville is an antique paradise! One of the best places to find great old stuff is at Brown County Antique Mall, which has rooms upon rooms of every type of knickknack and doo-dad from the past imaginable. If you’re looking for vintage clothing and accessories, you find lots at Route 46 Vintage, located on the same property.

TOO YOUNG

FOR BREAST CANCER?

Southwest Ohio Parent ’s digital editor discovers that breast cancer can happen to anyone at any age — even in your 30s.

WORDS BY WENDY HASSER

As I sit down to write this, I never would have guessed a year ago that this would be my story to tell. Breast cancer wasn’t even on my radar. I was 36, a busy mom with two little kids, and cancer was something I thought happened decades down the road. But my story started around Labor Day when I noticed my left breast felt different than my right. I'm not even sure I would use the word "lump" to describe it. It just felt… different.

One night, I couldn't ignore it any longer and asked my husband to feel it, half expecting him to laugh and tell me I was imagining things. But he didn’t. He said, “Yeah, that feels really weird. You should get it checked out.” From that moment, deep down, I knew.

Everything moved quickly after that. I had a mammogram within days, which led to a biopsy right after. Then, on September 20, the words I thought I was too young to hear became my reality: "You have breast cancer."

“But I’m Too Young”

I kept repeating that to myself — I’m too young for this. I thought breast cancer was for women in their 50s or 60s. Maybe 40s, if you were unlucky or had the BRCA gene. But me? I was healthy. No real risk factors. And yet, there I was.

That’s the scary thing about being under 40: Most of us aren’t getting mammograms yet. We’re chasing toddlers, shuttling kids to after-school activities, and just trying to keep our heads above water.

A major health crisis doesn't fit in the schedule. Cancer isn’t on the list. But it can happen. And it does.

Once the shock of my diagnosis settled in, the reality of how this would collide with motherhood hit me even harder.

Parenting Through Cancer

Cancer in your 30s comes with plenty of complications, but nothing compares to having young kids who still need you for everything. At the time, my kids were almost 5 and 7. My biggest fear wasn’t chemo, or losing my hair, or even dying — it was how this would affect them.

One morning, on the way to school, I was trying to explain the "special medicine" I was going to get and how it would make me sick. I told my daughter the medicine was going to kill all the bad things inside of me. A word of free advice: Don't tell a 5-year-old that medicine is "killing" anything. All she heard was that the medicine was going to kill me. While that conversation definitely didn't go as planned, we kept talking throughout my treatments, and I slowly got better at finding the right words.

And here’s a confession I didn’t expect to make: In some ways, having cancer is easier than parenting. With cancer, a team of experts hands you a binder with a clear plan — where to be, what medicine to take, which test to schedule. Your only job is to follow instructions. With parenting, there's no playbook, and certainly no expert hotline for all your questions. You’re just constantly figuring it out as you go.

The (Surprising) Silver Linings

As strange as it sounds, there were a few really positive things that came out of going through cancer. My husband has always been an involved dad, but like many moms, I carried the mental load. Packing lunches, school schedules, doctor's appointments — I handled it all. Before cancer, I was convinced I was the only one who could do these things correctly. But as it turns out, when Mom is out of commission, someone else can, in fact, pack a lunchbox. I had to let go of control and discovered, miraculously, that the children still got fed and made it to school on time.

Our friends and family showed up for us, too, helping on the hard days so we never felt alone. Our kids also found a new resilience, learning to be more independent and patient. It was a tough time, but it revealed the incredible village we had behind us.

What Help Really Looks Like

If you ever wonder how to support a mom going through something like this, let me tell you what made the biggest difference:

Be Specific. A vague offer is work; a specific plan is a lifeline. The best text I ever received was simple: “We're headed to The Children's Museum, can I pick up your kids on the way?” It took the burden of asking off my shoulders, gave my kids a normal, fun afternoon, and gave me the priceless gift of rest.

Feed the Family. During treatment, I had zero appetite, but my husband and kids still needed to eat. A spot on a meal train or a DoorDash gift card was a lifesaver. It meant one less thing for my husband to worry about and ensured our family had a hot meal on the table at the end of the day.

Everyone Loves Presents. This might sound silly, but it created a strange, dark-humor mindset of, "Well, this sucks, but at least I get presents." I loved the little things that could help pass the time — puzzle books, a cozy blanket, or the Tamagotchi someone gave me. (Because what you really need during chemo is another tiny, demanding creature to keep alive.) It wasn’t about the gift itself; it was a reminder that I was still me, and that someone was thinking of me. Those gestures might feel small, but they made the heaviest days feel a little lighter.

My Message to Other Moms

If you take anything from my story, let it be this: trust yourself. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Don’t wait. Don’t convince yourself you’re “too young.” I’m living proof — you’re not.

And if you know a mom in the middle of this battle, show up for her. Bring the meal, take the kids, send the text. It matters more than you know.

Because cancer doesn’t wait until you’re old enough. And neither should you.

FALL FUN

Fall on the Farm

Dates: Open Daily through October 31

Voted “Best Pumpkin Farm” by CityBeat, Fall on the Farm is an amazing family destination! With paid admission, each guest is welcome to the 40 animal petting farm, pumpkin bounce pad, NEW train ride that takes guests around the farm, NEW Barnyard Adventure low ropes course, a 5-acre corn maze, races around the Barnyard 500 trike track, and more! Stop in the bakery to purchase tasty treats, or Farmer Frank’s Hot Dog Stand for lunch on weekends. Browse the Market Barn and Garden Center for unique finds, fun gifts, and fall color. The Beer Garden returns Fridays - Sundays! We often SELL OUT, so it is strongly recommended to secure tickets online in advance. Gate sales cannot be guaranteed and will be an additional $5 on site Sat. and Sun.

(513) 697-9173 | FallOnTheFarm.com

9669 S. St. Rt. 48, Loveland

Fall Farm Fun at Burwinkel Farms

Dates: September 27 through October 31

Join Burwinkel Farms this fall for some Family Farm Fun! Enjoy a sunflower hayride to our pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and sunflower fields. Explore a punch-card maze, Halloween scavenger hunt, animals, plus much more! Fun for all ages, kids and adults alike! Hayrides run Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-6pm (weather permitting), all other activities are open during normal business hours. Watch our FB page for updates about weekday hayride opportunities. We also welcome scheduled weekday hayride groups of 10+, visit our website for more information. After the fun, shop tons of homegrown pumpkins, gourds, straw, apples, cider, and all other items fall!

(513) 738-1145 | burwinkelfarms.com

4359 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton

Burger Farm & Garden Center

Dates: September 27-28 & October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26

Burger Farm Fall Festival is the perfect place to spend time enjoying a number of the family-fun activities. We’re featuring attractions where kids and adults can run, jump, climb and play. Hayrides, barn yard games, jumbo bounce, ropes course, vine climb, mini zip lines, paintball shoot, face painting, amusement rides, carnival games, straw castle, cow train ride, puppet show, pumpkinland walk through, food, music and much more.

(513) 561-8634 | burgerfarms.com

7849 Main Street, Cincinnati

Weber Pumpkin Festival

Dates: October 18 & 19

A community wide celebration of the fall season! Over 175 Arts & Crafts Exhibitors, Food Vendors, Live Music, Craft Beer Garden, U-Cut Sunflowers, Sunflower Maze, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Pumpkin Patch Rides, Amusement Rides + Kids Games, Pumpkin Sculpting Demonstrations, Axe Women Loggers of Maine and much more!

Cost: $8 Admission (12 & under FREE!), plus FREE Parking & Shuttle! October 18 from 9 am to 6 pm and October 19 from 9 am to 5 pm.

(513) 367-5915 | webersfarmmarket.com 6040 Kilby Road, Harrison

Five Rivers MetroParks

Dates: Open Year Round

Five Rivers MetroParks manages 18 clean, safe parks, which are free to use and open year-round, in the Dayton area. Enjoy the cooler autumn weather and celebrate the harvest season with seasonal programs, and new vendors at the 2nd Street Market this fall. MetroParks provides programs for families such as Conservation Kids, and many MetroParks include family-friendly amenities, such as nature play areas. Learn more about fall kid-friendly activities in your MetroParks by visiting metroparks.org/outdoor-play

(937) 275-7275 | metroparks.org

Multiple Locations

Gorman Heritage Farm Sunflower Festival

Dates: October 4 & 5

Family fun at the Gorman Heritage Farm Sunflower Festival! Explore Ready-Set-Grow activity stations, enjoy a hayride, and explore the farmyard to visit the sheep, Eddie the Cow, goats, mules, miniature horses, turkeys and more! Get lost in the crop maze and roam the sunflower field, even take a flower home with cut-your-own sunflowers, $1 per stem. The Sunflower Festival features over 30 craft vendors and a sampling of cuisine from over 10 food trucks ~ sip, shop, savor your way through the Sunflower Festival!

Save the date for our Fall Fun Days: Octobr 8-9 & 11-12.

(513) 563-6663 | gormanfarm.org

10052 Reading Road, Evendale

Haunted Village at Heritage Village Museum

Dates: October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 & 25

Heritage Village Museum will transform into a Haunted Village for a family-friendly, slightfright event! Our 19th century village inside Sharon Woods Park is the perfect setting for a spooky October evening. Trick-or-treat through the village meeting ghosts, witches, a fortune teller, spiders, and a galloping ghoul along the way. Wander through the haunted woods and hunt monsters on the Cryptid Quest. Enjoy the Prof. Bubblemaker show, balloon art, face painting, crafts, games, music, and more! $12 per person for advance tickets available through Oct. 3 on our website or $15 per person at the door. Museum members and children ages 2 and under are free.

(513) 563-9484 | HeritageVillageCincinnati.org 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville

Nature's Tricks and Treats

Dates: One Night Only! October 25

Bring your flashlights and go on a fall escapade through our special nighttime trail, complete with treats, tricks, and surprises! Follow the map to play games, make crafts, and discover nocturnal animals. The truly adventurous (in spirit and heart) will win a prize for completing the trail. Dress for the weather and to be outdoors the entire time. Costumes are encouraged! Perfect for ages 3 and up with a caregiver. Ticket fees include daily admission to the Nature Center.

(513) 831-1711 | cincynature.org/thingsto-do

4949 Tealtown Road, Milford

Waynesville Fall Fest

Dates: Saturdays & Sundays through November 2

If you’re looking for a new family tradition, Waynesville Fall Fest has you covered! We’re excited to return this season with more attractions and entertainment than ever before. Get ready for a corn maze, two mini golf courses, gem mining, the Wildwater Mining Company mega playset, carnival games, a petting farm, pedal cars, Water Wars, disc golf, pumpkin painting, S.L. Expeditions adventure trucks, and so much more! Enjoy delicious food and treats and make memories with special events throughout the season. Visit us at waynesvillefallfest.com or on Facebook @waynesvillefallfest.

(937) 790-0036 | waynesvillefallfest.com 7392 East State Route 73, Waynesville

Pumpkin Glow at Caesar Ford Park

Dates: October 22, 23, 24 & 25

Experience autumn magic with Greene County Parks & Trails at Pumpkin Glow, where thousands of hand-painted pumpkins shine under black lights, transforming the trails of Caesar Ford Park into glowing works of art! Bring your own black light flashlight or borrow one from us to watch the forest come alive. See pumpkins based on your favorite movie and tv characters, music stars, classic artwork, and SO much more! Looking for a more low-key option? Our all newly added Sensory-Friendly Night on October 22nd will help create a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors, specially designed with reduced lights, sounds, and crowds.

(937) 562-6440 | gcparkstrails.com 520 S Stringtown Road, Xenia

Fossil Fun & Fright

Dates: October 25

We’re celebrating Halloween in the only way the museum knows how: with pointy fangs, the walking dead and skeletons! Of course, we’re talking about dinosaurs. Join Cincinnati Museum Center as paleontologists showcase the fanged beasts of our prehistoric past and the bones they left behind. You’ll learn how we find these relics of the past, which ones were scary and how these extinct giants live on as animals today. You may even get to hold a fossil yourself! Costumes are encouraged.

(513) 287-7000 | cincymuseum.org/ fossil-fun-and-fright

1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati

The Pumpkin Patch Express at LM&M Railroad

Dates: October 18-19 & 25-26

Who’s ready for some fall family fun? Ladies & Gents, pirates, boys and ghouls... ALL ABOARD the LM&M for a spooktacular Pumpkin Express! Your favorite pirate Jack is sailing the Black Pearl in Lebanon where he will commandeer the Pumpkin Express and transport you to your stop at the Lebanon Sports Complex for some fall family fun. Enjoy balloon twisting, face painting, small pumpkins, inflatables, and fall treats and sweets. A live performance and a meet and greet with the Sanderson Sisters of Hocus Pocus will all be onboard the Ship of Fools!

Mark your calendars for even MORE Fall Family Fun at the LM&M Railroad: October 11 – Puppy Train: Our two favorite puppies are coming. October 12 – Dinosaur Adventure Train: All aboard for a prehistoric journey!

(513) 933-8022 | lebanonrr.com 16 E South Street, Lebanon

MetroParks of Butler County

Dates: Open Year Round

MetroParks is Butler County’s largest greenspace provider, with nearly 5,000 acres and 17 parks and regional trails which are free for all visitors. Get outside and enjoy the season on MetroParks' award-winning trails and playgrounds or attend a family-friendly program and find your new favorite fall tradition. Learn more about MetroParks' seasonal programming and park amenities by visiting YourMetroParks.net

(513) 867-5835 | YourMetroParks.net

Multiple Locations

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

Dates: September through November

Fall is the most beautiful time of year to visit Pyramid Hill! Join us for family friendly events, like Art Fair, movie nights, and workshops hosted throughout the season, or choose your own adventure and explore over 300 acres and 78 larger-than-life outdoor sculptures, plus ancient artifacts and contemporary exhibitions all in one daytime visit.

(513) 868-8336 | pyramidhill.org 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton

Tricks and Treats at Kings Island

Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, September 21 through November 2

Experience Kings Island like never before at Tricks and Treats, our family-friendly Halloween event. Celebrate the season with mischievous tricks, tasty treats, and so much more. Everyone in the family is sure to have a boo-last with our spooky, kooky Halloween activities for kids and adults. Come dressed in your finest Halloween attire for our Halloween costume contest. Plus, we’ve got skeleTONS of delicious seasonal treats, drinks and, of course, candy! If that’s not fang-tastic enough, enjoy your favorite family rides delivering the amazing thrills and chills found only at Kings Island.

(513) 754-5700 | visitkingsisland.com/ events/tricks-and-treats

6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island

Questions to Ask at an Open House

An open house is a great way to find out if a school is right for your child. There’s nothing like touring the classrooms, meeting the teachers and staff, and getting a firsthand look at the surroundings.

To make the most of an open house, it’s important to come prepared with questions. An internet search or a visit to the school’s website will probably answer your most basic questions. But to really get a feel for the school, you’ll want to ask questions that get down to the nitty gritty of school life.

Here are some questions to ask at your next open house. Of course, you don’t have to ask each one — just pick the ones that are important to you. This is your chance to find out about your child’s potential school, so make that time count!

What is the average number of students in each classroom?

What academic standards do you use?

What is a typical day or week like in your class?

What is the typical homework workload for students?

How often do the kids have recess or go outside?

What kind of technology and software do the students use, and how often? How is technology integrated into the lesson plan?

What kind of ongoing training do teachers receive, and how often?

What kinds of extracurricular activities, clubs and sports teams are available for students?

What kind of support is offered for students who are struggling academically or otherwise?

What are the ways for parents to get involved in the school?

Can I see samples of students’ work?

What kind of school safety protocols are in place?

What is something important that I should know about your school?

2025 SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

CONSIDERING A NEW SCHOOL FOR YOUR STUDENT? OUR AREA HAS PLENTY TO CHOOSE FROM!

FIND THE RIGHT MATCH BY VISITING AN UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE TO GET ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

BETHANY SCHOOL

555 Albion Ave., Glendale (513) 771-7462

bethanyschool.org

Open House: Sun., November 9th from 2-4 pm and Sun., February 1st from 2-4 pm

CHAI TOTS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason (513) 234-0600

chaitots.com

Call for a personal tour.

CHILDREN'S MEETING HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

927 O Bannonville Rd., Loveland (513) 683-4757

cmhschool.com

Open House: Sun., October 19th, 2025 from 10 am-12 pm

CINCINNATI CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

Elementary Campus: 7350 Dixie Highway, Fairfield

JH/SH Campus: 7474 Morris Rd., Fairfield Twp.

Elementary Open House: November 15 and January 24 from 1-3 pm

JH/SH Campus Open House: November 15 and January 24 from 3–5:00 pm

CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

8283 East Kemper Rd., Cincinnati (513) 706-7019

chca-oh.org/visit-us

Open House: November 8, 2025 & February 7, 2026: 10:00 am–1:00 pm.

In-person tours and shadow visits are also available.

CREATIVE TOTS MASON

6408 Thornberry Ct suite 110, Mason (513) 770-6776 creativetotsmason.com

Open Houses: October 29 from 5:00-6:30 pm: Family Open House (RSVP required)

November 13, December 9, January 8, February 26 & March 12 from 1:30-3:30 pm

Art Show Open House: May 1 from 5:30-6:30

GUARDIAN ANGELS SCHOOL

6539 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati (513) 624-3141 gaschool.org

Schedule a Personal Tour Today!

HILLEL ACADEMY OF GREATER DAYTON

305 Sugar Camp Circle, Dayton (937) 277-8966 daytonhillel.org

Tours scheduled at your convenience, call us today!

MERCY MONTESSORI CENTER

2335 Grandview Ave., Cincinnati (513) 475-6700 mercymontessori.org

Open House: Sun., November 9 from 1-3:00 pm

Tours available anytime, please contact Amanda Grimm (agrimm@mercymontessori. org) or register online.

THE NEW SCHOOL MONTESSORI

3 Burton Woods Ln., Cincinnati (513) 281-7999 newschoolmontessori.com

Open House (in-person): Sun., October 19, 2025, from 2-4:00 pm

Virtual Open House: Tues., February 3, 2026 at 12:00 pm

ROCKWERN ACADEMY

8401 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati (513) 984-3770

rockwernacademy.org/ openhouses

Open Houses: (Online) ECEC & K-8 Open House for Current and Prospective Families: Thurs., November 6, 7:00 pm

(In-Person) ECEC & K-8 Open House for Current and Prospective Families: Sun., November 9, 2:00 pm (Online) ECEC & K-8 Open House for Current and Prospective Families: Mon., December 1, 7:00 pm

SAINT URSULA ACADEMY

1339 E. McMillian St., Cincinnati (513) 961-3410 saintursula.org

Open House: Sun., November 9 from 1-4:00 pm

SPRINGER SCHOOL AND CENTER

2121 Madison Rd., Cincinnati (513) 871-6080

springer-ld.org

Lower School & Middle School Open Houses (9:30am; in person): Oct, 7, Nov. 5, Jan. 13, Feb. 4, Mar. 3, Apr. 15, May 5 (Virtual): Dec. 3 at 6:30 pm

High School Open Houses (in person): Oct. 7, 2025 6:30 pm; Nov. 16 at 12:00 pm; Jan. 22 at 6:30 pm; Mar. 12 at 6:30 pm; May 9 at 1:00 pm

SEVEN HILLS SCHOOL

Hillsdale Campus: 5400 Red Bank Rd., Cincinnati; Doherty Campus: 2726 Johnstone Pl., Cincinnati (513) 728-2400 7hills.org/explore

*Walk & Talk Group Tour (PreK - K): Offered most Tues., Wed., & Thurs. through November 13, 9-10 am

*Walk & Talk Group Tour (Grades 1-5): Tues., October 14, 9-10 am Wed., October 15, 9-10 am

*Walk & Talk Group Tour (Grades 6-12): Thurs., October 16, 9-10 am Tues., October 29, 9-10 am Thurs., November 18, 9-10 am

*Virtual Questions & Conversations (PreK - Grade 5): Wed., October 22, 9-10 am

*Virtual Questions & Conversations (Grades 6-12): Wed., October 29, 7-7:45 pm and Thurs, January 22, 7-7:45 pm

THE SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

2161 Grandin Road, Hyde Park (513) 871-4700, ext. 261 summitcds.org

*Parent Preview Days (Montessori - Grade 8): October 24 & November 11 at 8:303m

*Parent Preview Days (Grades 9-12): October 14 and October 29 at 8:30am

*Upper School Open House: November 20 at 6:30pm RSVP required. Register online, or email admissions@ summitcds.org

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CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL

The Campus at Kids First Brand New State-of-the-Art Facility! The Campus at Kids First is located adjacent to Kids First Sports Center and offers the premier early learning experience for children ages infant through Pre-K. As the only early learning center in the area that makes physical education a top priority, The Campus gives your child an academic edge by integrating a world class physical education curriculum into the daily schedule. Weekly Basketball, Gymnastics, Dance and Soccer classes are included in your child’s day at no additional cost! Our carefully selected and loving teachers utilize a relevancebased curriculum combined with child-directed play to make learning fun and set your child on a path to become a life-long learner. 11711 Solzman Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249 theCampusKF.com, Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, Email: 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 after-school enrichment available. Transportation available to/from Mason schools. Limited space - now enrolling! 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, Phone: (513) 234-0600, ChaiTots.com, Ages/ Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60

Creative Tots, Mason Our holistic approach allows children (18 months - 5 1/2 years) the opportunity to learn, explore, play and grow while engaging in the fine arts, science, music, yoga and a modernized curriculum. We provide opportunities to use creativity, solve problems, use language, develop new vocabulary and reading skills, while engaging in intellectual activities. There are elements of STEAM education, bilingual education, arts education, as well as lots of physical activities to strengthen the mind and body. 6408 Thornberry Ct., Mason, OH 45040, Contact: Emilie Parry, Phone: 513-770-6776, Email: creativetotsmason@gmail.com, creativetotsmason.com, Grades: Toddler: 18 months-3 yrs, Preschool: 3-4 yrs; Pre-K: 4-5 yrs

SCHOOL + EDUCATION GUIDE

LEARNING DIFFERENCES

Springer School and Center

Springer School and Center empowers students who learn differently due to ADHD, dyslexia and executive function challenges, through four distinct pillars: Springer Lower School and Middle School, Springer High School, Springer Diagnostic Center and Springer Learning Center. In addition to providing the region’s most wellrespected independent school for students with learning disabilities, tutoring, summer programs and diagnostic evaluations are available for students in grades K-12. Learning workshops for parents and educators are offered monthly. 2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45208, (513) 871-6080, Email: info@Springer-LD.org, Springer-LD.org

MONTESSORI

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 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 is Cincinnati's only school accredited by both AMS and ISACS. Nestled in North Avondale and surrounded by wooded play yards and gardens, Montessoricredentialed teachers have been supporting children's academic, social, and emotional development since 1970. Healthy lunches covered in tuition Half, full-day, and after-school programs

offered. 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: 513-281-7999, Email: ceara.c@newschool montessori.com, newschoolmontessori. com, Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6

NON–PUBLIC

Bethany School A warm and diverse community that has served Ohio families for 125 years. We believe in the joy of learning. Serving students K-8th grade, our curriculum along with small class sizes of no more than 15 students spark curiosity, encourage play, and make discovery an exciting journey. Our graduates continue to experience academic success in Cincinnati’s premier high schools. Bethany School’s students experience a vibrant array of activities including weekly chapel, fine arts, athletics, travel, and community service. Our beautiful, nature-filled, 23-acre campus features two LEED Platinum certified buildings offering an eco-friendly learning space where your child can grow and create wonderful memories. Choose Bethany School for your child’s enriching educational journey. 555 Albion Avenue, Glendale, OH 45246, (513) 771-2462, Email: admissions@bethanyschool.org, bethanyschool.org

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 Seven Hills School At its core, our culture at Seven Hills celebrates human complexity. We love that we’re all different. In our diverse, inclusive community, we learn to approach each other with open minds and compass-ionate hearts. We learn that each of us has unique potential and that the variations of that potential make each person’s story worth exploring. Our teachers are recruit- ed from all over the country and trained in some of the nation’s best schools. Our Doherty Campus houses the Doherty division of Lower School (2-year-olds through grade 5). Our Hillsdale Campus houses the Lotspeich division of our Lower School (2-year-olds through grade 5), the Middle School (grades 6-8), and Upper School

(grades 9-12). Hillsdale Campus: 5400 Red Bank Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45227; Doherty Campus: 2726 Johnstone Pl., Cincinnati, OH 45206, (513) 728-2400, 7hills.org

The Summit Country Day School Founded in 1890, The Summit serves students from 18 mosGrade 12. Full- and half-day Montessori programs for ages 18 months-age 6 begin the academic journey followed by a college-prep-aratory 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

PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION

CCM Prep offers a wide variety of programs in music, dance and theatre arts for people of all ages and abilities ‒including classes for adults, young children, teens and pre-professional students preparing for a future in the performing arts. Questions: call 513-556-2595 or email CCMPrep@ ucmail.uc.edu. University of Cincinnati College ‒ Conservatory of Music, 290 CCM Blvd., Contact Person: Spring Starr Pillow, Email: CCMPrep@ucmail.uc.edu, ccm.uc.edu/arts4all/prep.html

PUBLIC

Great Oaks Career Campuses offers career development training for high school students and adults. With four campuses ‒ Scarlet Oaks in Sharonville, Diamond Oaks in Dent, Live Oaks in MIlford, and Laurel Oaks in Wilmington, high school students prepare for careers and college, and adults get training and certification to begin a new career or advance in a current career. greatoaks.com, Phone: (513) 771-8840

Interested in being part of our monthly guide?

Contact Katie@ohParent.com

WORDS BY HEATHER LUSK

Building Good Parent-Teacher Relationships

Learn how parents and teachers can support and improve a child’s learning.

The start of a new school year is a perfect time to forge positive relationships at your child’s school. With advice from seasoned teachers, consider these steps to start the year with a great outlook and understanding of how to best communicate with staff.

Have a Positive Attitude

Kids of any age can use some positive thinking, especially when it applies to the classroom.

Kindergarten teacher Nicole Seiler believes that parents can play a role in reminding kids that school is fun by asking children to share one thing they liked about school at the end of each day.

“It helps your child have a positive attitude about school if you’re helping them find positives (in their day),” she says. Keep that positive vibe when helping children with assignments or homework.

Communicate

When parents find a way to connect with teachers and share concerns they might see at home, it goes a long way toward helping students be successful at school. Seiler says this open two-way communication can

also help parents know if the teacher notices challenges the child is having in the classroom.

Parents can always contact the teacher to see if there’s anything they can do at home to help their child learn and thrive. “It shows that parent and child are a team,” Seiler says.

Communication extends to being aware of classroom news through information shared by the teacher. Join a classroom app, log onto PowerSchool or read the weekly or monthly newsletter. Caroline Day, an elementary school counselor, says that these methods of communication will often include snapshots of your child’s activities, whether it describes what is being studied, an upcoming field trip or classroom behavior.

“The teacher is just trying to stay organized and keep parents aware of what’s happening,” says Day. By staying up to date with classroom information, parents have a better picture of how they can help their child thrive.

Be Involved

Being involved doesn’t have to mean participating in every school function and volunteering every week. It’s more important to attend scheduled meetings with the teacher and be aware of what happens in the classroom.

“Anytime the school opens its doors, try to attend,” Day says. Even if work, other children or prior commitments prevent that from happening, reach out to the teacher to see if there’s another way to connect. Day says that teachers at her school will schedule phone conferences if needed to keep lines of communication open.

Be Thoughtful

While many teachers and schools welcome volunteers, Day warns that parents should always be aware of the school’s policies and procedures before showing up unannounced. Schools usually require a background check, which could take time. There may even be policies regarding lunchtime visits or meeting with staff during the day.

Day notes that by calling ahead, parents can avoid days that the school might be in the middle of testing or staff members may be unavailable. And remember to be patient. During the workday, teachers are focused on students and may not be quick to answer every message or email sent. After work, they may be attending to their own families.

Honesty Matters

According to Day, being honest with teachers is one of the top ways to

help teachers know how to best help your child. Teachers may ask questions about a student’s sleep schedule, whether they eat breakfast or any concerns with siblings to narrow factors that might affect learning.

“They’re not being intrusive, they’ve not being judgmental, they just want a full picture of how to help a student the most,” Day says. “We can’t help what we don’t know.”

Being open and honest about situations that might impact a student’s concentration or ability to learn can help a teacher understand how to address a lesson or classroom environment and help the child succeed.

Take a Breath

Finally, both Day and Seiler suggest contacting the teacher first if a child comes home upset or if there’s an issue at school. While it’s easy to jump to conclusions and dive into protective-parent mode, they request that parents first take a breath.

Then directly contact the teacher to clarify the concern or issue. Because every story has two sides, reopen the lines of communication and ask questions rather than letting concerns build or impulsively taking issues to other staff members.

Give Back Cincinnati

Striving to make a meaningful impact on the city through volunteer work, community events and social gatherings.

WORDS BY PAM FREEMAN

ive Back Cincinnati (GBC) is the area’s largest young professional volunteering organization, dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the Cincinnati community through volunteer work, community events and social gatherings. We spoke with Anna Demerly, director of communications for Give Back Cincinnati, to learn more about this special organization.

How did Give Back Cincinnati get started?

Give Back Cincinnati began in 2000 with a small group of friends who wanted to give back to their community. What’s unique about our organization is that you can participate in as many or as few volunteer events as you’d like. In fact, our turnkey events only require one thing — for you to show up! Through our engagement in the Greater Cincinnati area, we

develop today's communities and tomorrow's leaders.

Pillars drive your mission and events. Please tell us about them.

We have four pillars. The first is interactive, engaging communities at all levels, from school kids to senior citizens. The second is hands-on, getting our hands dirty at parks, in schools and on city streets. Third is civic engagement, weighing in on local issues and taking a closer look at our community. And fourth is social, kicking up our feet at social outings and making new friends.

You’ve been working in the community since 2000. What impact have you seen?

Over the past 25 years, Give Back Cincinnati has achieved a measurable impact, garnering tens of thousands of volunteer hours and engaging thousands

of volunteers. We have painted the exterior of hundreds of homes in the Greater Cincinnati area through our annual Paint the Town event. Our expanded programming offers a variety of event types, from handson and civic engagement to social events and leadership training. We have fostered deeper engagement through leadership roles and international/domestic service travel initiatives.

What events do you have coming up through the end of 2025?

We’ve got a packed calendar for the rest of 2025! From hands-on volunteer projects to social events, there’s always something happening. Head to givebackcincinnati. org/events or follow us on Instagram (@givebackcincy) to see what’s coming up next.

How

can young professionals get involved in GBC?

Young professionals can dive right in by joining any of Give

Back Cincinnati’s events, whether it’s volunteering at a community cleanup, painting homes during Paint the Town, or making tie-blankets for veterans. Beyond volunteering, they can grow their network at social events, develop leadership skills, and even step into planning committees or board roles to help shape future projects. It’s as simple as signing up for events on the website and showing up ready to serve.

If you’re not a young professional, are there ways people can support GBC?

Definitely! Community members can support by donating, sponsoring events, partnering as an organization, or sharing GBC opportunities with others. Alumni and friends of all ages often stay involved by cheering on volunteers, lending expertise, or helping expand GBC’s reach.

October 2025 THINGS TO DO

WED 01

The Great Pumpkin Patch

Hundreds of painted pumpkins will be hidden along the trails for children ages 4–12 to discover. Each child gets a card with 10 objects to match—find them all, then trade in your card for candy and a pumpkin. Costumes encouraged! Location: Russ Nature Reserve, Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, gcparkstrails.com *F

A Brothers Grimm Adventure:

A Period Dinner Step into a fairy tale for an evening of folklore, flavor, and 19th-century charm with A Brothers Grimm Adventure. Inspired by the legendary tales of old Europe, this enchanting dinner invites you to wander through a world of woodland cottages, shadowy forests, and magical feasts—no breadcrumbs required. Location: Heritage Village Museum, Time: 6 pm - 7:30 pm, heritagevillagecincinnati.org

THURS 02

Fall Break Express Spend time with us on your Fall Break. Our 90-minute train excursion is perfect for entertaining the whole family. Stroll through the museum as well! Location: Kentucky Railway Museum, Time: 2 pm, kyrail.org

Zoo Brew Calling all brew fans – join for the annual beer-tasting event! Zoo Brew will feature a variety of beers from local establishments at 15 different stations throughout the Zoo. Location: The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Time: 7 pm - 10 pm, cincinnatizoo.org

FRI 03

Butterflies & Brews Celebrate all things fall with the chance to play in the park at this program just for adults! Enjoy tastings of fall favorites, take part in monarch tagging, plant native seeds for your home garden, listen to live music and hang by the fire while making a walnut-dyed project. Location: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, Time: 7 pm - 9 pm, greatparks.org 21+

Crafting the Cosmos Time to get cozy under the stars with our Crafting the Cosmos event at the Cincinnati Observatory. The event will include embroidery, adult coloring sheets, friendship bracelet making, a s’mores station, mocktails, hot chocolate, and viewing through the telescopes. Location: Cincinnati Observatory, Time: 7 pm, cincinnatiobservatory.org

SAT 04

Monarch Festival The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Monarch Festival will celebrate these most beautiful and beloved pollinators. A fun and educational event for the entire family. Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Time: 10 am - 1 pm, cincinnatizoo.org

Wyoming’s 42nd Annual Fall Festiva The City's 42nd Annual Fall Festival is happening on Saturday, October 4th from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the heart of the business district. There will be 100+ vendors, live entertainment, bounce houses, and a petting zoo! Location Wyoming Village Green, Time: 10 am - 5 pm, facebook.com/events/ 763002386653880

JAM Fest at the Nest Owls Nest Jam Fest is a family-fun event with many activities for the kids to enjoy! Join us from 2 - 6 PM and enjoy a live band, CSO, Cincy Circus, Wump Mucket puppet show, children’s activities, free food, and more. Location: Owls Nest Park, Time: 2 pm - 6 pm, cincinnati-oh.gov

SAT & SUN, OCTOBER 4-5

GORMAN HERITAGE

FARM'S SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL at Gorman Heritage Farm

SAT 04 & SUN 05

Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience This FREE adventure festival celebrates outdoor lifestyle and culture. This event features competitions, live music, food trucks, gear shopping, pro-athlete shows, activities to try, camping, and much more! Location: Eastwood MetroPark, Time: All Day, metroparks.org *F

Gorman Heritage Farm

Sunflower Festival Explore Ready-Set-Grow activity stations, enjoy a hayride, and explore the farmyard to visit the sheep, Eddie the Cow, goats, mules, miniature horses, turkeys and more! Get lost in the crop maze and roam the sunflower field, even take a flower home with cut-your-own sunflowers, $1/stem. Featuring over 30 craft vendors and a sampling of cuisine from over 10 food trucks, sip, shop, savor your way! Location: Gorman Heritage Farm, gormanfarm.org

Dog Man: The Musical A Hilarious, Heartfelt Family Adventure following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture all while trying his best to be a good boy. Location: Aronoff Center, cincinnatiarts.org

SUN 05

Fall Food Fest It’s the final tasting event of the year and this time, it’s all about autumn! Fall Food Fest is a celebration of the harvest season. Merchants prepare dishes using seasonal ingredients for you to sample one by one. Location: Findlay Market, Time: 10 am - 4 pm, findlaymarket.org

Bengals vs. Lions Cheer on your Who Dey! Cincinnati Bengals versus the Detroit Lions. Location: Paycor Stadium, Time: 4:25 pm, bengals.com

MON 06

Family Pajama Storytime

Bring your little ones (jammies optional!) to enjoy bedtime themed books, songs, and stories! Fun for the whole family. Location: Downtown Main Library, 6 pm - 6:30 pm, chpl.org *F

TUES 07

Homeschool Science Days: Nocturnal Animals Whoooo stays up all night and sleeps all day? Nocturnal animals, like owls, that’s whoooo! Bring your diurnal homeschoolers out to the park to learn about the critters that only come out at night through games, crafts and educational activities. Location: Russ Nature Reserve, Time: 10 am - 12 pm, gcparkstrails.com *F

DIY Spooky Houses Come craft your own miniature, spooky house that can be used to decorate for the season. This program is appropriate for grades 1-5. Location: Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Time: 4 pm - 5:30 pm, daytonmetrolibrary. org *F

WEDS 08

Safety Town Join the Great Parks Rangers for a wheelie fun evening all about traffic safety! Through interactive stations along the driving course, kids explore the rules of the road in fun, engaging ways while learning to stay safe as both pedestrians and passengers. Location: Miami Whitewater Forest, Time: 5 pm - 7 pm, greatparks.org *F

Little Sprouts Pumpkin

Farm

The Little Sprouts Pumpkin Farm is open and ready for customers! Join us for a pumpkin themed journey as we take you all around our farm exploring everything pumpkin!

Location: James Ranch Park, Time: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, gcparkstrails.com *F

THURS 09

Games in the Galleries: Ghost Stories Play an art-based game with family members and go on an impromptu adventure through the galleries. Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, Time: 6 pm, cincinnatiartmuseum.org

THURS 09 − SUN 12

Disney on Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Location: Heritage Bank Center, heritagebankcenter.com

FRI 10

Pumpkin Patch Adventure

Enjoy seasonal books, crafts and experiments! S.T.R.E.A.M. elements (science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math) are incorporated into the stories, activities and experiments. Location: BehringerCrawford Museum, Time: 11 am - 12 pm, bcmuseum.org

Nighttime Exploration

Explore forest nightlife through stories about owls and other nocturnal animals, then venture into the woods for a naturalist-led owl prowl. Location: Hills & Dales MetroPark, Time: 7 pm - 8 pm, metroparks.org *F

Extreme Halloween Egg

Hunt Egg hunts are AMPED up, EXTREME and sure to be a wild time! Can you find Easter eggs in the dark? If you can, you could win prizes! Participants must have a flashlight to participate, bags will be provided. On your mark, get set, HUNT! Location: Caesar Ford Park, Time: 7:30 pm - 10 pm, gcparkstrails.com

SAT 11

College HIll Gardeners Wee

Pumpkin Patch Don’t miss College Hill Gardeners Wee Patch! One of CHG’s most popular events is taking place again at Patrick Wolterman Memorial Park. Location: Patrick Wolterman Memorial Park, Time: 11 am - 3 pm, cincinnati-oh.gov

Burnet Woods Fall Fest Please join us for a family friendly pumpkin carving and decorating party. We plan to have 150 pumpkins with carving tools and decoration supplies. Kids of all ages are invited to come carve a pumpkin, one per visitor, first come first serve. There will be music and a food truck, and Trailside will be open for Nature Encounters. Location: Burnet Woods, Time: 12 pm - 4 pm, cincinnati-oh.gov

Hartwell Fall Festival

Celebrate the season! Enjoy trunk or treat, live music by The Skillful Reckoner, a pumpkin patch, food trucks, games, and local craft vendors — all in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Location: Mutual Arts Center, Time: 11 am, mutualdance.org

Forest Frenzy Explore the changing season, search for local wildlife, and learn why forests are crucial to human survival. Location: Sugarcreek MetroPark, Time: 2 pm - 4 pm, metroparks.org *F

Saturnday Saturn is back in the night sky with the Cincinnati Observatory. The ringed planet is the star of the show at this festival which will feature informative talks on Saturn, face painting, Permanent Jewelry from Arch&Charm, food trucks, building tours, night sky viewing (weather permitting), and more! Location: Cincinnati Observatory, Time: 7 pm, cincinnatiobservatory.org

SUN 12

Indigo and the Art of Quiltmaking Explore the museum with FREE Family Fundays! This special day offers a new experience. Music, art-making, and gallery engagements are sure to inspire young creators. Location: Taft Museum of Art, Time: 10 am - 3:30 pm, taftmuseum.org *F

Hocus Pocus Halloween Family Fun Festival This family-fun festival includes food and craft vendors, dance troupes, a magic and illusion show, pumpkin carvers, Binx the cat, fun music, a Howl-oween dog costume contest and parade, games and activities for kids, and more! The festive day wraps up with a free screening of the full length feature film, Hocus Pocus. Location: Downtown Middletown, Time: 2 pm - 7 pm, downtownmiddletown.org *F

MON 13

School’s Out! Creek Day

Camp Immerse yourself in the watery worlds around Rowe Woods. Dig your hands into natural clay as you follow the meandering creek, find fossils from ancient creatures, and lift rocks to see what animals call the creek their home. Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, Time: 9 am - 4 pm, cincynature.org

Spooky Cookie Decorating Spend fall break decorating some spooky cookies with Delicious Designs Cookies! Location: Anderson Branch Library, Time: 2 pm - 3 pm, chpl.org *F

TUES 14

Birds of Prey Witness the power of these majestic predators through stories that fire the imagination, then search for hawks, falcons, and other birds in the park. Location: Wesleyan MetroPark, Time: 10 am - 11 am, metroparks.org *F

Homeschool Science Days:

Discovery Hike Hike up a 30 foot Adena Mound and follow the curves of an ancient Hopewell Earthworks as you learn what archaeologists have discovered about these cultures. This hike is not stroller friendly. Location: Indian Mound Reserve, Time: 10 am - 11:30 am, gcparkstrails.com *F

WEDS 15

Where Will Blue Take You?

Explore the Taft's newest exhibition, Indigo and the Art of Quiltmaking! Learn about colors from around the world and create patches to make a quilted work of art. Location: Taft Museum of Art, Time: 10:15 am - 11 am, taftmuseum.org

Pop-Up Play Add a bit of creative fun to your day at Pop Up Play! Head on over to Imagination Alley every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month for tons of different opportunities to give your imagination a little spark! Location: Imagination Alley, Time: 4 pm - 6 pm, imaginationalleyotr.com

THURS 16

Picasso Pumpkins Celebrate fall and take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, pick out a pumpkin, and paint it with glow-in-the-dark paint. Location: Chisholm MetroPark, Time: 10 am - 11:30 am, yourmetroparks.net

Even More Before the Roar Join for the most epic Bengals tailgates before home game days in partnership with Bengal Jim. There will be beer, food trucks, games, DJ provided by Bengal Jim and more from Castellini Esplanade to the parking lot. Location: Smale Riverfront Park, Time: 5 pm - 8 pm, cincinnati-oh.gov

FRI 17

Little Scientists Get your feet wet and dip into your curiosity! Visit creeks and ponds where you get to be a scientist and make discoveries. Each session will be a new aquatic adventure. Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, Time: 10 am - 11:15 am, cincynature.org

Magic Forest Halloween

Hikes Walk through a pumpkin-lit trail meeting costumed characters from nature and history. This is a non-scary holiday walk best suited to

children ages 3-10 years. Make it a family tradition! Location: Caldwell Nature Preserve, Time: 6 pm - 8 pm, cincinnati-oh.gov

Music in the Gardens

Outdoor Concert Enjoy a free, family-friendly outdoor concert series, “Music in the Gardens” – Dan Van Vechten Trio. Location: Baker Hung Art and Cultural Center, Time: 6 pm - 8 pm, bakerhunt.org *F

GTO Spooky Tales of Caesar Ford Do you like scary stories? The woods in the dark? Well, to get in the spirit of Halloween, we will be gathering in the woods at Caesar Ford to hear spooky stories around the fire. We may even take a hike to where some of these TRUE stories originated.

Location: Caesar Ford Park, Time: 6 pm - 8 pm, gcparkstrails.com *F

FRI 17 − SUN 19

Charm at the Farm Vintage Market This open-air vintage market is located on a 56-acre farm in quaint, Lebanon, OH. The best local artisans and shops from across the region come together exclusively at Charm at the Farm to create an exciting, outdoor shopping experience like no other only 3 weekends per year. Charm features rustic gifts, furniture, home décor and more, and is the perfect girls' day out! Location: 4953 Bunnell Hill Rd., Lebanon, OH 4503, charmatthefarm.com

SAT 18

Henny Penny TCT On Tour: A Division of the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati! 1-Person Cast Henny Penny’s Adventure is an immersive, “cluck-out-loud” one-person show. Audiences will be “hee-hawing” with barnyard charm and on-stage antics. You may even find members of your flock on stage as part of the action!

Location: Memorial Hall, Time: 2 pm, memorialhallotr.com *F

Fall Family Adventure Come to the park for a magical fall adventure! Learn how animals and plants change in the fall while you enjoy games, crafts, and face painting. Explore the prairie and then hear wonderful tales from a storyteller. Enjoy live music, a magician, meet Animal Ambassadors, learn the secrets of spiders, and stroll through the beautiful gardens.

Location: Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, Time: 4 pm - 7 pm, metroparks.org *F

Great Parks for You Celebration Help shape the future of Great Parks’ Nature Center at The Summit during this exciting evening of nature-based activities, live animal encounters, atlatl throwing and more. Discover amazing opportunities and share ideas to help create a Nature Center that works for you! Location: Nature Center at the Summit, Time: 4 pm - 7 pm, cincynature.org *F

Tow n’ Treat Join in the fun at Hamilton County Fairgrounds as they host another tow ‘n treat this year!

Location: Hamilton County Fairgrounds, Time: 6 pm - 9 pm, facebook.com/ events/1737838080271333

Costumes & Scary Stories

Hike Don your best Halloween costume and talk a wander through the woods at Caesar Ford. Look out for ghosts, ghouls, and bigfoot! Location: Caesar Ford Park, Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, gcparkstrails.com *F

First Face-Off Hockey is back in the Queen City! Pack the rink and celebrate First Faceoff with $2 Hotdogs, Soda & Beer! Fans will receive a Cyclones Calendar as they enter (while supplies last). Bring the energy, and your best Cyclones gear! Let's go! Location: Heritage Bank Center, Time: 7:30 pm, heritagebankcenter.com

Jack-O-Lantern Hike Join us on a dark October night to enjoy the jack-o-lanterns and luminaries on the trail. There will be no costumed

characters during this Saturday evening event. This a great “date night for adults” or a low-key walk for families. Location: Caldwell Nature Preserve, Time: 7 pm - 9 pm, cincinnati-oh.gov/

SUN 19

Lights On @ Dent Experience

The Dent Schoolhouse with the lights on! Trick-or-treat through the halls of Dent and experience family friendly monsters. Candy and prize stations will be located throughout the haunt. Location: Dent School House, Time: 4 pm - 6 pm, dentschoolhouse.com

MON 20

Spooky Luminaries Make your own spooky luminary using a mason jar and a decoupage technique. Recommended for kids ages 8-12. All supplies provided. Location: Miamisburg Branch Library, Time: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm, daytonmetrolibrary.org *F

TUES 21

Farm Life Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live on a farm? Learn through storytime, then venture into the gardens and barns to see what is happening at Possum Creek Farm. Location: Possum Creek MetroPark, Time: 1 pm - 2 pm, metroparks.org *F

Trunk or Treat Put on your favorite costume and get ready for a spooktacular time! Perfect for kids of all ages, this fun-filled evening offers a safe and exciting way to collect candy, show off costumes and enjoy the festive spirit of the season! Timed ticketing is required for entry. Location: Sharon Woods, Time: 5 pm - 6:30 pm, greatparks.org *F

The Howl Bark your calendars for the Howl, Voice of America MetroPark's costumed-canine celebration! Explore Wiggly Field with your dog, visit treat stations sponsored by friends from the local pet community, and compete in the cutest costume contest Butler County has ever seen. Location: Voice of America MetroPark, Time: 5:30 pm - 7 pm, yourmetroparks.net

Monster Mash Dance

Par-tay! Kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins you get the point, this event is for the whole family! Put on your costume and join us for a Halloween Dance Party in the park! Location: Fairgrounds Recreation Center, Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, gcparkstrails.com *F

WEDS 22

Pumpkin Glow: Sensory Friendly Night Want to experience Pumpkin Glow in a calmer way? Join for Sensory-Friendly Pumpkin Glow! Enjoy all the magic with lower sounds, fewer lights, clear trails, and double the pumpkins along the ADA path. Perfect for families sensitive to lights, sounds, and crowds. Location: Caesar Ford Park, Time: 8 am - 5 pm, gcparkstrails.com *F *SN

Discovery Kids: Science! It's experiment time! Get ready for for scientific exploration fun. Will it be surprising? Colorful? Messy? It might be...but it will definitely be fun! Location: Deer Park Branch Library, Time: 3:30 pm4:30 pm, cincinnatilibrary.com

THURS 23

Nighttime Pollinators: Moths and Bats Join us at Wegerzyn Gardens Metropark to talk about plants pollinated at night. We'll do activities to learn about how these plants attract pollinators and how moths and bats "see" these plants. Location: Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, Time: 1 pm - 2 pm, metroparks.org

Fall Fun Pop-Up

Join us for an evening of Fall Family Fun in Imagination Alley! We’ll be serving up some fall-themed treats while we do some pumpkin painting and other fall crafts!

Location: Imagination Alley, Time: 4 pm - 6 pm, imaginationalleyotr.com

Halloween on the Green Grab your trick-or-treat bag and get those costumes on! Enjoy trick-or-treating from local businesses and organizations set up around Village Green Park. Special treats, surprises, performances, and food trucks will be available!

Location: Village Green Park, Time: 6 pm - 8 pm, fairfield-city.org *F

CMC After Hours: Halloween Edition It’s...ALIVE! Join us for a night of chilling curiosity and eerie exploration at CMC After Hours: Halloween Edition. Strange science, mysterious specimens and spooky experiments all take center stage in the Museum of Natural History & Science. Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 7 pm, cincymuseum.org 21+

THURS 23 SUN 25

Pumpkin Glow at Caesar Ford Park Experience Pumpkin Glow like never before at Caesar Ford Park! Trails will shine with hundreds of hand-painted, black light–reflective pumpkins featuring cartoons, animals, music, and more. Bring your own black light flashlight (or borrow one) and

watch these masterpieces come to life!

Location: Caesar Ford Park, Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, gcparkstrails.com *F

FRI 24

Nocturnal Adventure Join us on a night hike just for families. We'll discuss the differences between night and day, talk about our fears of the night, and explore pelts of nocturnal animals. Flashlights welcome. Location: Taylorsville MetroPark, Time: 6 pm - 7:30 pm, metroparks.org *F

HallowEve Brew Bash Love

Cincinnati craft beers? Join us for the HallowEve Brew Bash! Your ticket includes ten (10) five-ounce tastings from some of Cincinnati’s top microbreweries. Location: Ault Park, Time: 6 pm - 10 pm, cincinnati-oh.gov 21+

Peanuts Night Join the Peanuts gang as we wait for the Great Pumpkin! The Cyclones will wear special Peanuts jerseys. Plus it's a 513 Friday featuring $5 Craft Drafts & Seltzers, $1 Popcorn, and $3 Burgers! Location: Heritage Bank Center, Time: 7:30 pm, heritagebankcenter.com

SAT 25

Sensory Saturday A beforepublic-hours program designed for families with children who have autism or other developmental disabilities.

Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, Time: 9:30 am, cincinnatiartmuseum.org *SN

Trunk or Treat Join the Dent Schoolhouse and Green Township businesses and community organizations for a free Trunk or Treat. Be sure to wear your best costume, bring a bucket to collect candy along with your cute smiles and best manners. Location: Kuliga Park, Time: 11 am - 2 pm, facebook.com/events/24947720558153456 *F

Sign Crafting Saturday

Explore the skills needed to become an expert sign maker. Play with different materials each month as you learn about different elements of sign making. Location: American Sign Museum, Time: 1 pm - 3 pm, americansignmuseum.org

Monster Mash Head to Liberty Center for store-to-store trick-or-treating, crafts, live music, spooky fun, and more — plus DORA drinks for adults. Costumes encour- aged! Location: Liberty Center, Time: 3 pm - 6 pm, travelbutlercounty.com

Nature’s Tricks and TreatsBring your flashlights and go on a fall escapade through our special nighttime trail, complete with treats, tricks, and surprises! Follow the map to

play games, make crafts, and discover nocturnal animals. The truly adventurous (in spirit and heart) will win a prize for completing the trail. Costumes are encouraged! Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, Time: 6:30 pm - 8 pm, cincynature.org

OCT 25 & 26

Fall Fest at Washington Park

Carve out some good times at Washington Park’s weekend of Fall family fun! Enjoy shopping from local vendors, live music, animal encounters with Good Green Earth Farm, a free pumpkin patch, and more! Location: Washington Park, Time: 11 am - 4 pm, washingtonpark.org

SUN 26

Trick or Treat & Pumpkin

Decorating Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume for a fun, festive day and trick or treat with the Market vendors. Also, pumpkins from one of our Market vendors will be available to decorate for free. Craft supplies will be available to decorate and take your pumpkin home. Location: 2nd Street Market, Time: 11 am - 3 pm, metroparks.org *F

Hallow’s Eve Tea Sit back and enjoy as you learn about the Patterson family, the historic Homestead, and life in Victorian America. After the tea, you are welcome to tour the Patterson Homestead at your leisure. Location: Carillon Historical Park, Time: 2 pm - 4 pm, daytonhistory.org

MON

27

Becoming a Foster Parent

101 Join us as we dive into what fostering looks like and if it is right for you. We will bust myths and answer any and all questions you have! Register/attend and be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card! Location: Virtual, Time: 6 pm - 7 pm, newpath.org/foster

Paint Along: Boo! It's a Gnome Party Create a colorful masterpiece with an easy step by step painting process. We will walk you through an easy painting to create a beautiful work of art. Location: Electra C Doren Branch Library, Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm, daytonmetrolibrary.org *F

TUES 28

Falling Leaves Leaves changing and beginning to fall! Read stories about the changing of the seasons, then celebrate on a hike looking at shapes and colors of leaves. Location: Cox Arboretum MetroPark, Time: 10 am - 11 am, metroparks.org *F

WEDS 29

Halloween Hullabaloo Put on your costumes and enjoy a spooky storytime with Halloween themed books and songs. Afterwards children can say "trick or treat" to library workers throughout the library to receive small prizes. Location: Wilmington-Stroop Branch Library, Time: 9:30 am - 10:15 am, daytonmetrolibrary.org *F

THURS 30

Outdoor Storytime @ The Observatory Bring the entire family to enjoy books, songs and activities while building literacy skills. The storytime will be held at the Cincinnati Observatory in the outdoor space. Location: Hyde Park Branch Library, Time: 11 am - 11:30 am, cincinnatilibrary. com *F

CSO Proof: Día de Los

Muertos Step through the front doors of Music Hall and into a celebration of life in full color. Marigold petals swirl under foot as the night hums with the rhythm of Mariachi music. A glowing ofrenda holds space to honor those who came before and candles flicker in a graveyard of quiet reflection. Location: Music Hall, Time: 8 pm, cincinnatisymphony.org

FRI 31

Trick-or-Treat at Findlay

Market Trick or Treat and dress up and pass out candy to any kiddo in costume. Findlay Market invites you to the best Trick-or-Treating in town. Location: Findlay Market, Time: 4 pm - 6 pm, findlaymarket.org

Artisanfest - Halloween

Market One purchase from a small business makes a world of difference! Join #artisanfest513 as we celebrate the #buylocal513 campaign in the heart of Cincinnati, featuring adoptable pets, music, family games, and small business vendors from across the tri-state! See you there! Location: Washington Park, Time: 4 pm - 10 pm, washingtonpark.org

THROUGH OCT 31 FALL ON THE FARM at Blooms and Berries Farm Market

Haunted Jergens Park Meet us in Jergens Park and trick-or-treat your way through the park. Location: Jergens Park, Time: 6 pm - 8 pm, facebook. com/events/804704502497390

ONGOING EVENTS

Fall on the Farm at Blooms and Berries Daily through October 31. Voted Cincinnati's best pumpkin patch 5 years running! Enjoy over 15 attractions with your admission, including hayrides, 5-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, pumpkin bounce pad, 40 animal petting farm, ALL NEW Train and Barnyard Ropes Course, Barnyard 500, bakery treats, and SO much more! Memorable, family, FUN is what this event is all about! Save by purchasing tickets online! Location: Blooms & Berries Farm Market, Time: 9 am - 7 pm, FallOnTheFarm.com

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition October 10-12, 18-19 & 25-26. “youth edition” of Frank L. Baum’s timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz. A story that has enchanted audiences for generations, audiences will follow Dorothy and friends down the Yellow Brick Road in an unforgettable experience unlike anything you have ever seen before! This wickedly colorful adventure over the rainbow will surely be remembered for generations to come. Location: Emery Theatre, thechildrenstheatre.com

Jack O’Lantern Glow Oct 3-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26, 28-30. Jack O’ Lantern Glow lights up the Cincinnati Zoo with more than 6,000 handcarved pumpkins, dazzling displays, and special effects along a half-mile trail. The Tri-state’s largest event of its kind, this family-friendly experience transforms autumn nights into something extraordinary for all ages. Location: The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, cincinnatizoo.org

HallZOOween Oct 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26. Featuring trick-or-treat stations, animal enrichment, illusion shows, and more. Don’t forget your reusable treat bag and come dressed in costume! Free with Zoo admission. Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Time: 12 pm - 5 pm, cincinnatizoo.org

Underwater Pumpkin GLOW Through Nov 2. Explore glowing pumpkin displays in your favorite exhibits, watch animals enjoy seasonal pumpkin treats, and see Jack-o’-lanterns turned into reefs for underwater fun. A one-of-a-kind family adventure! Location: Newport Aquarium, newport aquarium.com

Fall Farm Family Fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy Through Oct 26. There's something for everyone this time of year at Young's. Whether you're looking for the perfect pumpkin, looking to get lost (temporarily!) in Cowvin's Corny Maze, or looking for your fix of some of our fall favorite flavors like Cinnamon Ice Cream, Pumpkin Ice Cream or everyone's favorite - Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes! Location: Young’s Diary, youngsdairy.com

Tricks and Treats at Kings Island Select Nights through Nov 2. Celebrate spooky season at Kings Island with Tricks and Treats, a family-friendly daytime Halloween event full of mischievous tricks, tasty treats, and spook-tacular entertainment for all ages. This kid-friendly celebration takes place before the sun sets and the scares set up — it’s all fun, no fear during the daytime at Kings Island! Location: King’s Island, visitkingsisland.com

Waynesville Fall Fest Through November 2. Get ready for a 5-acre corn maze, two mini golf courses, gem mining, the Wildwater Mining Company mega playset, carnival games, a petting farm, pedal cars, Water Wars, disc golf, pumpkin painting, S.L. Expedition adventure trucks, and so much more! Location: Waynesville, waynesvillefallfest.com

Ohio Renaissance Festival Weekends through October 26. Immerse yourself in a world of lively shows, tantalizing food & drink, and unique shops that transport you back in time to the days of knights and queens. Location: State Route 73, renfestival.com

Haunted Village Select days, October 10-25. Heritage Village Museum will transform into a family-friendly, slight-fright event. Our 19th century village inside Sharon Woods is the perfect setting for a spooky October evening! Explore the village meeting ghosts, witches, and a fortune teller along the way. Enjoy balloon art, games, a creepy critter zoo, face painting, storytelling, and more! Location: Heritage Village Museum, Time: 6 pm - 10 pm, heritagevillage cincinnati.org