Cincinnati Family magazine September 2023

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CHILD NEEDS GLASSES

HOW TO HELP AN ANXIOUS KID THINGS TO DO!

... as the season turns to fall

Memory grew up in Jacksonville, FL. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Florida and her Master of Physician Assistant from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She is a certified physician assistant (PA-C).

Memory grew up in Jacksonville, FL. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Florida and her Master of Physician Assistant from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She is a certified physician assistant (PA-C).

She lives in Franklin, OH, with her husband and two dogs.

She lives in Franklin, OH, with her husband and two dogs.

Rebecca A. Dandoy, MD

Kenton A. Pate, MD

James M. Komer, MD

Diana E. Small, MD Jennifer Thornicroft, FNP

Rebecca A. Dandoy, MD

Kenton A. Pate, MD

James M. Komer, MD

Diana E. Small, MD Jennifer Thornicroft, FNP

PUBLISHER

Stewart Day stewart@daycommedia.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Susan Swindell Day susan@daycommedia.com

EDITOR

Amanda Hayward amandahayward@ daycommedia.com

THINGS TO DO/ ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Amanda Ciani amandaciani@ daycommedia.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN DayCom Associates

PRODUCTION

Tim Henard timhenard@ daycommedia.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Theresa Cicchinelli theresa@daycommedia.com

Amanda Ciani amandaciani@ daycommedia.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Here's

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FEATURES 10

THINGS

"What I learned at a very early age was that I was responsible for my life ... You are your possibilities. If you know that, you can do anything."

— Oprah Winfrey, American talk show host, producer, actress and author

CINCINNATI FAMILY MAGAZINE is published monthly by DAYCOM MEDIA, INC. Although every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of published material, DAYCOM MEDIA cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. Editorial and business offices are located at 10945 Reed Hartman Hwy., Ste 323, Cincinnati, OH 45242. The phone number is 513-322-5052.

CINCINNATI FAMILY MAGAZINE is copyright © 2023 by DayCom Media, Inc., a member of The Ohio Parent Media Network. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says mental health among kids is a national emergency. What to know.

As the season turns to busy fall with hectic school days and sport commitments, be sure to build in a little family fun. 15 Bluey comes to town this month!

I Took Away My Boy's Cell Phone and He Actually Thanked Me for It

by Susan Day

Truth and full disclosure, I kid you not. If your boy is actually relieved when you take away his precious lifeline to social media, you know something's up. We gave our son a cell phone in seventh grade following the beat of other parents who rationalized it this way: If he's on a road trip for sports, he can still get ahold of us. If something bad happens at school, he'll be able to call. If he has to Snapchat a friend in the middle of the night, that will make it easier for him. Wait, what? Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.

It's easy to borrow a phone from a coach or friend should need be.

But we all know that as soon as you give your kid a device, the battle for their very soul begins. The fight for eye-to-eye conversation, play time with regular, old toys, music practice and just plain, old attention. Meanwhile, it's not good parenting to be hypocritical about your own tech use. If you tell your kid to stop using his device too much, you'd better be modeling some self-control, too.

So his phone was Snapchat pinging at midnight on a weeknight, I could hear it from my bed. I wondered why he was so exhausted in the mornings! Snapchat shenanigans were going on late into the night until I caught on and insisted he leave the phone to charge out in the hallway so he could sleep. It was a battle until he realized that when I fell asleep he could tiptoe into the hall to get the phone. Crafty! When I discovered what he was doing, I took the phone away for a week and just like that, I had my son back.

Do you know what happens when you take away a kid's beloved device? At first there's panic and anger. Then a restlessness that looks like withdrawal. Finally though, there's an awareness followed by, it's true — relief. Suddenly they are a part of the real, physical world again and able to see what's going on outside of their device.

I took him to see a show and a young girl was sitting in the row in front of us on a phone. He was horrified to notice she was on Snapchat.

"Mom!" (he whisper/hissed) "That girl is way too young to be on Snapchat. There's stu on there that she shouldn't see!"

Uh huh. Now you're getting it, I thought.

But I'm caught up in my tech use, too. He can ask me a question that I don't even hear because I'm scrolling. You know what I mean, right? Sigh.

Now he has his phone back, but I told him that if he is dishonest about using it at night again, I will cut o his service. I told him I liked hanging out with him when he was fully present.

"Yeah, yeah, Mom, OK, thanks," he said.

I counted it a victory and went back to my scrolling.

Readers: Amanda Hayward's column, "The Little Things," will return next month. Hayward is currently on maternity leave with her new infant (it's a boy!).

Win!

Donauschwaben Oktoberfest Entry and Prizes

Celebrate German culture with Donauschwaben Oktoberfest, taking place in Cincinnati September 29 - October 1. Families can enjoy live music, dance performances, a Kinderplatz play area for the kids and, of course, plenty of food and drink. Cincinnati Family is giving away a prize package that includes two adult entries (kids under 12 are free), two spit-roasted German chicken dinners, two hotdogs, brats or Metts for the kids, two bottled sodas, two commemorative bier steins, two free beers and two homemade desserts. Learn more at donauschwabenreceptionhalls.com/event/oktoberfest. Enter to win the prize package by joining our pop-up Facebook contest during the week of Sept. 19! Good luck!

Question!

How do I talk to my bubbly child about her personal safety without saying, "stranger danger" or frightening her about tricky people who may ask her to keep a secret?

"Scare her, watch Sound of Freedom, we all need to be scared."

Dolores Cowart

“When mine were little, I always told them that their space is their space. They don't have to hug kiss or touch anyone they don't want to and that goes for family and friends. Then we had the safe place talks and the never keeping a secret from us. Then, when my girls got older, I took them to a course o ered for sex tra cking It's so much, so very much we have to guide them through."

Kristal Ladd

“Unfortunately, predators often look like good people and are beloved in their communities. I started with rules around keeping secrets ... it's OK to help with a fun surprise, but there's no situation in which a child should be asked to keep a secret from a parent."

Katie Mike

"As soon as my kids were old enough to comprehend what I was saying, I always said secrets are bad. I went over with them their private parts, naming each, and that no one should touch them or anywhere their swimsuit covers and to tell me if anyone even tried. I even told them exactly what could happen if they wondered o in a store and how they could end up with a stranger in any of the cars being driven out of a parking lot. [I told them] if they were taken, to scream and to fight back with all their might. I didn't, and still don't, hide the truth from them at all, because the world can be,

and often is, a truly scary place. First and foremost, I trust my gut instincts 100 percent of the time because you can never truly know someone."

Becky Hopkins Fred

"When my boys were young, we taught them about “tricky people” rather than strangers. Tricky people can be people you know or strangers. Tricky people might give you a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. Tricky people might ask you to do something you know is wrong. Tricky people might ask you to keep a secret from your parents or get you to go somewhere alone with them. Tricky people might ask a child for help (but why does an adult need a child’s help?). There's also a book, Protecting the Gift. It's an older book, so it doesn't address some things, like smart phone safety, but it is common sense, cleareyed, helpful. It is tailor-made to instill in you the confidence to see danger signs and talk to your kids about them."

Lindsay Piper

“Talk to them about ensuring they know to tell you anytime someone asks them to go somewhere other than where you expect them to be even if it's not far. Also explain that anyone who discourages them from telling you this information is a tricky person and they can be a child, teen, or adult. Give them permission to raise a ruckus if anyone grabs them and tries to take them somewhere they don't want to go."

Kelly Peterson

Win a prize package for Donauschwaben Oktoberfest taking place in Cincinnati Sept. 29 - Oct. 1.

by Amanda Ciani

Meet Chip, Pende and Kongo, the Zoo's New Bachelor Gorillas

Gorilla World at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is now home to three rowdy bachelor gorillas. Welcome to Cincinnati, Chipua (Chip), Pendeka (Pende) and Kongo! These three gorillas make up the new bachelor troop, which arrived from the Detroit Zoo in July. The zoo is excited about the males' arrival, as this is the first time CZBG has been home to a bachelor troop! Zoo guests may see what looks like aggression or altercations between the troop, but don’t worry, this new social structure helps establish and maintain a hierarchy within the group. Visit the zoo at 3400 Vine St. in Cincinnati to see Chip, Pende and Kongo in their new home; head to cincinnatizoo.org for tickets or call 513-281-4700 for more information.

It's about time1 Skyline Chili is now available at Paycor Stadium during Bengal games!

Who Dey! New Expansions at Paycor Plus Skyline Coneys!

Cincinnati Bengals fans will have a roaring good time at home games this year as they experience the many upgrades happening at Paycor Stadium! Fans will feel transported to the jungle with new banners, graphics and murals located throughout the stadium. During the game, fans won’t miss a play with engaging updates on the new stadium bowl video wraps. Fans who work up an appetite will enjoy more convenience when heading to the concession stands. To make grabbing a quick bite even quicker, there will be 78 self-service kiosks, seven new self-order/pick-up locations and 14 grab-and-go stands. New this year, fans can grab a coney from hometown favorite, Skyline Chili! Download the Bengals app to use an interactive navigation map to find your way on game day. Who Dey! Paycor Stadium is located at 1 Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Buy tickets to a 23 - 24 season home game: Visit bengals.com or call 513-455-4800 for more information.

The Toy Department Has a New Home

Buying or selling toys? For vintage and collectible toys, The Toy Department is the place to head, and they're in a new location at 5960 Dixie Highway in Fairfield — just one mile from their previous location. Stroll 20,000 square feet of unique toys daily from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Visit toydepartment.net or call 513-869-3378 for more information.

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One of the handsome gorillas new to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Gorilla World.

Infinite Hitting Now Open in Cincinnati

Progress never ends at Infinite Hitting. The brand-new baseball and softball training location is open at 9160 Reading Road in Cincinnati. The 5,000-squarefoot facility features two hitting tunnels, drill work stations and a lounge where parents can relax and watch their players gain skills and confidence. Infinite Hitting offers state-of-the-art video tech to show hitters how they size up to the best in the world and track progress with data-driven results. Infinite Hitting offers coaching, camps, clinics and more. Visit infinitecincy.com or call 513-5203054 for more information.

Camp Snoopy to Add New Ride at Kings Island Next Season

Kings Island’s kids’ area is expanding next year. The adventure play space — Camp Snoopy — will feature KI’s newest roller coaster offering, Snoopy’s Soapbox Racers. The ride is a boomerang coaster that takes youngsters on 672 feet of forward and backward hills, twists and turns. Beagle Scout Acres will be another new addition; this area will be a shaded space for families to take a break in and explore a fun space full of turfed mounds, interactive equipment and lots of Snoopy’s friends. Head to visitkingsisland. com for more information.

NEWSY BITS

Step Back in Time at CMC

Anew, permanent exhibit will debut at Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) on September 28.

"Ancient Worlds Hiding in Plain Sight" showcases a world-class collection of fossils from the Ordovician Period. Hundreds of millions of years ago trilobites, arthropods, early echinoderms and cephalopods thrived in the Greater Cincinnati area, and now their fossils can be viewed at the new exhibit. With immersive soundscapes, video and interactive tech, the hands-on exhibit is sure to be a big hit with families. Find out more by visiting cincymusuem.org or give 513-2877000 a call.

New Work Stations at NKY Libraries

Parents and caregivers can now visit the library a little easier with their little ones in tow!

Patrons at the Newport and Fort Thomas branches in Campbell County Public Library will notice new work stations which feature an attached playpen. The stations allow grown-ups the ability to get some work done on a computer while their young one is kept entertained within an arm's reach. There are plenty of great storytime sessions scheduled in September at both NKY locations. Visit cc-pl.org for more information.

All Abilities Sports in NKY

All kids deserve a chance to hit the field and play a sport! Now All Abilities Sports NKY is giving special needs kids the chance to do more than just sit on the bench, cheering on the others. Kids can sign up for monthly “try it” days to gain exposure to basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer and volleyball. The organization also is holding five-week-long soccer and baseball leagues this fall, with hopes of adding a basketball and winter dance league later this year. Families with special needs children ages 3 - 16 can learn how to get involved by visiting All Abilities Sports NKY at abilitiesnky.com.

A rendering of Kings Island's Camp Snoopy which will include a new ride, Snoopy's Soapbox Racers.

Kids are on screens all day long and vision issues are part of the result. Here’s how to help.

Does Your Kid Need Glasses?

Maybe. Especially if there’s a family history of vision issues.

As far as YOUR eyes can see, your child is developing just beautifully. But a family history of vision issues means you should be watchful for signs that there could eventually be a sight issue for your child. Add that to the fact that school kids are on screens all day long and it should double your diligence.

“Nearsighted and farsighted is a kind of refractive error and can be normal at any age,” says Sandra K. Brook, OD, a pediatric optometrist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati.

“The need for glasses depends on what level of refractive error is present and what vision demands the child has; most babies are farsighted and farsighted typically becomes less as the eye grows. Nearsightedness is common in grade school,” Brook says.

The other thing common in school is the use of laptops, tablets and other devices and this adds to what could be a progressive vision issue.

“We don’t want our children to not have access to technology, but setting time boundaries on screen time is beneficial,” Brook says. “Additionally, taking breaks with extended near work and having a working distance greater than 12 inches is recommended,” she adds.

There are plenty of eyesight conditions that can affect a growing child’s ability to see clearly including lazy eye (amblyopia, a neural developmental vision condition that

means one eye or both aren’t linking properly to the brain); far-sightedness (hyperopia) that causes close-up objects to be blurry; and near-sightedness (myopia) that causes distant objects to be hard to see. Regular vision screenings — such as at a well-child visit — can detect these things.

“Regular vision screenings with the pediatrician are important as the child ages,” Brook says. “Usually, a vision screening every couple of years is appropriate, unless there are specific concerns/complaints, then a complete eye exam is indicated,” she adds.

CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS

With kids, vision issues can sneak up on them without their realizing it. They will adjust as need be, even without telling you. So if vision screenings are missed for some reason, you’re left to your own devices to try and sleuth out what’s going on with your child.

“School-age children may complain that their vision is blurred, possibly stating that the board at school is hard to see,” Brook says. “They may also complain about tired eyes, headaches or may even lose their place while reading,” she adds.

Kids on devices at school and at home can exhaust young eyes without their realizing it. Brook says research shows that excessive screen time may cause an increase in axial length of the eye which typically leads to myopia, the most common vision issue for kids. Experts agree that the myopia rates

among children are rising, and yes, that it’s related to focusing on screens.

“There is a normal amount of nearsighted progression from year to year as a child ages,” Brook says. “And there is evidence that special design contact lenses (daytime and nighttime) and nightly eye drops are helpful in lessening progression over time.”

Since screen use won’t be going away, parents are smart to pay attention to the cues in their kids that vision issues may be developing.

Signs Your Child May Need Vision Correction

• Doing poorly in school

• Inability to concentrate on reading and writing tasks

• A family history with myopia, hyperopia and amblyopia

• Sitting too closely to an object

• Reluctancy to focus on neartasks

• Squinting

• Frequent headaches

by Susan Day

Kids Need Our Help with Childhood Anxiety

The American Academy of Pediatrics says mental health for children is a national emergency. Here are tools to help you if you’re dealing with an anxious child.

Callit what you like: anxiety, fear, stress, worry; it all means the same thing: the kids aren’t alright. Mental health experts and parents aren’t quite sure what’s driving the anxiety problem — or how to solve it.

Anxiety is so common among kids today, in fact, that in April of 2022, an influential group of experts from the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force recommended for the first time ever that children ages 8 - 18 be screened for anxiety. Meanwhile, well-intentioned parents and educators are dealing with kids who melt down regularly without

clear guidance on how to handle it. Empathy alone is not enough.

It’s true that as a culture we’ve moved from authoritative do-as-I-say parenting to “throwing rose petals in front of your child as he walks,” one father expressed recently. But parenting shifts alone can’t be blamed for the breakdown in child psyches alive and well today.

SIGNS OF CHILDHOOD ANXIETY

National data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that there was a 24 percent increase in the proportion

of mental health emergency department visits for kids ages 5 – 11 last year. And just last May, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a warning that social media use is a main contributor to anxiety and other problems in the nation’s kids who use it.

LITTLE KIDS, SCHOOL-AGED KIDS, TEENS

Even without social media, kids postpandemic can be struggling. Signs that your child may be disturbed depends upon their age.

“Among little ones, parents may see an increased tearfulness about going to

preschool or day care, clingy behavior or regression in milestones like potty training,” says Elizabeth Reichert, Ph.D., a pediatric and adolescent psychologist. With school-aged kids, Reichert says, you may see a resistance to going to school, oppositional behavior and complaints such as stomachaches or headaches.

“That’s going to be really tricky to navigate,” Reichert says, because parents want to believe their kids, but head and stomach aches don’t cause fevers — and fever is the line for most school attendance rules,” she adds.

Teens will display withdrawn behavior, such as staying in their rooms or irritability and moodiness, Reichert says. But that’s also normal behavior for teenagers. The key is to compare the behavior of your child now to what they acted like before.

“If there’s a major change from a child’s or teen’s baseline behavior that doesn’t dissipate after a couple of weeks — that is a red flag,” Reichert says.

AWARENESS OF YOUR OWN EMOTIONS

One of the big questions surrounding the well-being of kids is what’s happening at home. Connections are being made between anxious, over-stressed kids and the parents raising them who may be passing on their own anxieties and fears. Finding the way toward living healthy, normal living is important. If anxiety and fear dominates your mind, there’s a good chance it’s dominating your child’s mind, too.

“Parents are the biggest models for their kids,” Reichert says. “If your kids see you really anxious about something, they’re going to feed off that. You need to be mindful of your own emotions so you can self-regulate and become present for your child,” she adds.

YOUR KIDS ARE WATCHING

“Kids are brilliant emotional detectives of their parents,” says Abigail Gewirtz, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and author of When the World Feels Like a Scary Place: Essential Conversations for Anxious Parents and Worried Kids (Workman; 2020). “If you are showing your anxiety, it leaches out into interactions with your children,” she adds.

Adults can seek counsel from friends, family, books, clergy and perhaps even with therapy, but children need parents to show them the way. Reichert says parents often jump very quickly into trying to “fix”their kids with immediate solutions, but that’s not actually the best first step in helping an overwhelmed child.

FIGURE OUT A PLAN WITH YOUR CHILD

The first step is to listen and to create space to hear your kid’s concerns, Reichert says.

“Acknowledge what your child is feeling even if you don’t agree. Your child should feel that they’re being heard; that it is OK to feel what they are feeling, and that they have space to talk to you,” she adds.

Once you have a better sense of what’s going on, work with your child to figure out a plan: What does your child feel like he’s capable of doing? What can you do to help? Who else can help — a friend, sibling, another family member?

If, for example, your child refuses to go to school, dig in. Ask, “How can we make it feel easier?” Be sure you are also communicating to your child that, ultimately, it’s their job to go to school. By creating small opportunities for getting through difficult situations and coping with their worries, children can build the confidence and the independence they need to feel less afraid.

SELF-CARE MATTERS

Reichert says it’s essential for parents and kids to find moments for self-care. Taking even just a couple of deep breaths in the moment, taking a bathroom break, getting a drink of water or doing other things that create a brief transition for yourself, a moment to regulate your feelings, is helpful.

Think back to what worked for you before the pandemic and try getting even a small inkling of that back. Take a few minutes a day to move your body with exercise. Sit and read a self-help book or do an activity you enjoy such as painting or sewing or bike riding. This is important for you as a parent, but it also shows your child that you have strategies to take care of yourself and you can share them with your kids.

Literally invite your children into healthy coping activities with you. Say to your school-aged child, “I’m feeling pretty stressed, and for me, going for a walk helps me clear my head. Do you want to go for a walk with me?” Parents and young kids can blow bubbles together — small kids enjoy it, and you can talk about how big breaths for bubbles helps everyone feel better.

TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES

And one more thing: The words we use and the subtle switch up you can use to change negatives to positives.

Nervousness and excitement, for instance, are both aroused emotions. But they’re very different. In both, the heart beats faster, cortisol surges and the body prepares for action. But excitement is a positive emotion‚ focusing on what can go right. Nervousness is a negative emotion, focusing on what can go wrong. It’s helpful for parents to turn negatives to positives for their kids, Reichert says. After all, the way we verbalize and think about our feelings helps to construct the way we actually feel. Think ‘excited,’ not ‘nervous.’

“Children — especially younger ones — understand the world through the bubble of the family,” Gewirtz says. What we know, though, is that parents can really help their children to cope with stress by emotion coaching and nurturing them along.”

Susan Day is editorial director for this publication and a mom of four.

BE AN EMOTION COACH FOR YOUR KIDS

A two-step process to calm an emotional storm:

VALIDATE THE EMOTION: “I understand you might feel worried (and then explain the emotion), i.e., because you have a big test coming up; or, because Grandma is sick …” This conveys to your child that their feelings make sense and that you understand. Do this with your child with any big emotion.

PROVIDE SUPPORT: Comfort, reassurance, hopefulness and possibly redirection, problem-solving and encouragement in an ongoing manner.

Source: Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman, Ph.D. (Simon and Schuster; 1998).

Goldfish Swim School is the premier learn-to-swim facility for children ages 4 months to 12 years. We our holistic philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay®, build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment.

• Flexible Class Times

Goldfish Swim School is the premier learn-to-swim facility for children ages 4 months to 12 years. We use our holistic philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay®, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment.

• Small Class Sizes

Goldfish Swim School is the premier learn-to-swim facility for children ages 4 months to 12 years. We use our holistic philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay®, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment.

• Confidence-Building Curriculum

• Flexible Class Times

• Flexible Class Times

• Small Class Sizes

• 30-Minute Weekly Lessons

• Confidence-Building Curriculum

• Confidence-Building Curriculum

• 30-Minute Weekly Lessons

• 30-Minute Weekly Lessons

Mention this ad to receive a FREE trial lesson!

Mention this ad to receive a FREE trial lesson! New Kenwood Location! Register Now for Fall Classes!

Mention this ad to receive a FREE trial lesson!

KENWOOD | 513.999.5554 | 8261 Pine Road

FRANKLIN | 615.680.7946

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WEST CHESTER | 513.857.1700 | 7058 Ridgetop Drive

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The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCT Academy offers performing arts instruction from a professional theatre company, introducing children to all elements of live theatre, incorporating educational aspects as well as important life skills and milestones. It isn’t just learning how to sing, dance and act…It’s about gaining confidence, learning life skills and keeping your children active.

513-569-8080 | thechildrenstheatre.com

4015 Redbank Road, Cincinnati

YMCA of Greater Cincinnati

The Y’s Youth Sports help kids learn new skills, make new friends, develop essential character traits, and set individual and team goals. Youth basketball, ages 3 - 12. Learn basketball fundamentals in a positive and fun environment promoting youth development. Your child will meet new friends while learning about teamwork, focusing on sportsmanship, and building skills. Register by Sep. 15 for fall basketball.

myy.org/sports

Multiple Locations

Enrichment Programs and After-School Activities

Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. There’s so much more available for your child with programs and activities that cover all the bases, from the arts to sports, STEM to advanced academics. Explore the options o ered in our area, including those listed here.

Buckner Martial Arts

Voted one the best martial arts studios in Cincinnati, we combine defense skills with personal development. Students progress quickly while learning leadership and strong values under the teaching of master instructors. Fall classes forming now. Free uniform with class sign-up.

513-779-2413 | bucknermartialarts.com

8216 Highland Pointe Drive, West Chester

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

Does your child dream of exploring space, running their own business, or advocating for climate justice? She needs somewhere to start. From writing code to hiking national parks, we will help her build skills and discover talents. But the most important thing she’ll discover? Who she is and everything she’s capable of accomplishing. Explore the possibilities! Be a Girl Scout. Troops forming now. Find one near you. gswo.org

Mason Dance Center

We provide an opportunity for anyone ages 3 - adult to discover the joys of dance. Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, pre-professional ballet, pre-dance combos, adult classes. Register now for our 2023/24 school year classes. Fall mini sessions open soon. We also offer summer camps.

513-398-0353 | masondance.com

600-B Reading Road, Mason

Star Glazers

Paint pottery at your location. Pottery experts will bring all the supplies and offer booklets and ideas for your masterpiece. Pricing includes the cost of supplies, glazing and firing. No mess! Awesome for birthday parties, church groups, school events, scout troops, and more.

513-474-6364 | starglazers.com

West Chester Academy Music, Dance, Acting and Gymnastics

From a child’s very first lesson to the experienced adult, West Chester Academy has something for everyone in music, dance, acting, and gymnastics. Located in West Chester, we specialize in beginners of all ages and offer training through pre-professional levels. We also have camps for all ages.

513-829-2345 | westchesteracademy.com

8107 Market Place Drive, West Chester

by Amanda Ciani

septemberTHINGS TO DO

DAILY EVENTS

MJ the Musical

Sept. 5 - 17, 2023

Considered one of the greatest entertainers of all time, the story of Michael Jackson comes to vibrant life with the national tour of MJ the Musical as the new theater season begins. Running at the Aronoff Center September 5 - 17, the show is centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous world tour. MJ highlights the singular moves of the massive star, offering a look into his creative mind and collaborative spirit. Tickets range from $40 - $149.

Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202; 513-621-2787 or cincinnatiarts. org/aronoff-center.

OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI | AIRPORT DAYS | DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE | BLUEY’S BIG PLAY I OHIO RENAISSANCE FEST

The national tour of MJ the Musical at the Aronoff Center runs September 5 - 17, a Broadway in Cincinnati presentation recommended for ages 8 and older.

fri 1

CLAUDE MONET: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

More than 7,000 square feet of art in a 360-degree digital experience. 18 West Fourth St., Cincinnati; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., tickets available through Sept. 30; $37.90 adult, $21.90 children; monetexpo.com/cincinnati.

CMC AFTER HOURS EVENING

Explore LEGO creations until the last entry at 8 p.m. or make underwater discoveries at a screening of Secrets of the Sea at 7:30 p.m.; Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati; 5 p.m.; 513-287-7000 or cincymuseum.org.

EVERYTHING THOMAS

Chug on into EnterTRAINment Junction to celebrate Thomas. EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., through Sept. 10; see website for ticketing; 513-898-8000 or entertrainmentjunction.com.

FIRST FLOWERS @ KROHN CONSERVATORY

A prehistoric land full of botanicals and dinosaurs. Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Mondays 3 - 8 p.m. (open Labor Day, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.) Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park, Cincinnati; through Oct. 22; $10 adults, $7 youth 5 - 17, free for ages 4 and younger; 513-421-4086 or cincinnatiparks.com.

SHARK SUMMER AT NEWPORT AQUARIUM!

Newport Aquarium, 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; through Sept. 10; 1-800-406-3474 or newportaquarium.com.

sat 2

FREE ALL THINGS LOCAL: ART ON VINE

Local art and goods at this outdoor market. Court St. Plaza, Court St., Cincinnati; 12 - 6 p.m.; 513-2089192 or artonvinecincy.com.

EARS ARE FOR READING

Little ones can bring a book to read to a farm animal or choose a book on site. Chrisholm MetroPark

Historic Farmstead, 2070 Woodsdale Road, Trenton; 12 - 2:30 p.m.; $5 for up to two readers from the same family; 513-867-5835 or yourmetroparks.net.

FREE FC SOCCER PRE-MATCH IN THE PARK

Family-friendly activities and local food trucks. Presented by ProLink Staffing. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.; washingtonpark.org.

FREE KSO SUMMER SERIES

Jam out to television themes from the 50s and 60s. Saturday at Covington’s Devou Park (790 Park Lane in Covington, KY); Sunday at Ft. Thomas’ Tower Park (900 S. Ft. Thomas Ave. in Fort Thomas, KY); 7:30 - 10 p.m.; kyso.org.

FREE LUNKEN AIRPORT DAYS

Honor WWII veterans with aviation and history, helicopter and airplane rides, planes on display and vendors. Lunken Airport, 262 Wilmer Ave., Cincinnati; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; ground tours and WarBird Rides available for purchase; continues Sept. 3; cincinnatiwarbirds.org.

OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Opening weekend! Ohio Renaissance Festival; 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; $28 adult, $10 child (5 - 12); add-ons are extra; free parking; 10542 Ohio 73 Waynesville; 513897-7000 or renfestival.com.

FREE WEST SIDE MARKET

A pop-up market featuring vendors, food trucks and family activities. Westwood Town Hall, 3017 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; westsidemarketcincy.com.

sun 3

FREE HYDE PARK FARMERS MARKET

Music, produce and more Sundays through October. Hyde Park Square, 2700 Erie Ave., Cincinnati; 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; hydeparkfarmersmarket. com.

mon 4

FREE KIDS’ MYSTERY FISH CHALLENGE (register)

Head to the lake for a free fishing tournament. Lake Isabella, 10174 Loveland Madeira Road, Loveland; 9 - 11 a.m.; vehicle pass required; 513521-7275 or greatparks.org.

FREE LIL’ SPROUTS

Kids of all levels can join the gardening fun. Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Road, Cincinnati; also on Sept. 18; 9 - 10:30 a.m.; 513-2210981 or civicgardencenter.org.

tue 5

MJ THE MUSICAL

(See Opener on page 15)

RECREATIONS OUTLET CHARITABLE PLAY

Kids can have fun playing with 50 percent of the proceeds going to a featured non-profit. Recreations Outlet, 885 Oh 28, Milford; 9 - 11 a.m.; $4 per child; recreationsoutlet. com.

WILD SENSES

Feed the center’s non-venomous snake. Cincinnati Nature Center, Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford; 11 a.m.; included with admission: $10 adults, $6 children; free for members; 513-831-1711 or cincynature.org.

wed 6

FREE REC READS

Kids can hear art-themed stories, sing songs and explore with sensory activities. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park, Cincinnati; also on Sept. 20; 11:30 a.m.; 513-721-2787 or cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

FREE CINEMA AT ZIEGLER PARK

Remember the Titans begins at 9 p.m.; Ziegler Park, 1322 Sycamore St., Cincinnati; 8 p.m.; zieglerpark. org.

POKEMON CLUB

Bring cards or borrow from the J to work on game skills. Dinner

provided. Mayerson JCC, 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati; 5:30 - 7 p.m.; $13 public, $10 member; 513761-7500 or myj.mayersonjcc.org.

thu 7

FREE MADEIRA FARMERS MARKET

Local foods and goods, live music and more. Madeira Farmers Market; Dawson Road at Miami Ave., Cincinnati; 4 - 7 p.m.; madeirafarmersmarket.com.

THE NEST 513

Ages 0 - 24 months can enjoy sensory fun with educators. 3443 Edwards Road, Ste. C 2nd Floor, Cincinnati; 10 a.m.; $12 per session; 513-257-0955 or welcometonurture. com.

fri 8

DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE ON TOUR: COSTUME PALOOZA

Disney Junior characters and Marvel Super Heroes together on stage for a concert-style show. Taft Theatre, 317 E 5th St., Cincinnati; 6 p.m.; tickets starting at $32; 513-232-6220 or tafttheatre.org.

FIRST RESPONDER DAYS AT THE ZOO

Free admission to active fire, police and safety personnel (plus purchase admission tickets at 50 percent off for up to six family members, valid ID required;). Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St.,

A B-29 propeller — part of 2023 Airport Days at Lunken Airport.

Cincinnati; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 513281-4700 or cincinnatizoo.org.

STAYIN’ ALIVE

Celebrate 70s music at the Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati; 7:30 p.m.; $26; 513621-2787 or cincinnatiarts.org.

sat 9

BUDDY WALK CINCINNATI

Raise funds for Down syndrome. Sawyer Point, 705 East Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati; 9 a.m.; register online; buddywalkcincy.org.

FAMILY FUN ON THE HILL

A celebration of animation plus stargazing. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton; 7 - 11 p.m..; included with admission $10 adults, $5 children; free for members and ages 5 and younger; 513-868-8336 or pyramidhill.org.

FREE FALL NATIVE PLANT FESTIVAL

Cincinnati growers, educational sessions, music, food trucks, a beer garden, prizes and activities. Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Road, Cincinnati; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; 513-221-0981 or civicgardencenter. org.

FAMILY WORKSHOP: THE FAMILY BAND (register)

Listen to, build and play instruments together. CCAC @ Short Vine, 2728 Shot Vine St., Cincinnati; 10 a.m - 12 p.m.; $40 per family; 513-497-2860 or cliftonculturalarts.org.

FREE FUN AT EZZARD CHARLES PARK

A family-friendly concert, games and more. Ezzard Charles Park, 500 Ezzard Charles Drive, Cincinnati; 4 - 7 p.m.; cincinnatioh.gov.

LM&M SUPER HERO TRAINING

Ride the railroad to a secret location for super hero training with activities plus balloon swords and more. Today and tomorrow at 10 a.m., 12:30 and 3 p.m. LM&M Railroad, 16 E. South St., Lebanon; $28 - $35; 513-933-8022 or lebanonrr.com.

LIES ON STAGE

The artist of “The Carbonaro Effect” at the Taft Theatre, 317 East 5th St., Cincinnati; 7 p.m.; tickets starting at $39.50; 513-2326220 or tafttheatre.org.

OHIO

IS FOR LOVERS FESTIVAL

A day-long music festival at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati; 1:30 p.m.; see website for performers and tickets; isforloversfestival.com.

OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Fantasy Weekend. 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; $28 adult, $10 child (5 - 12); add-ons are extra; free parking; 10542 Ohio 73 Waynesville; 513897-7000 or renfestival.com.

PICTURES WITH THE ANIMALS (register)

Grandparent’s Day: get a pic with the animals and craft a frame; enjoy activities and a snack.

Chrisholm MetroPark Historic Farmstead, 2070 Woodsdale Road, Trenton; 1 - 4 p.m.; $10 per photo; 513-867-5835 or yourmetroparks. net.

PRINCESS CRUISE

Music and fairytale princesses. BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY; 12 - 2 p.m.; $33 adults, $28 children 2 - 12; 800261-8586 or Bbriverboats.com.

FREE THE O.F.F. MARKET

Artisans and more at a unique outdoor experience. Summit Park,

4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; shop small and support local businesses; theoffmarket.org.

sun 10

FREE FAMILY FUNDAY: OKTOBERFEST

Singing, dancing, food and fun. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Cincinnati; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; 513241-0343 or taftmuseum.org.

FREE MAYERSON JCC FALL MARKET

Produce, handcrafted goods and more. New this year: register for “Chalk the Walk” to create art on the walkway ($5). Mayerson JCC, 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; 513-722-7241 or mayersonjcc.org.

PAWPAW PALOOZA (register)

Join the zoo to explore the native fruit, the pawpaw. Bowyer Farm, 2120 Mason Montgomery Road, Lebanon; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; $3035; 513-559-7767 or cincinnatizoo. org.

FREE SKATE DOWNTOWN CINCY

Sundays, weather permitting. Riverfront Outdoor Rink, 925 Riverside Road, Cincinnati; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; skatedowntowncincinnati. com.

mon 11

FREE 9/11 MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB

First responders climb to honor responders who climbed the World Trade Center on 9/11.

Summit Park Observation Tower, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash; 8 a.m.; facebook.com/ BlueAshFirefightersLocal3203.

FREE JAZZ AT THE PARK

Today, Sept. 18 & 25. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; 69 p.m.; washingtonpark.org.

tue 12

FREE ART+TALES

Hear The Magical Yet then make art. The Upside Brew, 329 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati; 9:30 - 10 a.m.; suggested donation of $5; 513497-2860 or cliftonculturalarts.org.

(please turn the page)

Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza is at the Taft Theatre on Friday, Sept. 8.

DAILY EVENTS

FREE “WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT READING DEVELOPMENT” (register)

Learn the skills kids need to read successfully. Cincinnati Reading Center, 9402 Towne Square Ave. Ste B., Blue Ash; 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; 513-531-7400 or cincinnatireadingcenter.com.

QUEEN CITY ZUMBINI

Caregiver-and-me music and dance. Magic Land, 10501 New Haven Road, Harrison; 9:15 a.m.; $15; queencityzbini.com.

wed 13

AEW DYNAMITE/RAMPAGE CINCINNATI

Professional wrestling. Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Cincinnati; 7:30 p.m.; tickets starting at $24; 513-421-4111 or heritagebankcenter.com.

QUEEN CITY ZUMBINI

Caregiver-and-me music and dance. LilyPad Play, 2008 Madison Road, Cincinnati; 9:15 a.m.; $15; queencitybini.com.

thu 14

DISCOVERY ON THE FARM: SURVIVAL FARM STYLE

Learn weather safety tips, make a survival kit, have a snack and see live animal demos. Chrisholm MetroPark Historic Farmstead, 2070 Woodsdale Road, Trenton; 10 - 11 a.m.; $5 fee per family; 513867-5835 or yourmetroparks.net.

FREE OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI

America’s largest Oktoberfest with tasty delicacies, live music, the wiener dog race and much more.

Thursday, Sept. 14: 4 - 10 p.m.;

Sept. 15: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.;

Sept. 16, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.;

Sept. 17, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Downtown Cincinnati, 5th St.; Oktoberfestzinzinnati.org.

fri 15

KAPLAN NEW WORKS: MORE ROOM TO PLAY

The works of up-and-coming choreographers. Shows continue through Sept. 24; Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati; 7:30 p.m.; 513-621-2787 or cincinnatiarts.org.

sat 16

FREE AUGSPURGER OPEN HOUSE

Tour and learn about the Augspurger family. Chrisholm MetroPark Historic Farmstead, 2070 Woodsdale Road, Trenton; 1 - 3 p.m.; 513-867-5835 or Yourmetroparks.net.

FREE G-SCALE SWAP MEET

Swap hard-to-find items with the Greater Cincinnati Garden Railway Society. EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester; 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; 859-380-8708 or gcgrs.org

FREE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH STORYTIME

Drop in storytime. Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Cincinnati; 10:30 a.m.; 513-3968960 or josephbeth.com.

HISTORY ALIVE DAYS

Take a self-guided tour and meet interpreters doing demonstrations. Heritage Village Museum, 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; $5 adults, $1 ages 5 - 11, free for children 4 and younger; guided tours at 10:30 a.m., 12:45 and 3 p.m. $10 adults, $3 children 5 - 11, free for members and ages 4 and younger; 513-563-9484 or heritagevillagecincinnati. org.

OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Pirates Weekend. 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; $28 adult, $10 child (5 - 12); add-ons are extra; free parking; 10542 Ohio 73 Waynesville; 513-897-7000 or renfestival.com.

SATURDAY KIDS CLUB

@ STEPPING STONES (register)

Age-appropriate activities for special needs kids and peers. Given Campus, 5650 Given Road, Cincinnati, Oh; 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; $55 per session; 513-831-5918 or steppingstonesohio.org.

THE BIG BOUNCE AMERICA

More than 900 feet of obstacles, bouncing, gaming and more. Olympian Club, 10054 Pippin Road, Cincinnati; Sept 16 - 17 and 23 - 24; 9 a.m.; $32 adults, $35 junior, $35 bigger kids, $45 adults only; thebigbounceamerica. com.

FREE THE CITY FLEA

Vendors, food trucks and a kids playground. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; thecityflea.com.

THE GREAT BUG HUNT

Search for crawly creatures! Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford; 3 - 4 p.m.; included in daily admission: $10 adults, $6 children, free for ages 3 and younger and members; 513831-1711 or cincynature.org.

FREE WAYNESVILLE STREET FAIRE

Vendor booths, music and more. Historic District Main St., Waynesville; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; 513855-4315 or waynesvilleshops.com

sun 17

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Paycor Stadium, 1 Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati; 1 p.m.; see website for ticket details; 513-621-8383 or bengals.com/tickets.

FUN ON THE FARM

Animals, crafts and tours of the 1874 Amish-Mennonite Augspurger Home at Chrisholm MetroPark Historic Farmstead, 2070 Woodsdale Road, Trenton; 12 - 4 p.m.; $5; 513-867-5835 or yourmetroparks.net.

FREE HISPANIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Dancing, performances, live music, crafts, food trucks and more. Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville; 3 - 7 p.m.; permit required for entry; 513-5217275 or greatparks.org.

mon 18

FREE JOSEPH-BETH STORYTIME

Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Cincinnati; Storytimes offered MondaySaturday, 10:30 a.m.; 513-396-8960 or josephbeth.com.

tue 19

FREE ART+TALES

Hear Yellow Time by Lauren Stringer and then make art. The Upside Brew, 329 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati; 9:30 - 10 a.m.; suggested donation of $5; 513-4972860 or cliftonculturalarts.org.

Bluey’s Big Play is on stage at the Aronoff Center on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

BLUEY’S BIG PLAY: THE STAGE SHOW

Bluey in a fun puppetry story on stage. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati; 6:30 p.m.; tickets starting at $44.25; 513-621-2787 or cincinnatiarts.org.

wed 20

FREE REC READS

Kids can hear art-themed stories, sing songs and explore with sensory activities. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park, Cincinnati; 11:30 a.m.; 513-7212787 or cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

CREATE & PLAY: FALL STYLE (register)

Activities and games for ages 2 - 6 with a caregiver. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Cincinnati; 10:15 - 11 a.m.; $12 adults, $10 seniors, free for members, military and youth (18 and younger); 513-2410343 or taftmuseum.org.

thu 21

FREE AULT PARK SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Kids activities, music and concessions. Ault Park, 5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati; 610 p.m.; aultparkac.com.

FREE THURSDAY ART PLAY: AMAL’S JOURNEY

Hear the story of Little Amal, the 12-foot puppet of a young Syrian refugee, then make art. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E 6th St., Cincinnati; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; 513-345-8400 or contemporaryartscenter.org.

fri 22

CINCINNATI COMIC EXPO

Meet comic creators and snag autographs! Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati; Friday: 3 - 8 p.m.; $30 Friday and Sunday admission, $35 Saturday admission, free for ages 10 and younger with an adult ticket holder; $109 weekend VIP available; cincinnaticomicexpo. com.

FLAVORS OF FALL DINNER (register)

Dinner, music, a lantern-lit hayride, corn maze and a bonfire. Country Pumpkins, 1835 Sherman Mount

Zion Road, Dry Ridge, KY; 6:30 - 10 p.m.; $33 per person, free for age 1 and younger; 859-905-9656 or countrypumpkinsky.com.

FREE THE KROGER WELLNESS FESTIVAL

Learn about mental health and more with programs and speakers. The Banks, Freedom Way, Cincinnati; 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; kroger. com/f/wellness-festival.

sat 23

APPLEFEST FLYER TRAIN RIDES

Take a train ride then check out the Lebanon Country Applefest. Trip Length: 1 hour, 15 min.; LM & M Railway, 16 E. South St., Lebanon; departure times at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; $17 or $22; 513-933-8022 or lebanonrr.com.

ART FAIR

Artist booths, vendors, live music and family activities. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; $5 adults, free for ages 12 and younger and members; 513868-1234 or pyramidhill.org.

BURWINKEL FARM FALL FEST

Opening weekend for the corn maze, scavenger hunt, hayrides, sunflowers and more. Burwinkel Farms, 4539 Hamilton Cleves Road, Ross; see website for pricing and hours; 513-738-1145 or burwinkelfarms.com.

COUNTRY APPLEFEST

Browse 300 arts, crafts and food vendors and hear live music, too. Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 N Broadway, Lebanon; also Sept. 24, 10 a.m.; $1 admission for ages 12 and older; 513-850-1770 or countryapplefest.com.

FAMILIES CREATE! GLYPHS & PIECES (register)

Learn about picture writing and mosaics plus enjoy art activities. Weston Art Gallery, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati; 10 - 11:30 a.m.; $5 per child; 513-977-4165 or cincinnatiarts.org.

FREE GOT MILK DAY AT COUNTRY PUMPKINS

Cow milking and baby calf feeding. Free scoop of ice cream for the first 100 guests. Country Pumpkins Farm, 1835 Sherman Mount Zion Road, Dry Ridge, KY; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; 859-905-9656 or countrypumpkinsky.com.

FREE GREAT PARKS COMMUNITY DAYS

No permit needed to drive into parks and preserves. Continues tomorrow; Great Parks, Cincinnati; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.

JACK O’ LANTERN JUNCTION

A maze, a pumpkin cargo train and new Halloween mini scenes. EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester Township; Mon - Sat: 10 a.m. - 6

p.m. Sun: 12 - 6 p.m.; see website for ticket pricing details; 513-8988000 or entertrainmentjunction. com.

FREE MERCHANTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Shopping, a kid’s zone with the Cincinnati Circus, vendors and music. Tower Park, 900 S fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, KY; 6 p.m.; Food and drink available for purchase.; merchantsandmusic. com.

FREE PAWS IN THE PARK

Bring your pooch to participate in an agility course and costume parade, enjoy food trucks and more. Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; unitedpetfund.org.

OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Highland weekend. 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; $28 adult, $10 child (5 - 12); add-ons are extra, free parking; 10542 Ohio 73 Waynesville; 513897-7000 or renfestival.com.

sun 24

FREE CITY VENDOR FEST

Food, music, vendors, karaoke, face painting, a 360-photo booth and a fashion show. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; 1 - 6 p.m.; 513-223-3328 or washingtonpark.org.

(please turn the page)

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati brings out the revelers for four days of music, delicious eats and lots of activities.

KINGS ISLAND TRICKS AND TREATS FALL FESTIVAL

Don costumes, enjoy entertainment and ride rides. Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Dr., Kings Island; 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; see website for ticket information; 513-754-5700 or visitkingsisland.com.

FREE MV FLEA

Unique wares. Mainstrasse

Promenade, 6th St., Covington, KY; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; 859-669-1425 or creativehousead.com.

FREE RAPTOR OPEN HOUSE

Learn about birds of prey. Raptor Inc., 961 Barg Salt Run Road, Milford; 1 - 4 p.m.; 513-825-3325 or raptorinc.org.

mon 25

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Vs. Los Angeles Rams. Paycor Stadium, 1 Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati; 8:15 p.m.; see website for ticket details; 513-621-8383 or bengals.com/tickets.

tue 26

FREE ART +TALES

Hear Leaves by David Ezra Stein, then make art inspired by the story. The Upside Brew, 329 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati; 9:30 - 10 a.m.; suggested donation of $5; 513-497-2860 or cliftonculturalarts.org.

wed 27

FREE BOOK SIGNING

What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon? Join author Rachel Ignotofsky for a reading and signing. Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Cincinnati; 7 p.m.; 513-396-8960 or josephbeth.com.

thu 28

DISCOVERY ON THE FARM

Explore orchard fruits, do handson activities, have a snack, see live animal demos and more. Chrisholm MetroPark Historic Farmstead, 2070 Woodsdale Road, Trenton; 10 - 11 a.m.; $5

per family; 513-867-5835 or yourMetroParks.net.

fri 29

DONAUSCHWABEN OKTOBERFEST

Celebrate all-things German with live music, dance performances, food, drink, and a special kids play area. 6 - 11 p.m.; Sept. 30: 1 - 11 p.m.; Oct. 1: 12 - 8 p.m. $5 adult admission, free for children 12 and younger, 513-385-2098 or donauschwabenreceptionhalls. com.

FREE AMPED UP

Play casual or competitive pickleball and enjoy a live concert from What About Jane at Yeatman’s Cove,100 Broadway St., Cincinnati; 6 - 9 p.m.; cincinnati-oh.gov.

STORY PIRATES

An improv show featuring Eric from “The Story Pirates Podcast,” for the whole family. Taft Theatre, 317 East 5th St., Cincinnati; 8 p.m.; tickets starting at $39; 513232-6220 or tafttheatre.org.

sat 30

FREE CARTOONING WORKSHOP (register)

Ages 8 - 12 can doodle, design

and draw cartoon characters, then make them leap to life on the page! The Upside Brew, 329 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati; 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; $60 per student; 513-4972860 or cliftonculturalarts.org.

FREE COUNTRY PUMPKINS

FALL VENDOR FAIR

Artisan booths and more. Food and activities for purchase. Country Pumpkins Farm, 1835 Sherman Mt. Zion Road, Dry Ridge, KY; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; free parking; 859-905-9656 or countrypumpkinsky.com.

COUNTRY FIRESIDE NIGHT

A bonfire, hayride, corn maze and four shots from the pumpkin Launcher. Country Pumpkins Farm, 1835 Sherman Mt. Zion Road, Dry Ridge, KY; 7 - 10 p.m.; $16; 859-905-9656 or countrypumpkinsky.com.

FAMILY NIGHT HIKE: CREEPY CRAWLY CRITTERS (register) Hike, play and see animals up-close. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati; 6 - 7:30 p.m.; $20 - 25; 513-559-7730 or cincinnatizoo.org.

GO THE EXTRA MILE WALK (register)

Stroll around the lake, enjoy music, games, vendors, activities and meet mini-therapy horses

from Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship at this event supporting those with developmental disabilities. Winton Woods Kestrel Point Shelter, 10245 Winton Road, Cincinnati; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; 513-619-2989 or envisionohio.org.

OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Time Travelers Weekend. 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; $28 adult, $10 child (5 - 12); add-ons are extra; free parking; 10542 Ohio 73 Waynesville; 513-897-7000 or renfestival.com.

PIONEER LIFE

Step into the 1800s with oldfashioned demonstrations and more. Governor Bebb MetroPark Pioneer Village, 1979 Bebb Park Lane Okeana; 12 - 4 p.m.; $5; 513-867-5835 or yourmetroparks. net.

SUMMIT ACADEMY COMMUNITY SCHOOL GOLF CHARITABLE OUTING

Help raise funds to support children with learning challengesl by participating in contests, activities and more. 4081 Reading Road, Cincinnati; 1 p.m.; $80 per golfer, sponsorship opportunities available; 513-321-0561 or sites. google.com/summitacademies. org.charitygolf2023/home.

The Ohio Renaissance Festival includes fun performances on weekends and Labor Day, Sept. 2 - Oct. 29.