NOVEMBER 2025
YOUR #1 HOMETOWN RESOURCE
Fall Feud: Pumpkin vs. Apple
Family Favorites Results Are In!
Finding Gratitude
Where learning happens, naturally.
Voted favorite preschool program in 2025!
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Photos by FreePik.com
What’s on the Web
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Off to the Races There are lots of times to gather -and to eat- in November.Thankfully there are also lots of chances for families to get moving with seasonal races, too. Check out this list of 5K’s, 10K’s and half marathons. Let’s Talk: Thanksgiving Avoid hot topics that cause arguments and investigate dinner table conversation starters beyond what everyone is grateful for!
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STAY CONNECTED
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Give the Gift of Experience Know a family that seemingly has it all? Check out this list of experience ideas!
Shop Local for the Holidays Do a little shopping and support neighborhood stores—browse this list of happening holiday markets all around Cincinnati and NKY!
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Contents
Features 14 Creating a Sense of Home for Foster and Adopted Children
In Every Issue 4 8 What’s on the Web Publisher’s Note Feedback Cincy Buzz Things to Do The Last Word Things We Love Family Favorites 2025 Readers nominated. Readers voted. And now the results are finally in! Check out what local businesses, schools, service providers and more are truly the best of the best. 10 12 29 36 38 Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are home to so many amazing attractions that families adore. Discover fabulous finds from lovely local landmarks that would make great gifts this holiday season. Does it feel like the season of side-eye, snark and sarcasm in your house? You aren’t alone! Investigate tips on keeping life positive and expressing gratitude all year long. Fostering and adoption, like all aspects of life, come with ups and downs. Read up on what the experts have to say about this journey of preparation, big emotions and of course, rewards. This fall food feud has been going on for decades. Learn all about the history of these beloved autumn eats and decide if it is really a case of one or the other, or if it could possibly be… both.
16 Pumpkin vs. Apple
18 More Gratitude, Less Attitude
20 Local Gift Guide
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HOLIDAY FAMILY FUNDAYS
November 30 December 7 December 14 Learn more at taftmuseum.org !
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We are grateful to the L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation, the Charles H. Dater Foundation, and The Williams Foundation, for making family programs at the Taft Museum of Art possible, and to Western & Southern Financial Group for making Sundays free! View all sponsors at taftmuseum.org/youth-family.
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Publisher’s Note
Kids & Cell Phones W e’re in the homestretch of 2025, and Christmas is creeping up fast- er than the Amazon delivery guy on a Friday night. By the time this goes to press, we’ll have only seven weeks until Christmas. Yes, you heard me right—panic has officially set in. I don’t know why this happens every year. My boys’ birthday is 11 days before Christmas, and here I am already deep in party planning mode—cake flavors, decora- tions, the works. So why do I still act surprised when Christmas rolls right in afterward? No clue. But somehow, every year, we pull it off— fueled by caffeine, chaos, and a little bit of Christmas magic (mostly caffeine). We teach our kids so much—kindness, hon- esty, how to look both ways before crossing the street. But there’s one thing we seem to have skipped entirely: how to actually use a phone. And no, I don’t mean how to scroll, swipe, or record a TikTok. I mean answering an actual call—or making one—without sounding like a confused telemarketer. We give them these devices so we can stay connected, especially once the extracurricular chaos kicks in. But when I was growing up, we had a landline. And not just any landline—one with my very own phone number. I had a clear plastic phone with the colorful wires that lit up when it rang. It was glorious. I also had a pager. Yes, a pager. We were so cool. But here’s the thing—we learned how to answer the phone. We didn’t have a caller ID at first; we just picked up, said hello, and politely told telemarketers that we were minors. Today’s kids? Let’s just say they could use a little guidance. With Christmas coming and many parents thinking about gifting that first phone, here are a few mom-approved etiquette lessons to include—consider them the “charger cord” for good manners.
MEET OURTEAM
CINCINNATI FAMILY MAGAZINE is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) publications, including print and other digital formats. FRG does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. CINCINNATI FAMILY MAGAZINE Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Accounting ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator BREE WRAY Website & Digital Content Strategist SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager AMY L. FOREMAN PUBLISHER EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AMANDA CIANI MADELINE PISTORIUS JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION TOM GONZALES MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers ADVERTISING/MARKETING STEVEN BEACHUM Sales Manager CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN MARTINE MELANCON KAYLEIGH MONTANA JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives ELISABETH BARRETT Marketing Coordinator COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer
1. Answer with a simple “Hello.” Not “What?” Not “Yeah?” Just “Hello.” It still works. 2. If someone doesn’t answer, don’t call back five times. It’s a phone, not a doorbell. 3. When you’re done, say “Goodbye.” Hanging up mid-sentence is not a personality trait. 4. Rule number one: Your phone must never die—or you lose it. End of discussion. 5. A phone is a tool, not a toy. Repeat as needed. 6. Think before you post or send. Messages and photos can last forever. 7. If you get a mean or uncomfortable message, And if you want to make it official, consider creating a family phone contract. It sets clear expectations, and everyone knows the rules from day one. (I have a sample you can down- load on our website.) We think we’ve covered everything in par- enting—until these random teaching moments pop up and remind us otherwise. I never had to be taught how to answer a phone, but in today’s technology-driven, AI-powered world, I guess we really do have to teach it all. Not just reading, writing, and arithmetic, but how to communicate, interact, and show respect in the digital spaces that shape their lives. tell an adult right away.
Amy L. Foreman Publisher
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Doing Good with the Family! Feedback
Photo by FreePik.com
November is notoriously the month of being thankful and for expressing gratitude. Part of this routine process is really reflecting on the bounty of what we have… the love we feel, the valued friendships, the conveniences, the things we take for granted and yes, all of the “stuff”. It feels good to acknowledge life’s blessings, big and little. And you know what? It feels even better to bless others!This got us thinking… Does your family volunteer together? What do you think is a good age for a child to benefit from volunteer work? “ My children’s middle school has required service hours, which I LOVE! I think 12-15 years old is a great age for kids to experience volunteering in a more independent way.The responsibility of choosing their volunteering opportunities is on them. So they choose what interests them, and lots of kids plan out when they are going to volunteer with their friends, making the requirement both rewarding and fun. I think exposing kids to the feel-good experience of volunteering helps them get into serving the community. I know for a fact that many students go above and beyond their required hours of service!” -Amanda C., Associate Editor of Cincinnati Family Magazine “Yes, periodically. I’d like to be able to have our family volunteer more often.” -Michelle M. “I am a little ashamed, but have to say no. We have not been able to volunteer with all of the kid’s extracurriculars, school, jobs and just life.”
-Ashley M.
volunteering, but I think it is helping in our own little way.” -Katie B. “Honestly, no. I make lots of donations, but we haven’t volunteered together ever. I think we should change that, though!” -Caroline S. “We haven’t started volunteering yet, but I want to start with my 5 year old and 9 year old. I hear Ronald McDonald House has wonderful volunteer
“Yes! I think five is a good time for a child to start volunteering.” -Stacey W. “We do. My husband and I volunteer with our church and once we had kids, they have always tagged along since birth. It is what they have always known, so they willingly and wantingly participate.” -Carly C. “No. I lost my job and my family is more likely to benefit from others’ charity right now.” -Rachel B. “Yes. 10 years old is an age when it will be meaningful for them.” -Ben W. “My family makes an effort to leave the places we go cleaner than how we found them. When my son was 3, we went to the playground and it was trashed. I grabbed a plastic bag from my car and cleaned a lot of the mess up. He started helping me, and I guess it became a habit. It isn’t formal
opportunities.” -Stephanie S.
“We do volunteer! I think as young as 4 or 5 are great ages to start volunteering.” -Lindsay F. “We haven’t volunteered out of the house yet with the kids. My toddlers have helped gather their old toys and clothes to take to donate, though, and we always talk about helping others. Once they are a little bit older, we will definitely start volunteering in the community together.” “Allison R.
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Cincinnati Buzz
TAKE A HIKE! HARRY POTTER FOREST EXPERIENCE COMES TO TOWN Muggles are welcomed to take a hike through the magical world of Harry Potter! A Forbidden Forest Experience, which is coming to Cub World in MiamiTownship, is a one-of-a- kind event where families can take an illuminated wooded walk through beloved and iconic spellbinding scenes.This event showcases special effects, sound effects, projections and interactive elements to truly transport visitors to a world of wizardry. Food and drink will also be available for purchase. Visit hpforbiddenforestexperience.com/cincinnati for more details and tickets.
CINCINNATI SOCCER BOX OPENS Families looking for a facility for year-round soccer training have a new destination to discover—The Soccer Box is located at 4460 Lake Forest Drive in Blue Ash.The small and large indoor fields are available for rental weekdays from 8 a.m.-11 p.m., and limited availability on weekends.The Soccer Box will serve families by hosting camps, clinics and leagues, too. In fact, Happy Feet Soccer and Cincinnati Legends will also make use of this new space for soccer. Learn more by checking out cincysoccerbox.com
ADVENTURE ABOUNDS AT SNAPDRAGON BOOKS & GIFTS Book lovers rejoice! A new fantastical literary realm has opened up at 4471 Bridgetown Road in Cincinnati. Snapdragon Books and Gifts has shelves stocked from floor to ceiling with reading materials galore; they also are a premiere destination for purchasing unique gifts. Snapdragon has enough whimsy to make shoppers feel like they are within the pages of a fiction book, but no—the adventure through hidden passage ways, sneaking by a fallen treasure hunter’s skeleton to see a dragon is REAL! Beyond lovely literature and great gifts, Snapdragon also hosts events like book clubs, author visits and more. Venture to Facebook or Instagram and search “Snapdragon Books and Gifts” for more information.
SLICK CITY SPRINGDALE OPENS Adrenaline junkies will adore the new attraction that has opened up at 11805 Commons Drive in Springdale.That’s right, Slick City Action Park has made its way to Cincy! Excitement will reach new heights as families zoom down bumpy, windy, steep and swirling slides like Hyperloop, Mega Launch, Big Wave and more. Littles aged five and younger will love navigating through the Junior Jungle, which has lots of obstacles to climb, crawl through and yes, they get to go down slides, too. Special events like sensory hours, adults only nights, homeschool socials, family days and more will be offered and families can also book Slick City to celebrate parties. Visit slickcity.com for more information.
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ballet tap jazz hip-hop
musical theater lyrical acro
600 Reading Rd Mason OH 513.398.0353 MasonDance.com
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Creating a Sense of Home for Foster and Adopted Children BY RACHAEL MOSHMAN, M.ED.
W elcoming a new child into your family is a profound moment—beautiful, yes, but often overwhelming. When the child arrives through foster care or adoption, the emotional terrain becomes even more layered.The child has already endured at least one major separation and, quite possibly, many more. They arrive carrying invisible bags of fear, uncertainty, grief, and survival strategies. And let’s be real:The adults are often carrying their own bags, too. My daughter entered foster care at age four and moved more than a dozen times before we adopted her at nine. We met her on a Monday. By Friday, she had flown across the country to live with us—a whirlwind welcome into a completely new life. We had six months of preparation, training, and waiting while the interstate paperwork slowly crawled through the system. But she didn’t have that runway. She didn’t know we existed until a few days before our arrival. In less than a week, she had a new home, state, school, and parents with barely time to catch her breath.
Even though we thought we were ready, the reality was far messier and more emotional than expected. We understood, intellectually, that she would need time to adjust, but we weren’t fully prepared for how much we would need to adjust, too. Parenting a child who has experienced trauma requires more than love. It requires rewiring your expectations, tools, and timelines. Nancy Mehesy, a therapist who has supported countless foster and adoptive families, shared some hard- earned wisdom that helped ground us, and continues to help the families I support today. 1. LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS THEN LOWER THEM AGAIN. “Foster and adoptive families often bring big hearts and high hopes,” Nancy says. “But they’re frequently caught off guard when children don’t respond with gratitude or immediate attachment. These kids are terrified.They’ve landed in what feels like a foreign country— new language, unfamiliar customs— and they only realize they’ve broken a rule when someone corrects them.”
Nancy encourages parents to connect with others who have walked this path and to remind themselves regularly:The child’s behavior is a survival strategy, not a personal rejection. “Adding a child to your home, especially through foster care or adoption, reshapes everything: routines, priorities, even the emotional climate. It will impact every member of your family.”
2. FOCUS ON EMOTIONAL SAFETY FIRST.
Helping a child feel physically and emotionally safe is the foundation of everything else. Nancy suggests: Offer choices whenever possible, even small ones. Treat items from their previous homes, such as clothes, books, toys, and photos, with respect. Gently introduce new rules and routines with plenty of notice. Create a quiet, cozy space they can retreat to when overwhelmed. Help them find words (or art, movement, or play) to express big feelings. Give permission to love and miss their birth families or past caregivers.
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On Monday, December 1, our 12 Days of Christmas begins! We will be giving away a prize each day to one lucky winner. From toys and gift cards to clothes and memberships, there’s a prize for everyone to enjoy! Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see what the prizes will be each day, and so you can register for a chance to win! 12 Christmas
And most importantly? Let the relationship build slowly. Don’t try to force bonding or attachment. “It takes time,” Nancy reminds. “And it’s okay if it doesn’t feel magical at first. Be honest about your own feelings, too, even the ones that feel messy or ‘wrong.’”
3. EXPECT BEHAVIORTO BE COMMUNICATION. Challenging behaviors aren’t just
likely—they’re normal. “Many children who have been in foster care haven’t experienced consistent adult care or structure,” Nancy explains. “They’ve learned that the world isn’t safe and that relying on others leads to pain. Acting out can be a protective measure. Each placement chips away at their trust.” She notes that children may start out with what’s often called a “honeymoon period”—appearing calm and compliant only to unravel as their guard comes down.Traditional parenting methods may not work and can even escalate things.Trauma- informed support is essential. Nancy also offers this heads-up: Not everyone in your circle will understand. Friends or extended family might distance themselves, especially if they don’t grasp why parenting looks different now. “Love, even when it’s not reciprocated, is a commitment,” she says. “You’re loving a child through their fear.That’s no small thing.” ROLLER COASTER LOVE STORY My daughter is now 24.Those 15 years since bringing her to a new home flew by. It has been the most terrifying and delightful roller coaster imaginable. It’s been harder than I imagined, and often painful. Still, I’d choose being her mother again and again, even in the most difficult moments. It’s also been filled with so much love, joy, learning, healing, and growth—for both of us. Foster care and adoption aren’t fairy tales.They’re love stories written in real time, messy, brave, and beautiful. Creating a true sense of home for a child who’s lived through instability means letting go of perfection, embracing repair, and remembering that safety is built, not assumed. If you’re on this journey, know this: You’re not alone. And you don’t have to get it all right to be exactly what your child needs.
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@cincinnatifamily
cincinnatifamilymagazine.com
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Pumpkin or Apple?
The Ultimate Fall Flavor Face-Off BY JULIANNA STEEN
A hh!The leaves are crunchy, the house is decorated with turkeys, and I, for one, am very grateful for all the cozy, warm fall foods. But as the season goes on, I continue to come across the same old question: pumpkin or apple? Don’t ask your friends if you don’t want an all-out debate on your hands. I won’t try to convince you one is better than the other… but I will point out the benefits of both and suggest how you can incorporate both into your seasonal snacking (and adventuring) this autumn. The PumpkinTaste &Tradition Few foods have deeper “American roots” than pumpkins, which were one of the earliest foods settlers found and brought back to Europe from the New World. Whether you eat it or not, pumpkin pie is considered a pretty iconic staple of theThanksgiving meal— and it has been since the OG pilgrims. In fact, in her poem “FirstThanksgiving Day,” published in 1622, Margaret
was mentioned frequently in anti- slavery novels, poems, and more— a byproduct of many New Englander abolitionists. All this to say, don’t knock the orange-golden crusted pie until you’ve tried it.There’s a reason pumpkin-flavored foods are so popular. Origins of the Apple While apples weren’t present at the firstThanksgiving, they definitely have some patriotic ties. Apples were brought over by the colonists and were first used to create cider. (Think back to your childhood— Johnny Appleseed, anyone?!) By the mid-1700s, the average American was downing around 35 gallons of hard cider each year. Many people, from children to President John Adams, would even drink hard cider for breakfast! Apples have historically been associated with the fall harvest, since that’s when they’re picked. So it
Junkin Preston writes, “[S]ee, in our open clearings, how golden the melons lie; Enrich them with sweets and spices, and give us the pumpkin-pie!” Preston wasn’t alone in her pumpkin- pie obsession. In 1705, an entire town in Connecticut postponedThanksgiving for a week because of a molasses shortage that prevented them from baking pumpkin pies, according to History.com.Talk about dedication! Especially since before 1929, you had to strain your own pumpkin—there was no pumpkin puree out of the can! Fun fact: The first pumpkin pies didn’t have crusts. Sometimes, the English would even stuff a pumpkin with sliced apples and sweetened milk and roast it over a fire. What a pumpkin- apple collab! You might be surprised to discover that pumpkin pie was actually quite political. In the mid-19th century, pumpkin pie
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makes sense that apples, a symbol of prosperity and abundance, became associated with theThanksgiving meal that celebrates these core values; hence, why apple pie typically sits next to the pumpkin pie at the dessert table. Moreover,The phrase “as American as apple pie” was introduced in the 1920s, highlighting apples’ value to the people and their “American-ness” (Is that a word?). Like its pumpkin counterpart, apple pie was very popular during the Civil War, but it was a hit on both sides because it was so affordable and easy to make. It may have been a hit back in the 1800s, but associating apples with autumn has clearly been carried into the present day.You can’t tell me getting a whiff of cinnamon-apple anything doesn’t make you think of fall. (I have a “Honeycrisp Apple” candle burning right now… veryyy fall vibes.) Seasonal Snacks Whether you’re a traditionalist or wanting to try something new, you can never go wrong with either of these classic fall flavors in foods or drinks.
• Apple/cider donuts • Apple crisp • Apple fritters • Apple pie • Apple slices with peanut butter (not very “fall,” but a healthy, yummy snack!) • Apple turnovers • Apple walnut coffee cake • Caramel apples • Sauteed cinnamon apples
be a fun way to allow your kids to contribute to decorating or a snack/meal while enjoying the great outdoors. Plus, apples are fiber-rich and heart-healthy! Note : Apple picking might be more enjoyable for older kids.There are all kinds of things you can do with your pumpkins: paint them, carve them up, or stage them (like stacking) on the front porch, to name a few. While people typically eat the apples they pick, you can also use them for unique DIY projects like creating apple garlands. Whether you’re “Team Apple,” “Team Pumpkin,” or prefer neither, there’s no questioning the impact they have made on our country—and the seasonal menus at the restaurants and coffee shops around town. I say, Why not make it a “both and” instead of an “either or”?! Worse comes to worse, I guess you can always try the Charlie BrownThanksgiving diet this year: buttered toast, popcorn, pretzels, and jelly beans… Happy pumpkin and apple season, folks! Enjoy them while they last!
Pumpkin:
• Pumpkin bread • Pumpkin cheesecake • Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins • Pumpkin hot chocolate • Pumpkin ice cream • Pumpkin pancakes or waffles • Pumpkin ravioli • Pumpkin roll (with cream cheese filling) • Pumpkin soup • Pumpkin spice latte (PSL)
• Pumpkin whoopie pies • Roasted pumpkin seeds
Family Activities Get into the festive fall spirit by visiting a local pumpkin patch or an apple orchard as a family. Picking apples or selecting the “perfect” pumpkin can
Apple:
• Apple butter • Apple cider (hot, cold, or sparkling)
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More Gratitude , Less Attitude BY AMANDA CIANI
The family is gathered around the Thanksgiving dinner table.You know the drill. It is time to go around the table and share what we are all grateful for, one by one! Looking around the table, everyone is on their best behavior and it is easy to be thankful for family. Realistically though, every day is not likeThanksgiving; sometimes kids lose sight of their gratitude and replace it with attitude. Luckily, with a little modeling and some hard work, gratitude can become a daily habit for kids (and their parents!). Benefits of Gratitude The turkey day exchange of, “What I’m grateful for….” produces a warm fuzzy feeling because expressing gratitude is a wonderful way to boost mental health. Good thoughts, such as gratitude, are contagious, one leads to another with a domino effect that can cause a complete shift in mindset. It is similar to when you buy a new car and
all of the sudden see that type of car on the road everywhere—when you are grateful and positive, you see goodness everywhere. Making an effort to put a focus on expressing gratitude can be a catalyst to an overall good mood! Beyond improving moods, gratitude and optimism are a dynamic duo that can even improve physical health. Negativity and stress go hand-in-hand with weakened immune systems and poor sleep. Continually getting bad sleep, feeling tired and sick can become cyclical and toxic.Take time to re-set your mind frame and start feeling better. Not only does a good thought turn into a good mood within an individual, being around someone with a positive outlook can be inspirational and motivational, too. Parent Positively Children are little sponges and they absorb quirks and mannerisms from
the people they spend time with most, including their parents. Parents who simply say “please” and “thank you” on the regular are paving the way for their kids to do the same. A good example can be set when interacting with service people, friends and family, too. Kids listen when you use your words, so choose them wisely—be vocal and express your gratitude often! Along with being grateful for those who are in our lives, it is important to express gratitude for what we have. If your kids are always saying their clothes and toys aren’t good enough, maybe do some reflection and ask where they may be getting that attitude. Is it a learned behavior? Voicing opinions on others’ bigger houses, nicer cars, and fancier trips does no good—it doesn’t make those houses any smaller, the cars less nice or the trips less fancy. Jealousy just leads to unhappiness within. Focus on enjoying
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what you have and the journey it took to get the life you have. Everyone works hard! We should all be proud of where we are right now. Wanting “more” is fine, but keep it within reason, set achievable goals to get there and focus on being content with your present, too. Children look to their parents as role models, keep that green monster at bay and don’t focus on the material. Take Note A simple act of gratitude with a big impact is keeping track of things for which we are thankful. Whether keeping a family gratitude journal or slipping notes of gratitude into a jar, writing it down physically and holding onto those moments is a great way to really place importance on them. If there is ever a need for a poof of happiness within the family, open up the book or jar, give it a look and really reflect on the amazing people and moments in life. Give Back Another manifestation of gratitude is acting on it through volunteer work. Understanding that others are truly in need offers a unique perspective on life. For little ones, simply communicating about donating their old toys and outgrown clothes to those who need them can be meaningful. Children may enjoy hosting lemonade stands, with proceeds going to a charity of their choice.This gives them the opportunity to acknowledge a worthy cause and also empowers them to help. Walking door to door to collect canned goods is a great way to meet neighbors and do good! Finally, older children may genuinely enjoy volunteering their time and energy with their friends and family at local community events, charity fundraiser opportunities and more. Being on the receiving end of, “Thank you”, and having others show their gratitude is a huge self-esteem booster. Not only is giving back rewarding, it can be a lot of fun, too. In a world that focuses on more, bigger, better, take time to acknowledge the now. Be content in the present as a parent and show you are thankful with your words and actions—your children will surely follow suit and have a little less attitude and a bit more gratitude. Have a HappyThanksgiving and best of luck keeping the gratitude gravy train going!
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Shop Local Gift Guide 2025
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hit with little readers. $10.95 shopcincymuseum.com or 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 8. Fire Truck Toy Lights flashing, sirens blazing!This fire truck is ready for action.
4. Plush Dalmation with Fire Hat Woof! Gift your firefighting enthusiast a plush lovey of an adorable fire dog.
1. Mini Building Blocks UnionTerminal Set There is something truly special about stepping into the grand rotunda of UnionTerminal. Savor the memory and create a mini CMC! $19.99 shopcincymuseum.com or 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 2. Blockitecture Frank Lloyd Wright Young architecture enthusiasts will love stacking hexagonal blocks to create a charming Usonian masterpiece. $70 at Cincinnati Art Museum 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 3. My Art Book This sweet little series of keepsake books explores topics like love, adventure, friendship, happiness and sleep—all through famous artworks. $22 each at Cincinnati Art Museum 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH
$8.50 at Cincinnati Fire Museum 315 W Court St., Cincinnati, OH
5. Fawn Puppet Families will fawn over this fab gift —an adorable baby deer puppet. $32.95 at natureshop.cincynature.org or 4949Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 6. Over and Under the Snow Get ready for chilly weather and snow days with this wintry nature read by Kate Messner. $8.99 at natureshop.cincynature.org 4949Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 7. Charley Harper’s I Am Wild in the City Featuring animal friends galore and text by Linda M. Meyer, this bright and bubbly board book is sure to be a big
$16 at Cincinnati Fire Museum 315 W Court St., Cincinnati, OH
9. Fiona Purple Kiss 11x14 Print Cincinnati’s sweetheart hippo, Fiona, has sealed the “best gift” winner envelope with a kiss. $26.99 at shopcincinnatizoo.com or 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 10. Fiona’s Train Ride Know a kiddo that loves Fiona the hippo and riding the train at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden? Add this adventurous book to their gift list to make sure it is in their library.
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$5.99 at shopcincinnatizoo.com or 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH
exciting and educational book all about sharks. $17.99 at Newport Aquarium 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY 18. American Sign Museum: Celebrating 25Years Dig into the history and significance of the sign industry with this illuminating book. $42 soft cover at American Sign Museum 1330 Monmouth Ave., Cincinnati, OH | 19. Taft Museum of Art Youth T-Shirt Kids can wear their support for theTaft Museum of Art! $21 atTaft Museum of Art 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, OH | 20. Hide-and-Seek Animals at theTaft Museum of Art by Angela Fuller This book takes readers on an animal- seeking adventure through a beloved local museum.
14. Great Parks Park Passport Grab a free passport at one of the five Great Parks Visitor Centers and get exploring! Each featured destination has fun activities like park challenges, space for field notes, sketches and more. Complete the passport, return it and receive a free gift. FREE at shop.greatparks.org 15. Scuba Santa Plush Take home a memory from one of the most unique Santa experiences around- a plush Scuba Santa!
11. Bean Chalk Use one color alone, or intertwine the shapes to create a unique two-tone look; either way, this colorful twelve- pack can help create some super cool chalk art.
$28 at shopcincycac.org or 44 E 6th St., Cincinnati, OH
12. Little Artist’s First 100 Words Budding creatives can learn all about the tools of the trade used by different artists in this colorful book available at the CAC.$7.99 at shopcincycac.org or 44 E 6th St., Cincinnati, OH 13. Youth Find Your Wild Vest Nature adventurers can look the part in this awesome apparel; they won’t lose their way with the compass, which is included, and they can collect their treasures in the vest’s nine pockets $29.99 at shop.greatparks.org
$29.99 at Newport Aquarium 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY |
16. Penguin Toy Grab a cute, colorful little penguin squeezy toy (perfect for stocking stuffers) at the ASM. $3.99 at American Sign Museum 1330 Monmouth Ave., Cincinnati, OH
$9.99 atTaft Museum of Art 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, OH
17. Discovery: Shark Spotter’s Guide Make underwater discoveries with this
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER 2025 21
FAMILY FAVORITES
& Asthma Care, Inc.
Favorite ENT Group Mercy Health Runners Up The Christ Hospital Physicians - Ear, Nose &Throat &TriHealth Group Favorite Eye Center Sharonville Evendale Eye Care Center Runners Up
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Favorite Cosmetic Center Aeterna Aesthetics MedSpa Runners Up Advanced Cosmetic Surgery &
Favorite Entertainment Venue Crown & Cape Boutique LLC Runners Up Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden & Kings Island
Laser Center Cincinnati & KUY Plastic Surgery
Favorite Indoor Play We Rock the Spectrum Runners Up
Favorite Cosmetic Injector Kaitlyn Hunter, NP, Atalo Aesthetics Runners Up Amy Brenner, MD, Amy Brenner, MD & Associates & Erin Glutz, FNP-C, Augusta Aesthetics
Cincinnati Eye Institute & Giovanetti Eye Care
Little Diggers & Pump It Up
Favorite Family Physician Christopher Martindale, MD, UC Health Runners Up Matthew Hardin, M.D., UC Health & Kelsey Sparks, M.D., UC Health Favorite Holistic Medicine Advanced Integrative Wellness Runner Up Anita Dock Nutrition Counseling Favorite Hospital Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Runners Up The Christ Hospital &The Jewish Hospital - Mercy Health
Favorite Museum Cincinnati Museum Center Runner Up Behringer-Crawford Museum &Taft Museum of Art
Favorite Day Spa Woodhouse Spa Runners Up Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa & Spavia Day Spa - Rookwood Favorite Dental Care Group Williams Dental of Cincinnati Runners Up Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates Orthodontics & West Chester Family Dental
Favorite Music Program West Chester Academy Runners Up Cincinnati Symphony & School of Rock
FavoriteTheater Program The Children’sTheatre of Cincinnati Runners Up CCM Preparatory Department & Cincinnati MusicTheatre
Favorite Dermatologist Alexandra Bowles, MD, Mona Dermatology Runners Up Mona S. Foad, MD, MHS, FAAD, Mona Dermatology & Elizabeth Muennich, MD, Dermatology and Skin Care Associates Favorite Dermatology Group Mona Dermatology Runners Up Dermatology & Surgery of Southern Ohio, Inc. &The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center Favorite ENT Doctor Matthew R. Vajen, DO, Mercy Health Runners Up Brian D. Goico, MD,TriHealth & Raymond P. Rock, MD,TriHealth
Favorite Local Pharmacy Hart Pharmacy Runners Up Christ Liberty Pharmacy & Patient Care Pharmacy
FAMILY HEALTH
Favorite Adult Dentist Jared R. Graham, DDS, Wallace Group Dentistry Runners Up Scott Meuselbach, DDS, Meuselbach Family Dentistry & Jeffrey Peter, DDS, Peter Family Dentistry Favorite Allergist Amy W. Castilano, MD, Family Allergy & Asthma Runners Up Brynne H. Evans, MD, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center & John R. Seyerle, MD, Allergy
Favorite Massage Therapist/Chiropractor Northern Kentucky Medical Massage Runners Up Cincinnati Healing Arts & Elite Chiropractic Favorite Mental Health Counselor Patti Biederman, LPCC-S, CincinnatiTherapy Center Runners Up Kristy L. Hardwick, EdD, LPCC-S, Linder Center of HOPE
22 NOVEMBER 2025 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
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CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER 2025 23
& Elite KidsTherapy
AJ Jolly Park & Campground & Camp Jellystone
& Ann Kearney-Cooke, PhD.,The Cincinnati Psychotherapy Institute
Favorite Pediatrician Petra H. Hackenberg-Bauer, MD, Anderson Hills Pediatrics Runners Up Elizabeth Daniels, DO, Northeast Cincinnati Pediatric Associates & Remi A. Lawrence-Hylton, MD, Anderson Hills Pediatrics Favorite Plastic Surgeon Kurtis Martin, MD, Cincinnati Plastic Surgery Runners Up
Favorite Church/Family Worship Center Crossroads Church Oakley Runners Up
Favorite OB/GYN Doctor Valerie A Allen, M.D.,The Christ Hospital Runners Up Lisa Gennari, MD, Associates In Women’s Health Inc. & Dr. Radha B. Reddy, MD, Premier Health Favorite OB/GYN Practice The Christ Hospital Physicians - Obstetrics & Gynecology Runners Up Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates &TriHealth - Seven Hills Women’s Health Center Favorite Orthodontic Clinic Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates Orthodontics Runners Up Hickman Orthodontics & Northeast Orthodontic Specialists Favorite Orthodontist Alexander Cassinelli, DMD, Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates Orthodontics Runner Up Shiv Shanker DDS, Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates Orthodontics Favorite Orthopaedic Clinic Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Runners Up TriHealth Orthopedic and Sports Care & UC Health Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Favorite Orthopaedic Doctor Joshua M. Murphy, MD, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Runners Up MarcT. Galloway, MD, Cincinnati Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center & Jacob M. Gunzenhaeuser, MD, The Christ Hospital Favorite Pediatric Dentist Ivory Ward, DDS, Graceful Grins Pediatric Dentistry Runners Up Laura Doss DDS, Village Pediatric Dentistry & Bracken Webb, DDS, West Chester Pediatric Dentistry Favorite PediatricTherapy Group Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Runners Up ABC PediatricTherapy
Northstar Community Church & Springdale Nazarene Church
Favorite Community Event BLINK Runners Up Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market & The Great Pumpkin Fest at Keehner Park Favorite Festival Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Festival of the Lights Runners Up Blooms and Berries - Fall on the Farm & Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Favorite High School FootballTeam Mason High School Runners Up
Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS, Advanced Cosmetic Surgery & Richard B. Williams, MD, MHA, FACS, The Plastic Surgery Group
Favorite Veterinarian Timothy Wolf, DVM, Mason Animal Hospital Runners Up Laura Arington, DVM,Tennessee Avenue Animal Hospital & Robert Pfister, DVM, Pfister Animal Hospital Favorite Veterinary Clinic Mason Animal Hospital Runners Up FortThomas Animal Hospital & Pfister Animal Hospital
Lakota West High School & St. Xavier High School
Favorite Library Branch Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library Runners Up Boone County Public Library & MidPointe Library West Chester Favorite Mom’s/Girls Night Out Painting with aTwist Runners Up Alice on Main Street & Ghost Baby Favorite Nonprofit Cincinnati Icebreakers Sled Hockey Runners Up
IT’S A PARTY
Favorite Entertainer Gia’s Balloon Buddies Runners Up Crown & Cape Events & Little Fox Face Painting Favorite Inflatable Rental Bounce House Blitz Runner Up Party Go Round Event Rentals
Artworks Cincinnati & Reach Out Lakota
Favorite Outreach Program Dino Buddies Runners Up Cool Critters Outreach & Matthew 25 Ministries Favorite Pumpkin Patch Station Road Farm Runners Up Blooms & Berries Farm & Neiderman Farm
Favorite Party Supplies The Party Source Runners Up Cappel’s & PrimeTime Rental
Favorite Party Venue Crown & Cape Boutique
Runners Up Main Event & Pump It Up
Favorite Radio Station Q-102 101.9 WKRQ-FM Runners Up B-105 WUBE-FM & Warm 98.5
LOCAL
Favorite Campground or Lodging Big Bone Lick State Park Runners Up
24 NOVEMBER 2025 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
Favorite Public Middle School Principal Jay Rettuer, Mason Middle School Runners Up Eric Dunn, Pleasant Run Middle School & Kim Wade, Plains Junior School Favorite Special Needs Education Program Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services Runner Up Skyward New Hope School
Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students
FavoriteTV Station WLWT Runners Up CET & WKRC Local 12
Favorite Preschool Program Children’s Meeting House Runners Up Creme De La Creme &The Goddard School Mason Favorite Private Elementary School Our Lady of Victory Runners Up John Paul II Catholic School & St. Michael Catholic School Favorite Private Elementary Principal Jenny O’Brien, St. Dominic Delhi Runner Up Jennifer Fluegge, Cincinnati Christian Favorite Private High School Seton High School Runners Up Archbishop Moeller High School & Roger Bacon High School Favorite Private High School Principal Karen White, Seton High School Runners Up Tim McCoy, Roger Bacon High School & Kelley Schiess,The Summit Country Day School Favorite Public Elementary School Mason Elementary Runners Up Endeavor Elementary School & Reading Elementary Favorite Public Elementary School Principal Rob Polka, Mason Elementary School Runners Up Todd Hartman, Creekside Early Childhood School & Dr.TerrezThomas, Mount Healthy South Elementary
MOM AND BABY
Favorite Baby Gifts The Spotted Goose Runners Up Castle House & Janie and Jack
FavoriteTrade School Great Oaks Runners Up Butler Tech & NationalTrade Academy
Favorite Birthing Hospital Good Samaritan Medical Center Runners Up The Christ Hospital & St. Elizabeth Edgewood Favorite Newborn/ Maternity Photographer Katie Schneider, Katie Schneider Photography Runners Up Agnes Kindberg, & Agnes Kindberg Photography & Kacy, Kacy Photo
FavoriteTutoring Program Huntington Learning Center Runners Up Kumon Math and Reading Center & Mathnasium
SERVICES
Favorite Adult Hair Salon North Cincy Salon
SCHOOLED
Runners Up Great Clip’s & Parlour
Favorite Charter Elementary School Alliance Academy of Cincinnati Runners Up Cincinnati Classical Academy & Regenerations School - Bond Hill Favorite Charter High School Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy Runner Up Summit AcademyTransition High School Cincinnati
Favorite Attorney Michael J. Davis Runners Up Blake R. Maislin & O’Connor, Acciani & Levy Favorite Bank PNC Runners Up FifthThird Bank & Kemba Credit Union Favorite Car Wash Mike’s Car Wash Runners Up Carriage House Car Wash & Gill’s Car Wash Favorite Catering Company Catering by Rotem Runners Up
Favorite College University of Cincinnati Runners Up The Ohio State University & Xavier University
Favorite Public High School Mason High School Runners Up Lakota West High School & Sycamore High School
Favorite Early Learning Center Kinder Garden School Blue Ash Runners Up The Goddard School Mason & Next Generation Learning Center Favorite Homeschool/Co-op ECHO Runners Up Family Christian Homeschool Co-op & Freedom Homeschool Co-op Favorite Magnet High School School for Creative and Performing Arts Runner Up
Chef’s Choice & DelightMore
Favorite Public High School Principal Ben Brown, Mason High School Runners Up Scott Laman, Lakota West High School & Jason Shearer, Conner High School
Favorite Child Care Kinder Garden School Blue Ash Runners Up Creme De La Creme &The Goddard School Mason
Favorite Public Middle School Mason Middle School Runners Up Lakota Plains Junior School & Reading Junior High
Favorite Credit Union Kemba Credit Union
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& Subaru of Kings Automall
Midwest Elite Dance Center & West Chester Dance Academy
Runners Up Cinfed Credit Union & Greater Cincinnati Credit Union
Favorite Children’s Boutique Crown & Cape Boutique Runners Up & Once Upon A Child Favorite Consignment Store Once Upon A Child Runners Up Clothes Mentor & Legacies Upscale Resale
Favorite Gymnastics Program West Chester Academy Runners Up Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy &YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Favorite Health & Fitness Studio YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Runners Up Body Alive & Delhi Athletic Club Favorite Martial Arts Program Premier Martial Arts Runners Up Gracie Cincinnati Jiu-Jitsu & Hills Martial Arts Favorite Summer Camp Program Falcon Camp Runners Up Camp-a-Palooza at Kids First Sport Center &The Goddard School Mason
Favorite Kids Hair Salon Cookie Cutters Runners Up Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids & Sit Still Kids - Cincinnati
Favorite Lawn Care Service Priority Lawn & Landscape Runners Up JAC Landcare, LLC & Station Road Farm & Landscaping Favorite Maid Service Radiant Renewal, LLC Runners Up Champagne Clean & My Maid Service of Cincinnati Favorite Pest Control Service Ace Exterminating Runners Up Perfection Pest Control & Scherzinger Pest Control Favorite Pet Care Service Lewis Animal Hospital - Ridge Runners Up Camp Bow Wow Cincinnati & Professional Pet Nanny, Inc. Favorite Photographer Miranda Hertel, Miranda Hertel Photography Runners Up Katie Schneider, Katie Schneider Photography & Holly Werden, Holly Werden Photography Favorite Photography Studio Ali Wolfe, Ali Wolfe Photography Runner Up Agnes Kindberg, Agnes Kindberg Photography Favorite Pool/Spa Service Station Road Farm & Landscaping Runners Up
Favorite Florist Petals andThings Runners Up
Adrian Durban Florist & Peter Gregory Florist
Favorite Gift Store Blooms and Berries Farm Runners Up BikeTrail Books & Main StreetToy Co. Favorite Grocery Store Jungle Jim’s Runner Up Grocery Outlet Eastgate
Favorite Swimming Lessons Goldfish Swim School - Kenwood
Favorite Lawn & Garden Store Station Road Farm Garden Center Runners Up A J Rahn Greenhouses & Natorp’s Nursery Outlet & Landscaping
Runners Up Bear Paddle & ME LyonsYMCA
TREATS AND EATS
Favorite Bakery Golden Hands Bakery Runners Up Sebastian Bakehouse & Servatii
Favorite Meat Market Humbert Meats Runners Up Bridgetown Finer Meats & Wassler Meats Favorite Shop for Dad Rally House Runners Up
Favorite Bar & Grill Redwine & Co. Runners Up Chandler’s Burger Bistro - Delhi & Monkey Bar Favorite Barbecue Restaurant Eli’s BBQ - Riverside Runners Up Montgomery Inn & Pickles and Bones Favorite Brewery Little Miami Brewing Company Runners Up Fretboard Brewing Company & HighGrain Brewing Company Favorite Brunch Restaurant First Watch Runners Up Sugar & Spice &Toast and Berry
The Daily Vintage & PXG Cincinnati
Favorite Women’s Boutique Perfect Little Peach Runners Up Clothes Mentor & Willow Boutique
Cincinnati Pool and Patio & Don Marcum’s Pool Care
SPORTS AND REC PROGRAMS
Favorite Special Needs Service Best Point Runners Up Stepping Stones Ohio & Therapy Works Favorite Car Dealership PerformanceToyota Fairfield Runners Up Mercedes Benz of Cincinnati
Favorite Cheer Program Kids First Sports Center Runners Up HYF - HarrisonYouth Football & Jr. Ben-Gal Cheerleader Program
Favorite Dance Program Mason Dance Center Runners Up
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Acapulco Mexican Restaurant & Montgomery InnThe Boathouse
Favorite Burger Redwine & Co. Runners Up Chandler’s Burger Bistro - Delhi & Zips
Favorite Pizza Place Cassano’s Pizza King Runners Up Dewey’s Pizza & LaRosa’s Pizzeria
Favorite Gluten-Free Menu Incline Public House Runners Up Mazunte & Sleepy Bee Cafe Favorite Ice Cream Shop 12 Degrees Runners Up Graeter’s Ice Cream & Sugar Shack by theTracks Favorite Italian Restaurant Sotto Runners Up Giovanni’s Family Italian Restaurant & Maggiano’s Little Italy
Favorite Chili Skyline Chili Runners Up Gold Star Chili & Pleasant Ridge Chilli Favorite Coffeehouse Coffee Emporium Runners Up FortThomas Coffee & Mom N’em Coffee
Favorite Seafood Restaurant Swampwater Grill Runners Up Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse & Nicholson’s Fine Food & Whisk(e)y Favorite Snowballs Paradise Ice Runners Up Schneiders Sweet Shop - Bellevue & Snowie - Hyde Park
Favorite Date Night Restaurant Coopers Hawk Runners Up Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse & Sotto Favorite Donuts Golden Hands Bakery Runners Up Holtman’s Donut Shop & Jupiter Coffee & Donuts Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurant 50 West Runners Up
Favorite Steakhouse Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Runners Up Carlo & Johnny &The Precinct By Jeff Ruby Favorite Sushi Kyoto Runners Up Green Papaya & Nasu Japanese Steakhouse
Favorite Kids Eat Free Hofbräuhaus Runners Up Rusty Bucket & Wings N Rings
Favorite Mexican Restaurant Condado’s Tacos Runners Up Mazunte & Mi Cozumel
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