JUNE 2025
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Dear Class of 2025
Home... Alone? Safe Summer Guide
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What’s on the Web
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Summer Bookshelf Don’t let your family fall victim to the summer learning slump. Read all about local library reading programs, and discover a list of superb sunshine-filled stories from Random House Children’s Books. Concerts that Rock! Head online to discover an awesome list of fun, free, family-friendly concerts happening in Cincy and NKY this summer. Hit the Grill Local content creator, momma and cook Marci Renee is back with some simple recipes that will have your family grilling up delicious summer meals together. Dad’s Day Guide June 15th is Father’s Day, and we can’t wait to celebrate all of the dads out there. From athletic team apparel, grilling gear, golf goodies and more… explore unique gifts for all types of dads!
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STAY CONNECTED
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Contents
Features Advice to the Graduating Class This thoughtful letter to grads aims to remind young adults that no one has it all figured out, but we all can try our best to be our best.
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College Prep Series: Preparing for an Empty Nest
This helpful feature focuses on finding oneself again after all of the birdies fly the coop.
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One Tank Trips Explore five not-so-far away destinations with new, exciting adventures available this summer.
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When School’s Out, Safety’s In
Parents will find guidance on making this summer safe and smart at home for their kids.
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 10 11 21 28 30
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Publisher’s Note
MEET OURTEAM PUBLISHER AMY L. FOREMAN EDITORIAL
W ell, we did it—another school year in the books! Everyone’s alive, mostly sane, and no one was left behind at pickup (more than once), so let’s go ahead and call that a win. Now comes the next great parenting challenge: summer. What are they going to do all day? Can they get jobs yet? Who’s watching them? What camps still have spots open? And the million-dollar question—can they stay home alone without burning the house down or starting World War III? This summer is going to look a little different for me. I got pretty spoiled having my daughter around to keep an eye on her twin brothers—built-in babysitting at its finest. But alas, she’s discovered she likes shopping, and shopping requires money. So without any prompting, she applied (and got hired!) to work full time at her school’s summer day camp. Bye-bye, summer sitter. Hello, new logistical nightmare. So now I’m left wondering: how long can the boys be home alone before someone needs stitches or a lawyer? And how much juggling can I do between work and playing summer cruise director? Luckily, I do have some options. I’m signing them up for a few sports camps— currently piecing that puzzle together like it’s the Olympics. My husband, ever the So Long, Routine— Hello, Mayhem!
AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor SANONNA AITAWEEL AMANDA CIANI JULIANNA STEEN MADISON VOORHIES Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION TOM GONZALES MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designer ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT Sales Manager KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JADE GRAY JENNIFER HOFFMANN MARTINE MELANCON KAYLEIGH MONTANA
voice of 1980s reason, keeps telling me to let them figure things out. “Remember when we were kids? We stayed out till the street lights came on, drank out of the hose, biked miles to a friend’s house, and lived to tell the tale!” Sure, dear. But the world feels different now. And while I never personally sipped hose water, I get the point—still, letting them roam the neighborhood solo makes my anxiety do somersaults. In this issue, we’re diving into summer safety (parents of microwave-loving kids, take note—ban the ramen! It’s the leading cause of accidental burns in older children. Who knew those noodles were so dangerous?). We’ve also got tips on budget-friendly family getaways and summer travel ideas that won’t require selling a kidney. As for me, I’m looking forward to a few beach weekends with my crew, a special Boston trip with my daughter for a FutureDocs conference (hello, proud mom moment!), and a dance nationals adventure in Branson. It’s going to be a whirlwind, but I’m trying to soak it all in.These summers with our kids are numbered—and no matter how loud, messy, or ramen-scented they get, I know I’ll miss them one day. Wishing you all sunshine, sanity, and maybe a quiet moment or two. Happy summer!
MADDIE RIFE 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 LAURIE ACOSTA
Director of Operations GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Accounting ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrative
MAKAYLEE SECREST Production Coordinator SARAH MILLER Client Relations Manager
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.
Amy L. Foreman Publisher
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Feedback S ummer is officially here! With school out, the countdown for the kids to ask, “What are we doing today?” is on. Also on the horizon is the dreaded “I’m bored!” Maybe all of us grown-ups can work together to fill our calendars and make this summer the most fun one yet for our kids. We asked, and you answered…
What are your favorite free (or low cost) ways to have some summer fun with the family?
What are your favorite free (or low cost) ways to have some summer fun with the family? “One of our family’s favorite lower-cost day adventures is going on a country drive to visit the bison at Big Bone Lick. Afterwards, we always spend some time at the playgrounds and make our way over to Rabbit Hash General Store to get a soda and some popcorn! We sit and watch the river for a bit and say hello to the pups. We are going to add a ride on the Rising Star Ferry on our next visit, just for the novelty of it all! It is only $5.99 per ride across the Ohio River, so having fun with the family doesn’t always have to break the bank.” -Amanda Ciani, Associate Editor of Cincinnati Family Magazine
with their friends.” -Megan G.
and use them often. It is a free and fun activity for us that we love.” -Angie T. ”We enjoy time outside together all summer long. Cooking out and the kids running through the sprinkler.” -Kelly F. “Camping in our backyard is free, but we also like to take our tent to different campgrounds. It is pretty cheap and the kids like to make smores on the fire.” -Ryan H. “My kids love helping me in the garden. They pull weeds and harvest fresh vegetables that we cook up in the
“We love to go hiking and swimming at the lake.” -Gabrielle W. “Every year we sign up for the summer reading program at our library. We check out books and read as many books as we can because my kids love to compete for the best prizes. It isn’t just free, but it motivates them to keep reading so they can earn little toys.” -Jessica L.
“Visiting local parks.” -Arlandra A.
“Going to splash pads at the park.” -Chelsea D.
“We always make sure to sign up for free summer bowling.” -Gladys A.
kitchen.” -Sarah S.
“Spending time at the pool together.” -Jenny G.
“Our family likes to pack a picnic and go to a public park.” -Cindy A. “There are a lot of festivals that happen over the summer and we try to go to as many of those as we can.” -Sierra J.
“My son is into music, so we go to as many free concerts as we can over the
“Nothing screams summer more than a water balloon fight in the backyard, a slip ‘n slide and playing with some
summer.” -Jason E.
water guns.” -Marissa M.
“Hiking and biking on trails—we enjoy lots of park playdates! Our family also likes to do scavenger hunts in the neighborhood.” -Lindsay M.
“We like going to East Fork Lake!” -Rebecca S.
“Fishing!” -Cathy R.
“Our community has events like park movie nights! We also love picnics at our local park.” -Antasia C.
“Exploring the local creeks.” -Tara L.
“My kids do all of the typical summer activities like biking around town, going swimming and playing at the park.They also like to organize games of kickball
“We bought kayaks a few years ago
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Advice to the Graduating Class
BY AMANDA CIANI
time you drank some water, ate some food or felt the sunshine on your face? Beyond that, be sure to catch some z’s, get a wellness check and do me a favor and put some sunscreen on when you do go outside. Recharging yourself allows you to keep going, better and stronger, so you too can give graduating seniors advice one day! Along with my heartfelt advice to give yourself grace, put yourself out there to meet new people, find laughter every day and make time to take care of yourself, I understand that you are going to be getting an abundance of people telling you what to do. As you head to college or start a career, us “been-there-done-that” graduates are trying to share with you in hopes of making your life better or even to save you from hardships that we have experienced, but our experience is not your own.You may hear some good advice (mine, hopefully!) and maybe some intrusive, not-so-helpful advice as you embark on this next chapter… so, take what advice has been given to you with a grain of salt and most of all, be true to yourself and trust your gut. This is your life and you are going to do amazing things.
change your life! Learning what you like (and don’t) in other people and being introduced to the world’s diverse cultures can help shape you into a more well-rounded, interesting human being. Getting out of your comfort zone to really connect with other people can help you build a wide range of relationships including acquaintances, co-workers, mentors, lifelong friends, partners and more. Sure, it may be a little scary at first, but practice makes perfect. I do have a note on the serious business of growing up. I don’t like it. And I must challenge you to consider the idea that you don’t ever have to fully commit to the whole “adulthood” thing. Sure, you will have to pay taxes, feed yourself and other important grownup stuff, but you don’t need to give up your willingness to let loose and have some fun. In fact, I fully recommend embarking on full blown silliness every once in a while, too. Life can get very serious and downright difficult sometimes, but being able to take a break from all of that to find your joy and have a good laugh, well, it will help you your whole life long. And please, if you ever feel truly bogged down by how heavy the world can be, ask for help!There is always someone out in this big world who wants to help you. And as one of those people who wants to help you, I will give another piece of advice.Take care of you. If you find yourself in a rut, studying in a dark room, or working way too many hours… check in on yourself and consider how you’d be doing if you were a plant. When was the last
Dear Class of 2025,
CONGRATULATIONS! You have overcome adversity, put in the hours of hard work and you are now achieving a major life milestone.You should be so proud of yourself, I know I am proud of you, too! Receiving a diploma at commencement marks the triumphant start of your transition into adulthood. While you may be overwhelmed with big decisions and everyone’s advice, if you can bear with us, we have four thoughts for you to consider. For starters, please be patient and understand that people generally mean well when they ask you, “What are your plans after high school?”Yes, it is annoying. And to be honest, I do not understand why people still ask grads this question—most of us “adults” have a hard time planning what we are going to eat for dinner, how dare we expect high school seniors to have their next four plus years planned out to the tee. I believe folks are just trying to make polite conversation, so don’t sweat it too much if you don’t have it all figured out because truly and honestly, most of us are just winging it every day and trying our best.Try to think about the big picture of your life; draw an outline of a plan, and fill in the fun details as you go! If you mess up, that’s what erasers (parents) are for anyhow. Next, I may be going against what you have been taught your whole life, but give talking to strangers a try. Use your best judgment and be safe, obviously, then get out there and meet new people face-to-face.You never know who you may meet and how they could
Cheers to the Class of 2025!
Proudly, Cincinnati Family Magazine
P.S. Please call home every once in a while, they miss your voice and love to hear from you!
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Cincinnati Buzz
KIDS BOWL FREE IS BACK!
NEW FREEDOM CENTER EXHIBIT The first new permanent exhibit in 15 years is now open at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. In this Place is an immersive gallery which explores the historic significance of the space which the Freedom Center resides, where thousands of freedom seekers once crossed the banks of the Ohio River.The exhibit showcases historic photographs, footage and artifacts, also. Additional exhibit upgrades have been made as part of an overall exhibits remake.Tee Freedom Center also has plans to open a new social justice exhibit in the near future. Stay in the know about all of the upgrades by checking out freedomcenter.org.
This summer activity is sure to spare families a lot of boredom this summer! It is also free, available rain or shine and can be enjoyed daily! It may sound too good to be true, but Kids Bowl Free is an amazing program designed to keep kids busy, off their devices and spending time with their family when school is out. Sign-up is free and kids can enjoy two free games per day, all summer long—some alleys offer discounted unlimited school rental passes for the summer, so be sure to ask about that! With over 1,300 participating bowling centers, families can search online to find the bowling center nearest to them and strike up a
summer of bowling fun together. Visit kidsbowlfree.com to register today.
NEW LIVE MUSIC SERIES AT CINCINNATI NATURE CENTER Cincinnati Nature Center has a brand new program that will get families moving and grooving together! Family Music Picnic will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 8th and Thursday, August 7th. As the crickets begin to sing during the evening hours, so will the featured artists! Families are encouraged to pack picnics and dance the night away, too. Pre-registration will be required—members are free and tickets for non-members are $8-12 and include daily admission. Dates for the 21 and up concert series, Music Under the Moon, have also been released.This moonlit concert helps raise funds for Cincinnati Nature Center’s conservation efforts. Shows will take place from 7-10 p.m. on Friday’s June 27, July 25, August 15 and September 12. Visit cincynature.org for all of the details about these rocking nature shows.
PYRAMID HILL ANNOUNCES SUMMER PROGRAMMING
Make plans to enjoy nature, art and lots of fun with the family this summer at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum. In addition to being able to explore the grounds via their infamous art carts, Pyramid Hill’s Family Fun on the Hill is back with a new focus for 2025: Experiencing Senes in Nature. The second Saturdays of June, July and August can be spent at the hill enjoying a variety of family programming such as animal encounters, musical performances, bubble shows and more. Be sure to check out each Family Fun schedule and discover all of Pyramid Hill’s superb summer programming by investigating pyramidhill.org.
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BY AMANDA CIANI PHOTO BY DC STUDIO ON FREEPIK.COM One Tank Trips Hip, hip hooray, summer break is
Columbus, Ohio is home to many family-friendly attractions including LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium andThe Wilds, a conservation safari park with open-air vehicle rides! Overall, Columbus is a great day-trip destination for families. In addition to the usual exhilarating exhibits, a brand new experience will have jaws dropping at COSI this summer. With dozens of life-sized models, fossils and some neat photo opps, too, Sharks is the latest traveling exhibit offering at this memorable museum. Both interactive and incredibly educational, this aquatic animal showcase will turn families into fans of sharks for sure. Also new at COSI is Unofficial Galaxies, a must-see Star Wars fan collection featuring iconic characters and props, legendary ships and out-of-this-world costumes. Learn more about COSI by visiting cosi.org.
officially underway! What better way to celebrate the season than with a family vacation? And the Midwest is home to some truly amazing destinations that can be visited within less than a day’s driving distance from Cincinnati! So buckle up and get ready to only hear, “Are we there yet?” a few times before reaching one of these terrific travel destinations, which are all boasting something new and exciting this year for family tourists to enjoy together.
PHOTO BY GAYLORD HOTELS
Have a Super Summer at Gaylord Opryland
Nashville,Tennessee’s southern charm welcomes families to visit its many showstopping adventures. From the Nashville Zoo, the Adventure Science Center,The Country Music Hall of Fame to the Grand Ole Opry itself, there is so much to do. If your family finds yourselves in Nashville this summer, be sure to book a stay at Gaylord Opryland to see what’s new!This luxury hotel is so much more than just a place to sleep.The nine-acres of glass atriums are home to immaculately cared for tropical plants and flowers,
PHOTO BY COSI
Discover Something New at COSI
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and continue to be in the loop about all of the enticing new things happening in Indy by heading to visitindy.com.
through August 3 to experience Smoky Mountain Summer’s extended hours of operation and the 40th anniversary productions, featuring the largest firework and drone show to date. Need somewhere to stay during your visit? Be sure to check out Dolly’s HeartSong or DreamMore Resorts. While all of this makes 2025 a memorable summer for Dollywood, Dolly says “We’re just getting started!” So stay tuned by visiting dollywood.com and see what’s happening every season; there is always more southern charm being put on the schedule at this positively perfect Pigeon Forge amusement park.
wondrous waterfalls and geysers that put on playful light and spray shows! Grown-ups can take turns relaxing at the world-class spa while the other adult takes the kids to the upscale water attraction, Soundwaves. New this summer, families will also love experiencing DC Summer. Awesome adventures range from a live DC Super Hero Academy show to a Super Hero pool celebration, movie nights with themed snacks, scavenger hunts, the Hall of Justice Character Dining experience and of course, merch in case you forgot to pack your own cape! Visit gaylordhotels.com to book a “super” stay this summer.
PHOTO BY HERITAGE FARM MUSEUM & VILLAGE
Zipline Back in Time Embrace the spirit of Appalachian adventure with a visit to Heritage Farm in Huntington, West Virginia. This unique immersive attraction is part-museum, part-animal experience and part-adventure park! Since there is so much to see, families can extend their trip by staying at one of the on- site cabins. Heritage Farm’s village boasts seven museum buildings, the Six Simple Machines Discovery Zone (a hands-on learning playground), an artisan center and more.The Adventure Park lives up to its namesake, with ziplining, an aerial adventure course, a zip-n-climb course, a mountain bike park, the treetop trek and more. Of course, all of these activities will leave a family famished, so thankfully the farm has a Soda Fountain and even heartier meals served up at Village Vittles. Coming soon:The Snow Oasis. This indoor/outdoor snow park will allow families to learn how to ski, snowboard and ice skate in a safe environment. Explore this unique and thrilling historical site by checking out heritagefarmwv.com. Wherever you venture for a vacation this year, Cincinnati Family Magazine wishes you safe travels and lots of memory-making with those you love most. Happy summer!
PHOTO BYTHE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS
PHOTO BY DOLLYWOOD PARKS & RESORTS
Race to Indy Indianapolis: the racing capital of the world, largest city within Indiana and fabulous family travel destination! Home to the infamous Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Conner Prairie and Newfields, investigating Indy can be tons of fun with the fam. And there are lots of new things to do, too, so don’t sleep on naptown.The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is celebrating their 100th birthday all year long and is inviting families to take a spin around its Centennial Ferris Wheel. Some giants at the Indianapolis Zoo have a new home—giant tortoises, that is! And Newfields newest iteration ofTHE LUME, Connection: Land, Water, Sky is now open. Find a great place to stay
Discover Tripadvisor’s #1 Theme Park in the U.S. Did you know that 2025 is a BIG year at Dollywood?! Dollywood, which is located in Pigeon Forge,Tennessee, is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and Dollywood’s Splash Country is commemorating its 25th season, too. With thrilling rides on land and water, heaps of hospitality and warmth, crave-worthy comfort food around every corner and these monumental anniversaries there are tons of reasons to visit Dollywood.The exciting summer events are also a huge draw!Through June 8, families can check out the Flower & Food Festival to see more than half-a-million beautiful blooms and sample a taste of spring in the Smokies. Or plan a visit from June 14
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College Prep Series: Preparing for Empty Nesting
BY JULIANNA STEEN
gardening, running, volunteering, coloring, woodworking, cooking, pickleball, hiking…The list is endless. And if by “hobby” you hear, “find a new project,” like fixing up the back patio like you’ve always wanted but never made the time for... I won’t dissuade you. Start by taking five minutes to jot down activities that bring you joy or skills you wish you had. Next, research that list and see if a local studio or nearby shop has the necessary supplies and/or offers how-to classes. If you chose to stay at home when your kids were in school, consider getting a part-time job doing something you enjoy. Not only will it fill your time and provide structure to your week, it can also be a fun way to meet new people and try something different. Plus, extra spending money is always a perk! (Men, if your wife is the “CEO of the home,” as Birmingham mom Kasey terms it, make sure you help her through the transition of losing her “full-time job.”) If you have aging parents, you may discover that you can devote more time to them as well. PLAN A VACATION Now that you’re not tied down to a school schedule (for the first time in, ahem, 12-plus years), you are free to travel anytime. It doesn’t have to be fancy or two weeks long—though, it can be…Europe, anyone?—even a long weekend at the beach will do the trick.The key is to have something to
look forward to that gets you out of the house and puts you in your happy place. Plus, this is an opportunity to rekindle your relationship with your spouse. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF When was the last time you really, truly devoted time and energy to your physical, emotional, and mental health? Amid the hustle and bustle of kids, you always come in last… but now that you’ve sent off the last one, you finally have time for you.You’ve been trained to not think about you, even when there’s throw-up on your shirt or you’re running on four hours of sleep because someone decided to stay out past curfew.There are a few different ways you can reconnect with and invest in yourself. Try a new type of exercise: Maybe you’re already working out, but branching out to try a new kind of exercise or a new group fitness class can be a somewhat scary but exciting and rewarding opportunity. Regardless, be consistent and keep showing up! Unplug from your phone: I know, I know, the fear of missing a call from your now-college student is legit. However, research by the University of Texas exposes that taking time away from your smartphone is good for you, as it “improves sustained attention, mental health, and subjective well- being.” So leave your phone (and Apple watch!) at home and go on a walk when
Y ou’ve done your part:You’ve changed diapers, listened to the middle school drama, held your baby’s hair as they threw up yet again from the stomach bug.You’ve poured your blood, sweat, tears and oh so much money into your little baby, cheering them on at all their extracurriculars and helping them to grow into a person you’re proud to post about on Facebook. But now that fateful, day has come and gone: high school graduation. As you assist in packing your kid for college, you may begin to wonder what life after kids in the house is like. College is exciting for them, but leaving you in that quiet, empty house doesn’t sound so exciting for you.Empty nesting shouldn’t be something to dread; here are practical tips on how to prepare for empty nesting and enjoy the freedoms found in this season. FIND A PURPOSE Let’s not sugarcoat it: No matter how independent your child was before leaving for college, you did a lot for them, which means you’re about to have a whole lot more time on your hands. Nature Medicine’s 2023 study, spanning over 93,000 people ages 65 and older across 16 countries, suggests that there are physical and emotional benefits to having a hobby.Those with hobbies showed fewer symptoms of depression and higher life satisfaction than those without.The hobby itself doesn’t matter: painting, sewing,
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you know your kid is in class.You’ll be surprised at how freeing it feels. Read a book: People who read for just six minutes experience reduced muscle tension and a slower heart rate, according to University of Sussex researchers. Cultivate curiosity; expand to new genres and topics, especially books that make you reflect and grow into a better human. If you’re not a reader, try listening to an audiobook! Start a journal: Journaling is a really helpful and important tool for processing real, hard-to-handle emotions. Moreover, if you take time to write down three things you’re grateful for each day, it can help you find joy in even the most mundane of days. BE INTENTIONAL WITH FRIENDS As a parent of kids with busy schedules that often overflowed with social events and extracurriculars, maybe most of your friends are the parents of your kids’ friends. Or, perhaps you had close friends once upon a time… but between work, moves and life, you grew apart. No matter your “relationship status” with your friends, it’s never too late to be intentional. Plan a weekend college reunion, go see a high school friend, or get together for lunch with those basketball mamas (or dads).You’re allowed to stay friends even though your kids aren’t in town anymore… it might even be helpful, because they understand exactly what you’re feeling! This is also your chance to make new friends. Be brave!You never know who might be good potential friend material. Will it sometimes be awkward or uncomfortable? Certainly. But remember, if your baby can be brave enough to move out and meet new people in college, you can do it too! CREATE A BUCKET LIST Whether it’s a fitness goal like running a half-marathon or a delicious dream like baking your first three-layer cake, create a bucket list for yourself. Spend time writing down things you aspire to accomplish, places you hope to go, and things you want to do, then swap with your spouse, compare lists and hang it on the fridge and start making plans for how you’re going to cross things off! Congratulations, you’ve made it through the chaos of the baby phase, the elementary school stage, the middle school years, and the high school saga! An empty nest does not mean an empty life—make plans and enjoy!
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BY: MADISON VOOHIRES PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM A Guide to a Smart, Safe Summer at Home S chool’s out, the sun is high, and When School’s Out, Safety’s In: your kids are plotting the ultimate summer break. But between snack raids, screen time negotiations, and the lure of doing exactly what they’re not supposed to, summer break can raise big questions… especially when the kids are home alone.
No child should be home alone without a solid safety plan in place. Don’t just lecture—collaborate. Sit down and walk through “what-ifs” like: -Where are your boundaries if you want to play outside? -What if someone rings the doorbell? -What if there’s a storm or power outage? -What if you get hurt or scared? Post a list of emergency numbers on the fridge or anywhere your child will clearly have it in view.You can also create a “check-in” schedule, for a quick call or text. If your child has a phone, make sure they understand how to use it responsibly when you’re not there. 3. Trust Is a Two-Way Street You want to trust your child, but they need to trust you, too—especially when it comes to telling the truth or owning up to mistakes.That means keeping your cool when things go wrong. Spilled juice on the carpet? Door left unlocked?These are teachable moments, not courtroom dramas. Try these trust-building exercises: • Decision Days: Let your child plan their own afternoon: snacks, activities, and screen time limits.Then talk about how it went. • Emergency Role-Play: Act out “what would you do if…” scenarios with stuffed animals, action figures, or siblings. • Small Projects: Give them a challenge while you’re out, like emptying the dishwasher or folding laundry. 4. Keep Boredom (and Mischief) at Bay Here’s the truth: kids don’t get into
trouble because they’re bad; they get into trouble because they’re bored. Help them structure their solo time with a mix of activities that are safe, fun, and maybe even sneak in some learning. • Cincinnati Library Summer Reading: From June 1 to July 31, kids and teens can join the CHPL Summer Reading program. Sign up at any branch to earn a free book, complete reading and activity challenges, and win cool prizes like pop fidget wristbands and color- changing cups. • Cincinnati Zoo Home Safari Archive: The Cincinnati Zoo’sYouTube channel hosts dozens of on-demand Home Safari videos. Kids can meet animals like Fiona the hippo, learn fun facts from zookeepers, and try out the companion activities, like drawing prompts, scavenger hunts, and mini science experiments all from the comfort of home. • Crafts & DIY Projects: Stock up on easy, no-fuss ideas.Think homemade slime, friendship bracelets, or even DIY bird feeders. • Neighborhood Nature Walks: Create a scavenger hunt for them to complete. Final Words Let’s be real: no plan is perfect, and no child is mistake-proof. But with preparation, communication, and a dash of trust, you can give your kids the tools to thrive when you’re not home— without turning your house into Home Alone 7. As summer begins, take a deep breath.You’ve raised a capable kid, and this year, you’re both about to level up.
If your child is in that in-between stage (old enough to stay home for a few hours but still learning the ropes of responsibility), you’re not alone. But with the right approach, summer can become a time for kids to build confidence, grow independence, and earn your trust, without burning the house down! 1. Know When They’re Ready First things first: how do you know if your child is ready to stay home alone? Ohio doesn’t have a legal minimum age, but most experts agree that kids younger than 10 aren’t developmentally prepared to handle emergencies on their own. But age isn’t the only factor; it’s about maturity, not just milestones. Ask yourself: -Do they follow rules without reminders? -Can they handle basic tasks like locking doors and answering the phone? -Would they know what to do in an emergency? If you’re unsure, do a few “test runs” by leaving them home alone for 30 minutes while you run errands.These practice sessions are like training wheels for solo time.
2. Build a Safety Plan Together
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Things to Do JUNE
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Reds Day at the Zoo Celebrate the Cincinnati Zoo’s 150th anniversary with this fun -filled day showcasing the Cincinnati Reds! There will be a Q+A session with players and visits with the mascots, too.
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Stadium, 6:42 p.m. $2+. florenceyalls.com
TributeTo Journey! Grab the family and enjoy live music, food trucks and lots of activities together. Village Green Park, 6-9 p.m. Free. fairfield-city.org REDS DAY ATTHE ZOO Don’t miss an exclusive Q&A session with Reds players at 11 a.m. in the Wings of WonderTheater; fans can also meet Reds Mascots Rosie Red, Gapper and Mr. Redlegs, too! Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 11 a.m.- noon. Included with admis- sion, $11-28. cincinnatizoo.org THURSDAY ART PLAY Thursday mornings at the CAC = creative playtime! Cel- ebrate Donut Day a day early by painting giant cardboard donuts, building donut sculp- tures and of course, eating real donuts, too. Contempo- rary Arts Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $5. contemporaryartscenter.org FRI 6 Browse over 40 food trucks and vendors, live music and tons of beverage choices. The Square at Union Centre, 11:30 a.m. Free, UCBMA.com CINCINNATI REDS VS. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS PrideTicket Package available + Fireworks Friday. Great American Ballpark, 7:10 p.m. $14+. mlb.com/reds 2025 UCBMA FOOD TRUCK RALLY
POP-UP PLAY Join the Contemporary Art Center for some fun in the park. Washington Park, 11 a.m. Free. washingtonpark. org/series/pop-up-play-25 WED 4 CINCINNATI REDS VS. MILWAUKEE BREWERS Great American Ballpark,
Open Cockpit Days June 7
SUN 1
CINCINNATI REDS VS. MILWAUKEE BREWERS Brent Suter baseball card giveaway, while supplies last. Great American Ball- park, 7:10 p.m. $8+. mlb.com/reds TUE 3 ART INTHE PARK: COME ALL, CREATE! This weekly series features hands-on creative fun led by Art Equals, a nonprofit dedicated to making art accessible and inspiring for everyone. Pioneer Park, 10
12:40 p.m. $8+. mlb.com/reds
AFTERNOON TEA Journey to the stars and indulge in an afternoon of refined elegance during an afternoon tea experience at the Cincinnati Observatory. Tickets include tea, light bites and a celestial inspired goodie bag. Cincinnati Observatory, 2 p.m. $60. cincinnatiobservatory.org FLEA INTHE FORT Browse over 70 artists selling their crafts and wares, enjoy live music and grab a bite from a food truck. FortThom- as Mess Hall, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. fortthomasky.org FLORENCE Y’ALLS VS. EVANSVILLE OTTERS There will be reduced loud sounds, limited bright lights and sensory-friendly spaces for Sensory Night, presented by All Abilities Sports NKY. Thomas More Stadium, 1:07 p.m. $13-50. florenceyalls.com MOVIE NIGHT Bring the family for a movie and some freshly popped popcorn under the stars! This week’s movie is The Wiz . Imagination Alley OTR, 8:30- 10:30 p.m. Free. imaginationalleyotr.com OTR PERFORMS Preview some Cincinnati Fringe Festival artists during this evening show. Wash- ington Park, 6 p.m. Free. washingtonpark.org MON 2
FLORENCE Y’ALLS VS. TI- CITY VALLEYCATS Wrestlin’ Wednesday—get to the game early for a wres- tling match from Northern Wrestling Federation.Thom- as More Stadium, 6:41 p.m. $13-50. florenceyalls.com POP-UP PLAY Abrakadoodle is bringing the fun to the alley this week! Imagination Alley, 4-6 p.m. imaginationalleyotr.com
a.m.-noon. Free. bit.ly/kcprcatalog
REC READS Toddlers love spending
mornings at the REC hearing art-themed stories, singing songs and doing sensory activities. Cincinnati Art Museum, 11:30 a.m. Free. cincinnatiartmuseum.org WILDLIFE WEEKS Drop in and learn all about local wildlife through animal encounters, hands-on ac- tivities and self-guided trail walks.This week’s theme is frogs! Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, June 4 -7, 11
CINCINNATI REDS VS. MILWAUKEE BREWERS Cincinnati ZooTicket package available, which includes an exclusive red panda bobble- head. It is also a 3-2-1Tues- day with $3 12 oz. Buds/Bud Lights for adults 21+, $2 hot dogs and $1 ice cream cups! Great American Ballpark, 7:10 p.m. general admission $8+, ZooTicket Package $27.75 each. mlb.com/reds CINEMA Bring your lawn chair and movie snacks!Tonight’s film is How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days . Washington Park, 9 p.m. Free. washingtonpark. org/series/cinema FLORENCE Y’ALLS VS. TRI-CITY VALLEYCATS Lil’Y’allers night means big deals including ticket discounts and $2 hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream and 16 oz. sodas.Thomas More
FIRST FRIDAYS IN BELLEVUE
a.m.-3 p.m. $2. greatparks.org
Enjoy live music, art, addi- tional vendors, and a lively atmosphere along “The Avenue.” Bellevue Entertain- ment District, 5-9 p.m. Free. visitbellevueky.com
THU 5 FLORENCE Y’ALLS VS. EVANSVILLE OTTERS Thomas More Stadium, 6:44 p.m. $13-50. florenceyalls.com GROOVIN’ ONTHE GREEN: FRONTIERS The World’s Number One
FRIDAY FLOW Get ready for rich R&B rhythms and melodies fromTouch. Washington Park, 6 p.m. Free.
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and actor David Spade.Taft Theatre, 8 p.m. $45-65. tafttheatre.org FAMILY MUSIC PICNIC The crickets will be singing and so will you! Pack your favorite snacks and a picnic blanket for this lively eve- ning of music and nature. Each Family Music Picnic will feature a live, local musician playing everything from the classics to modern-day hits and some originals, too. Reg- istration required. Cincinnati Nature Center, 6-8 p.m. $0- 12. cincynature.org OTR PERFORMS Hear tunes from the movies performed by Summer- musik’s String Quartet. Wash- ington Park, 6 p.m. Free. washingtonpark.org/series/ otr-performs-25 Use senses like touch and hearing to experience the museum’s collection and ex- hibition gallery spaces with specially trained educators. Tools like 3-D printed repro- ductions, fabric samples, and soundscapes offer a new multi-sensory adventure. Taft Museum of Art, 1-3 p.m. Free. taftmuseum.org MON 9 SENSORY EXPLORATIONS
um, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $7-12. tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org
with an abundance of fun for all participants. Cincinnati Art Museum, 1-3 p.m. Free. cincinnatiartmuseum.org ARTISANFEST One purchase from a small business makes a world of difference. Washington Park, 10 a.m. Free. washingtonpark.org CINCINNATI REDS VS. AR- IZONA DIAMONDBACKS Tyler Stephenson City Con- nect bobblehead giveaway, while supplies last. Great American Ballpark, 4:10 p.m. $23+. mlb.com/reds COV CRAFT COVING- TON’S CURATED MAKERS MARKET Shop a lineup of curated vendors, and treat yourself to delicious food at this community market showcas- ing local creativity. See you there! Sixth Street Prome- nade, 10 a.m-4 p.m. Free. handzyshopstudio.com KIDS’ MYSTERY FISH CHALLENGE Young anglers can test out their skills during this friend- ly competition. Every fish caught is weighed and at the end of the event, the mystery weights will be revealed— the closest fish caught to that weight wins a trophy! Lake Isabella, 9-11 a.m. Free. greatparks.org Get outside and explore na- ture; preschoolers and their adults will hear a story, make a craft and have a mini ad- venture exploring a different topic each month. Shor Park, 10-11 a.m. Free. clermontparks.org/ programs-and-events OPEN COCKPIT DAYS Kids will have the unique opportunity to sit in the cockpits of theT-6 and Para- sol. Don’t miss this amazing chance to climb behind the stick and get a view of histo- ry! Tri-State Warbird Muse- KNEE HIGH NATURALISTS
washingtonpark.org
JERRY’S GIRLS In this dynamic musical revue celebrating the music of Jerry Herman, songs from musicals such as Hello, Dolly!, Mame, Mack & Mabel, and La Cage Aux Folles highlight the broad spectrum of thrilling material he wrote to be performed by an all-female cast. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m. $26. cincinnatiarts.org POP-UP PLAY Add a bit of creative fun to your day at Pop Up Play! Join in with friends from the community on Fridays for games, adventures, craft projects and more. Ziegler Park, 3 p.m. Free. zieglerpark.org THE SECRET SISTERS Spellbinding harmonies will captivate the audience. Memorial Hall, 8 p.m. $32-54. memorialhallotr.org Little sprouts can help in the garden, read stories, make crafts, meet animal friends and more. Glenwood Gardens, Highfield Discovery Garden, 10:30 a.m. $7. greatparks.org SAT 7 ARTFUL ADVENTURE Join the CAC for their biggest playdate of the year. Families can enjoy CAC program favorites, a dance-party with Q102’s Nat Jones, temporary tattoo art with SistersTattoo, commu- nity art-making, tasty bites and so much more. Contem- porary Arts Center, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $15+, free for children two and younger. contemporaryartscenter.org ART ONTHE RISE This innovative monthly program, built on commu- nity partnerships, brings together live performances and art-making activities— SUPER SPROUTS GARDEN CLUB
SUPERHERO BRUNCH Register for a fun superhe- ro brunch featuring a tasty meal, games, superhero training and more. Recep- tions Erlanger, noon-2 p.m. $30.95+. eventbrite.com/e/ superhero-brunch-tick- ets-1270714534379 TEDDY SWIMS - I’VE TRIED EVERYTHING BUT THERAPY TOUR The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park, 8 p.m. $85-229. bradymusiccenter.com WESTSIDE MARKET Families will have a blast at this fun market featur- ing over 100 vendors, food trucks, free face painting, live music and more. WestwoodTown Hall, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. westsidemarketcincy.com SUN 8 AVRIL LAVIGNE: THE GREATEST HITS Riverbend Music Center, 7 p.m. $51. riverbend.org CINCINNATI REDS VS. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Read Mascot PlushieTicket Package available. Great American Ballpark, 1:40 p.m. $8+. mlb.com/reds DAVID SPADE: I GOT A FEEL FOR IT Grown-ups can get ready for lots of laughs with SNAL alumni, comedian
BARENAKED LADIES PRESENTS LAST
SUMMER ON EARTH 2025 PNC Pavillion, 7 p.m. $24+. riverbend.org
SOCCER UNITES
Soccer Unites June 9-10
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glow of candlelight, per- formed by Listeso String Quartet. Memorial Hall OTR, 6-7:15p.m. $26.50+. feverup.com DAVE MATTHEWS BAND Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Dave Matthews Band are bringing their summer tour to Cincy! Riverbend Music Center, 7:30 p.m. $66+. riverbend.org FLORENCE Y’ALLS VS. LAKE ERIE CRUSHERS It is Flo-Day theThirteenth, so get ready for some spooky fun at the ballpark. Stick around after the game for a post-game firework show.Thomas More Sta- dium, 7:03 p.m. $13-50. florenceyalls.com TAKING FLIGHT GALA As theTSW Museum’s largest fundraiser, the Gala raises money each year to benefit the Museum’s general operating fund and support the restoration and ongoing maintenance of WWII aircraft. Tri-State War- bird Museum, 5-9 p.m. $275. tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org SAT 14 2025 COLLINSWORTH CAUSE GOLF OUTING Swing, putt and raise funds for a great cause—to im- prove the lives of spinal cord injured survivors! Boone Links Golf Course, 11:30
will be a concert.Thomas More Stadium, 6:36 p.m. $13-50. florenceyalls.com RIGOLETTO “Pity the fool.” Sung in Italian with projected English translations. Music Hall, June 12 and 14, 7:30 p.m. $33+. cincinnatiarts.org/ events/detail/rigoletto TOUCH AND FEEL OF WILDLIFE & WILKS INSURANCE FISHING DERBY This catch-and-release fishing event has become a tradition for many families, and a favorite option for Father’s Day bonding!Then, stick around for even more animal encounters, and a wool felting demonstration. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, 10 a.m. Free. pyramidhill.org SUN 15 BAYERN MUNCHEN V. AUCKLAND CITY FC FIFA is coming to Cincy for four matches!TQL Stadium,
RECreate with Karen Saunders June 15
YOGA ONTHE GREEN Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while you breathe and move together with the family. Village Green Park, 6-7 p.m. Free. fairfield-city.org THU 12 (ALMOST) EVERY OTHER THURSDAY SCIENCE The Kentucky Science Center will be onsite for some cool chemistry programming. Pre-program: KCPL Library on Wheels, Post-Program: Kenton County Parks & Recreation. Pioneer Park, 9:30 a.m.-noon Free, lunch available for $1. kentoncounty.org FLORENCE Y’ALLS VS.WINDY CITY THUNDERBOLTS Thomas More Stadium, 6:44 p.m. $13-50. florenceyalls.com Featuring Tom the Torpedoes. Village Green Park, 6-9 p.m. Free. fairfield-city.org THURSDAY ART PLAY Stop by the Creativity Center for some fabulous Father’s Day gift making! Contemporary Arts Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $5. contemporaryartscenter.org FRI 13 GROOVIN’ ON THE GREEN CANDLELIGHT: TRIBUTE TOTHE BEATLES Discover the music ofThe Beatles under the gentle
Kids can take their soccer skills to the next level with Great Parks and FC Cincinna- ti. Miami Whitewater Soc- cer Complex, Registration required. June 9-10, noon-2 p.m. Free. greatparks.org TUE 10 FLORENCE Y’ALLS VS. WINDY CITY THUNDERBOLTS It is $2Tuesday!Thomas More Stadium, 6:42 p.m. $2+. florenceyalls.com POP-UP PLAY Try out some yoga with Bran- di Bee. Washington Park, 11 a.m. Free. washingtonpark. org/series/pop-up-play-25 Fitness studios just don’t get more beautiful than Ziegler Park! Join them everyTues- day for FREE workouts on the Great Lawn. Ziegler Park. 5-7 p.m. Free. zieglerpark.org WED 11 Happy Wrestilin’ Wednesday. Thomas More Stadium, 6:41 p.m. $13-50. florenceyalls.com WILDLIFE WEEKS Make nocturnal nature discoveries during this week’s programming. Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve 345, June 11-14, 11 ZIEGLER PARK WORKOUTS FLORENCE Y’ALLS VS.WINDY CITY THUNDERBOLTS
noon. $40-140. tqlstadium.com
FLORENCE Y’ALLS VS. LAKE ERIE CRUSHERS Sunday is a fun day at the ballpark; the whole family (including dogs!) can enjoy a game and then stick around after the game for player autographs.Thomas More Stadium, 1:07 p.m. $13-50. florenceyalls.com The annual Hometown Half Marathon 5k/10k is a local-themed event that is perfect for the whole family. Miami Whitewater Forest, 7-10 a.m. $15. runsignup.com OTR PERFORMS Madcap Puppets is bring- ing Monsters of Baseball to the park for an exciting puppet show that proves there is room for everyone in America’s favorite pastime. Washington Park, 6 p.m. HOMETOWN HALF MARATHON
a.m.-6:30 p.m. $100. boonecountygolf.com
FISHING FOR BEGINNERS Learn all about fishing safety, casting, how to bait hooks and even how to identify caught fish. Fishing rods provided on a first-come, first served basis. Lake Isabella Boathouse, 1-3 p.m. $10-13. greatparks.org FLORENCE Y’ALLS VS. LAKE ERIE CRUSHERS The first 1,000 fans into the ballpark will getY’alls pick- leball paddles. Stick around because after the game there
a.m.-3 p.m. $2. greatparks.org
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FIREFLY HUNT Take a short, gentle hike to search for fireflies while learning all about them from MetroParks educators. Har- bin Park, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Free. fairfield-city.org
FAIRYTALE FESTIVAL Step into an enchanting world of fantastical tales, magic and so much fun. There will be live perfor- mances by Madcap Puppets, sword fighting demonstra- tions, Rapunzel’s climbing tower and Merida’s archery range. Glenwood Gardens, Highfield Discovery Garden, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $12. greatparks.com FLORENCE Y’ALLS VS. WASHINGTON WILD THINGS Wear a Hawaiian shirt for Margaritaville Night! There will be parrot head giveaways, specialty jerseys, themed drinks, mu- sic and a post-game concert. Thomas More Stadium, 6:36 p.m. $13-50. florenceyalls.com Spend the days in the great outdoors trying out fishing, orienteering, campfire cook- ing and so much more. Izaak Walton League, Mt. Healthy Chapter, 1-4 p.m. Free. eventbrite.com/e/ free-family-outdoor-fun-day- tickets-1330177299109 OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN DAY
MINNESOTA TWINS Elly De La Cruz bobblehead giveaway, while supplies last. Great American Ball- park, 7:10 p.m. $22+. mlb.com/reds CREATE & PLAY Explore the galleries with young ones and learn about art through guided activi- ties, interactive games and art-making.Taft Museum of Art, 10:15-11 a.m. $0-15. taftmuseum.org CF PACHUCA V. FC SALZBURG TQL Stadium, 6 p.m. $30- 120. tqlstadium.com WILDLIFE WEEKS Snakes are the subject of this week’s programming. Farbach-Werner Nature Pre- serve, June 18-21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $2. greatparks.org THU 19 CINCINNATI REDS VS. MINNESOTA TWINS Great American Ballpark,
Free. washingtonpark.org/ series/otr-performs-25
RECREATE WITH KAREN SAUNDERS
Head to the Rosenthal Educa- tion Center to meet up with REC Artist in Residence Kar- en Saunders to create some awesome art. Cincinnati Art Museum, 1-3 p.m. Free. cincinnatiartmuseum.org MON 16 POLLINATOR WEEK Learn about the importance of pollinators and how to grow pollinator-friendly gar- dens during Pollinator Week at the Cincinnati Zoo! Sta- tions will be set up through- out the Zoo where families can enjoy games, activities and hear about what the Zoo is doing to support pollina- tors far and wide! Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, June 16-19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $11-28, included with admis- sion. cincinnatizoo.org TUE 17 CINCINNATI REDS VS. MINNESOTA TWINS 3-2-1Tuesday! Family Dis- count Days! Bark in the Park! Great American Ballpark, 7:10 p.m. $8+. mlb.com/reds CINEMA Bring a chair and some snacks and catch Soul at the park. Washington Park, 9 p.m. Free. washingtonpark. org/series/cinema DISPATCH WITH JOHN BUTLER (WITH BAND) The Andrew J. Brady Music Center, 6 p.m. $32+. bradymusiccenter.com POP-UP PLAY The Cincinnati Nature Center is coming to OTR! Washing- ton Park, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. washingtonpark.org/series/ pop-up-play-25 WED 18
FLORENCE Y’ALLS VS. WASHINGTON WILD THINGS
859 night in the NKY!There will also be a post-game fire- works show.Thomas More Stadium, 7:03 p.m. $13-50. florenceyalls.com ZOO LA LA Have a wild night at the zoo and support the zoo while supporting education programming.There will be food sampling, signature cocktails, live entertainment, up-close animal encounters, games and more. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 7:30-11 p.m. $125-195. cincin- natizoo.org/events/zoo-la-la SAT 21
CANDLELIGHT: 90S UNPLUGGED
12:40 p.m. $8+. mlb.com/reds
Get tickets now to discover the music of 90s Unplugged under the gentle glow of candlelight. Performed by
GROOVIN’ ON THE GREEN
StringSource. National Underground Railroad
POP-UP BOOK FAIR BikeTrail Books will be
Featuring the Kevin McCoy Band. Village Green Park, 6-9 p.m. Free. fairfield-city.org JUNE SUMMER MUSIC FEST 2025 Featuring The Whammies. This popular music festival will feature live music, food trucks, kids crafts, games and inflatables. Ault Park Cincin- nati, 6 p.m. Free; proceeds from food and drink sales benefit Ault Park. aultparkac.org THURSDAY ART PLAY Kids can kick off the start of summer with some seasonal art-making! Contemporary Arts Center, 10:30- 11:30 a.m. $5. contemporaryartscenter.org FRI 20
Freedom Center, 8:45-10 p.m. $23+. feverup.com
set up in the beer garden for a one-day-only pop-up book fair featuring children’s books and new adult releas- es. Fifty West Brewing Com- pany, noon-5 p.m. Free. fiftywestbrew.com
THE CITY FLEA Shop local at this fab flea. Washington Park, 10 a.m. Free. washingtonpark.org
Fairy Tale Festival June 21
CINCINNATI REDS VS.
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