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Mom Rage She’s supposed to have it all, including endless patience. But that’s not reality! Read up on what happens when Mom gets mad. 12 Born in Cincinnati As America turns 250, take a moment to celebrate all of Cincinnati’s fun and functional contributions, our many icons, and incredible firsts. 14 The Rise of Venmo Parenting Some parents may want to be president of the PTO and volunteer for every party; others? Not so much. Discover what a Venmo Parent is, and why the phenomenon is gaining popularity. 16 18 Birthday Directory Discover top spots serving up b-day sweets, where to have a party, and who has rentals! Happy Birthday The Joy of Sensory-Friendly Birthday Parties Everyone deserves to be celebrated on their birthday! Read up on how to make a party more accessible (it also ends up being a little more fun!) 20 22 Faces & Places® of Cincinnati Meet familiar faces and beloved places that make our community better each and every day!
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YOU SCREAM, I SCREAM Chill out at these hot spots for National Ice Cream Month.
STARS AND STRIPES STORIES “Check out” these fabulous patriotic reads.
HISTORY IN OHIO Discover top spots that celebrate Ohio’s rich heritage. FUN FESTIVALS Funnel cakes, fireworks and more; find one near you!
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AMY L. FOREMAN PUBLISHER
EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER MANAGING EDITOR AMANDA CIANI REBECCA FAST MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN ASSOCIATE EDITORS ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN PRODUCTION MANAGER KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
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Milestones & Memories Welcome to our birthday issue. Birthdays are a reflection of each year, not only where we have been but also where we are going. This July, our nation celebrates a major milestone: 250 years. We have hit a couple of milestones in my house this year as well. My daughter turned 18 in April, and I turned 45 in June.
parents are raising tomorrow’s leaders, care- givers, innovators, teachers, and neighbors. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, it is a reminder that every generation has a role to play in shaping what comes next. Long after the fireworks fade and the celebrations end, the values we model, the encourage- ment we give, and the love we pour into our children will continue to influence the future. These celebrations are about more than cake and candles. They are an opportunity to pause, appreciate how far we have come, and look ahead with hope. The children we are raising today will carry forward the values, traditions, and dreams we share with them. In many ways, the next chapter of America’s story is already being written around our dinner tables, in our classrooms, and within our communities. That is a legacy worth honoring and a future worth celebrating.
CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN MORGAN PRICE JILLIAN WRAY ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Birthdays are about making memories for your children, but also for the parents be- cause, let’s be honest, you survived another year. I am all about a blowout party, but as my kids have gotten older, experiences matter more to me than the party itself. I think back to their first birthday celebrations. Of course, they have no recollection of those parties, only pictures to look at. First birth- days are really more for the parents than the kiddos. Looking back now, there are a few things I probably would have done different- ly. But that is the life of a parent. You live and you learn. As I reflect on these milestones, I am remind- ed that the lessons we teach our children become part of a much bigger story. Today’s
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Here’s to family, freedom, and fun. Happy Fourth of July!
Amy L. Foreman Publisher
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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 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. Some content in this magazine was created with assistance from AI tools and has been reviewed and edited by our human editorial team. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. CINCINNATI FAMILY MAGAZINE Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.
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CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | JULY 2026 7
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Savoring Summer
“Hear me out. Doing nothing. I look forward to not having so many practices and games and things on the schedule. We can spend time together in a way that doesn’t feel rushed or obligatory. We can go to the park on a whim, or stop by the library on the way home from lunch.” -John A. “We always go down to Pigeon Forge in August before school starts back up, and I really am hoping the new ride at Dollywood (NightFlight Expedition) opens by then. It looks so cool.” -Cori S. “Summer vacations are some of my best memories from growing up, so I always look forward to making memories with my own family every summer. This year we are doing Disney and I can’t wait!” -Meghan F. “This year we will be renovating our house this summer. I am looking forward to letting the kids help with their rooms from painting to picking out new bedding. It isn’t the typi- cal, but we will make the best of it.” -Allison D. “Time spent in our backyard. We don’t have the funds for a big trip this year, so we are going to really enjoy spending time where we live. I did buy a nice inflatable pool for us, and we will spend many nights grilling out together, making s’mores, and camping out.” -Lacy W. “We are staycationing this year. We received memberships from the grandparents to the zoo and museum for Christmas. We also got ourselves passes to Kings Island and the aquarium. So we are going to get our mon- ey’s worth from those.” -Emily S. “We bought an RV and will be traveling to all of the campgrounds within 3-4 hours from us this summer. I know camping is going to be our favorite part of summer for many years to come.” -Brad L.
BY AMANDA CIANI PHOTO BY MAGNIFIC.COM E very family is different. Some travel. Some enjoy staycations. Some love being busy, while others enjoy relaxing during summer! For those who are looking for ideas on how to spend July with their family, we asked, and you answered…
passed along!” -Bridget B.
“I am a wife and mother of six, and this sum- mer we plan to do some traveling. With much going on, we want to have as much fun as we can close to home.” -Jojo N. “It wouldn’t be summer for us without our library’s summer reading program. My kids get really competitive over who reads more and what prizes they get. I also let them pick lunch for every 10 books they read as an extra incentive.” -Kayla C. “My favorite part of the summer with my family is finding new restaurants that are local and non-chain and trying them together as a family. We enjoy patronizing small business- es and trying the food that they have. We actually have a really great Mexican one here right around the corner from my house in Withamsville! It’s called “Nuevo Leon.” -Jim G.
What is your favorite part of summer with your family?
“We love to pick a new route to travel each summer. This year we are hitting up St. Louis, MO then Branson, MO, and then stopping in Eureka, AK for a few nights. It is so fun for us to boop around every couple of nights to see what the next, new location has to offer. The kids are far too busy to ever say “I’m bored.” I truly can’t wait to share our travels with read- ers on cincinnatifamilymagazine.com later this summer!” -Amanda C., associate editor of Cincinnati Family Magazine “My favorite part about summer with my family is traveling to new and exciting places, building memories and traditions that can be
“IT’S TIME TO GO TO HHI!” -Sarah T.
“We love hitting up the bike trails together and visiting all of the little stores along
the way.” -JoAnn J.
8 JULY 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
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CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | JULY 2026 9
community
July Exclusive: Expanded 4th Grade History Pass Families with fourth graders (public, private and homeschool) can celebrate America’s birthday in a big way this summer. The 4th Grade History Pass allows students to explore Ohio’s history for free by simply downloading the pass and visiting 41+ participating history museums and sites. The pass gives the student access to museums through August 31st, but as an added bonus to celebrate the USA turning 250, the pass is for the registered 4th grade student and extended to up to three family members during the month of July! Learn more about America 250-Ohio’s 4th grade pass by visiting america250-Ohio.org/fourth-grade-pass.
Save the Date! Edie McKee Harper: Modernist at Play
Cincinnati art and the Harper family are practically synony- mous. The playful art is easily adored by any level of art enthusiast—It is downright cute. The Taft Museum of Art will be hosting the first solo museum exhibition of Cincin- nati Modernist Edie McKee Harper starting on October 17, 2026 through January 24, 2027. Featuring over 100 works from her six decade career, this exhibition will inspire through Harper’s distinctive vision and style. Advance tick- ets are available now; visit taftmuseum.org/exhibitions/ edieharper to grab your tickets and learn more.
2026 Y’all Star Games
The Florence Y’alls will be hosting their biggest franchise event in history this month. Y’all Star Week will take place Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15 at Thomas More Stadium in Florence, Kentucky. For this event, the Y’alls will be hosting the Frontier League All-Star Games for baseball, entertainment, and over-the-top fun. First up on Tuesday, fans can enjoy mascot mania featuring local favorites and a homerun derby. The Y’all Star Game main event will take place on Wednesday with elite competition and an electric atmosphere! Learn more and grab tickets by visiting florenceyalls.com
New Air Force Museum Exhibition An out of this world exhibit is now open at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH. Iconic Starfighters: Rival Spacecraft of the Silver Screen puts the spotlight on sci-fi style film fliers. Two realistic, full-scale models of icon- ic movie spacecrafts, created by Firewatch Design Studios, will be on display this sum- mer through December 31st of this year. Find them during a visit in the Museum’s 4th building special exhibit space. Admission and parking at the Air Force Museum are both free, so head to airforcemuseumfoun- dation.org to plan a fun excursion to this not-too-far-away attraction!
10 JULY 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
community
“Fall” for Cincinnati Art Museum’s New Exhibition
Folks who love autumn and art are certain to adore the CAM’s upcoming exhibition. All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins by Yayoi Kusama is slated to open July 17-October 18, 2026. This immersive exhibition’s yellow gourds are surrounded by mirrors, making for the illusion of an in- finite field of glowing pumpkins! Entrance is limited to two people at any one time, and it is timed based so everyone gets a chance to really experience the work. This is a ticket exhibition. Want to snag free admission? Head online to reserve tickets during one of the following times: Thursday evenings from 5-8 p.m., or on July 31, August 28 or September 25 from 5-9 p.m. during Art After Dark! Don’t miss this limited time exhibit; learn more at cincinnatiartmuseum.org
The Roll Debuts in OTR
New Contemporary Arts Center Exhibition Opening on July 8th at the CAC, Homespun: An Archive of Tan- gible Memories focuses on reclaiming discarded items (with the addition of some trinkets, gadgets, and whatnots) with renewed purpose. The playfulness of the glitter, yarn, buttons and beads help highlight the functionality of objects featured, provoking thoughts of playfulness, memories, and the intricacies of life. The force behind the exhibit, Sarah Rodriguez, is a multimedia artist and art educator from Cincinnati. CAC guests can see this exhibi- tion through October 4th, and families: be sure to add July 9th’s Thursday Art Play, which will have participants creating Sarah Rodriguez-inspired works, to the family calendar. Learn more at contemporaryartscenter.org.
Families strolling through downtown Cincinnati may just be met by a waft of warm cinnamon. The Roll is now open at 1426 Race Street in OTR, serving up a wide variety of fresh baked cinnamon rolls every day. Beyond the intoxicating smell of fresh baked pastries, families may also be able to find The Roll simply by looking for the line out the door! The wait is worth it for the classic glazed rolls with cream cheese frosting, and don’t miss the elevated flavors like pistachio, blueberry lemon curd, caramel pecan, and Belgian chocolate crumble. Of course a delicious cinnamon roll is made even more delicious when paired with coffee-and The Roll has plenty of options for java! Be sure to check The Roll out for yourself, and don’t forget to give them a follow on Insta- gram @therollmood.
Patriotic Cincinnati Museum Center Exhibit Opens
As the United States turns 250 this month, the Cincinnati Museum Center will be cel- ebrating by displaying its own national treasures. Declarative Acts and Revolutionary Actors will be opening on July 3 as a contribution to the America 250-Ohio com- memoration. Families have through August 23rd to view objects from the museum collections including a rare broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence— It is one of only five known to have endured the last 250 years. Other standouts spot- lighted in this exhibit include original timber from pre-Cincinnati’s Fort Washington, and the regimental flag of the 1st Pennsylvania Battalion (one of only 30 Revolution- ary War flags left in existence). This moving history exhibit is included with admis- sion. Visit cincymuseum.org for details.
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | JULY 2026 11
BY MADELINE PISTORIOUS Y ou’ve slept maybe five hours the der over and over again. The kids won’t stop fighting over the TV remote. You’ll make it to practice drop-off on time only if your child stops refusing to get in the car. Dinner isn’t made, and neither is the school project your child mentioned an hour before bedtime. Mom Rage past few nights. You’re finishing emails while your child taps on your shoul-
but because your nervous system is flooded.
The house hasn’t been tidied in days— weeks, if you’re honest.
You literally can’t take another thing right now. Then you see red. This experience is what’s known as mom rage. Mom rage is a nervous system overload response to chronic stress, invisible labor, hormonal shifts, overstimulation, sleep depri- vation, identity loss, emotional suppression, and broader systemic and neurological factors, including patriarchy and neurodi- versity. It is not synonymous with abusive behavior, but rather a state of dysregulation. “When we undergo typical parenting frus- tration, it can be temporary, easy to recover from, and we still feel relatively grounded,” describes therapist and author Martina Nova, MCPRCC, MCP. “But when we feel mom rage, it’s explosive or disproportionate, physically intense, and hard to stop once it’s activated— usually followed by guilt, shame, or emotional crashing.” When Everything Boils Over The buildup is often subtle at first. It can look like resentment over small tasks, feeling emotionally detached from your partner or children, snapping more easily than usual, or carrying a constant sense that you can never fully rest. Over time, those moments stack until the nervous system reaches a breaking point. When you’ve hit that breaking point, taking a few deep breaths isn’t enough. Nova recommends putting your child somewhere safe and briefly stepping away yourself— not because there’s necessarily danger,
“Step into another room, splash cold water on your face, and hold ice cubes in your hands,” she ex- plains. “Cooling sensations are some of the best ways to regulate our nervous systems. In these moments, we need to regu- late the body before we regulate the mind.” Nova also recommends reducing sensory overload through somatic regulation techniques, like using sensory tools, dimming the lights, or putting in noise- reducing headphones. Reconnection After Overwhelm Many mothers spiral into shame after yelling or emotionally breaking down, often with- drawing because they fear they’ve scared their child or caused damage. But reconnect- ing afterward is important, Nova explains. Acknowledging both your child’s feelings and your own can help interrupt that shame cycle and create space for repair instead of avoidance. “Children learn much more through rupture and repair than through no rupture at all. In some ways, it can be more beneficial for a child to experience a parent’s dysregulation if it’s followed by repair, rather than having a perfectly regulated parent all the time, ”Nova says. You don’t need to jump into a big emotional conversation while still flooded with emotion. Repair with your kiddos can
happen later—15 minutes later, or when you’re calm.
“You might say: ‘Remember when Mommy yelled earlier? That probably felt scary. I was overwhelmed, and I reacted strongly. That wasn’t your fault, and I’m sorry,’” she explains. The key is acknowledging behavior without excusing it or blaming the child. Connection matters more than long explana- tions—cuddling, reading, playing, or getting on their level. These moments teach children that emotions are safe, relationships are repairable, and caregivers are human. Even when a parent loses it sometimes, secure attachment can still exist. Ultimately, these moments teach children that parents are human too. “That idea is very freeing for many people,” Nova says. More Than “Just Stress” Even after repair and reconnection, many moms still spiral into shame. Nova says that’s because mom rage often collides with deeply internalized beliefs about what a “good mother” should be. “Instead of thinking my nervous system is overloaded,” she explains, “we think there’s something wrong with me.”
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Breaking the Isolation Many mothers aren’t just raising children— they’re also carrying the invisible mental load of schedules, emotions, relationships, and the daily work that keeps family life running. “Systemically, there’s a reason partners often don’t notice this right away,” Nova explains. “There’s also a reason it’s called ‘mom rage’ and not ‘dad rage.’” As a partner, it’s important to take initiative in learning about the invisi- ble mental loads moms carry. Moms don’t need more judgment after moments of rage—they need support, rest, accountability, understanding, and permis- sion to be human. Being seen helps break the isolation surrounding mom rage. The more openly families talk about emotions and repair, the more children learn that hard moments can be worked through and
Nova explains hormonal shifts and clinical conditions like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, PMDD, ADHD, and perimenopause can all intensify emotional flooding and make regulation feel harder. Seek- ing support isn’t a sign that you’re failing your motherhood. It’s a
Martina Nova Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Life- time of Love by John Gottman, Julie Schwartz Gottman, Doug Abrams, and Rachel Carlton Abrams Mom Rage: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood by Minna Dubin How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids by Carla Naumburg She’s Gonna Blow! Real Help for Moms Dealing with Anger by Julie Ann Barnhill Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yell- ing and Start Connecting by Laura Markham Mom Needs a Moment: How to Stop Your Re- action Before It Starts...and Become a Calmer, Happier, More Connected Parent by Cassidy Freitas The Best Moms Don’t Do It All: How Moms Got Stuck Doing Everything for Their Families and What They Can Do About It by Thomas W. Phelan Taking small steps toward better communi- cation, shared responsibilities, and emotional awareness can make a meaningful difference for both parents and children.
sign your nervous system has been carrying too much for too long. It can come
in many forms— therapy, ADHD medication,
antidepres-
sants, other prescribed treat-
connection can remain. Recommended Reading
ments, or even small moments
Looking for additional support? There are many excellent books that offer practical guidance on managing parental anger, re- ducing mental load, strengthening partner- ships, and building calmer, more connected family relationships:
of connection with trusted friends and community spaces.
“Whether it’s exchanging voice notes with your girl- friends or finding other moms through apps or Facebook groups,
Same Page Parenting: Align with Your Partner to Raise Happy, Confident, & Resilient Kids by
letting it out is freeing,” she says.
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | JULY 2026 13
Born in Cincinnati:
Innovations, Icons, & Incredible Firsts BY AMELIA ROESSLER A s America celebrates its 250th birth- day this year, there’s no better time to recognize the innovations, traditions, salaried and proud of it was a distinction later used to separate the team from under-the- table schemers and gate-receipt commu- nards who had preceded them. Kroger: Kroger began in 1883, when Barney Kroger invested his life savings of $372 to open a grocery store in downtown
and cultural contributions born right here in Cincinnati and Ohio. From world-changing inventions and iconic brands to historic firsts and unforgettable fun facts, Cincinnati and the Buckeye State have played an important role in shaping America’s story.
Cincinnati. In 1901, Kroger established the country’s first in-house grocery bakery, fundamentally changing how Americans bought bread. Magic 8 Ball: The concept of the Magic 8 Ball was originally developed by Albert Carter, who was inspired by a “spirit writing” fortune-telling device used by his mother, a local Cincinnati clairvoyant and successful
Play-Doh: The iconic modeling compound actually started out as a very practical household cleaning product in the 1930s when the Cincinnati-based Kutol Product Company invented the dough-like substance to clean the soot and coal residue that gathered on household wallpaper. It shifted to a toy in the 1950s after WWII as homes switched to cleaner heating.
Cincinnati First professional baseball team:
Pro baseball began in Cincinnati in 1869 with the Cincinnati Red Stockings making their debut. The admission that the Stockings were
14 JULY 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
medium. Carter partnered with his cousin, Cincinnati local Abe Bookman, to mass- produce the toy. In the end, they had a seven-inch tall tube featuring clear windows on each end and filled with a dark liquid and housing a pair of floating dice with a response on each side. A few years later, the design was modified to save expenses. Benadryl: University of Cincinnati alumnus and engineering professor emeritus George Rieveschl is known for inventing Benadryl, the world’s first effective antihistamine, in the early 1940s. Kenner Products: What would life be without the Easy-Bake Oven, Star Wars action figures, or Bubbl-Matic Guns? Kenner Products was an American toy brand owned by Hasbro and founded in 1947 in Cincinnati. The Easy-Baske Oven was launched in 1963 and the first licensed action figures (Star Wars, Jurassic Park, etc.) were launched in the 1970s. Weather forecasts: Around 1869, the head of the Cincinnati Observatory, Cleveland Abbe, made the first weather predictions in the US when he collected weather observations from other locations via telegraph and made predictions. Professional fire department: Cincinnati established the first fully paid pro- fessional fire department in the US, officially organizing in April of 1853. Prior to this, most cities relied on volunteer groups. Bicycle Cards: The famous Bicycle brand playing cards were born in Cincinnati, when A. O. Russell proposed to his printing partners that they embark on manufacturing playing cards, an industry that was monopolized by several East Coast companies. The partners agreed, and the first deck of playing cards was com- pleted on June 28, 1881. About 20 employees manufactured 1,600 packs per day. Gorilla Glue: In 1941, woodworker Mark SInger discov- ered a Danish-made polyurethane glue in Indonesia, which he realized had incredible expanding, holding, and waterproof capabil- ities. Singer then bought the North American rights and formed The Gorilla Glue Company in 1994, establishing a manufacturing factory and base in Cincinnati. Ivory Soap: The iconic cake of soap is the brainchild of two men, Procter & Gamble. It was in the late 19th century, a period when river bathing was prevalent among large swaths of the population. Gamble at the time was trying to
create a new type of gently formulated soap, and the process inadvertently created a batch of soap that was found to float. First Heart-lung machine: A team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 1951 developed one of the world’s first func- tional heart-lung machines using an early bubble oxygenator. Steam-powered fire engine: The first practical and successful steam-pow- ered fire engine was invented in Cincinnati and presented to the fire department in 1853, making the city the first in the world to use steam fire engines. One of the reasons for its creation was the first professional fire depart- ment, and the fire chief’s desire to seek new and better ways to fight fires. Air mail: Cincinnati hosted one of the first unofficial balloon mail flights in the US in 1853, when pilot Richard Clayton and his balloon ascended from an amphitheater with a satchel of mail intended for eastern cities. Sadly, he crashed 100 miles away and had the post office in Waverly, Ohio, send the letters the rest of the way. Cornhole: The game of cornhole, often called bean bags, has roots tracing back to a similar game in 14th-century Germany. Yet Cincinnati is widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern version of cornhole when the game took off in the 1960s when locals began toss- ing bags filled with feed corn. Fun Facts 1. The world’s last passenger pigeon died in Cincinnati. Now extinct, the passenger pigeon was once the most common bird in North America. Martha, the last known passenger pigeon, died at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914. 2. The city was nicknamed “ Porkopolis ” be- cause pigs roamed the streets. In the 1800s, Cincinnati was the world’s largest pork-pro- cessing center, and pigs literally wandered through downtown streets. The city pro- cessed so much pork that it earned the name “Porkopolis.”This legacy lives on in the Flying Pig Marathon and pig statues scattered around downtown. 3. In 1951, a kid named George Rau Jr. smuggled 10 Italian wall lizards in his socks and released them in his Cincinnati backyard. Now, their descendants number in the tens of thousands, making Cincinnati home to one of the most successful reptile invasions in North America.
ille, coined in 1788 by surveyor and co-found- er John Filson. Losantiville translates to “the town opposite the mouth of the Licking Riv- er.” In 1790, General Arthur St. Clair, the first governor of the Northwest Territory and a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, did not like the name Losantiville and changed it to Cincinnati after the Roman general Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus. 5. The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, built in 1867, was the longest in the world when it opened and it served as the working prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge. 6. Cincinnati holds the title for the largest abandoned, never-used subway system in the United States. Spanning about 2.2 miles beneath Central Parkway in downtown, the underground network features empty plat- forms and derelict stations that have never carried a single passenger due to construc- tion being stalled permanently because of skyrocketing costs after WWI. 7. St. Francis de Sales Church houses Big Joe, the largest swinging bell ever cast in the United States at 35,000 pounds. When it first rang in 1896, it could be heard 15 miles away and even shattered windows throughout the neighborhood. After that, it was decided Big Joe must never swing again, so the bell was immobilized and now is struck with a hammer. 8. Cincinnati’s Music Hall sits on top of a former Potter’s Field where unclaimed bodies, asylum patients, and cholera victims were buried. The building is considered one of America’s most haunted venues and the Cincinnati Pops conductor and countless employees have reported supernatural encounters. 9. The Cincinnati Museum Center has “whis- pering fountains” where, due to the building’s acoustics, you can stand on opposite ends of the building and whisper into the fountain and have a conversation. 10. Cincinnati hosts America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration, with Oktoberfest Zinzinnati attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. It is the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world after Munich, and the festival once set a world record for the largest Chicken Dance with over 48,000 participants. 11. Famous people that were from Cincinnati include: Carmen Electra, Steven Spielberg, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jerry Springer, George Clooney, Woody Harrelson, the band 98 Degrees, President William Howard Taft, and Doris Day.
4. Cincinnati was originally named Losantiv-
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | JULY 2026 15
The Rise of Venmo Parenting BY JULIANNA STEEN
What Is “Venmo Parenting”? We’ve all gotten the text: “Hey! We’re all chip- ping in $10 for Sarah’s teacher gift—Venmo me.”We live in a largely cashless world, where it’s no longer convenient to hand out a crisp $20 bill. As a result, it’s become increasingly common to split everything via Venmo, a popular payment app, for everything from birthday gifts and party contributions to class events and shared expenses. “The Venmo app makes settling up with friends feel more... friendly,”Venmo’s website claims. You can send and receive money with the tap of a button. It’s gotten so popular to share payments that Venmo has created “groups” and “split the cost” options where you can add one item and it divides the cost between everyone in the group. The concept of “Venmo parenting” went viral in August 2024 when mom Casey Neal posted a TikTok video proudly declaring herself a “Venmo Mom.” In the video, she states, “I don’t want to come in [and] set up. If the room mom needs money for everyone to
participate, fine. I’ll Venmo money right over. I don’t want to set up for it.” Soon after, she was invited to Good Morning America, where she shared the struggle she has faced as a mom who loves her kids but juggles parenting with a full-time job. Turns out, there’s an entire community of “Venmo moms” who could relate to her—and thus, the term was born. Why It’s So Popular There are a lot of benefits to being a Venmo parent: it saves you time when you aren’t able to make it to the store to pick up snacks for the soccer team, it’s more convenient than finding the exact change, and it’s easier to coordinate expenses with a whole group. Moreover, Casey Neal’s video was likely so popular because she expressed something many parents might not admit: “I do not want to be on PTO, PTA, room mom, team mom. I don’t want to do any of that.” Sometimes it feels like in order to be a “good parent,” you must be super involved in all of your kids’ activities and school organizations. The underlying assumption is that if you don’t take on a role like “homeroom parent,” your
kid won’t succeed—and the peer parental judgment is real. In her TikTok’s caption, Neal wrote, “Stop judging the Venmo moms lol.” But here’s the question that plagues the back of your mind: Is it true? Are Venmo Parents’ Kids Still Successful? In a survey of 1,000 American parents, Prod- igy discovered that “57 percent of parents are ‘Venmo Parents,’ choosing to contribute money for school or sports activities instead of attending events.” And you know what— 89 percent of Venmo parents report good academic performance by their children, tied with the “team parent.” So if you prefer to send money for birthday cupcakes instead of baking them yourself, good news: Your kid can still have a bright future. How It’s Changing Party Planning The differences may be subtle, but they’re distinct: The Venmo culture is shifting party planning. A few examples include fewer individual gifts and more group gifts, bigger, coordinated presents, shared party costs (bounce houses, venues, etc.), and less
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pressure to shop. On the upside, it simplifies logistics, reduces clutter (fewer random toys), makes it easier for parents on tight schedules, and can even be more budget-friendly. Unspoken Etiquette Rules Whether you’re the Venmo requester or the recipient, let’s be honest: it can get awkward. Here are some crucial tips to follow if you’re the person Venmo requesting: • Keep requests optional and low-pressure. • Don’t make “suggested amounts” feel mandatory. • Request privately—don’t shame people into paying you with a public payment request, especially if you haven’t gotten their express approval. When hosting, give options of Venmo or traditional gifts. Be clear about where money is going. Clarity is kindness, and people will be much more receptive to contributing when they know where their money is going. Respect different budgets—not everyone has the same financial situation. Remember, it’s not the end of the world if kids get a few less snacks or party decorations. Avoid over- organizing every event. Don’t assume everyone can afford to spend as much as you want to invest—ask before buying anything. Say thank you (always!). Tips for Parents Just because you’re a “Venmo parent” does not mean you need to shell out boo-coodles of money to every gift collection idea pre- sented to you. It’s totally okay to say no. These are a few practical ways to act when it comes to Venmo requests: Set a personal budget for group gifts. If your limit is $25, say that upfront. Having a firm number in mind will help you in the pressure of the moment.
There are many effective ways to reduce stuttering. Doing nothing is not one of them.
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Don’t feel obligated to join every collection.
Just a friendly reminder that you have priori- ties and it’s okay to stick with them! Just make sure to be transparent, so you don’t feel un- comfortable when someone Venmo requests you for something you didn’t agree to. Offer alternatives (bring a gift instead). If it feels awkward to say no, try suggesting you can contribute something on your own. Whether you’re all-in on Venmo or still prefer a handwritten card and wrapped gift, the goal is the same—celebrating kids and sup- porting each other.
PBS KIDS and the PBS KIDS Logo are trademarks owned by Public Broadcasting Service. Used with permission.
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | JULY 2026 17
The Epic Birthday Planner
Magic by Brett Sears 513-348-3011 | brettsears.com Mermaid Magic Planners 513-265-7978 | mermagicplanners.com My Nose Turns Red info@mynoseturnsred.org | 859-581-7100 | mynoseturnsred.org Parties by Angie (Tucker’s Party Animals) 513-834-1419 | tuckerspartyanimals.com Petite Princess Parties 513-997-9119 | petiteprincessparties.com Princess Party Co. 888-590-1934 | cincinnatiprincesspartyco.com
P&J’s Bounce House 513-479-7617 | pjbouncehouse.com
Makers Bakers Company 1801 Race St., Cincinnati,
BAKERIES
3 Sweet Girls Cakery 7458 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH | 513-984-1100 | 3sweetgirlscakery.com Abby Girl Sweets 4773 Glendale Milford Road, Cincinnati, OH 41 W. 5th St., Cincinnati, OH 4450 Eastgate S Dr. #253, Cincinnati, OH | 513-335-0898 | abbygirlsweets.com The BonBonerie 2030 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH | 513-321-3399 | bonbonerie.com
OH | 513-807-9748 | makersbakersco.com
VENUES
SERVATii 15 convenient locations | servatii.com
A-Town Play Town 8109 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria, KY | 859-635-8696 atownplaytown.com Activate Cincinnati 3103 Disney St., Cincinnati, OH | 513-930-3909 | playactivate.com The Art Spark Classroom 7809 Cooper Road, Suite 200, Montgomery, OH | 513-936-8333 theartspark.com
Très Belles Cakes 8921 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH | 513-241-2253 | tresbellecakes.com Wyoming Pastry Shop 505 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, OH | 513-821-0742
ENTERTAINMENT
Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center
Busken Bakery 2675 Madison Road,
Cincinnati Circus 6433 Wiehe Road, Cincinnati,
620 Green St., Covington, KY 859-431-0020 | bakerhunt.org Beechmont Rollarena 3988 Commercial Blvd., Cincinnati, OH | 513-753-6868 beechmontrollarena.com Blue Marble Books 1356 S. Ft. Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, KY | 859-781-0602 bluemarblebooks.com Breakout Games 3653 Michigan Ave., Suite 205B, Cincinnati, OH | 513-612-9975 6066 West Chester Road, West Chester, OH | 513-285-9470 breakoutgames.com Chasing Cali Collective 418 W. Benson St., Cincinnati, OH | 513-407-7708 | chasingcali.com Cincinnati Fire Museum 315 West Court St., Cincinnati,
Cincinnati, OH | 513-871-5330 2895 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, KY | 859-781-5090 370 West Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH | 513-671-8454 956 Old State Rte 74, Batavia, OH | 513-753-9540 busken.com Cherbourg Cyprus 1804 Race St., Cincinnati, OH besweetcherbourg.com Happy Chicks Bakery 4035 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH | 513-386-7990 | happychicksbakery.com Kelly’s Cakery 8605 Haines Drive, Suite B, Florence, KY | 859-918-1111 | kellyscakerynky.com Lulu’s Sweets Boutiques 7745 Cox Lane, West Chester Township, OH | 513-759-5858 | lulussweetsboutique.com
OH | 513-921-5454 | cincinnaticircus.com
PARTY RENTALS
Crown & Cape 111 Railroad Ave., Loveland, OH | 513-666-1676 crownandcapeevents.com
A-1 Amusement & Party Rentals 513-761-4386 | amusementrental.com Bounce House Blitz 513-331-1287| bouncehouse.party
Dino Buddies LLC 513-460-2737 | dinobuddiesllc.org
Gia’s Balloon Buddies info@giasballoonbuddies.com | giasballoonbuddies.com Girly-Girl Parteas Cincinnati girlygirlparteascincinnati@gmail. com | girlygirlparteas.com Glimmer’s Party Magic 859-279-8924 | glimmerspartymagic.com Little Fox Face Painting 513-535-7752 | littlefoxfacepainting.com Luvable & Stuffable LLC info@luvablestuffable.com | luvablestuffable.com
The Bounce House Guys 513-403-4763 | thebouncehouseguys.com Bounce Party Connection 513-609-7711 | bouncepartyconnection.com Honey Hill Farm 859-654-8015 | honeyhillfarm.net
The Inflatable Fun Co 513-546-5340 | theinflatablefunco.com Party Go Round 513-570-5383 | party-go-round.com
OH | 513-621-5553 cincymuseum.org
Maribelle Cakery 3704 Cheviot Ave., Cincinnati, OH | maribellecakery.com
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
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LilyPad 2008 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH | 513-321-1379 7334 Tylers Corner Place, Suite 100, West Chester, OH | 513-755-8444 574 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs, KY | 859-331-0568 | lilypadplay.com Little Minds Play & Learn 511 Dayton Ave, Dayton, KY | 859-760-9632 instagram.com/little_mindsk Main Event 9477 Oxford Way, West Chester, OH | 513-777-1700 | mainevent.com
3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH | 513-281-4700 | cincinnatizoo.org
876 OH-28, Milford, OH | 513-965-4050 | scene75.com
Crown & Cape 111 Railroad Ave., Loveland, OH | 513-666-1676 crownandcapeevents.com Defy Trampoline Park 8350 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH | 513-373-4260 | defy.com
Selfie Cincy 1338 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH | 513-510-5417 | selfiecincy.com
Sit Still Kids 7431 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH | 513-271-0980 2729 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH | 513-993-5056 8230 Arbor Square Drive, Mason, OH | 513-951-7896 | cincinnati.sitstillkids.com Sky Zone 4999 Houston Road, Florence, KY | 859-212-9413 | skyzone.com Slick City Action Park 11805 Commons Drive, Springdale, OH | 513-613-2105 | slickcity.com Strike and Spare 510 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger, KY | 859-727-2000 | strikeandspare.com Swift Movement 4460 W. Mitchell Ave., Unit 6, Cincinnati, OH | 513-549-4460 | swift-movement.com Velocity eSports 1 Levee Way, Suite 2130, Newport, KY | 859-291-7529 | velocityesports.com Urban Air 3321 Alamo Ave., Cincinnati, OH | 513-322-3130 | urbanair.com The WEB Extreme 7172 Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester, OH | 513-860-2882 | funattheweb.com We Rock the Spectrum 4060 E. Galbraith Road, Unit 17, Cincinnati, OH | 513-429-5905 werockthespectrumcincinnati.com 331 Kenton Lands Road, Suite 400, Erlanger, KY | 859-727-9787 werockthespectrumnorthernkentucky.com Wonderland Playground 8255 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH | 513-440-6770 | wonderlandplayground.com
The Escape Game 28 West Freedom Way, Suite 300, Cincinnati, OH | 513-440-4332 | theescapegame.com
Epic Entertainment 9471 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH | 216-223-5170 | epicoh.com
Nakama Studio 600 Kilgore St., Batavia, OH | 513-827-1299 | nakamastudio.org
Full Throttle Adrenaline Park 11725 Commons Dr., Cincinnati, OH | 513-341-5278 24 Spiral Drive, Florence, KY | 859-321-5278 | gofullthrottle.com
Newport Aquarium 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY | 1-800-406-3474 | newportaquarium.com Nova Cincinnati 5100 Glencrossing Way, Cincinnati, OH | 513-407-7209 | novacincinnati.com
Gather Cincy 2345 Ashland Ave., Cincinnati, OH | 513-221-7555 | gathercincy.com
OTR FunPlex 13 Mary St., Cincinnati, OH | 513-675-0525 | otrfunplex.com
Great Parks Glenwood Gardens: 10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH Woodland Mound: 8250 Old Kellogg Road, Cincinnati, OH | 513-521-7275 | greatparks.org Green Elephant Play 528 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH | 513-799-7529 | greenelephantplayllc.com The Hidden Chapter Bookstore 118 N. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, KY | 859-442-0118 | thehiddenchapter.com iFly 7689 Warehouse Row, Liberty Township, OH | 513-901-4359 | iflyworld.com Immersive Gamebox 1 Levee Way, Suite 2102, Newport, KY | 888-471-4126 | immersivegamebox.com Jump & Jack’s 7102 Office Park Dr., West Chester, OH | 513-779-5867 | jumpandjacks.com Jump! Zone 5765 Constitution Drive, Florence, KY | 859-283-5867 | jumpzoneparty.com King Arthur’s Court 3040 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH | 513-531-4600 | kingarthurstoys.com
Paint Playground 1334 OH-131, Milford, OH | 513-239-6668 paintplaygroundexperience.com Par3 1 Levee Way, Suite 3127, Newport, KY | 859-261-0270 | par3putt.com
The Place Cincy 3211 Lina Place, Cincinnati, OH | 513-522-2424 | theplacecincy.com
Pump It Up! 7724 Service Center Dr., West Chester, OH | 513-829-7867 | pumpitupparty.com Queen City Clay 2760 Highland Ave., Norwood, OH | 513-871-2529 | queencityclay.com Recreations Outlet 885 OH-28 Business, Miflord, OH | 513-216-1620 | recreationsoutlet.com Run Jump-n-Play 5897 Pfeiffer Road, Suite B, Cincinnati, OH | 513-650-7529 | runjumpnplay.com Scallywag Tag 5055 Glencrossing Way, Cincinnati, OH | 513-922-4999 | scallywagtag.com
Scene75
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | JULY 2026 19
The Joy of Sensory- Friendly Birthday Parties
BY AMANDA CIANI
E very birthday child deserves to be celebrated! But not every birthday celebration needs to be the same. Parties can, and should, be catered to the birthday child’s unique interests, the activities they enjoy, and even the foods they like to eat. If you’re throwing a birthday party for a neurodivergent (or “neurospicy,” as my family likes to say) child, the idea of celebrating the birthday child’s uniqueness doesn’t change; in fact it may even be a bit elevated. Folks in attendance of a sensory- friendly party may have to accept that it isn’t their idea of a traditional celebration, yet more optimistically, guests may pick up a party trick or two while attending a sensory- friendly birthday party—because really, they are pretty great! What Is a Sensory-Friendly Birthday Party? It depends on who is being celebrated! Some neurodivergent people tend to be sensory avoiders (easily overwhelmed by input), others are sensory seekers (crave more sensory input), while most are actually both sensory avoiders and seekers depending on variables like the time of day, the environment, or the type of sensory input being taken into consideration. Yes! Sensory processing itself is on a spectrum, too. Lindsey Biel, occupational therapist and co-author of Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues notes that: “All of us have sensory preferences and intolerances. A birthday party that is sensory friendly benefits everyone. Just as curb cuts originally designed to help wheelchair
users also makes life better for parents with strollers and travelers with suitcases, sensory-friendly parties make events more enjoyable and less difficult for kids –and their grown-ups.” The main takeaway concerning sensory- friendly birthday parties is that they are inclusive, and they are thoughtful when considering and supporting all sensory needs. How to Make any Party More Sensory Friendly There are lots of options for making any party more sensory friendly. Biel assures that “creating sensory friendly parties doesn’t require major logistics or investments. Big changes don’t always require big work… just some ‘sensory smart’ thinking about how all kinds of kids can have fun.” Some ideas on how to make a home-party more sensory friendly include: • Have a quiet, calming space where kids can take breaks. This is definitely a bonus spot for overstimulated toddler guests (or any guest, really!) who may need a minute to decompress! Some fun items to include in this area could be a bubble tube, bubbles, dim lighting with a light projector, glow sticks, a lava lamp, bean bag chairs, quiet ambient music, books, etc. • Have a more arousing activity zone for sensory seekers! This is where kids can get their wiggles out, bounce, and wear off some of that birthday cake sugar. Some energy-expending items to include in this area could be dance music, colorful lights,
a trampoline with a safety net, jump rope, hula hoop, yoga ball, crash pad, Sit ‘n Spins, Dizzy Disk toys, and more. A simple sensory station is a great option to have at any gathering! Kids (of all kinds!) can enjoy open-ended activities like party- themed sensory bins, play dough, Kinetic Sand, fidgets, stickers, coloring pages, etc. Build-Your-Own Snack Stations are fun for everyone! Offering a wide range of textures and flavors gives guests the chance to pick and choose what they want to add to their own plate. Ideas include a variety of crunchy snacks like carrots, snap peas, celery sticks, cucumbers, apples, grapes, freeze dried fruits, cheerios, pretzels, crackers, cookies, and more. Chewier foods like cheese sticks, jerky, chewy granola bites, and fruit leather may be a big hit. Yogurt tubes or applesauce pouches are a good option to have available whenever little ones are at a party! “Be sure to check for dietary issues like peanut allergies and gluten intolerance and only offer food and snacks that are safe for everyone,” reminds Biel.
Sensory-Friendly Party: Adventures at Venues
Choosing to throw a party at a venue where the party kid is both familiar and comfortable with is a great idea! From indoor play places to trampoline parks and bowling alleys, many places have party packages ready for purchase. Biel suggests that, “to avoid overstimulation, preview the venue either through a personal visit, video, or at least a website tour so your child and party guests know more or less what to expect. Using the
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