Saturday, May 10

MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST WITH BARBIE
Moms are icons, just like Barbie! Cincinnati Museum Center is pairing a delicious, perfectly pink breakfast experience with a visit to the Barbie: A Cultural Icon exhibit. Cincinnati Museum Center, 8-9:30am $60. cincymuseum.org

Sunday, May 11 

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH @ THE BELL EVENT CENTER
This relaxing afternoon, filled with delicious food, live music and a touch of creativity, is a perfect treat for moms! Swing by the flower bar to create a beautiful bouquet for just $15! The Bell Event Centre, noon-2 p.m. $40-75. thebelleventcentre.com

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH @ THE CAM
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a delicious brunch at the Terrace Café before enjoying the CAM’s exhibitions. Cincinnati Art Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $47.95+. cincinnatiartmuseum.org

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH BUFFET @ FORNO
Get a stack of Forno’s famous pancakes and other brunch favorites like biscuits and gravy and check out the carving stations, too. Forno Hyde Park and Forno Montgomery, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $25-50. fornoosteriabar.com

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH BUFFET @ SUBITO
Spring-inspired dishes and Italian flare will be a real treat for Mom! Highlights include strawberry Nutella French toast, lemon spring pea campanile, made-to-order cacio e pepe, sugar cane waffles and more. Subito, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $45-79. subitoatlytlepark.com

MOTHER’S DAY BUFFET @ THE LEMPICKA
Celebrate Mother’s Day with an unforgettable gourmet buffet at The Lempicka by Jeff Ruby in Cincinnati. The Lempicka by Jeff Ruby, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. eventbrite.com/e/mothers-day-buffet-tickets-1287112009669

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH @ NEWPORT AQUARIUM
Enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch in the Riverside Room, which includes a special meet&greet with one of the Newport Aquarium’s Animal Ambassadors. Mom will receive a unique piece of art created by one of the Penguin Picassos! Families can then enjoy time at the aquarium, including the new exhibit Jellies: Go with the Flow.
Noon. $49.99 children, $69.99 adult. (Members, brunch price $30 children, $42 adult). newportaquarium.com

MOTHER’S DAY CRUISE
Join BB Riverboats for a fabulous cruise down the Ohio River, live music, a delicious meal and souvenir photo!
1 p.m. $42 children, $64 adults.  bbriverboats.com

MOTHER’S DAY TEA PARTY
This three-course tea will be served with delicious local foods from the Cincy area! The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum, 1:30-3 p.m. $40 a person. thecarnegiecenter.org

MOTHER’S DAY TRAIN RIDE AND BRUNCH/DINNER
A delicious meal will be served in downtown Lebanon, Ohio at Watkins Catering and Event Venue before families take off on the LM&M train.
9:45 or 11:45 a.m./ 1:45 p.m., $55 per person. lebanonrr.com

Deals Around Town

Cincinnati Museum Center in Cincinnati, OH
Moms (and the women who raised you) receive free admission on May 10 and 11 (does not include OMNIMAX or featured exhibition admission).

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Cincinnati, OH 
Moms receive free admission on Mother’s Day! While supplies last, pick up a free seed pack from General Electric Credit Union.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Columbus, OH
Mother’s Day Deal: Moms get in free and receive 50% off admission or up to 3 of their family members.

LM&M 
Moms ride free during the Mother’s Day Special train rides at 11 am/1 or 3 pm, additional tickets for the family range from $18-25, free for infants under 2.

Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa
Gift Card deal for Mother’s Day, through May 11: $500 for $400 // $100 for $80 // $75 for $60 // $50 for $40.

Newport Aquarium in Newport, KY 
The first 500 moms to visit on Mother’s Day will receive a beautiful flower from Kroger.

Scene75
On Mother’s Day, moms receive an all-day unlimited attraction pass! In-park only.

Snooty Fox 
Gift Card deal for Mother’s Day, through May 11: Receive 20% off gift cards.

The post Mother’s Day Brunches and Deals appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Out of all the fish in the sea, you caught a good one! And while you had a choice in who you married, you don’t have a choice in who their parents are. Navigating mothers-in-law tends to be tricky business. Knowing what type of mother-in-law you are dealing with can help you understand how to keep things pleasant. What type of in-law do you have, and which one will you be in the future?

Know-It-All-In-Law
She is the mother of your favorite person on the planet!  She is also the creator of that person’s favorite meal. She is even happy to share the recipe with you, but when she samples the dish you made from her recipe, she will let you know that something isn’t just right in your version. From the moment of an announced pregnancy, this gem will willfully share her abundance of expertise in baby names, sleep, feeding, changing diapers, sibling relationships, pediatrics, discipline and then move onto marriage, cleaning, cooking and… you get the point. At the heart of it, the know-it-all mother-in-law just wants someone to acknowledge how great of a mom she was and still is. It was her identity, and with her birdies out of the nest, who is she now? Throw her a bone every once in a while and rave on how amazing her child turned out and what an excellent spouse she raised for you. It is okay to gently remind her that while you may never live up to her perfect example, it is your turn to give this whole marriage and parenthood thing a try.

“YES” Grandma
You have heard of a Yes Day, well how about the Yes Grandma? This mother-in-law simply cannot say no to her precious grandbabies’ angelic faces. Basically, this mother-in-law breathes for her grandbabies to the point that when she walks through the door, she shoves people out of the way to get to her grands. Having a Yes Grandma means an abundance of toys, clothes, treats, trips and more for your little ones, all thanks to Grandma. She may even spoil you from time to time with little treats—you did play a small role in creating her favorite people, after all. She may not have had the means or the time to spoil her own kids this much, so now this Grandma shows love by doing whatever she can to make her grandkids happy.  Just remember, boundaries are okay! Tell this Grandma that “yes” she can buy your kids a drum set, but they must live at her house. 

One-in-a-Million MIL
She accepts you with open arms and genuinely cares about your well-being. This is the jackpot of all mothers-in-law, so go ahead and thank your lucky stars if this is your MIL. She may call you up to go shopping and take you to lunch just to gab, she offers to drive the kids to practice or watches the kids so you and your partner can go on a much-needed date night. She was a great mom, and that makes her an intuitive mother-in-Law who knows just how to help. If she lets the kids stay up a little too late, you know you have to let it slide because she is so much better than those monster-in-laws you have heard so much about. Be sure to let her know how much she is appreciated and communicate how grateful you are for her. 

Truant Mother-in-Law
Tardy. Absent. Mother-in-Law, who? Don’t dwell on this dud and remember: it’s her loss. She may be “too busy” or honestly, who even cares about her excuses. The little family you have created is amazing, so focus on who does show up for you and your crew. If you catch her posting your beautiful babies on social media flaunting how great of a grandmother she is, take a deep breath and exhale out the anger. You can’t change her. Learn from her mistakes and make sure you don’t follow in her footsteps in the future. Be the best in-law ever when you become one, even if it is just to spite her. 

Heavenly Mother-in-Law
Take some time this month to remember the woman who raised your spouse. Share memories that make you laugh, smile and yes, maybe even cry when thinking about her. Consider who she was and celebrate her accordingly. Was she outdoorsy? Take a hike. Did she love to bake? Get in the kitchen. Was travel more her thing? Maybe take a small trip in her honor. While she may be gone, don’t let this mother-in-law be forgotten this month and beyond. 

While walking on eggshells should not be required to navigate a mother-in-law relationship, simply handling with care may keep things positive for everyone involved. Look to your partner for support and advice— they have known your MIL longer, after all. And remember that relationships are a two-way street, the burden of maintaining a good relationship shouldn’t fall all on your shoulders. Focus on what you can control, which is your outlook, your energy and your own happiness. Best of luck!

The post Types of Mothers-in-Law appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Hop, hop, hop! The Easter Bunny is coming to town. Gather the kids and put them in their Sunday best for some adorable spring photos. Check out this list of local events and egg hunts where the Easter Bunny is scheduled as a special guest. 

Events Around Town

Easter Bunny Photos
Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Streetside Brewery
Enjoy a sweet photo op with the Easter Bunny. There will also be raffle baskets and split the pot.
$20 suggested donated to Tusculum Street Fest.
facebook.com/streetsidebrewery

Cincinnati Fire Museum Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 9 a.m. | Cincinnati Fire Museum
Go on an excellent egg hunt and learn all about fire safety, too!
$10, includes admission
cincyfiremuseum.org

Bunny Bash: The Easter Egg Tour
Saturday, April 12, 2025  | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Main Street Toy Co at Morrow Arts Center
Celebrate Easter and National Record Store Day. Join Main Street Toy Co for a day filled with family fun, including trading Swiftie style bracelets with the Easter Bunny.
Free.
mainstreetkids.co

Easter Bunny Breakfast
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 9 a.m. | Bronte Bistro at Joseph-Beth Booksellers
Feast on a delicious breakfast, making a craft, hearing a story and meeting the Easter Bunny, too!
$25 per person
josephbeth.com

Easter Bunny Express, LM&M Railroad
April 12-13 and 18-19; departures at 10 a.m. 12:30 and 3 p.m.
Take a train ride, get a balloon animal,  go on an Easter egg hunt and meet the Easter Bunny, too!
$30+
lebanonrr.com

Easter Eggstravaganza
Saturday, April 12th, 2025 | 1-4 p.m. | Event hosted by Tree of Life Church at Swaim Park
Five egg hunts for various ages will take place at this exciting event (1:30-2:30 p.m., see link for details). There will also be free food, a petting zoo, face painting, bounce houses and visits with the Easter Bunny, too! Wow!
Facebook Event Link 

Easter Egg Hunt, presented by The Chrome Divas of Cincinnati
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 11 a.m.  | Fernbank Park
Enjoy an egg hunt, pictures with the Easter Bunny, coffee and donuts.
chromedivas.com

Library Easter Bunny Party + Post-Party Sensory-Friendly Bunny Meet & Greet
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. + 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Erlanger Branch Library
A super fun Easter party will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Children of all ages can get a photo, make a craft and play with library friends. From 3:30-4:30, families can register for a sensory-friendly time to join in on the fun. The program has been designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities, developmental disabilities or who would otherwise have difficulty attending larger events. There will be lowered lighting, small group sizes, fidgets available and a simple open-ended craft. Please register at the link below.
Free.
Library Link. 

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Sunday, April 13, 2025 | 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Main Event West Chester
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, photos with the Easter Bunny and family-friendly activities like bowling and games.
Eventbrite

Easter Bunny Brunch
Sunday, April 13, 2025 | noon-2 p.m. | Bell Event Centre
This brunch will be yummy for every-bunny. There will also be fun activities and an Easter Bunny meet and greet.
$25 Kids 12 and younger, $35 adults
belleventcentre.com

Easter Egg Hunt Family Swim
Sunday, April 13th | 2:45 p.m. | Goldfish Swim School Anderson
Enjoy an egg hunt in the indoor pool, free swim, crafts and snacks, too.
Free.
Eventbrite

Water Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 13, 2025 | 2 – 4 p.m. | M.E. Lyons YMCA
This egg-citing adventure is aquatic! Participants will be able to search for colorful eggs that are floating in the pool.
Free, but registration required.
MyY.org/register

Family Night: Easter Celebration
Monday, April 14, 2025 | 7 – 8 p.m. | Covington Branch Library
Join the library for Easter crafts and snacks! Please register at the link, below.
Free.
Library Link.

Photos with the Easter Bunny
Friday, April 18, 2025 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. and noon – 1 p.m. | Erlanger Branch Library
This is an opportunity for a quick meet-and-greet and photo with the Easter Bunny.
Free.
Library Link. 

CZBG Easter Celebration
Saturday, April 19, 2025 | noon-5 p.m. | Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Meet the Easter Bunny in the Zoo Gift Shop. There will also be Easter-themed enrichment activities (for the animals) all day long and Treat Stations (for the kids) located throughout the zoo.
Included with admission.
cincinnatizoo.org

Operation Egg Drop
Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 1-3 p.m. | New Richmond High School Football Stadium
Connection Point Church presents the 10th Annual Operation Egg Drop! With over 60,000 eggs, prizes.
Free. Please reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
cpcohio.org

Egg Hunt, presented by Graeter’s
April 19-20, 2025 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Washington Park OTR
Children can go on an egg hunt throughout the park to earn prizes. There will be an educational animal farm and the Easter Bunny will be at the park, too.
Free. Registration required.
washingtonpark.org 

Factory 52 Easter Celebration
Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Factory 52
Enjoy an afternoon of egg hunts, bounce houses, visits with the Easter Bunny and more.
Free.
factory52.com

Hop & Hunt on the Levee
Saturday, April 19, 2025 | noon – 3 p.m. | Newport on the Levee
Hop over to The Levee for egg hunts (1 and 2 p.m.), Easter Bunny photos, shopping, raffles and more.
Free.
Newport on the Levee Event Link

Easter Brunch Buffet
Sunday, April 20, 2025 | 10 a.m.-noon | Subito at The Lytle Park Hotel
This family-friendly Easter Brunch features a visit from the Easter Bunny!!! Guests will enjoy a lavish spread of Italian pastries and tortes, made-to-order cacio e pepe tossed in a giant parmesan wheel, action stations including custom omelets and charcuterie, tiramisu, cinnamon rolls, sugar cane waffles and kid-friendly favorites like chicken tenders, Mac-n-cheese and endless bacon.
$65 adults, $35 children
Open Table

Fairfield Easter Breakfast
Sunday, April 20, 2025 | Noon | Receptions Fairfield
Come meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet. Kids can participate in a coloring contest and decorate cookies, too.
$29.95 children 5-12 & seniors 65+, $34.95 adults
Eventbrite

Easter Egg Hunt Family Swim
Sunday, April 27, 2025 | 3 p.m. | Goldfish Swim School – West Chester
There will be an Easter egg hunt, family swim, crafts and meet-and-greet with Easter Bubbles!
Free
Eventbrite

Community Egg Hunts 

Reminder: Eggs go fast; arrive early and bring a basket from home! 

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Bellevue Beach Park
100 Ward Avenue, Bellevue, KY | noon | bellevueky.org
Enjoy an egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny 

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Chamberlain Park
7640 Painfield Road, Deer Park, OH | 11 a.m.  | deerpark-oh.gov
Four age groups

Devou Park, Volpenhein Shelter
1201 Park Drive, Covington, KY | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | covingtonky.gov
Easter Egg hunt, petting zoo, snacks and drinks, too  

General Ormsby Mitchel Park
261 Grandview Drive, Fort Mitchell, KY | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | fortmitchell.com
Please see Lakeside Park website for hunt times 

Memorial Park
2001 Jackwoods Parkway, Independence, KY | 10 a.m. | cityofindependence.org
Special needs egg hunt starts at 10 a.m., festivities begin at 10:30 a.m., egg hunt starts at noon sharp. Please register for the Independence Egg Hunt on eventbrite

The Park at Liberty Center
7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township, OH | 10-11:30 a.m. | liberty-township.com

Village Green Park
301 Wessel Drive, Fairfield, OH | 10:15-11 a.m. | fairfield-city.org
Visit with Easter Bunny and activities, egg hunt starts at 10:15 a.m. sharp 

Veterans Park
6231 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, OH | 1 p.m. sharp | greentwp.org

Riverside Park
29 Water Street, Milford, OH | 10-11:30 a.m. | milfordohio.org

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Harvest Home Park
3961 North Bend Road, Cheviot, OH | 1-4 p.m. | explorecheviotohio.com

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Fort Thomas Mess Hall
801 Cochran Avenue, Fort Thomas, KY | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | fortthomasky.org
Egg hunt starts at noon sharp 

Newport City Hall
998 Monmouth Street, Newport, KY | 2-4 p.m. | newportky.gov

The post Easter Bunny Sightings 2025 appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (CZBG) is celebrating their 150th anniversary all year long. One way they are commemorating this momentous occasion is by debuting a collectible and exclusive collection of monthly  pins. Each month a new set of pins will be released for purchase, available both online and at the zoo’s gift store. Special trade-only pins that can not be purchased can be acquired by trading pins with a Zoo employee or volunteer. So visit often and keep your eyes peeled for these very exclusive pins!

Get ready to get collecting, zoo fans.

The first set of pins available for purchase in March 2025 are:

-Fiona with her famous wiggly ears
-Thane Maynard, legendary Zoo Director
-Kris the cheetah, one of the fastest fan-favorites and
-An alligator in Swan Lake— a nod to a jaw-dropping moment from opening day in 1875

Pins can be purchased individually, or the pin trading starter pack featuring all four March pins is available for $29.99. A 150th Anniversary lanyard is the perfect way to display pins, available for only $6.99.

Exclusive, trade-only pins for March 2025 include:

-Rico the porcupine
-Remus the cheetah companion dog

Be sure to visit the zoo’s online store each month to see the next batch of pins available for purchase! Happy collecting

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH | 513-281-4700 | www.cincinnatizoo.org

About the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden:

The world-famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, is committed to inspiring visitors to care about wildlife and wild places. It was voted the #1 Best Zoo and the #1 Best Botanical Garden in USA TODAY reader polls and has also received rave reviews from Child Magazine, Parents Magazine, Newsweek, and TripAdvisor.  Over 1.8 million people visit the Zoo’s award-winning habitats, 400 animal and 3000 plant species annually. The Zoo, an accredited member of the Association of  Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for more than 30 years, is internationally known for its success in the protection and propagation of endangered animals and plants and engages in research and conservation projects worldwide. Cincinnati Zoo is committed to greening its daily operations using solar energy, rainwater capture and reuse systems, sustainable building practices, and more!   The Cincinnati Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 

Find even more things to do by CLICKING HERE.

The post New Zoo Pin Trading Program appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

With March here, spring is just around the corner, bringing longer days, warmer weather and the perfect opportunity to freshen up your home’s exterior. Whether you’re looking to sell your home or simply want to make it more inviting, small improvements can make a big impact. Here are some easy and budget-friendly ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal this spring.

1. Refresh Your Front Door

A freshly painted front door can instantly elevate the look of your home. Choose a color that complements your home’s exterior while adding a welcoming touch. Popular spring colors include cheerful yellows, deep blues and classic reds. Adding a stylish new doormat and a seasonal wreath can also add instant charm.

2. Upgrade Your Landscaping

Winter can leave your yard looking dull, but a little landscaping can bring it back to life. Start by cleaning up any debris, trimming overgrown bushes and adding fresh mulch to garden beds. Planting colorful flowers such as tulips, daffodils or pansies can provide a burst of springtime beauty.

3. Clean and Pressure Wash Surfaces

Over time, dirt and grime can build up on your home’s siding, driveway and walkways. A good pressure washing can remove years of buildup and instantly brighten your home’s exterior. If you don’t own a pressure washer, consider renting one or hiring a professional for a quick and effective cleaning.

4. Update House Numbers and Mailbox

Small details like house numbers and mailboxes can make a big difference in your home’s appearance. Replace old, faded numbers with modern, easy-to-read styles. If your mailbox is worn out, give it a fresh coat of paint or replace it with a new one for an updated look.

5. Add Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting not only enhances your home’s aesthetic but also improves safety. Consider adding solar-powered pathway lights, string lights on the porch or stylish sconces around the entryway. These small additions can create a warm and welcoming ambiance in the evening.

6. Decorate Your Porch

A well-decorated porch can make your home feel more inviting. Add a cozy seating area with outdoor cushions, a small table and some potted plants. Hanging flower baskets or a decorative welcome sign can also bring personality and charm to your space.

7. Repair or Paint Fences and Railings

If your fences, railings or shutters are looking worn, a fresh coat of paint or stain can do wonders. Choose a color that matches your home’s exterior for a cohesive look. Regular maintenance will help keep these elements in great shape for years to come.

8. Keep Your Lawn Green and Healthy

A lush, green lawn is a key component of curb appeal. Start by reseeding any bare patches, mowing regularly and applying fertilizer as needed. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening will help keep your grass healthy and vibrant throughout the season.

9. Install Window Boxes

Window boxes filled with bright, seasonal flowers can add instant charm to your home’s exterior. Choose flowers that thrive in your climate and complement your home’s color scheme. These easy-to-maintain additions bring life and color to your windows and create a welcoming atmosphere.

10. Fix or Replace Exterior Fixtures

Check for any broken or outdated fixtures such as door handles, light fixtures and shutters. Replacing these small details with modern alternatives can give your home a fresh, updated look without a major renovation.

By incorporating these simple yet effective curb appeal ideas, you can make your home look fresh, inviting and ready for spring. Whether you’re selling or staying, these small improvements can make a big difference in how your home is perceived. For more ideas on spring projects for your home reach out today!

The post Spring Home Projects appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

One Pass. One Price. One Year of FUN!

If your family is looking to explore the city… on a budget… Pogo Pass may be a fabulous find for you! Pogo Pass is a multi-attraction pass that is good for one calendar year. Each pass is valued at over $700- and right now, families can save BIG with the Spring Sale. Each pass is only $44.99 pass with code CINCYSALE at checkout (through March 31, 2025).

Currently there are 17 attractions available with Pogo Pass. Families can feel like a tourist in their own town by checking out all Cincinnati and NKY have to offer. See Fiona the hippo, check in with Mr. Redlegs at a game and so much more. Check out the current list of participating businesses, below:

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden- 1 Visit

Cincinnati Reds- 1 Game

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – 1 Visit

Cincinnati Museum Center- 1 Visit

Deck the Y’alls Lightfest- 1 Visit

Florence Y’alls- 2 games

Jump! Zone- 1 Visit

Strike & Spare- 1 Visit per Quarter

Velocity eSports- 1 Visit per Month

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame And Museum- 1 Visit

The Web Extreme Entertainment- 1 Visit per Month

Fowling Warehouse Cincinnati- 2 Visits

Recreations Outlet- 1 Visit

D-Bat Hebron- 2 Visits

Goldfish Swim School- 1 Visit

Timber & Bow Play Studio- 2 Visits

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery- 1 Visit

Learn all about buying a Pogo Pass subscription for each of the members of your family by CLICKING HERE.

Enter-to-win a family four-pack of Pogo Pass subscriptions Wednesday, March 12th-14th by CLICKING HERE!

The post All About Pogo Pass appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

It is fun and enriching for children to learn about different cultures and traditions. This year, put the spotlight on Mardi Gras!!!

So… what is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is a celebration and Catholic tradition that marks the last day of fasting before Lent. This is a time of thanks and treating ones self to some delicious food before fasting begins. It is also known as “Fat Tuesday”.

In New Orleans, Mardi Gras has big parades featuring lots of lively music, costumes and floats. People in the parade throw beads, toys and stuffed animals, too.

Many people associate the colors purple, green and gold, which represent justice, growth and wealth.

Cincinnati Family Magazine  has rounded up some great ideas of how your family can celebrate Mardi Gras right here in Cincy!

First up, order a delicious, colorful, festive King Cake. 

These cakes are so yummy. Flaky pastry, gooey gooey icing and crunchy sanding sugar. Just so good.
Surprise! They hold a fun secret within. Each cake has a hidden plastic baby inside and the person who finds it in their slice of King Cake gets to either host the Mardi Gras party or buy the King Cake next year. It is also thought to be good luck to find the baby! More traditionally, the baby represents Jesus.

Check out these five local spots that sell amazing King Cakes!

The BonBonerie
2030 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH
Click here to visit their website and order ahead.

Servatii
15 locations in Greater Cincinnati
Click here to visit their website and order ahead.

Jungle Jim’s
Fairfield: 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, OH 45014
Eastgate: 4450 Eastgate South Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45245
Cheese King Cake, Cinnamon King Cake, King Cake with Praline Filling, Premium Mardi Gras King Cake COFFEE, King Cake beer, King Cake soda
Click here to visit their website and learn more. 

Graeter’s 
17 locations in Greater Cincinnati
Click here to visit their website and order ahead. 

Busken Bakery
4 Cincinnati/NKY Locations
Large or Small- Cheese, Cinnamon or Strawberry Cheese King Cakes
Click here to visit their website and order ahead. 

Next, play some Mardi Gras Games and Activities

-See who can create the most festive Mardi Gras outfit using clothes in their wardrobe.

-Have a mini parade in your house. Line stuffed animals along the wall and try to throw beads around their head! See who can get the most beads beads on their stuffed animals in one minute.

-Hide some golden coins (or the baby from the King Cake!) in the house and send your pint-sized party goers on a treasure hunt. You can give rhyming clues to make them think or even play “hot” and “cold”. 

-Have a Mardi Gras music dance party- listen to some brassy tunes and get moving.

-Hold up a Mardi Gras necklace, have kids guess how many beads there are!

Of course you will want to make some Mardi Gras Arts and Crafts

-String some beads and make a beautiful necklace to celebrate Mardi Gras. Practice fine motor skills, color identification, patterns and even spelling if you have letter beads.

-Print out our Mari Gras coloring sheets…

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A MARDI GRAS MASK 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A GRAS GATOR

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SOME MARDI GRAS BEADS!

DECORATE YOUR OWN COLORFUL KING CAKE BY CLICKING HERE! 

CLICK HERE TO MAKE SOME NOISE WITH A MUSICAL COLORING SHEET!

Finally, be sure to try some traditional foods like gumbo, jambalaya and red beans and rice! YUM! 

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

“Let the good times roll” with your family this year for Mardi Gras!

Explore Cincinnati Family Magazine’s Things to Do calendar of events by clicking HERE. 

The post Mardi Gras Family Fun appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Make this Valentine’s Day extra special with our printable, color-your-own Valentine’s Day cards for kids! These adorable, pun-filled designs let kids get creative while making heartfelt cards for their friends. Simply download, print, and color for a fun and easy Valentine’s activity. Whether they love roller skating, animals, or sweet treats, there’s a card for everyone! Spread kindness and creativity—grab your free templates today!

Download the Dinosaur Template here.

Download the Waffle Template here.

Download the Roller Skate Template here.

Download the Catcus Template here.

Find Valentine’s Day events around town, here.

The post Free Downloadable Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Summer Camp season is upon us. There are so many options for camp to consider including day camps to overnight camps, skills camps or recreational camps. However, one thing all camps have in common is that they are good for kids in a variety of ways. So while parents may have to mull over which camp is best suited for their children, rest assured that whatever choice is made, kids who become campers will develop many skills over the summer, including…

1. Independence

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Being away from home and school during 

the summer allows kids to step out from their parents’, siblings’ and friends’ shadows. Camp is a great way to encourage a child to be independent.

2. Responsibility

Camp counselors have many kiddos under their care. If a camper needs something done quickly, they often have to step up and do it for themselves. Don’t be surprised if your camper comes home from their camp experience and actually gets a drink for themselves instead of asking you! 

3. How to Make Friends

Being around new people means the chance to make new friends! Campers can work on their communication skills to find common ground and make forever friends.

4. Conflict Resolution

In life there are always going to be folks who your child doesn’t automatically gel with. At school. College. Work. Even the family which they marry into. But learning how to navigate different personalities and yes, even how to fight fair when conflict arises, are super important skills. A sense of self-advocacy is an important skill that can be learned at camp.

5. Teamwork and Sportsmanship

Working with friends and fellow campers towards common goals is a big part of camp! Games and group activities put campers in a position to collaborate, communicate, win and (maybe more importantly) lose, together. Camp and camaraderie go hand in hand. 

6. Routine

A structured schedule allows campers to discover the benefits of a routine. Instead of saying “I’m bored” all summer long, campers grow to enjoy a schedule and knowing what’s next! 

7. Sense of Self 

Going into a camp experience not knowing anyone can truly be a gift to a child!  There are no preconceived notions of who someone is, so guess what? Your kid can be anyone they want to be at camp! 

8. New Skills

All camps offer a variety of activities where counselors introduce kids to new concepts in a beginner-friendly fashion! Children have a chance to try something new and exciting at camp and new interests and hidden talents may be discovered. 

9. Confidence

Along with new skills, campers can hone in on skills they already possess. Growth and excelling in a skill can reinforce an interest and be a catalyst for self-confidence in a camper. 

10. Boredom Busting

During moments of downtime at camp, kids are encouraged to find something to do. Whether children chat amongst themselves, play simple games together, sing songs, doodle, or dance, there is never a boring moment at camp. Having the ability to entertain oneself is truly an amazing skill that can be acquired at camp.

Discover great local summer camps by clicking here. 

The post Top 10 Skills Kids Learn at Camp appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

New Year, New Chores

Ah, New Year’s—a time for resolutions, fresh starts, and of course, new chores! Growing up, my mom worked harder than anyone I knew. I always had what I wanted: school activities, sports, parties. I was the definition of a busy, social butterfly, constantly bouncing from dance team to gymnastics to whatever else was on my schedule. But guess what? I wasn’t exempt from chores. In fact, I helped around the house by making dinner, watching my sister, and doing the laundry.

Now, as a parent myself, I realize that our kids will never truly understand the effort we put into making sure they have what they want—until they have kids of their own. It’s funny, they think the world revolves around them (as they should), but in my house, that world revolves around earning what you get. My husband calls it “pulling your weight,” and I’m all about it. Want a new toy, extra screen time, or a few Vbucks? Sure, but first you’ve got to earn it. That usually means pulling weeds. Yes, weeds. Why? Because the outside world clearly has it out for me, and pulling weeds is my personal nightmare. So, if my kids want something extra, the garden gets a makeover.

What really blows my mind, though, is how many of my children’s friends don’t have to do chores at all! I can’t even wrap my head around it. At my house, everyone has a role. The kids wash their own clothes, put them away, alternate doing the dishes, wash the towels, take out the trash, and clean up specific rooms. The older they get, the more responsibility they get (I’m looking forward to the day when they’re old enough to cut the grass—just pray the lawn mower isn’t too much for them!). And my sister? She’s got my three-year-old nephew folding towels, and let me tell you, his pride when he shows me his “new skill” over FaceTime is the cutest thing ever.

So here’s the million-dollar question: Do you have your kids do chores? I was curious about this, so I looked up the national average. You know what I found? While most parents do chores themselves, only 28 percent actually make their kids pitch in. Let that sink in. If you want your kids to thrive in the real world—whether it’s at school, work, or in their relationships—teaching them responsibility and teamwork now is key.

Wishing you and your family a happy, productive New Year! Time to teach those kiddos how to fold towels and pull some weeds!

The post New Year, New Chores appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.