Local student, gamer, history buff, roller-skater and actor Dorien Watson has made history! 13 year-old Dorien voiced a major role in Pixar’s first-ever long-form animated series in the show Win or Lose. This adorable series follows a host of characters and their unique experiences surrounding one shared event… the Pickles middle school softball team’s journey leading up to the big championship game. Based on his talents Dorien was hand-picked for the role of imaginative dreamer Ira, the little brother of Pickles ball player Taylor. Dorien has also landed a host of modeling gigs and even a role on the infamous Sesame Street. Along with being an amazing actor, Dorien is an overall amazing kid. We were lucky enough to snag a lunch chat with Dorien at SCPA, where he attends school, to ask him a few questions about himself and his budding career. Read on for our full interview with Dorien…

Cincinnati Family Magazine (CFM): So Dorien, when did you start acting?
Dorien Watson (DW): In 2020, I took some online classes with Young Actors of Atlanta and that really helped me start becoming an actor. But even before that, I had been modeling in some magazines for hotels, Huffy Bikes and a Halloween Magazine.

CFM: Do you remember your first acting gig, like the first official role, where you were like, “Okay, this is it”?
DW: It was a short film some Xavier students made called Brothers. It was the older brother and the younger brother and it focused on brotherly love and stuff like that. That was my first role—as the younger brother.

CFM: Yes! I remember seeing that one on your IMDB page! You were so little! Now, when I was little, I loved watching Big Bird and all of those puppet friends. But you actually got to appear on Sesame Street!?
DW: That was so cool and so much fun. That was in 2022 or 2023 and I had auditioned earlier in the year around Christmas. When they called me, it was summer and I kind of forgot that I even had done the audition! But they called me back and said, “We want you for this” and that was pretty amazing. I got to go to New York, which is always fun! The set is like a whole actual street and Big Bird is really, really, tall. Like maybe the height of this classroom!
CFM: So when they say Big Bird, it is not an exaggeration!
DW: No, not at all! He was looming over me, even a couple feet away. All of the puppets are super cool and the voice actors move around on skateboards to get to their places.
CFM: So puppeteering, would that be something that you would be interested in?
DW: *laughs* Um, puppeteering. I don’t think that for me because I just feel like that is a lot to micromanage and then also control the puppet, too.

CFM: Your most recent role is Ira on Win or Lose. What was the experience like with voice acting on such a big show?
DW: The recording process was downtown locally in Cincinnati at a voice acting studio. I was sitting on a stool on a Zoom call with the casting directors and I would just say my lines into the microphone. The directors would sometimes give me feedback and we would re-record. The recording sessions were usually like three hours per session each.

CFM: I think your Australian accent was fabulous in the show. Super, super impressive.
DW: *laughs* It was terrible.
CFM: I think it was great! Would you ever want to visit Australia? Or is there another place you would like to travel?
DW: I think Australia would be cool. But then again, they have like 10,000 foot tarantulas and Kangaroos that’ll like eat you *laughs*.
CFM: *also laughs!* Yeah, and Koala bears aren’t even cuddly, right? They are actually kind of mean!?
DW: Yeah, what’s up with that? If there is another place I could go, I think it would either be the UK or Germany. I like Germany’s architecture since Cincinnati is so German-inspired. I think the culture is cool, too. And the UK, of course is amazing but the food isn’t great. They conquered most of the world and they couldn’t get those spices.
CFM: *laughs*. Maybe you could help bring them over some spices?
DW: Maybe! But I just love British humor, it’s some of the best.
CFM: Do you have a good British accent?
DW: Not so much, accents are not my strength. *laughs*

CFM: So, Ira is incredibly imaginative. Can you relate to being a dreamer like that, or is there another character on the show that you relate more to?
DW: I relate to Ira the most. I am a bit of a dreamer!
CFM: I found myself relating to a lot of the characters… some of the kids, and definitely a lot of the parents.

CFM: For those who haven’t seen Win or Lose, can you tell us a little bit about the show and why they should tune in?
DW: Win or Lose is great, no bias whatsoever. *laughs*. There are so many different perspectives and little details where all of the stories intertwine. In the show, everyone watching will find someone to relate to. Whether it is Ira, or Taylor or Rochelle or whoever, I just think the story lines are really relatable to where someone can say, “Yes! I do that!”.
CFM: Another thing I liked about the show is it takes one simple storyline and looks at it from all of the characters angles. And I think it is so important to realize that in any given instance of life, you never know what someone is going through. It has such a nice moral where a little bit of kindness and empathy go a long way.
DW: Definitely. Sometimes people need to take a second and look at things from a different point of view.

CFM: What would you say to a kid who is interested in getting into acting… what advice would you give them?
DW: Just give it a try! You might not be great at first, but you will get better and it may be something that really fits you. Find characters you can relate to and just try it. Just give it a shot. Persistence.

CFM: Besides being persistent in acting, what other activities do you enjoy?
DW: I’m a competitive person, so I like to challenge myself in school and other things too, like video games
CFM: What kind of games do you enjoy?
DW: I like Super Smash and also Counter Strike, too. I also love roller skating. That’s another one of my big passions. There’s a Black Music Hall of Fame downtown and I was in a music video for that! I was also in the Opening Day Parade three years in a row for the Flying Pig last year. One of the greatest roller skaters was down there: Dylan Morton! He has skated for Mariah Carey and he was in the Super Bowl skating for Usher.
CFM: Wow! Show out to Dylan! That is super cool.
DW: Yes! Shout out to him, he is very cool.

CFM SIDE THOUGHT: Dorien, himself, is very cool, I hope he knows that!

CFM: Looking forward what kind of roles are you looking to explore? Not puppeteering *laughs*, but maybe voice acting, comedy, drama, a musical?
DW: Definitely more voice acting. I think that is where I can shine the most. I also really like comedy and think I am a comedian person. I also think I could get into the world of drama, and that is something I would want to work on.

CFM: We know you will be awesome at whatever you set your mind to. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! We loved watching you in Win or Lose and we can’t wait to see where you pop up next!
DW: Thank you!

Discover more about the Pixar series Win or Lose by clicking here.

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Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s 150th Anniversary is shaping up to be one for the books! Keep reading to discover all of the exciting things happening at the zoo recently…

The second and final phase of the new Harry and Linda Fath Elephant Trek is now open! A herd of eight Asian Elephants (Mai Thai, Schottzie, Sabu, Jati, SheRa, Kabir, Anak & Sanjay) are free to roam this world-class five-acre habitat that boasts streams, waterfalls, beautiful gardens and so much more. 

Beyond the exquisite elephants, many additional animals can be seen in this remarkably reimagined area of the zoo. 

• Silly and sassy, the playful Asian Small-Clawed Otters are full of big personalities. Munti and Flounder love to swim and explore their enclosures, making them a must-visit pair of mammals when visiting the zoo.
• Keep an eye and ear out for the Siamang gibbons, Sebastian and Berbak. These very vocal gibbons are actually the loudest mammals and can be heard a mile away. If you are lucky, you may even see them exploring the unique overhead tunnels of their habitat.
• Rhinoceros Hornbills Blake and Remi also call the Elephant Trek home now. 

The Trek also has unique photo ops, games for children, gardens and more to explore. Families can check out the Elephant Trek at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden which is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Currently the Zoo Blooms are on full display, with over one million daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees, shrubs and other spring bulbs exploding with color! This delightful display, presented by Delta Dental, runs through April 30th, so don’t miss it! The final Tunes and Blooms event happens Thursday, APRIL 24th! This FREE event will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. and this exciting event will actually be the zoo’s Earth Day Celebration, also! My Brother’s Keeper will be performing at Vine Street Village and ZOO will be performing at The Grove. A LaRosa’s truck will be available for families to purchase pizza. 

Families also have limited time to save big on a year of fun at the zoo! Memberships of all levels are on sale through April 30th. Find out more about the discounts by CLICKING HERE.

Looking forward, May means babies at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Zoo Babies is a fabulous event that highlights all of the new little ones at the zoo! Be sure to stop by Gorilla World to see fan-favorite gorilla Gladys and her BABY BUMP! Yes, that is right, Congratulations are in order, as Gladys the gorilla is expecting.

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

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Cincinnati Family Magazine is looking so very forward to the opening night performance of & Juliet!

This “what if” hit Broadway musical  opens Tuesday, April 8th at the Aronoff Center (650 Walnut Street) and has performances running through April 20th.

YOU have a chance to snag a duo of tickets to see & Juliet at the discounted rate of half off, yes 50% off! All you have to do is head to the Aronoff Ticket Office up to two hours before your desired performance showtime to pick your tickets in-person

The Story of & Juliet, from Broadway Across America:

“Created by the Emmy^®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life‚” “That’s The Way It Is,“ and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”— all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.”

Upcoming & Juliet Performances

Tuesday, April 8 @ 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 9 @ 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 10 @ 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 11 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 12 @ 2 or 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 13 @ 1 or 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15 @ 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16 @ 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 17 @ 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 18 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 19 @ 2 or 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 20 @ 1 or 6:30 p.m.

Duration: 2 hours, 40 minutes with 1 intermission

Recommended for ages eight+ with adult language. Children under four will not be admitted.

Advisory: & Juliet includes flashing/strobe lighting, loud noises, confetti cannons and pyrotechnics throughout.

Learn more about the show at the Broadway in Cincinnati page by CLICKING HERE.  

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A new, unique playplace is now open in West Chester, Ohio. Little Diggers boasts the largest indoor sandbox in the neighborhood. Plus, there are hundreds of toys for kiddos to play with in those 50 tons of sand. This location offers both construction-themed birthday parties and open play, too. With kids early-rise time in mind, Little Diggers opens at 9 a.m. each day. Dig into the details at littlediggersplayspace.com. 

With hundreds of toys and tons of sand, your child’s imagination will run free. This sensory-rich activity will be adored by your little digger. Enjoy immersive play, birthday parties or even private events.

Need to know information:

• For ages seven and under
• $12 30-minute admission, $16 one-hour admission, $21 two-hour admission, second/third sibling discounts available
• Two-hour construction themed birthday party packages available for $299-349
• Waivers required
• Sand is cleaned daily through aeration and regular non-toxic, peroxide-based cleaning solution treatments
• Open Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Codeword: DigUpSomeFun

Littler Diggers
9442 Water Front Drive
West Chester Township, OH
513-966-9427

“There’s something special about getting lost in playtime. And for our kids, it’s never taken more than trucks and a pile of dirt (or sand). We created Little Diggers for children to enjoy an immersive, hands-on play experience that excites both their senses and imagination. Happy Digging!”
‍Founder, Zach Bowers (From littlediggersplayspace.com)

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A new event has sprung up at Blooms & Berries Farm this spring! The Tulip Trail will feature over a quarter million tulips, providing a truly picturesque walk along a half0mile walking trail. Showcasing blooms of different sizes and colors, this beautiful event has to be seen and experienced. The blooms will be enjoyed in their fullest for only a few weeks, making this event very exclusive- be sure to add it to your must-do list for April.

Pricing for the event will vary based on the date and time of entry and each ticket will have a designated time slot to help reduce congestion and allow for a more enjoyable experience.

The Tulip Trail has an inspiring story, check it out, below:

The tulip is a symbol of hope, and this is a story of perseverance. For three years, we’ve dreamed of adding a tulip event, but the challenges were ever present. Last fall, we decided not to take shipment of our strawberry plants due to lack of healthy plants. We realized this might be our chance to finally bring tulips to the farm, but our excitement was short-lived when we learned that a terrible production year in Holland left us without bulbs. We would have to wait until 2026.

Then, in early February, we chatted with our friend, Adrianne, in Maryland. She had taken delivery of half a million tulip bulbs in December but couldn’t get them planted in time. Her farm was frozen and snowed in. Desperate, we reached out to experts who gave us a glimmer of hope. Tulips usually need to be planted in fall, but with special cold treatment, they can be planted in early Springtime. Adrianne’s bulbs had been stored in a cold barn all winter—they were cold-treated and ready to go. We had until February 28th to plant them. So, we bought half of her bulbs, made a plan, and took delivery mid-February.

Our vision: create a stunning tulip walking experience along our half-mile gravel trail. In frozen conditions, we cleared invasive honeysuckle and multiflora rose from the woods, trucking in 1,350 tons of sand to cover the bulbs. Despite hail, thunderstorms, rain, snow, sleet and freezing cold, we spent the last days of February planting 250,000 bulbs, braving the elements every step of the way. We rebuilt the gravel roads and improved drainage in our parking lot, preparing for a spring event. Family members and artisans helped us design charming photo ops, and we named it “The Tulip Trail.” Our vision was becoming a reality.

Adrianne was able to plant her bulbs by hand in February as well, and through March, we were both checking bulbs daily. They were slow to emerge, but after three weeks, some began to sprout.

Due to the unique origins of our tulips, our season will be a little later than usual here in southwestern Ohio. With the warmer spring temperatures, it may go quickly, but we’re thrilled to share The Tulip Trail with you!

-Farmer Jeff & Family, for Blooms & Berries

Click here to be notified when the tulips are in bloom.

Blooms & Berries Farm Market and Garden Center
9669 S. St. Rt. 48, Loveland, Oh 45140
513-697-9173 | www.bloomsandberries.com

Find even more Things to Do by clicking here. 

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Skip the meal prep, cooking and cleaning and dine out for a cause on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025.

Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving is back! On this special day, 100% of sales will be donated locally and Jersey Mike’s is proud to have supported 200+ charities nationwide. In the Greater Cincinnati area, CancerFree KIDS is the deserving beneficiary of funds raised.

While the Day of Giving is a BIG day, Jersey Mike’s actually has named March to be the MONTH of giving. Diners are encouraged to “round up” their total all month long, with lots of  little donations making a big impact. Last year, the month-long “round up” campaign, customer donations and the Day of Giving sales added up to a $343,780 donation to CancerFree KIDS. This phenomenal initiative from Jersey Mike’s will help fun childhood cancer research and support other non-profits across the nation.

Click here to find YOUR local Jersey Mike’s location to support CancerFree Kids during the Day of Giving.

Who is CancerFree KIDS?

Keep the goodness going and discover how to encourage volunteering in ‘tweens and teens- click here to read more. 

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Spring has sprung and gorgeous weather means outside adventures. Get outside with the family and get moving— see Fiona and Fritz, take a stroll through the Elephant Trek and make many more amazing discoveries at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. With a membership to the zoo, you can see animal friends through all of the seasons, meaning summer fun, HallZOOween AND the Festival of Lights. To celebrate the 150th Anniversary in 2025, the zoo is offering discounts o memberships. Yes, that’s right! You can enjoy a year of zoo fun at a discount. Memberships must be purchased by April 30th, so act fast.

Members receive one year of admission, free parking, early entry, discounts at the gift shop, restaurants and programming and one truly valuable perk: reciprocity discounts! As you travel for Spring Break and summer vacation, visit other participating AZA zoo’s and be sure to flash you CZBG membership for a big discount!

The Membership Sale Pricing breakdown is as follows…

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

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025!
The mission and vision of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is dedicated to creating adventure, conveying knowledge, conserving nature and serving the community.

Find out more by clicking here!

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April 15, 1912. A day that goes down in infamy for the traffic sinking of the RMS Titanic.  The maiden voyage was meant to the first of many transatlantic voyages, yet an estimated 1,500 people met their demise on the very first trip.

March 2025. Interest in the RMS Titanic is still rampant! And a new exhibit is now open at 18 West Fourth Street in Downtown Cincinnati. Titanic: An Immersive Voyage has officially docked in Cincy for a limited time engagement.

Highlights of this exhibit include

• room recreations that let visitors experience the luxury of the cruise
• artifacts families can investigate
• movie props from a variety of films
• a 360-degree room featuring movie projections; visitors will experience hitting the iceberg for themselves
• connecting with a real-life passenger; each guest receives a boarding pass so they can get to know their passenger and discover their fate
• insightful information like where passengers were from/what their class was, a breakdown of classes and their survival rate, facts about the wreckage site and more
• Add-on experience: Virtual Reality!

This unique exhibit experience evokes empathy for the passengers of the ship. What was meant to be an adventure was met with tragedy. While the Titanic met it’s final resting place at the bottom of the ocean 112 years ago, this ship is still sparking interest in audiences young and old. Titanic enthusiasts must experience this exhibit first-hand to gain a greater appreciation of the disaster that was the RMS Titanic.

Tickets start at $22.90 for children/$29.90 adult/ $25.90 senior/student/junior/military + with an optional $10 VR Experience.
Tickets available through May 3, 2025 (Exhibit closed Tuesdays)

Codeword: April121912

Find out more about this limited-time engagement exhibit, Titanic: An Immersive Voyage
by CLICKING HERE. 

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Spring Break is upon us, families. If you are staying in Cincy for SB ’25 and need to find something fun (and educational) to do with the fam, head to the Cincinnati Museum Center! In March, families can enjoy 15 percent off memberships to visit the museum during SB and beyond. Along with a year of fun at the Union Terminal’s museums, membership also includes admission to the traveling exhibit Julia Child: A Recipe for Life and discounted tickets to the upcoming Barbie: A Cultural Icon exhibit, opening April 4th. Current OMNIMAX films include T. Rex and  The Blue Angels. 

Visit cincymuseum.org to purchase a discounted family membership today.

Museum Membership March Pricing
Individual — $63.75
Dual, two adults or one adult and one child — $102
Family, two named adults and children/grandchildren age 17 and under — $153
Family Premium, two adults, 1 guest/caregiver and children/grandchildren age 17 and under — $195.50

All Museums Tickets are also discounted during March
Adult (13+) — $19.50
Senior (60+) — $12.50
Child (3-12) — $12.50

About Cincinnati Museum Center 

Located at 1301 Western Avenue in Cincinnati, OH
513-287-7000 | www.cincymuseum.org
Open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Member’s-only early entry: Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Union Terminal is home to Cincinnati History Museum, the Cincinnati History Library and Archives, The Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History * Science and the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater.

Read all about our visit to the exhibit Julia Child: A Recipe for Life by clicking here.

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The Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) is adored by families for their awesome REC Reads programs, CAM Kids Day and excellent exhibits. Now as the renovated ground level opens, area students and museum patrons will be able to enjoy more resources at the CAM. Nearly 14,000 square feet have been renovated and reimagined with space for field trips, summer camp classes, a designated quiet room and suite of new bathrooms and more. Families will also appreciate the new ground level entrance, which faces the CAM’s side parking lot. Find out more by visiting cincinnatiartmuseum.org or give (513) 721-2787 a call.

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