The waters of Newport Aquarium are about to get a lot more whimsical this month. Mermaids are making their return for one month only starting on May 24-June22. Families can see mermaids gracefully swimming underwater in the Coral Reef Tunnel and say hello to a mermaid who is spending time with stingray friends at the enchanting Mermaid Cove. And be sure to check the schedule to visit the Shark Ray Bay Theatre during a Mermaid Meet & Greet. Newport Aquarium presents Mermaids is included in general admission. Visit newportaquarium.com for all of the deets.

Find even more things to do by clicking here.

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To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Big Red Machine, a new exhibit is now open at the Reds Hall of Fame Museum. The Big Red Machine: A 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Back-to-Back World Champions, presented by Dinsmore, features captivating video footage and over 100 artifacts that put a spotlight on the Great Eight and their team journey building the machine. A walk through this exhibition will have fans truly reliving the 1975 and 1976 world championship Reds era. And courtesy of the H.C.S. Foundation, kids 12 and under receive FREE admission! Visit mlb.com/reds/hall-of-fame to learn more.

The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
Located at 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH
(513) 765-7923
www.mlb.com/reds/hall-of-fame

Hours of Operation, March 24-September
Game Days
Weekday Games
-6:40 and 7:10 games: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
-Afternoon games: 10 a.m. until 2 hours after the game ends
Weekend Games
-6:40 and 7:10 games: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
-Afternoon games: 9 a.m. until 2 hours after the game ends

Pricing
$15 adults
$13 Seniors/Students
Free for children 12 and under
Free for active/veteran with I.D.

Check out our tips on taking the entire family to a game at Great American Ball Park by clicking here. 

The post New Reds HOF Museum Exhibit  appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Open April 4th – September 1st, 2025 at Cincinnati Museum Center. This exhibition showcases sixty-five years of fashion and inspiration.

More than a doll. A cultural icon. 

With over 250 dolls on display, beautifully stitched ensembles, sparkling jewels, shoes on point and photo opps galore, this exhibition is perfectly pink. More than just pretty though, this exhibition takes a deep dive through the behind-the-scenes HERstory of Barbie.

Exhibit patrons will find themselves positively inspired by Barbies journey through time. Created in 1959, Barbie has made friends (and a boyfriend, per the request of her fans!), taken on a host of unique careers and has delved into every aspect of pop culture.

A tour through time, walking through the exhibition is a reminder of past barriers and how women have broken them all. From simply raising hemlines to tackling the field of science and technology careers, Barbie has highlighted the power shifts women have made. Take a gander at any given doll on display to investigate a true zeitgeist for what was happening during that given time frame. As womankind continues to push forward, Barbie is sure to reflect those advances. The sky is the limits when it comes to Barbie, and seeing this exhibition is a healthy reminder that the sky is the limit with women, too.

Keep pushing and reach for the stars, dolls!

Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition Ticket Pricing

Adult: $19.50
Senior: $17.50
Child: $15.50
Member Adult: $13.50
Member Child: $9.50

Learn all about the exhibition by clicking here.

Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203
www.cincymuseum.org | 513-287-7000

Discover even more Things to Do in Cincinnati by clicking here.

The post Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati announced their exciting upcoming season, which will debut on the stage of the newly renovated, state-of-the art venue–The Emery Theatre! Featuring an automated fly system, advanced trap door equipment and the latest acoustic technology, this setting will allow every TCT production to be an immersive experience.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati 25-26 Season will showcase:

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition (October 10-26)

Elf the Musical JR. (December 5-21)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical (February 20-March 8)

DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon JR. (April 17-May 3)

Visit thechildrenstheatre.com to learn more about the reimagining of The Emery Theatre and to read all about the 106th season shows.

From The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati:

Kicking off the season and the return to the Emery, TCT will present the one-hour “youth edition” of Frank L. Baum’s timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz. A story that has enchanted audiences for generations, audiences will follow Dorothy and friends down the Yellow Brick Road in an unforgettable experience unlike anything you have ever seen before! This wickedly colorful adventure over the rainbow will surely be remembered for generations to come. Stage Direction by TCT’s Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition opens the newly renovated theatre and will run from October 10-26, 2025.

During the holiday season, TCT is bringing back one of the company’s most popular productions in its 105-year history with a show that is sweeter than maple syrup— the JR. (one-hour) version of Elf The Musical! Join Buddy the Elf on his hilarious journey from the North Pole to New York City in this heartwarming and hilarious holiday favorite. Directed by former TCT Company Manager and Associate Artistic Director, Eric Byrd, Elf The Musical JR. takes the Emery stage December 5-21, 2025.

In the winter of 2026, one of the most beloved children’s book series of all-time jumps from the page to the stage! Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical brings Jeff Kinney’s iconic characters to life in a hilarious and heartfelt production. The show will also feature original illustrations and animations by Kinney himself. With Stage Direction by TCT’s Associate Artistic Director, Maddie Burgoon Jones, this exciting new musical will premiere February 20 – March 8, 2026.

Closing out the season is the stage adaptation of one of DreamWorks’ most legendary films. TCT is elated to present the JR. version of How to Train Your Dragon. Journey to the Isle of Berk with Hiccup and the majestic dragon, Toothless, who will prove that friendship and courage have the power to change the world! With Concept Direction by Roderick Justice, DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon JR. will run between April 17 – May 3, 2026.

Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, shared his excitement about the season, stating: “Returning to The Emery Theater is a dream come true for TCT and for so many who have longed to revive the historic landmark. Our 106th season honors our past while celebrating the future, bringing both beloved stories and brand-new productions to life. We can’t wait for audiences of all ages to experience the magic of live theatre like never before!”

The post TCT Announces 25-26 Season appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

An annual must-visit attraction, the Krohn Conservatory Butterfly Show will return to Cincinnati on May 10th, 2025.

This year’s event theme is Gothica Botanica. The usual whimsy of the butterfly show will be on full display with a dark dash of mystery and enchantment. Gothic architecture, shadowy black foliage and deep-hued blooms will set the stage for a mesmerizing juxtaposition of light and shadow, dark and light. Delicate butterflies will dance overhead, providing an unexpected iridescence.

The Krohn Conservatory 2025 Butterly Show runs May 10th – August 10th, daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

This exciting exhibition will include some special events also, such as Krohn Discovery Space (May 21st), Game Night at Krohn (May 28th) and more — visit the Cincinnati Parks website to discover all of the super special events that will accompany this beautiful Butterfly Show!

Find even more Things to Do by CLICKING HERE.

The post Krohn Butterfly Show 2025 appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Warmer weather means it is time to hit the parks and get those kids moving (and worn out!). Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky boast an abundance of fabulous playgrounds, each with unique features and draws that bring families back time and time again. Branch out and explore what our communities have to offer when it comes to PLAY!  Why not make a point to check out ALL of these perfect playgrounds around town?

Alms Park Playground
710 Tusculum Avenue, Cincinnati, OH
This hilltop park is a fabulous destination for a playdate. The stone slide brings nostalgia that grown-ups will adore, while kids will enjoy the climbing boulder, musical instruments, spinners and swings.

Beech Acres Park
6910 Salem Road, Cincinnati, OH
With a train station tot-lot and a massive fort-like play unit for bigger kids, this playground is fit for the entire family. There are bridges, climbing rocks, slides and so much more. Be sure to visit during the summer to check out the water play area.

Common Ground Playground
6000 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason, OH 
All-inclusive elements at this playground promote fun for everyone! The park is fenced in, so don’t worry about the kids running off. There are also designated areas for different age groups, an accessible zip line and musical elements, too. 

West Fork Park
4764 West Fork Road, Cincinnati, OH
This colorful playground is so much fun! Featuring a zip line, huge playscape, an area for littles and lots of room for creative play, be sure to add this park to your must-visit list.

Summit Park Playground
4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, OH
Not just one, but two phenomenal playscape at one location. The contemporary playground has slides, ropes, play mounds and unique climbing structures. The Nature Playscape is not your average playground! Utilizing earth elements, kids can feel one with nature as they climb giant logs, get their knees dirty crawling through a hobbit-hole and more. There are also two fun zip lines for kids to feel like they are swinging through the forest.

Washington Park Children’s Playground
1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH
Nestled in downtown Cincinnati, Washington Park is a beautiful spot for a family afternoon out! There are plenty of local eateries near by to grab a bite and there are often times free concerts going on or exciting events happening. The fenced in playground features a play castle, climbing wall, slides and musical instruments for children to explore. During summer months, the Washington Park spray ground is a big hit with little ones.

Tower Park Playground
900 S Fort Thomas Avenue, Fort Thomas, KY
This recently renovated playground mixes innovative play with elements of a traditional playground. Featuring slides galore, learning through play activities, climbers, balance beams, a zip line and a emphasis on both history and nature, we guarantee little ones will love this park.

Smale Riverfront Park
100 West Merhing Way, Cincinnati, OH
This sprawling riverfront park showcases natures beauty alongside city life. Take in a view of the river, watch barges and boats go by and check out the PNC Grow Up Great Adventure Playground, too. With slides, climbing elements, a rock wall and so much more, this oasis in the heart of Cincinnati is so much fun for families to enjoy together. During warm months, the spray ground is a big hit with little ones.

1000 Hands Playground
5915 Ridge Road, Pleasant Ridge, OH
This is the park of your childhood dreams. This classic wooden playscape has the best hiding spots for hide and seek! There are delightfully designed nooks and crannies for kids to explore with their grown-ups and lots of opportunities to climb, slide and swing.

Land of Make Believe Lunken Playground
4740 Playfield Lane, Cincinnati, OH
Enjoy watching planes taking off while taking turns on slides. This playground near Lunken Airport is a great place for some plane watching in between playing.

The post Perfect Cincinnati Playgrounds appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

By Julianna Steen

Planning a trip to the grocery store with kids can be stressful, so the concept of organizing an international adventure with your entire family in tow? Talk about overwhelming (and perhaps slightly terrifying!). I won’t lie—it is a large endeavor to take on, but the blessings that come from travel far out way the work you put in it. Here are some practical tips and things to consider as you plan.

Consider Your Family’s Priorities

Sit down and talk with your spouse and your kids about where they want to go and what they want to do. Travel advisor Ashley Homan puts it this way: “If you have kids with different interests, give kids choices… so each member feels like they have a say in what they do.” Make sure there’s something in the itinerary that interests everyone. Not only will it make the trip more fun, it will help clarify how you should allocate your time and planning.

Pack Light

One of the most ideal aspects of European travel is the walkability of cities… but luggage wheels and cobblestone roads don’t go well together. Not to mention trying to pull your heavy suitcase up hills and/or stairs to your accommodations or attempting to place it in the overhead compartment on the train. Homan explains it this way: “Don’t overpack: Less is more in this situation, especially if you have younger kids. You need to take into consideration getting on and off trains with the kids and your luggage.” Not to mention, you save time and money when booking flights! 

Though it may not be realistic to pack in a carry-on bag if you have to pack a stroller and diapers, the lighter your bag is, the easier it will be to lug around. If you have kids over age seven, allow them to bring their own backpacks and encourage them to only pack toys and electronics that they can carry on their own when they’re walking in the train station or airport. (Otherwise, you may end up with three backpacks!) Homan also recommends bringing laundry detergent pods so you can wash kids’ clothes in the sink and use the line in the bathroom to dry them. Lots of hotels and Airbnbs also have washers and dryers, and on cruises, you can pay them to do a load of laundry.

Plan Ahead, But Be Flexible

It can be tempting to stress if you don’t have every minute of every day planned out, but I’ve found that it honestly works better when you leave part of your schedule open. I hate to break it to you, but something will go wrong, no matter how diligently you plan. And you know what? That’s okay. Some of my favorite moments have been unplanned, whether it be stumbling upon a parade or a festival, discovering a really yummy gelato shop on my way home from dinner, or simply having fun talking with a friend while sitting on a bench by the water. Nevertheless, it is important to include some structure and plan ahead for attractions that typically sell out of tickets, restaurants that you want to eat at, and transportation like train tickets. 

Flexibility is even more essential when you add kids into the picture. As Homan points out, “Don’t overschedule yourself. With younger kids and naptime, you’ve got to be flexible. Having a driver or a private guide can also be really helpful.” Her biggest tip when it comes to planning? “Pick one morning activity and leave the afternoon open or vice versa.” It’s not realistic to pretend your entire family will be happy to explore from sunrise to sunset. The “one-plan-per-day” rule will help you determine your “must-dos,” so you won’t miss out. Make sure to plan something the first afternoon you arrive so everyone stays awake—it will help make the time change transition smoother. (But give yourself and the kids grace, because it will take their bodies a few days to adjust to the new time zone.)

Do Your Research

When you’re trip planning, Pinterest, blogs, and travel forums will become your best friends. I typically look up the name of the country or city with a phrase like “best things to do in” or “best places to visit in.” Make a list of all of the things you are interested in, and if something is repeated multiple times, look into it further. I try to keep all of my trip information (flight and train times, attraction names and links, traditional cuisine to try, lodging addresses, and more) in a Google doc that I can refer to throughout the planning process and during the trip itself. (It is easy to access and share on a mobile device on-the-go. There are also websites that help you track everything if you prefer.)

Another great source is sites like Viator and Airbnb Experiences that offer cooking classes, food tours, day trips, and other experiences like sailing on a local’s private boat. One of my favorite tools is the Rick Steves Europe free audioguide app, which has excellent walking guides. Research the weather in the time of year you’re going so you’ll be prepared. If you have flexibility and littles not yet in school, it is much cheaper, less crowded, and overall easier to travel in the “off-season.”

Ask the Locals

Reach out to your host or hotel and ask if they have any local restaurant or activity recommendations. They know what they’re talking about, I promise. Most of my favorite foods and restaurants have been suggested to me. This tip extends to restaurant servers. I always ask for their favorite entreé, and almost without fail, it is the best thing I’ve ever tasted and I never would’ve ordered it without asking. When you’re there, learn a few basic phrases so the locals know you are trying. A little goes a long way.

Make It Kid-Friendly

Remember: The more fun your kids have, the more fun you will have. Homan suggests hiring tour guides that specialize in kids, particularly in Europe. “They tell stories of ancient history in a way that makes your kids excited, which will make their experience that much better,” she promises. Her other biggest recommendation is to bring new travel-friendly activities with you, like travel puzzles, games, or a fidget toy. “When we did Europe with the kids this past summer, I bought several city-specific travel scavenger hunts online for places we visited, like Rome. When we were at iconic spots like the Trevi Fountain, [my kids] had to look for certain things, and it was a great way to keep them engaged while we traveled,” she shares. 

Stop Stressing and Have Fun

Remember, at the end of the day, the point of a trip is ultimately to create lasting memories with the people you love. Moreover, bringing your kids on an international adventure is important because it expands their horizons and grows them into better people. Forbes even wrote an article titled “Kids Who Travel Do Better In School.” The Family Travel Association’s 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey confirmed that travel helps kids become more confident, more interested in other cultures, and helps them see the world from a broader perspective. So what are you waiting for? Traveling with your family is an investment you will never regret.

The post Traveling Abroad with Your Family appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Grab a front row view of enchantment! The newest aquatic spectacle at the Newport Aquarium will showcase glowing, glittering jellyfish. Jellies: Go With The Flow opens this month and is included with general admission to the aquarium. Families can discover the life cycle of this incredible underwater creature and watch in awe as five different stunning species float, pulse and glow in their innovative tanks. Simply lounge in the cozy new seating, marvel at the whimsical ceiling element, relax under the atmospheric lighting and just… go with the flow. Visit newportaquarium.com for all the info.

Newport Aquarium extended their registration process for their FRE Pre-K Membership to March 7th!

Read about the process for this free membership for children ages 2-4, CLICK HERE!

The post Newport Aquarium’s New Exhibit  appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Wow! Another unforgettable season of amazing theatrical productions from Broadway Across Cincinnati has been released. Get ready to spend some time enjoying the theater at the Aronoff Center; the 25–26 season titles include: 

Back to the Future: The Musical, Sep. 9-21, 2025

The Notebook The Musical, Oct. 14-26, 2025

Hamilton, Dec. 16, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026

Hell’s Kitchen, Jan. 13-25, 2026

Shucked, Feb. 10-22, 2026

The Wiz, Mar. 3-15, 2026

Chicago, Mar. 24-29, 2026

Water for Elephants, Apr. 21-May 3, 2026

Suffs, May 12-17, 2026 and 

Disney’s The Lion King, Jun.10-Jul. 5, 2026

Visit cincinnati.broadway.com to register early for presale access and to learn all about the upcoming shows.

The post Broadway Across America Announces 25–26 Season appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

A familiar face is gracing the stage of the Taft Theatre…

Bob Herzog!!! Ope, we meant to say THE CAT IN THE HAT!

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat is taking to the big stage for four more shows this week…

Friday, February 21st @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 22nd @ 11 a.m.
Saturday, February 22nd @ 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 23rd @ 2 p.m. 

Be SURE to check out the hilarious Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat which is full of hi-jinks galore.

Want to see the show for FREE???

Enter-to-win a family-four pack of tickets to the
Saturday, February 22nd 11 a.m. show, here:

https://brparents.secondstreetapp.com/cat-in-the-hat/

Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat synopsis, from The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati:

60 minutes, @ the Taft Theatre

From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat that they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and the craziest of ideas, he is certainly loads of fun. He turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure… but what will mom find when she gets home…?

Featuring Local 12’s Bob Herzog!

Show is recommends for ages 4 and up or grades PreK -8

Read all about TCT and Gold Star’s Top 10 Teacher Finalists by clicking here!

About The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Now in our 105th season, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is the oldest professional theatre for young audiences in the country and is considered one of the top four children’s theatres in the nation. The mission of The Children’s of Cincinnati is to educate, entertain and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming. Our vision is to awaken a lifelong love of theatre in children and the young at heart. TCT brings art to life through three divisions, TCT MainStage at the Taft Theatre, TCT on Tour/WorkShops, and TCT Academy, serving more than 200,000 people each year. For more information visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

The post Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.