August Family Fun in Cincinnati & NKY {2018}

0

An Apothecary Soul Garden

Through August 19
Krohn Conservatory
1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Tuesday – Sunday 10am-5pm
$4 adult, $2 youth (5-17), 4 and under FREE

Take a stroll through the apothecary garden filled with herbs and healing plants. Not only will you learn about traditional remedies and recipes used to treat ailments, but you can explore our own rendition of a rustic and charming apothecary shop! You will find a calming blend of rocks, ferns, and moss in our tranquil moss garden and an informative display of medicinal plants and herbs such as rosemary, echinacea, and aloe.

Wednesdays in the Woods: Concert Series  

August 1 & 8
Burnet Woods – historic bandstand
3251 Brookline Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220
7-9pm
FREE, contributions encouraged

Come celebrate everything great about summer at our spirited series of 10 free weekly concerts. Good friends, good tunes, good food, good times with a variety of hands-on art-making activities for the kids!

Party on the Purple

August 1
Purple People Bridge
Access via Newport on the Levee in KY via Sawyer Point in Cincinnati
6-11pm
FREE

Weekly party on bridge with live bands, food from local food trucks, and drinks to raise money for bridge maintenance.

Smale Family Fun Day!  

August 2
Smale Riverfront Prak – Schmidlapp Event Lawn (next to Moerlein Lager House)
100 E. Ted Berry Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
10am-1pm
FREE

Join us for live music and children’s play by MadCap Puppet. Free face painting, balloon artist, lawn games, clowns, and so much more!

Glier’s Goettafest 

August 2-5
Festival Park Newport
Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
Thursday & Friday: 5-11pm; Saturday: 12-1pm; Sunday: 12-9pm; Fireworks after Reds game Friday
FREE admission

Glier’s Goettafest is a family-fun festival celebrating the region’s love of Goetta. Goetta will be prepared in many delicious ways including Goetta Reubens, omelets, pizza and more. There will be continuous live music, games and rides.

Delhi Skirt Game

August 3
Remke Market Delhi Township
5025 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, OH 45238
5pm
FREE

Come see what the Skirt Game is all about. Anything that has lasted over 40 years must be worth attending. Come for the food and drink and entertainment and stay for Delhi’s only LEGAL fireworks display.

Astronomy Friday 

August 3, 10, 17 & 24
Cincinnati Observatory Center
3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH 45208
8:30-10pm
$7, $5 ages under 18; FREE for Observatory members; Please call 513.321.5186 for reservations

In awe with the beauty of the night sky? Have questions about the Universe? This is where you can get the answers. Astronomy Fridays include short presentations on a wide variety of topics and plenty of time for your astro questions. Tour of the Cincinnati Observatory, which as a National Historic Landmark played an important role in the history of Cincinnati and our nation. Once dark, we will view the Moon, planets and deep space treasures through the historic 1845 telescope. (The program is held rain or shine; telescope viewing if clear skies). The topics and the night sky change week-to-week/month-to-month so you can visit often to hear and see something new.

Pirates of the Ohio Cruise  

August 3, 17 & 31
BB Riverboats
101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
3-4:30pm
$25 for Adults & $20 for Children

Ahoy Mateys! Board the Captain’s boat for an afternoon cruise full of fun and games for the entire family. The kids will pick up their free pirate hat and eye patch before boarding this popular cruise on the Ohio River. Get your pirate tattoo or participate in one of our pirate games to see if anyone will have to “Walk the Plank”. See if you can use your treasure map to collect your bounty before the cruise pulls back into the dock. Ever wonder why BB Riverboats flies the “Jolly Roger”? Listen to the Captain’s commentary as you cruise by all of the sights!

Ohio River Paddlefest  

August 4
Schmidt Recreation Complex
2944 Humbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45226
7am – 12:30pm
Registration required

9 mile float trip on the Ohio begins at the Schmidt Recreation Complex in the East End and ends at the Gilday Riverside Park in Riverside. Paddler’s Party for a Cause occurs the day before and then stay after the paddle for the Finish Line Festival.

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra 

August 4
Devou Park
1344 Audubon Road, Covington, KY 41011
7:30 pm
FREE, $5 suggested donation

Join us under the stars again this summer as the KSO presents another spectucular series of family-friendly performances in the beautiful, natural setting of Devou Park Bandshell. The series, sponsored by Toyota, has become a family tradition for thousands of Greater Cincinnatians from both sides of the river. Come on down, bring a picnic basket, sit back and make some memories that will last a lifetime.

Chuck Wagon Dinner Rides 

August 4
Bonnybrook Farms
3779 Ohio 132, Clarksville, OH 45113
5-9 pm
$40, $28 ages 5-12, FREE ages 4 and under; Reservations required

Climb aboard for a ride down an abandoned country road to the old chuck wagon at Todd Fork creek.  Enjoy fresh-baked desserts and  sip tin cup coffee and soft drinks, then gather ’round the campfire where kids of all ages can roast s’mores.

Flying Circus

August 4 & 5
Butler County Regional Airport
2820 Bobmeyer Road, Fairfield, OH 45015
11:30-4pm
$5 admission, ages 6 and under FREE, Parking FREE

Don’t miss one of the largest radio-controlled air shows in the country! Concessions and mementos for sale.

Free Stargazes at Stonelick State Park 

August 4 & 11
Stonelick State Park
2895 Lake Drive, Pleasant Plain, OH 45162
Begins at dusk; held only if clear skies
FREE

This is a great opportunity to view planets, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and stars.
It is also a good chance to see many different types of telescopes in action, ask questions and become involved in the fascinating world of astronomy. Amateur astronomers are more than willing to have you look through their telescopes as well as explain astronomical concepts, from basic to complex.

Sunday Sun-Day Sundae 

August 5
Cincinnati Observatory
3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH 45208
1-4pm
FREE; No reservations needed

The Sun is the star attraction and you can learn all about our nearest stellar neighbor. Sunday Sun-day Sundae includes short talks about the Sun, tours of our historic buildings, and safe viewing of sunspots and solar flares from our 1845 telescope (weather permitting).
As a special treat, we will also have free sundaes for those in attendance.

Hamilton County Fair

August 8-12
Hamilton County Fairgrounds
7801 Anthony Wayne Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45216
Wednesday – Friday: 4-11pm, Saturday: 11am-11pm, Sunday: 12-10pm
$7 admission, $5 parking; Special $3 admission Wednesday only

Pig racing, Big Top Circus, Demolition Derbies, farm animal petting farm, livestock and poultry displays, blacksmith demonstration, remote control car racing, wood carving display and much more.

Great Inland Seafood Festival   

August 9-13
Festival Park Newport
Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
Thursday & Friday: 5-11pm; Saturday: 12-11pm; Sunday: 12-9pm
FREE

The Great Inland Seafood Festival is held along the riverbank in Newport features premium seafood dishes from restaurants around the Northern Kentucky / Greater Cincinnati Region and music for all. 

Mt. Adams Cinema in the City: Labyrinth in Eden Park w/Jake Speed & The Freddies   

August 10
Seasongood Pavilion
950 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
7-11pm (Music starts at 7pm; Movie starts at dusk)
FREE

It’s only forever, not long at all…
Join the Mt. Adams Civic Association for a FREE showing of Labyrinth at Seasongood Pavilion in Eden Park, with pre-film music provided by Jake Speed & The Freddies.
Music starts at 7 pm with Jake Speed & The Freddies
Labyrinth starts at dusk
Fireside Pizza Walnut Hills and Streetpops will be on site! There will also be concessions, raffles, and activities for the kiddos. All ages! Free!
Come out and enjoy a summer evening with your neighbors!

Night Hike

August 10
Sharon Woods – Sharon Centre
11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, OH 45241
8:30pm
FREE

Bring the family as we delve into the mysterious world of nature at night. We’ll begin our hike as the sun sets and put our nocturnal senses to the test.

1940s Day at Lunken Airport

August 11
Cincinnati Municipal Lunken Airport
262 Wilmer Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45226
10am-5pm
FREE for Cincinnati Museum Center Members and Veterans; $10 adult, $5 children for non-Members

Jump, jive and swing your way back in time with the Museum Center’s annual 1940s Day! Museum Center and Lunken Airport have been in cahoots to bring back this crowd favorite. On Saturday, August 11, Lunken Airport will be filled with the sights and sounds of the 1940s. It is sure to be a swell event so don’t be a fuddy-duddy so shine your dancing shoes, pin curl your hair and come on down for a day of good old fashioned fun!

O.F.F. Market  

August 11
MadTree Taproom
3301 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209
10am-4pm
FREE admission

The O.F.F. Market is setting up shop inside MadTree Brewing! Artists, bakers, chefs, scavengers, mobile boutiques, and everything in between will be converging on MadTree Brewing for an exciting indoor market in the Barrel Warehouse.

Festival on The Lake 

August 11
A.J. Jolly Park
1565 Race Track Road, Alexandria, KY 41011
2-11pm
$5 adults, FREE kids 12 and under

Festival on the Lake Music and Wine Festival featuring: Billy Rock Band, OTIS, The Wooks, The Josephines, Kyle Daniels Band, The Scotty Bratcher Band. Plenty of free parking on site. Food vendors, crafters, kids activities. Bring your lawn chairs. No outside food or drinks please. 

Jane’s Saddlebag Annual Kids Festival

August 11 & 12
Janes Saddlebag
13989 Ryle Road, Union, KY 41091
12-5pm
FREE

This event is our way to give thanks to everyone who supports us. Free petting zoo, free inflatables, free kid’s play land and free hay rides. This free festival is quickly becoming one of our largest festivals at JSB. This year due to demand we have added more outside amenities such as a food tent, etc.

Princess Cruise  

August 11 & 25
BB Riverboats
101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
12-2pm
$25 for Adults & $20 for Children

We respectfully request that all Royal Princesses join us for an enchanting afternoon aboard our Princess Cruise. Enjoy a unique cruise featuring a DJ, dancing and appearances by some of your favorite fairy tale princesses that we all love. Bring your “Little Princess” onboard and enjoy an afternoon that will truly be a “Royal” experience.

Second Sunday on Main: Second Line Sunday on Main!

August 12
Main Street
14th & Main Streets, Cincinnati, OH 45202
12-5pm
FREE admission

Street fair on Main featuring craft and food vendors, entertainment, demonstrations and more.

Double Talk: Bilingual Tour 

August 12
Contemporary Arts Center
44 E. 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
1-2pm
FREE

Want to strengthen your Spanish or English language skills? Explore the CAC’s architecture exhibitions with a bilingual guide who will encourage dialogue amongst the group. Tours will be conducted in both English and Spanish so speakers of all levels are welcome.

30th Annual Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion

August 17-19
Sawyer Point
Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Friday: 6-10pm, Saturday: 12-8pm, Sunday: 10am-8pm
FREE

The Midwest Black Family Reunion Celebration is one of Cincinnati’s largest family-focused events. This 2-day fun-filled weekend event brings consumers, corporations, and communities together to focus on the historic strengths and values of the Black Family. Bring your families and friends and make this a reunion to remember!

The City Flea + Kids Market

August 18
Washington Park
1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
10am-4pm
FREE admission

The City Flea is Cincinnati’s original curated, urban flea market that takes place once a month at Washington Park and various other locations throughout the year. Since its conception in 2011 The Flea has seen dozens of vendors grow from hobby to full time business and it is with much pride that we consider ourselves not only a monthly market, but a small business incubator, community organization, and city advocate. The Flea is a place to keep your dollars local, support small business and experience YOUR city in a unique and engaging way. Our vendors range from vintage dealers to artisan pizza makers to plant studios. We have something for everyone.

Visitor Appreciation Days    

August 18 & 19
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
10am-6pm
Half-priced  Admission

As a “Thank You” to Hamilton County for their continued support, Zoo visitors of all ages can enjoy half price admission! Zoo visitors continue to play a crucial role in maintaining the Cincinnati Zoo’s status as a world-class organization.

FC Cincinnati Meet & Greet  

August 19
Coney Island
6201 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45228
1-3pm
FREE event; Rides, pool, and parking fees apply

FC Cincinnati is coming to Coney Island! Meet some players of your favorite soccer team, get a picture and ask questions. This event is FREE! Wear your FC Cincinnati spirit wear and get special food discounts throughout the park! Then, spend the day enjoying Sunlite Water Adventure, taking a spin on the rides, or even playing a round of mini golf.

3rd Sunday Fundays: Green Art 

August 19
Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
1-4pm
FREE

Get green this Funday! Re-use materials to make a brand new craft, look for examples of nature in the Taft collection, and learn about natural paints and artists’ tools. Join us at 2 p.m. for the interactive “STEAM! Powered Recycling” program by Crystal Clear Science Inc. Stop by the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden station to discover how going green can help wildlife, and meet a few of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors, 3–4 p.m. 

Germania Society Oktoberfest      

August 24-26
Germania Society of Cincinnati
3529 W. Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45251
Friday: 6pm-12am, Saturday: 2pm-12am, Sunday: 12-8pm
$5, 12 and under FREE; FREE admission for active and retired military personnel with current military ID; FREE parking

Cincinnati’s original and most authentic Oktoberfest. Our Oktoberfest features traditional German food, including our famous sauerkraut balls, our legendary Oktoberfest chicken, Schwenkbraten, Wursts, delicious German pastries, and much more! We also have a variety of German Biers, Wein, and Schnapps. Germania Oktoberfest is proudly sponsored by Warsteiner Bier.
There’s live German music all weekend, dancing, and fun for the whole family. We have all NEW carnival rides, games for kids, as well as games of skill and chance for the big kids. And we offer a wide variety of Imported German merchandise and gifts, including Steins, Trachten, and more.

The Bluegrass Market at Burlington 

August 25 & 26
Boone County Fairgrounds
5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington, KY 41005
Saturday: 10am-5pm & Sunday: 10am-4pm
$5 (cast only), FREE kids 12 and under; FREE Parking

The Bluegrass Market at Burlington is an “all things Kentucky and beyond” inspired open-air market for the entire family. Live music, kid activities, and a variety of delicious foods from around the area. A shopping experience for both ladies and gents, showcasing some of the best local small businesses, shops, crafters and artisans from the area. The Boone County Animal Shelter will also be at the Market on Saturday with their Adoption Waggin!

Make Way for Ducklings: The Art of Robert McClosky 

July 20 – September 9
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Tuesday-Sunday: 11am-5pm, Thursday: 11am-8pm
FREE

Make Way for Ducklings: The Art of Robert McCloskey celebrates the writer and illustrator whose classic children’s books have captivated children of all ages for generations. The recipient of two Caldecott Medals and three Caldecott Honors, McCloskey was a major force in twentieth century children’s literature.
The exhibition consists of over 100 original artworks, ephemera, and rare preliminary book materials. While emphasis centers on his classic, Make Way for Ducklings (1941) the exhibition considers McCloskey’s entire works including Centerburg Tales (1951), which recall his youth in Hamilton, Ohio. In addition, it includes his family-based stories in his adopted home state of Maine such as Blueberries for Sal (1948) and Time of Wonder (1957). A selection of independent work—watercolors and paintings that connect McCloskey to such prominent twentieth century American painters as Thomas Hart Benton and Edward Hopper—are also showcased.

Shakespeare in the Park  

Through September 1
Communities across the tri-state area
Varying times
FREE

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its tradition for over a decade of performing Shakespeare in the Park in communities across the tri-state area with Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Romeo and Juliet this summer!  

Mission Aerospace  

Through September 9
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203
Mondays-Saturdays: 10am-5pm; Sundays: 11am-6pm
FREE for Members! $10.50 Adult, $9.50 Senior, $8.50 Children (3-12), Toddlers (ages 1-2) $5.50

Mission Aerospace is your chance to prove you have the right stuff to lead the future of space exploration. Over a dozen experiments, puzzles and activities are packed into an a-maze-ing journey of twists and turns. Learn about the history of rockets and flight, explore the technology that supports modern-day aeronautics and test the laws of aerodynamics by creating advanced paper airplanes and rockets.

Chocolate: The Exhibition  

Open Now through January 6
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203
Mondays-Saturdays: 10am-5pm; Sundays: 11am-6pm
Member Adult: $7, Member Child: FREE, Non-member Adult: $14, Non-member Child: $10

From kings to kids, rainforests to candy wrappers, experience the global journey of everyone’s favorite sweet treat.
Chocolate hasn’t always been a bar. It hasn’t always been widely available. It hasn’t even always been sweet. Chocolate: The Exhibition tracks the rich history of the cacao bean, from its beginning as a royal — even divine — Mayan drink to its current role as a romantic gesture, guilty pleasure and global commodity. Follow the history of chocolate culture and science from the 10th century rainforest to the modern-day corner store.
Few food items are both so historically and gastronomically (deliciously?) rich. Vivid environments and imagery, over a hundred exhibited objects and the tantalizing scent of chocolate await to tell this treat’s amazing history.

REC Reads 

Wednesdays
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
11:30am-12pm
FREE

Bring your toddlers or preschoolers to the Rosenthal Education Center for a morning of art-themed storybooks, songs, and sensory activities. This 30-minute program will get your little one excited about art in a fun and interactive way.

 

Previous article4 Reasons Why Paw Patrol is Ridiculous
Next articleThe Toddler’s Bill of Rights in Public Places
Lisa Springer
I am a native Cincinnatian, born and raised on the West Side and currently settled across the river in Northern Kentucky. I’m a former Highlander, Bearcat, Falcon, and Fulbright Scholar. My greatest challenge hitherto is the one I love the most: being a Mom to an energetic eight-year-old boy. When not working full-time at one of the city’s great hospitals, I’m trying to fit in all there is to do in this wonderful city – and there is certainly A LOT to do! As one who loves to read, I am an advocate for the public library and go multiple times a week. You can often find me at Music Hall enjoying the ballet, opera, and orchestra. I am an introvert, a bit of a foodie, an NPR listener, a pessimist who likes to think she’s a realist, a middle child, an ex-wife and amicable co-parent, a fiancée, and much, much more. I feel lucky to have grown up in Cincinnati and to be raising my own child in this wonderful city.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here