A Mom’s Guide to October Family Fun in Cincinnati & NKY {2017}

0


CMB Pick of the Month!

Because October is the month of Fall and Pumpkins, we feel it is only appropriate to highlight,
Neltner’s Farm Fall Festival
one of our team’s favorite events to showcase both!

September 30-October 29, 2017; weekdays 9am-6pm & weekends 10am-6pm

6922 Four Mile Road
Melbourne, KY 41059

There’s something for every member of your family: horse-drawn wagon rides, model train display, an expansive corn maze, our pick-your-own pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pony rides, homemade food and ice cream, farm shop, crafters, pottery, face-painting, seasonal apples, folk art, live music, a wonderful variety of demonstrations and a barrel train.

***CMB Tip – Admission is $5 on weekends, but free on weekdays, as not all activities are available during the week. Check out their website for specific details on what is offered on the day you wish to go! 

 


Mermaids & Pirates 

September 29 – October 15
Newport Aquarium
1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071
10am-6pm
Aquarium admission prices apply

Mermaids are returning to Newport Aquarium for a limited time only event. And, brand new for 2017, they’re joined by swashbuckling pirates!
Prepare to be mesmerized as you witness a real-life Mermaid swimming among the sea life in our Amazon Tunnel, including one of the world’s largest freshwater fish- the arapaima! Plus, enjoy a one-on-one visit with a Mermaid on dry land during our daily meet and greets in Shark Ray Bay Theater. Don’t forget your camera- you can get your photo taken with them! These special mermaids are visiting Newport Aquarium from different parts of the world, and along the way you’ll hear about how important ocean conservation is for them and all sea life.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents The Last Firefly by Naomi Iizuka 

September 30
Boone County Main Library
1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005
10am
FREE

Boom, son of Thunder, sets out on epic search for his father, discovering his true self and strength within him.

Star Wars And The Power of Costume 

Through October 1
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203
Mondays-Saturdays: 10am-5pm; Sundays: 11am-6pm
$24 Adult, $17 Member Adult, $21 Senior (60 and over), $16 Child (3-12), $12 Member Child

Iconic costumes from “a galaxy far, far away” are presented in the Smithsonian traveling exhibition.

Luminary Night Hike 

October 1
Glenwood Gardens – Gatehouse
10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215
6:30-8:30pm
$5/person ages 2 and up, a valid Great Parks of Hamilton County Motor Vehicle Permit ($3 daily, $10 annual) is required to enter the park, Register for a departure time by 10/5

Take a magical night hike through lantern-lit woods and meet different characters along the way who will introduce you to legends and lore. Guided hikes depart every eight minutes between 6:30and 8:30 p.m., with sign-ups beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the gatehouse. Please bring your own stick to toast marshmallows over the fire while you wait for your group to depart.

Fall Park Fest 

October 1
Winton Woods
10245 Winton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231
12-4pm
FREE

Celebrate the coming of fall with music, dance, boat tours, mini golf, and health and wellness booths.

REC Reads 

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

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

PJ Masks: Time To Be a Hero 

October 4
Taft Theatre
317 E. Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
6pm
$29.50 – $99.50 VIP

Super news for PJ Masks fans! The live show is based on eOne’s top-rated animated TV series, which airs daily on Disney Junior. Catboy, Owlette, Gekko, and the Baddies will delight fans of all ages with live performances featuring world-class production, familiar and original music, acrobatics, and immersive interactivity.

Taft Jr.: Spooky Art 

October 5
Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
11:15am-12:15pm
$10 non-members in advance (includes Museum admission), $12 day of program, FREE for Taft member; Information & registration: [email protected] or (513)684-4517.

Taft Jr. welcomes visitors 3 to 5 years old, along with their caregivers, on the first Thursday of each month from September through May. Taft Jr. allows preschoolers to have fun learning about and making art with their favorite adults while absorbing good museum manners. Each program will feature a story time, a close-up encounter with a piece of art, and a craft. Get in the Halloween spirit at the Taft! Hear a story about a bat who loves color, make your own colorfully spooky monster, and learn about the Taft’s very own trickster (but not scary!) ghost.

Astronomy Night 

Thursdays &/or Fridays Through – October 27
Cincinnati Observatory Center
3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH 45208
8-9:30pm
$7, $5 ages under 18, Reservations required

In awe of the beauty of the night sky? Have questions about the Universe? This is where you can get the answers. Astronomy Night includes 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.

Fall for Symmes 

October 6
Symmes Township Park
11600 Lebanon Road, Loveland, OH 45140
5-9pm
FREE

Petting zoo, hay maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch and more. Refreshments sold by Symmes Township Historical Society.

Donauschwaben Oktoberfest

October 6-8
Donauschwaben Park
4290 Dry Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45252
Friday 6pm-12am, Saturday 2pm-12am, Sunday 10am-8pm
$3 admission; Children 12 and under are FREE

Features continuous live German music and dance performers, wide selection of food and drink including over 25 German and domestic beers, pit-roasted Bavarian pig and chicken and sausage. Convenient shuttle parking.

Re(NEW)ed Celebration 

October 7
Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
10am-3pm
FREE

This free community event celebrates the reopening of Music Hall, the state-of-the art, newly-renovated iconic home of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera and Cincinnati May Festival. The celebration will feature more than 50 live performances by these performing arts organizations and others at multiple stages and venues. All events are free and open to the general public. No tickets or reservations are required.

Devougrass Music & Arts Festival 

October 7
Devou Park Bandshell
Covington, KY 41011
Noon to dusk
FREE

Join a free, daylong music, food and arts festival that features live bluegrass music, children’s activities, gourmet food trucks, arts and crafts, and much more, all to benefit the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky.

First Family Saturday: Cincinnati Digs 

October 7
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
12-4pm
FREE

Designed with the whole family in mind! Performances, artist demonstrations, storytelling, scavenger hunts, tours, and hands-on art making activities are just the start of the fun for the whole family.

CliftonFest Kid’s Zone 

October 7
Burnet Woods – Digg’s Plaza
3251 Brookline Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220
12-7pm
FREE

The Kid’s Entertainment zone will feature a variety of ongoing entertainment in the Digg’s Plaza area of Burnet Woods. Featured activities will include life-size games, carnival games, balloon art and craft activities. An inflatable ride will also be included. In addition to these activities, a series of entertainers will perform using Diggs Plaza as a stage.

Linton PB&J Concert: A Musical Zoo 

October 7
Heritage Presbyterian Church
6546 S. Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason, OH 45040
10-10:45am & 11:30am-12:15pm
$6 for an individual ticket (child or adult); $20 for a Flexible Ticket Book (4 tickets)

Listen! Is that a bird or a flute? Is that a swan or a cello? Is that a fish or a piano? Come, hear and find out on an adventure through our musical zoo!

Oxford Apple Butter Festival 

October 7 & 8
Hueston Woods State Park – Pioneer Farm
6924 Brown Road, Oxford, OH 45056
10am-5pm
$4, FREE children under 12

The Hueston Woods AppleButter Festival provides a vignette of 19th century farm life and features continual making and canning of apple butter in the pioneer fashion throughout the event. A great family activity conveniently located for Butler & Preble County residents. In addition to apple butter sales, a wide variety of apples, cider, pumpkins and gourds can be purchased on the grounds. Tours are conducted through the Doty homestead and the barn, both of mid 1980’s vintage and exhibiting a broad display of museum artifacts. Each year demonstrations of pioneer crafts are featured along with a theme program.
Proceeds are directed to the historic preservation goals of the Association.

Sunflower Festival 

October 7 & 8
Gorman Heritage Farm
10052 Reading Road, Evendale, OH 45241
10am-6pm
$8, $5 children and seniors; FREE on-site parking

Sunflower maze, hayrides, pumpkins, food trucks, local vendors and entertainment.

Cincinnati Mini Maker Faire

October 7 & 8
Hamilton County Fairgrounds
7801 Anthony Wayne Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45216
11am-5pm
FREE for Cincinnati Museum Center members, $7 advanced non-members, $10 day of non-members

Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, projects. We call it the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth – a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness.
Glimpse the future and get inspired!


Fall-O-Ween Festival

October 7-22
Coney Island
6201 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45228
Weekends 1-7pm
$11 ages 2 and up, FREE under age 2 unless participating in Trick-or-Treat Trail, $5 per vehicle

Enjoy a trick-or-treat trail for kids, Fright Lights musical light show and farm yard friends.


Fall Harvest Flyer 

October 7-28
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad
127 S. Mechanic Street, Lebanon, OH 45036
Saturdays: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, & 4pm; Sundays: 10:30am & 12:30pm
$15 adults, $12 children and seniors, FREE infants 1 year and under

Autumn is the best time for a train ride! Take a relaxing ride with your family aboard the LM&M Railroad’s Fall Flyer. Enjoy a pleasant 1 hour and 15 minute journey between Lebanon and Hageman Junction.

HallZOOween 

October 7-29
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Weekends 12-4pm
Included with Zoo admission

Trick or treat around zoo. Themed activities and entertainment.

Ohio Renaissance Festival 

Through – October 29
Ohio Renaissance Park
10542 E. Ohio 73, Harveysburg, OH 45032
Weekends 10:30am-6pm
$22.50, $9.50 ages 5-12; discounts available online

Cheer your favorite knight to victory as he competes for the queen’s honor in the thrilling full-armored joust. The lanes are bustling with storytellers, strolling musicians, singers, dancers and villagers welcoming you to a festive day of living history. Feast like royalty on juicy roasted turkey legs, fresh-baked bread bowl stews, fish ‘n chips, steak-on-a-stake, and a variety of the finest beers and wines. The sprawling landscape is dotted with 12 stages and a unique open-air shopper’s marketplace with more than 130 merchants and demonstrating craftsmen. Visitors of all ages will be amused by the games of skill and human-powered rides. Try your hand at archery and see if you’re a modern-day Robin Hood, or climb the castle tower and rescue the lovely damsel in distress.

Old West Festival

Through – October 15
1449 Greenbush Cobb Road, Williamsburg, OH 45176
Weekends 10am-6pm
$14.99 adult, $11.99 children ages 3-12, all-inclusive tickets also available; FREE parking

Western-themed festival takes the whole family down a historic, dusty road to the times of the Old, Wild West. Guests will be treated to gun fightin’, old medicine and magic shows, a saloon with something to wet everybody’s whistle, live bluegrass entertainment, and so much more. Rain or Shine.

Grass Roots: A Garden of Art and Innovation 

Through – October 29
Krohn Conservatory
1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Tuesday – Sunday 10am-5pm
$4 adult, $2 youth (5-17), 4 and under FREE

Every day at the Krohn Conservatory there is natural beauty everywhere, and at the 2017 Fall Show you will see how art first began with nature itself–– inspiring so many artists throughout history. The Fall Show will include TRAINS and beautiful works of art (framed copies) from artists of all levels, local to world-renowned. Their eclectic styles are united by the influence of nature!

Second Sunday on Main 

October 8
Cincinnati’s Main Street
14th and Main Streets, Cincinnati, OH 45202
12-5pm
FREE

Street fair on Main featuring craft and food vendors, entertainment, demonstrations and more. In September we will have even more live music and performances!

My Nose Turns Red Youth Circus Performance 

October 8
Clifton Cultural Arts Center
3711 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220
2-3pm
$5, FREE children

Circus performance complete with clowns, juggling, unicycle riding and other impressive antics. Recommended for family audiences.

Wildlife Wednesdays: Above or Beneath the Snow? 

October 11
Little Miami Scenic River and Trail Center
211 Railroad Avenue, Loveland, OH 45140
10-11am
FREE

Days are getting shorter, nights are getting longer, and weather is getting cooler. Learn how nature adapts to these changes, who hibernates and who braves the cold. Identify trees as you take a colorful, guided hike with your favorite Naturalist, say goodbye to our local wildlife before they scurry off for the winter. Join in on a fun activity and make a beautiful, fall craft!

BLINK 

October 12-15
Downtown Cincinnati, OH 45202
7-11pm
FREE

BLINK is a four-day light and art event spanning 20 city blocks from Cincinnati’s Banks to Findlay Market. The event will feature more than 70 animated light shows projected onto buildings, murals, interactive art sculptures and other light-based displays. Through an immersive, inclusive and magical experience, BLINK will define Cincinnati as a welcoming, innovative and creative future city.

Summerfair: BLINK will be located in Piatt Park at Garfield Place Friday through Sunday. Architects of Air, to be located in Washington Park, is BLINK’s only paid and ticketed attraction. The $5 entry tickets will be available for purchase in October.

Cinema in the Cemetery featuring Hocus Pocus 

October 13
Linden Grove Cemetery
Holman Street between 13th & 15th Streets, Covington, KY 41017
8pm
FREE

Family-friendly films begin at dusk, weather permitting. Bring own seating and picnic. Ages under 16 must be accompanied by adult.

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra Presents The Music of John Williams: Star Wars and Beyond 

October 13-15
Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Friday & Saturday: 8pm, Sunday: 2pm
Kids’ tickets just $15.

The majesty of Music Hall is revealed again through the musical genius of John Williams’ greatest hits, as performed by JMR and the Pops. Experience selections from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter and more by the master of film music. Plus hear the world premiere of the theme from Schindler’s List adapted for cello and orchestra, offered personally by John Williams!

Salt Festival 

October 13-15
Big Bone Lick State Park
3380 Beaver Road, Union, KY 41091
Friday 9am-3pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10:30am-5pm
$5 per person, FREE children 5 and under

Journey back in time as Big Bone Lick returns to days long past. There will be numerous hands-on demonstrations and activities for people of all ages, including flint-knapping, pioneer life camps, salt making, weaving, spear throwing, storytelling, music, atlatl tossing and more. Browse the crafter’s corner to see the many hand crafted items for sale; then refresh yourself and your family at the food court. While you are visiting don’t forget to see the bison herd!

Harvest Moon Festival 

October 14
Swaim Park
Zig Zag and Cooper Roads, Montgomery, OH 45242
5-8pm
FREE

Enjoy s’mores, crafts, hayrides, food, entertainment, pony rides, crafts and face painting.

Ohio Sauerkraut Festival 

October 14 & 15
Downtown Waynesville
Main, High and Miami Streets, Waynesville, OH 45068
Saturday 9am-8pm & Sunday 9am-6pm
FREE

Food, crafts and more. Craft vendors from more than 25 states. Cabbage rolls, ruebens, sauerkraut sundae, brownies, cookies, pies, pizza, cabbage soup and more.

3rd Sunday Funday: Fabulous Fall Funday 

October 15
Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
1-4pm
FREE; No reservations required

Halloween is on its way—start the fun at Fabulous Fall Funday! Make a fall decoration to take home, learn about the Taft’s spooky art and friendly ghosts, and become an expert puzzle solver at the Art Cart. Learn about and meet a few bats during a presentation by EchoBats at 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.

Seussical The Musical 

October 19-22
Patricia Corbett Theater
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221
Five performances at various times
$35, $18

Featuring book and music by UC alumnus Stephen Flaherty, Seussical brings Dr. Seuss characters to life in musical that’s fun for whole family.


Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents
The Last Firefly by Naomi Iizuka 

October 21
Memorial Hall (Over-the-Rhine)
1225 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
2pm
FREE but tickets are required

It begins with light and a flash. Then comes a sound, a pulse, a beat, a crash like a giant hammer smashing through the sky. The fantastic story of Boom, the son of Thunder, is a mythical adventure about discovering one’s inner strength. After being forced out of his home at the hand of his cruel stepfather, Boom sets out on a journey of self-discovery where he must courageously battle forces of nature. Along the way, he encounters conflict with the animals of an enchanted forest who will either help or hinder him in his quest. This epic tale combines Japanese fairy tales and folklore to create an exciting theatrical experience for young people.


Madcap Puppets presents The Legend of Sleepy Hollow 

October 21
Clermont County Public Library – Amelia Branch
58 Maple Street, Amelia, OH 45102
10:30am
FREE, Registration required

Puppet adaptation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Suggested for children ages 6 and up.

The City Flea 

October 21
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.

Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Presents Peter Pan Jr. 

October 21-22 & 27-29
Taft Theatre
317 E. Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Various evening and matinee performances; Sensory-friendly performance: Monday, October 30 at 9:45am
$1-$30

Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook. Peter Pan JR. is the perfect show for the child in all of us.

Jack-O-Lantern Junction 

September 23 – October 31
EnterTrainment Junction
7379 Squire Court, West Chester, OH 45069
Daily 10am-6pm, Sundays: 12-6pm
Admission fees apply

Trick-or-treat in the world’s largest indoor train exhibit. Plus, an indoor pumpkin patch, outdoor train rides and a kid-friendly maze.

Disney on Ice Presents Reach for the Stars 

October 26-29
U.S. Bank Arena
100 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Various evening and afternoon performances
Tickets start at $17

Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy set the stage for a star-studded talent extravaganza as Disney on Ice presents Reach For The Stars.

Orienteering Trail of Treats 

October 27
Rentschler Forest Preserve
5701 Reigart Road, Hamilton, OH 45011
5-7pm
$4 per child, $10 max family

Get map showing locations of several treat baskets. Use map and wits to find baskets and collect tokens. Turn in tokens for candy or toy.

Books by the Banks 

October 28
Duke Energy Convention Center
525 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
10am-4pm
FREE

An annual celebration of books and reading featuring national, regional, and local authors and illustrators, book signings, panel discussions, and activities for the entire family to enjoy.


Fall Fest Weekend 

October 28 & 29
Washington Park
12-6pm
FREE

Join us at Washington Park for a weekend of fall family fun! We’ve got a jam-packed entertainment lineup for all ages. There will also be local vendors selling craft & homemade items, baked goods & more.


The Great Pumpkin Fest 

September 30 – October 29
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, OH 45040
Saturdays & Sundays: 12-6pm
Included with park admission

Enjoy all treats and no tricks at this kid-friendly Halloween party hosted by Snoopy and the Peanuts gang.

Previous articleFailing at Motherhood Sucks
Next articleWhen You’re Done SAHM-ing…
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