Friday, May 3
FREE CONNIE DOW AUTHOR VISIT Celebrate Children’s Book Week; head to the Blue Manatee Literacy Project for a fun and active story time with local author Connie Dow. Hear From A to Z with Energy read by it’s author and enjoy some movement activities, too! Blue Manatee Literacy Project , 3094 Madison Road, Cincinnati; 10 a.m.; 513-731-2665 or bluemanateebooks.com/.
FREE NO SPECTATORS: THE ART OF BURNING MAN
Art enthusiasts will be transported to the infamous Burning Man gathering with the exciting new exhibition. Installations featuring mutant art vehicles, costumes, films, jewelry and more will celebrate the innovation of the 70,000 creative minds who head to Black Rock City, Nevada each year. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; 513-721-2787 or cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
ZOO BABIES
Bring the family to meet the Zoo’s newest family members, the zoo babies. Six-foot-tall stork statues will lead visitors to adorable baby animals throughout the zoo. Zoo members and adventure ticket holders can enter the grounds one hour early, at 9 a.m. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; NEW! Save money and utilize plan-ahead ticketing by visiting the zoo website. Walk-up tickets available for purchase, call or go online for more information. ; 513-281-4700 or cincinnatizoo.org/events/zoo-babies/.
Saturday, May 4
FREE BIRDS OF PREY, NIGHT & DAY
Raptors are some of the most amazing animals in nature. Learn what makes hawks and owls the kings of the day and night skies then meet some live birds of prey. Sharon Woods , 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville; 1 p.m.; A valid Great Parks of Hamilton County vehicle permit is required to enter the park, see website for more information; 513-521-7275 or greatparks.org.
FREE BUTLER COUNTY FARM DAY
Visit a working farm to discover where food comes from, learn about farm life and meet animals. Reserve Run Family Farm, 2850 Lanes Mill Road, Oxford; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 513-887-3722 or butlerswcd.org.
FREE CINDERELLA KINDERBALLET
The Cincinnati Kinderballet will be visiting J F Dulles Elementary School to perform the classic tale “Cinderella”. The audience will be in awe as they watch Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother, fairies and mice take the stage. All ages are welcome to enjoy this show. Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library. J F Dulles Elementary , 6481 Bridgetown Road, Cincinnati; 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; 513-369-6095 or cincinnatilibrary.org.
MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU: MAKE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE SABER
Head to the Nature Playscape to craft a saber out of natural materials; pick the perfect willow stick and then craft it’s unique handle. Hang around for an adventure in nature, play with friends and celebrate “May the 4th be with You” day. Cincinnati Nature Center , 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford; 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.; Program included with daily admission. ($9 adults, $6 seniors, $4 children 4 – 12 years old, free for members and children 3 and under.); 513-831-1711 or cincynature.org.
FREE MAY THE FOURTH CELEBRATION
Calling all Star Wars fans! Hop aboard your Starfighter and head to the library to celebrate “May the Fourth be with You” day. There will be fun themed crafts, games and hands-on activities. Artists and illustrators from the Cincinnati Fan Art Collective will be on site and there will also be a Star Wars themed art exhibit. Main Branch , 800 Vine Street, Cincinnati; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; 513-369-6900 or cincinnatilibrary.org.
Sunday, May 5
BUTTERFLIES OF ECUADOR
The most whimsical family tradition has fluttered it’s way back to the Queen City. Head to the Krohn Conservatory with the whole family to experience thousands of beautiful butterflies happily flying overhead; a butterfly might even land ON your head if you are lucky! Be sure to look within the pages of Cincinnati Family Magazine for a $1 off admission coupon. Krohn Conservatory , 1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; $10 adults, $7 children 5 to 17 years old, Free for children 4 years old and under.; 513-421-4086 or cincinnatiparks.com/krohn.
TCT PRESENTS SLEEPING BEAUTY
Enjoy a classic fairy tale with a rockin’ twist. This humorous story follows Aurora (who prefers to go by “Rory”) as she explores everything her kingdom has to offer. Rory finds her strength during her encounters with a frog prince, her evil Fairy Godmother, her princess classmates and even a 20 foot dragon! Taft Theatre, 317 East 5th St., Cincinnati; 2 p.m.; Tickets starting at $10.; 18007453000 or ticketmaster.com or thechildrenstheatre.com.
YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN
Can’t get enough of Charlie Brown? Well, good grief! Get to the Marx Theatre and watch as the beloved Peanuts Gang comes to life on stage during this playful musical. Charlie Brown and his classmates go through the joys and frustrations of childhood together while playing their own musical instruments- very impressive! Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mount Adams Circle, Cincinnati; 2 p.m., 7 p.m.; Individual tickets starting at $35.; 513-421-3888 or cincyplay.com/productions/you-re-a-good-man-charlie-brown.