Friday, June 7
FREE FAMILY FUN FRIDAYS – ANIMAL PURSUITS
Encounter wildlife found in local backyards through animal games and a live animal demonstration. Rentschler Forest MetroPark Reigart Road Area , 5701 Reigart Road, Hamilton; 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; A valid MetroParks vehicle permit is required to enter the park, see website for more information.; 513-867-5835 or yourmetroparks.net.
PUPPETS FOR LUNCH
Puppets… for lunch?! Instead of eating the puppets, why not pack a picnic and enjoy a puppet show instead! Madcap Puppets will be performing The Great Space Caper and after the show, kids can stick around to enjoy a space – themed craft, bubbles, a scavenger hunt and games. Freddy’s Custard sundaes will be available on site for $2 each. Springfield Township Civic Center , 9158 Winton Road, Cincinnati; 12 p.m.; $2 general admission, Free for ArtsConnect members. ; 513-522-2108 or theartsconnect.us/.
ZOO BABIES
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 St., 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, June 8
FREE DRAWING CRAZY DINOSAURS
ROAR! Kids will love learning how to draw a wacky Jurassic world full of dinosaurs with artist Steve Harpster. Delhi Township Branch Library, 5095 Foley Road, Cincinnati; 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; 513-369-6019 or cincinnatilibrary.org.
SUMMER FUN AT ENTERTRAINMENT JUNCTION
Chugga chugga, choo choo! Chug on over to EnterTRAINment Junction to enjoy two popular outdoor train rides opening for the summer, the hand-cranked locomotives and the family train ride (weather permitting). Plus, visitors purchasing a special Do-It-All ticket through June 23 will get a free admission ticket to Coney Island’s classic rides. EnterTrainment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; $16.95 Do-It-All admission, includes FREE Coney Island classic rides ticket; 513-898-8000 or entertrainmentjunction.com
SHOW UP KIDS! INTERACTIVE FAMILY COMEDY
Laugh the day away with the entire family during this interactive comedy show. What happens when the main attraction of the comedy event doesn’t “Show Up”? The show must go on; the audience kids will help Peter Michael Marino create a show from scratch, including the setting, characters, plot and props… what could possibly go wrong? Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati; 1 p.m.; Pay what you can.; 513-300-5669 or showuptheshow.com/kids.
Sunday, June 9
FREE 2ND SUNDAY AT @ 7 CONCERT
Snack on some popcorn, sip on a soda and take in an exciting concert with the whole family; Forever Diamond, Cincinnati’s premier Neil Diamond tribute band, will be taking the stage for a rocking, free summer performance. Seating is available but limited, feel free to bring a lawn chair from home. The Arlington Memorial Gardens, 2145 Compton Road, Cincinnati; 7 p.m.; Free concert, popcorn and soda. Additional food available for purchase from Pit to Plate’s Food Truck.; 513-521-7003 or amgardens.org.
FREE BLUE MANATEE PRESENTS ZAK MORGAN
Head to Oakley’s family festival from 3 – 5 p.m. for an afternoon FULL of fun and memories! Grammy nominated performer Zak Morgan will be taking the stage to get kids dancing, singing and smiling; presented by Blue Manatee Literacy Project and Bookstore. Geier Esplanade, Cincinnati; 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.; 513-257-0774 or bluemanatee.org.
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
EGYPT: THE TIME OF PHARAOHS
Egyptologists of all ages will enjoy learning about the daily life of Egyptians during the time of Pharaohs. Step back in time with over 350 original artifacts (including some more than 4,500 years old), impressive scale models of cities and interactive hands-on components. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; $19.50 Adults, $17.50 Seniors, $12.50 Children ages 3 – 12, Member Adults, $12.50, Member Children $8.50. ; 513-287-7000 or cincymuseum.org.
FREE HARRIET’S BIRTHDAY PARTY
Help celebrate Harriet Beecher Stowe’s birthday with a day filled with family-friendly fun! Enjoy hands-on activities, docent-led tours, birthday cake, a visit from Harriet and live music from local favorite, Ma Crow. Harriet Beecher Stowe, 2950 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati; 1 – 4 p.m.; 513-751-0651 or stowehousecincy.org/events-and-lectures.html.
FREE HYDE PARK FARMERS’ MARKET
Browse local food, flowers and more while enjoying live music with the family; this weekly event runs on Sundays through October 27. Hyde Park Square, 2700 Erie Ave., Cincinnati; 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; hydeparkfarmersmarket.com
TEA WITH MOANA AND ARIEL (register)
Take to the sea and enjoy a morning tea party with Moana and Ariel. The BonBonerie, 2030 Madison Road, Cincinnati; 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; $35 per person.; 513-321-3399 or bonbonerie.com.
FREE TOMAHAWK THROWING
Explore the historic landmarks at Shawnee Lookout, then try out the popular, fast – growing sport of tomahawk throwing. Shawnee Lookout, Historic Cabin Area, 2008 Lawrenceburg, North Bend; 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.; A valid motor vehicle permit is required to enter the park.; 513-941-0120 or greatparks.org.