Educational Enrichment Summer 2017

No school should not mean “no learning.” Keep your kids active physically and mentally this summer by

providing them fun, interesting, and educational things to do. This summer enrichment guide has 3 major

parts: summer theme suggestions (and how to make them a reality), websites to find activities and events

over the summer months, and suggested destinations within a 2 ½ hour radius of St. Thomas More. We are

already planning ways to have fun over the summer. Hopefully this guide will help your family do the

same!

Julie Esposito (j.esposito.dvm@gmail.com)

Summer Theme Ideas

Joe informed me three years ago that he wanted to study fossils. Michael, not wanting to be outdone,

promptly said that if Joe got to study fossils, he wanted to study bones. Thus was born our new tradition of

summer themes. Each child choses a topic and we look for books, websites, activities, events, destinations,

and adventures centered around the theme. Other themes we have explored included gardens, forts,

insects, and Indians. We are already working on putting together exciting plans centered around this year’s

themes: Astronomy and the Night Sky (Joe) and Airplanes (Michael). Here are some of the ways we’ll

accomplish this:

• Check-out and read library books on the topic

• Search the web for videos and kid-friendly websites

• Have family discussion on topics related to the theme

• Attend programs/activities offered locally for kids that fit in with the theme

• Visit places in town or as day trips to the surrounding area that fit the theme

Below are some new summer theme ideas for your family to consider. The 18 themes from previous

summers follow—all have been updated with 2017 dates. I also tried to add some more web sites this year.

Don’t feel limited to these themes—they are simply examples for you. Also, don’t feel like you have to let

every child choose a different theme—you may prefer to vote on a single theme for the entire family.

Remember, you don’t have to do every activity or suggestion. They are only provided to give you ideas.

New Topics for 2017

Creeks and Rivers

• Attend various theme related programs at Hamilton County Parks http://www.greatparks.org

• 2017 Programs include Creekin in the Park, Ohio River Sweep, Creek Exploration, Creek

Adventure Hike, River Bank Exploration

• Attend a canoe or kayak program on the Little Miami River hosted by Hamilton County Parks

http://www.greatparks.org

• Attend Paddlefest at June 18-20, 2017 http://www.canoekayak.com/events/cincinnatis-

paddlefest-weekend-kicks-off-june-18-at-coney-island/#CtJu84p4icgjSt1j.97

• Attend the Cardboard Boat Regatta and boat races in New Richmond August 19, 2017

http://www.newrichmond.org/cardboard-boat-regatta.html

• Take a B&B Riverboat Cruise or Ride the Newport Ducks

• Visit Chilo Lock 34 Park on the Ohio River at Felicity

• Put on your old shoes or rain boots and go “creeking” in a local creek bed. Sycamore Park,

Stanberry Park, Sharon Woods, and French Park all have good creeks for this. Research what

fossils, animals, and insect larvae you can find in a creek and then search form them.

• Go fishing in the Little Miami River (or its East Fork).

• Attend a Creek Romp/Splash at Long Branch Farm (various dates) http://calendar.cincynature.org

• Play in the “creek” (a recirculating water feature) in the Play Scape at the Cincinnati Nature Center

Reptiles and Amphibians

• Attend Various Hamilton Count Park programs related to the theme http://www.greatparks.org

• Turtle Celebration June 4, 2017 at Woodland Mound

• Turtle Jamboree June 9,2017 at Woodland Mound

• Reptile Ramblings June 16, 2017 at Woodland Mound

• Reptiles (various dates) at Highfield Discovery Garden in Glenwood Gardens

• Snake Week or Turtle Week at Fernbach-Werner Nature Preserve, June 2017

• Frogs and Toads (various dates) at Highfield Discovery Garden in Glenwood Gardens

• Reptilibration August 27, 2017 Sharon Woods

• Attend the herpetology meetings at the Cincinnati Nature Center the first Wednesday of the month

• Visit the Reptile House at the Cincinnati Zoo ($1 admission 7/19/17)

• Visit the frog exhibit at the Newport Aquarium

• Spend some time exploring along the trails at the edges of the ponds at the Cincinnati Nature

Center—there are several displays about frogs, their sounds, and life cycles. Stop at the Nature

Center Desk and check out a pond exploration kit to use at Matt’s Pond. Try to catch a frog, a

tadpole, or a newt.

• Visit the Indianapolis Children’s Museum’s Dinosphere Exhibit to learn more about these extinct

reptiles: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/exhibits/dinosphere

• Visit Dinosaurs Alive! At Kings Island to see animatronic versions of these giant reptiles. https://www.visitkingsisland.com/play/dinosaurs-alive

• Attend the frog jumping competition at Frontier Days in Milford http://www.frontierdaysmilford.com/events.html

• Visit Highfield Discovery Garden at Glenwood Gardens and explore the Frog and Toad Garden. http://www.greatparks.org/parks/glenwood-gardens/the-highfield-discovery-garden

Horses

• Attend a horse-related program or trail ride at Parky’s Farm (Winton Woods) http://www.greatparks.org

• Group Trail Ride (various date)

• Pony rides (offered daily)

• Horsing Around Camp July 5, 2017

• Visit the Kentucky Horse Park and the American Saddlebred Museum

• Take a trail ride at East Fork Riding Stables

• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around downtown Cincinnati

• Arrange a tour of one of the many Kentucky horse farms in the Lexington area (be sure to book in advance!) http://www.visitlex.com/idea-guide/horse-farm-tours/

• Visit Goreman Farms to see a pony and other animals

• Do a Family Days Tour of Sunrock Farms and have the chance to brush a horse http://sunrockfarm.org/

• Attend one of the horse show competitions at the Clermont County Fair and walk through the horse barns to see all the horses http://www.clermontcountyfair.org/

Fairies and Gnomes

• Attend one of the fairy-themed events at Hamilton County Parks http://www.greatparks.org o 2017: Fairy Fest

• Attend the Fairy House Building event at the Cincinnati Nature Center June 16,2017 http://calendar.cincynature.org

• Visit the Fairy Garden near the Herb Wall at the Cincinnati Nature Center

• Look for fairies in the Wings of the World at the Cincinnati Zoo (Fairy Bluebirds and Fairy Penguins, that is) ($1 admission 7/19/17)

• Visit the Flower Bed on Beechmont Ave. for an array of fairy houses, furniture and figures. Purchase a small selection and make your own fairy garden in a planter or in the corner of a garden at home.

• Visit Highfield Discovery Garden at Glenwood Gardens and take the bouncy bridge across to the Fairy Garden. http://www.greatparks.org/parks/glenwood-gardens/the-highfield-discovery-garden

• Find the movie The Gnome Mobile on Netflix and watch it with your family.

Pioneer Past

• Take a Pioneers Day Tour at Sunrock Farms http://sunrockfarm.org/

• Visit Ft. Boonesborough in Kentucky to learn about pioneer life from a reconstructed fort with

costumed re-enactors http://parks.ky.gov/parks/recreationparks/fort-boonesborough/

• Visit the Hueston Woods State Park Pioneer Farm Museum

• Visit the Hartman Log Cabin (available for rent) and adjacent pioneer cemetery in Williamsburg

• Tour the Miller-Leuser Log Cabin on Clough Pike in Anderson the 1st & 3rd Sunday 1-4 p.m. (free)

• Visit the Pioneer Village Open House on June 24th & July 22, 2017 at Caesar Creek State Park

http://caesarscreekpioneervillage.org

• Visit the Lincoln Homestead State Park (Springfield, KY 2hr 25 min)—Abe’s mother’s house

• Visit Old Ft. Harrod State Park (Harrodsburg, KY 2hr, 10 min)

• Visit Connor Prairie in Indiana http://www.connerprairie.org

• Try your hand at a pioneer craft such as quilting, candle making, jam making etc.

Topics Suggested in Previous Years

• Airplanes and Aviation

• Visit the Tri-State Warbird Museum at the Clermont County Airport

• Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force

• Attend the Dayton Airshow June 24-25, 2017 http://www.daytonairshow.com/2015

• Visit the Wright Brothers Exhibit at Carillion Historic Park (Dayton)

• Complete the Junior Ranger Badge at Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park

• Visit the Aviation Museum of Kentucky at the Bluegrass Airport in Lexington.

https://www.aviationky.org/default.asp

• Watch airplanes take off and land from Sky Galley Restaurant at Lunken Airport

• Attend Lunken Airport Aviation Days September 2-3, 2017

http://www.cincinnatiwarbirds.org/airportdays.html

• Attend 1940s Day at Lunken Airport August 12,2017

https://www.cincymuseum.org/events/1940s-weekend

• Attend the Indy Air Expo at the Indianapolis Regional Airport September 9-10, 2017

http://www.indyairexpo.org/home.html

• Make paper airplanes for a family airplane contest

• Visit the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, OH

• Purchase a model airplane kit and assemble it.

• Astronomy and the Night Sky

• Visit the Observatory in Hyde Park http://www.cincinnatiobservatory.org/publicevents/

• Attend a Stonelick Stargazers event at Stonelick State Park

http://www.cincinnatiobservatory.org/publicevents/stonelick-star-gazers-4/

• Go to a show at Drake Planetarium http://www.drakeplanetarium.org/

• Visit the Haile Digital Planetarium at NKU’s campus:

http://artscience.nku.edu/departments/pget/planetarium/calendar.html

• Visit the Booneshoft Discovery Museum in Dayton with astronomy displays and

planetarium shows.

• Join the Astronomy Club at the Cincinnati Nature Center (ages 12+)

• Attend one of the astronomy-related programs at the Cincinnati Nature Center

http://www.cincynature.org/events-and-programs/programs-3/

• View the Perseid meteor shower in August

• Use a constellation app on your cell phone to help you identify constellations from your

backyard—have a family star gazing night.

• Explore NASA’s website (www.nasa.gov) find out when/where to view the space station

• Learn to use a star chart to find constellations in the night sky.

• Visit the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, OH (1hr 50 min)

• View the solar eclipse on August 21st (Cincinnati Nature Center program at 1:45)

• Attend the Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing August 12 ,2017 at Serpent Mound

http://serpentmound.org/

• Visit the planetarium at COSI in Columbus

• Visit the Beyond Spaceship Earth Exhibit at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum

https://www.childrensmuseum.org/exhibits/beyond-spaceship-earth

• Baseball

• Attend a Reds home game at Great American Ball Park

• Watch a Florence Freedom ball game

• Play on a baseball or T-ball team or watch a Little League game of a friend or family member

• Visit the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum

• Visit the Louisville Slugger Factory in Louisville, KY

• Watch a 19th century style baseball game at Heritage Village—

http://www.heritagevillagecincinnati.org/vintage_base_ball.aspx

• Gather family and friends for a pick-up baseball game in the backyard or at a local park.

• Watch youth games at the Kings Island Baseball Invitational June 29-July 2, 2017.

• Take the “1919 Tour” and learn all about Cincinnati’s important role in professional baseball

and the World Series. This is a walking tour of Cincinnati.

http://www.americanlegacytours.com/1919-tour/

• Listen to baseball sound clips and explore the history of the game:

http://soundsofbaseball.com/

• Birds

• Visit the Cincinnati Nature Center’s bird watching area and various bird blinds.

• Visit the bird watching area at Seasongood Nature Center in Woodland Mound Park

• Attend a Bird-themed program at the Hamilton County Parks http://www.greatparks.org

• 2017: Up with the birds, Owls of Ohio,

• Join one of the bi-monthly bird walks at the Cincinnati Nature Center

https://community.cincynature.org/page.aspx?pid=299&cid=1&ceid=1535&cerid=0&cdt=6%2f

11%2f2016

• Join the Ohio Young Birders Club (ages 12-18) at the Cincinnati Nature Center

• Visit the Ohio Bird Sanctuary in Mansfield, Ohio (approximately 2 ½ hrs)

• Visit the Cincinnati Zoo—tour the bird house and look for other bird exhibits throughout

the zoo—flamingos, penguins, eagles, ostriches, and many more. ($1 admission 7/19/17)

• Make a bird feeder and hang it in the backyard—watch it frequently to see which birds visit.

• Learn to identify birds by their appearance and song: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/how-to-

learn-bird-songs-and-calls/

• Keep a summer-long count of how many different types of birds you see—use a field guide or

an online resource (such as the one above) to help with identification.

• Visit Raptors, Inc. on Barg Salt Run in Milford for an open house the last Sunday of each month

from 1-4 p.m.

• Boats

• Take a B&B Riverboat Cruise or Ride the Newport Ducks

• Visit Chilo Lock 34 Park on the Ohio River at Felicity

• Tour or ride in a canal boat on the Miami and Erie Canal in Piqua, OH

• Attend Paddlefest at June 18-20, 2017 http://www.canoekayak.com/events/cincinnatis-

paddlefest-weekend-kicks-off-june-18-at-coney-island/#CtJu84p4icgjSt1j.97

• Attend the Cardboard Boat Regatta and boat races in New Richmond August 19, 2017

http://www.newrichmond.org/cardboard-boat-regatta.html

• Rent a row boat, paddle boat or pontoon boat at Miami Whitewater Forest, Sharon Woods,

Cowan Lake, or other local marinas

• Have a family competition to make the most “unsinkable” boat—add pennies to test them

• Ride the Anderson Ferry or the Augusta Ferry across the Ohio River

• Hang out at Serpentine Wall, or somewhere along the riverfront to watch boats and barges

• Visit the Cincinnati History Museum and learn the key role that boats played in our past

• Take a family canoe trip at Scenic River Excursions or another local canoe livery

• Go on a Friday Night Float Kayak at Winton Woods Adventure Outpost (2-3 Fridays/month)

• Attend the Rescue Skills (Canoe or Kayak) classes at Winton Woods Adventure Outpost

• Bones

• Visit Big Bone Lick State Park (Kentucky) to see cool mammoth bones

• See bones at the “Bone Yard” or learning porch at the Cincinnati Nature Center

• Get (or make) a model of the human skeleton and learn to name all of the bones

• Visit the museum at Fort Ancient to learn how the Indians made use of bones.

• Visit the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History and Science to view Ice Age skeletons

• Visit any zoo—find as many animals as you can with and without bones. ($1 admission

7/19/17)

• Visit Hopewell Culture National Historic Park to view bones of Indians buried in the

mounds

• When eating bone-in meat, try to figure what part of the body the bone came from.

• Civil War Era

• Attend the Civil War Weekend at Heritage Village July 8- 9, 2017

http://heritagevillagecincinnati.org/civil_war_weekend.aspx

• Visit the local sites associated with U.S. Grant (birthplace, boyhood home, school house)

• Visit Lincoln’s birthplace and boyhood home in Kentucky.

• Attend the Civil War Encampment in Lebanon, OH 9/30-10/1/17

http://www.wchsmuseum.org/planvisit/glendower_historic_mansion-

1/civil_war_encampment-13

• Visit the Freedom Center downtown to learn more about the Underground Railroad

• Follow a portion of Morgan’s Raiders route through a driving tour with interpretive signs:

o https://www.ohiohistory.org/participate/morgan-raid-driving-tour

• Visit the Civil War Fort at Boonesboro (see the nearby pioneer fort while you are there)

• Visit Camp Dennison (near Milford)—a U.S. Army post during the Civil War

• Visit the James A. Ramage Civil War Museum in Ft. Wright, KY

o http://www.fortwright.com

o Battery Hooper Days August 19-20, 2017

• Attend the Battle of Richmond (KY) Reenactment August 26- 7, 2017

http://battleofrichmond.org/#/reenactment/4567779336

• Visit the museum at the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site

• Visit the War Between the States Event at the Pioneer Village at Caesar Creek State Park 9/30-

10/1/17. http://caesarscreekpioneervillage.org

• Visit the Early Settlement area of Carillon Historic Park in Dayton

https://www.daytonhistory.org/visit/things-to-see-do/early-settlement-area/

• Fish

• Visit Newport Aquarium

• Visit Manatee Springs at the Cincinnati Zoo ($1 admission 7/19/17)

• Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

• See the freshwater fish display at the Sharon Woods Nature Center

• Go fishing at a local area park or river

• Participate in a fishing derby—several are held by Hamilton County Parks and other groups

o Kids mystery Fish Challenge monthly at Sharon Woods www.greatparks.org

o Chris Macarthy Memorial Kids Fishing Derby June 11, 2017 at Sharon Woods

• Feed the fish at the Cincinnati Nature Center Powell Crosley Lake board walk

• Have “Family Fish Fridays”—try cooking a different type of fish every week

• Attend a Fishing Fever program at Parky’s Farm (register—various dates)

• Fish for free at Bernheim Memorial’s Family Fishing Days June 3-4,2017

https://bernheim.org/events/2017-06/

• Forts

• Visit the Armory in Ft. Thomas, KY

• Visit local Indian forts including Ft. Ancient, Ft. Hill, and Miami Fort Trail (Shawnee Lookout)

• See a pioneer fort at Ft. Boonesborough and a nearby Civil War fort

• Visit Ft. Recovery, Ohio—tour the museum and a replica of the fort.

• Visit the Playscape at the Cincinnati Nature Center and build a fort in the provided area

• Gather a group of family or friends to build forts in the backyard from recycled materials such

as cardboard boxes, then use the forts for a water battle with water guns and water balloon

grenades.

• Read about Ohio forts and their historical roles: http://www.touringohio.com/history.html

• Visit Old Ft. Harrod State Park (Harrodsburg, KY 2hr, 10 min)

• Visit Ft. Harrison near Indianapolis

• Learn about the history of places in the greater Cincinnati area that bear the name “Fort”

• Visit Ft. Amanda Park in Wapakoneta (1hr 50 min)—commemorates the fort (no fort to tour)

• Flowers

• Plant and grow your own flower garden—give each kid a section or planter

• Visit Krohn Conservatory

• Visit the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden ($1 admission 7/19/17) and pay particular

attention to the flowers

• Visit Glenwood Gardens and see what is blooming

• Attend a Dandelion related program at Hamilton County Parks http://www.greatparks.org

• Check out the “What’s Blooming” display at the Cincinnati Nature Center—then find them!

• Look for the rare Lady’s Slipper Orchid at Cedar Bog in early June

• Visit Cowan Lake in late July to see an impressive display of lotus flowers

• Fossils

• Visit Trammel Fossil Park in Sharonville

• Hunt for fossils in local streams at the Sycamore Park, French Park, Stanberry Park, etc.

• Use a trail guide to follow the Geology Trail at the Cincinnati Nature Center

• Attend a program on fossils hosted locally (these are held frequently at Sharon Woods,

French Park, Miami Whitewater Forest, the Cincinnati Nature Center, and other locations).

• Rock and Fossil Fest June 11,2017 Winton Woods http://www.greatparks.org

• Back in Time August 5, 2017 Sharon Woods

• Visit fossil exhibits at Sharon Woods and the Cincinnati Nature Center.

• Make your own fossil by pressing shells etc. into plaster of paris or play dough

• Learn about the different epochs in fossil history at the Cincinnati Natural History and

Science Museum

• Gardening

• Plan and plant a garden at home (flower, vegetable, herb or a combination)

• Visit Highfield Discovery Garden at Glenwood Gardens—attend a garden-related program

o 2017: Garden Stakes, Garden Art, Container Garden Tour, Garden Ninjas

• Visit the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden—pay attention to the plants ($1 admission

7/19/17)

• Visit Fort Ancient or Sun Watch Indian Village to see a Native American garden

• Visit The Secret Garden in Waynesville, Ohio (a unique garden store in a garden)

• Visit Goreman Farm or Parky’s Farm to tour a real vegetable garden or attend a program

• Visit Blooms and Berries (Loveland) or Iron’s Fruit Farm (Lebanon) to pick berries

• Try pickling, canning, or making jam or fruit leather with garden produce

• Become a Summer Harvester at Granny’s Garden and/or attend a a gardening program

http://www.grannysgardenschool.org/special-programs-projects/summer-harvesters/

• Visit a pioneer village (Caesar Creek, Boonesborough, etc.) and learn about pioneer gardens

• Insects

• Visit the Majestic Monarchs Exhibit at Krohn Conservatory

• Visit the Insect House at the Cincinnati Zoo ($1 admission 7/19/17)

• Hunt for Fireflies—learn to tell the difference between males and females

• Use a butterfly net to catch insects in a field and study them in a bug box

• Plant your own butterfly garden—free seeds available through CNC and local businesses

• Attend The Great Bug Hunt at the Cincinnati Nature Center June 21, 2017

http://calendar.cincynature.org

• Go creeking and look for water striders, aquatic insects, and insect larvae

• Find a tree that has been destroyed by the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle—look for the tracks

• Use a field guide on a hike to learn to identify insects that you see

• Visit the Butterfly Garden in Highfield Discovery Garden at Glenwood Gardens.

http://www.greatparks.org/parks/glenwood-gardens/the-highfield-discovery-garden

• Attend one of the insect-themed programs at Hamilton County Parks www.greatparks.org

• 2017: Bugeriffic , Bug Bonaza, Operation Firefly Watch, Butterfly Sundae,

Butterfly Fashion Show, Operation Mothing, Monarchs on the Move, Honeybee

Tea Party

• Indians

• Attend the Summer Solstice Celebration at Serpent Mound 6/18-20 2017

http://serpentmound.org/

• Earn a Junior Ranger Badge at Hopewell Culture National Historic Park in Chillicothe

• See the outdoor drama Tecumseh! in Chillicothe

• Take a tour of local Indian mounds and historic sites

• Visit Sun Watch Indian Village in Dayton, OH

• Read the book Follow the River or other books about local Indians

• Visit Big Bone Lick State Park (Kentucky) and learn how the Indians made salt

• Visit Johnston’s Farm and Indian Agency in Piqua, OH

• Visit Eagle Point and Fort Recovery, OH to learn about major battles with the Indians

• Miami Valley Council of Native Americans Pow Wow 6/24-25/17 (Sunwatch Indian Village)

http://www.sunwatch.org/program-a-events/special-events

• Music

• Attend the Cincinnati Pops Red White and Boom concert on July 4th at Riverbend

• http://cincinnatisymphony.org/concerts-plus-events/special-concerts-and-

events/patriotic-pops/Children under 17 get a free ticket

• All tickets good for Coney Island rides all day

• Attend a Clermont County Philharmonic concert http://www.clermontphilharmonic.com

• Attend a summer concert at one of the many free outdoor locations in the city

• Blue Ash

http://www.blueashevents.com/events_calendar/summer_concerts/index.php

• Sawyer Point or Stanberry Park (Cincinnati Metro Parks)

http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/calendar/action~month/request_format~html/ca

t_ids~58,54/

• Union Township Civic Center

https://www.union-township.oh.us/administration/summer-concerts

• Anderson Parks:

http://andersonparks.com/events/category/concerts-and-movies/

• Set a musical goal: learn a new instrument, write your own song, make your own

instrument

• Save money now to attend one of the several child-appropriate Broadway musicals in the

Aronoff 2016-17 season: http://www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/2017-

18_broadway_season

• Explore different genres of music—pick a different genre each week and play it during

dinner or at another designated time each day.

• Attend a Bell Tower Carillion Concert in Mariemont Sundays at 7 p.m.

• Attend the My Old Kentucky Home State Park/Stephen Foster Drama (Bardstown, KY)

• Attend a Dulcimer event at Sharon Woods: http://www.greatparks.org/

• Attend the Opera in the Park event: http://www.cincinnatiopera.org/opera-park-2017/

• Attend the STM Julyfest and listen to the musical performances

• Sports Sampler

• Visit the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum

• Attend a Cincinnati Reds or Florence Freedom Baseball Game

• Swim at Sunlight Pool (Coney Island)

• Try Frisbee Golf at Woodland Mound Park

• Explore a new sport at Adventure Outpost (Winton Woods)—archery, kayaking, etc.

• Watch a 19th century style baseball game at Heritage Village—

http://www.heritagevillagecincinnati.org/vintage_base_ball.aspx

• Go horseback riding at East Fork Riding Stables or Winton Woods Riding Stables

• Go Canoeing at Scenic River Excursions (Roundbottom Road)

• Visit the Kentucky Horse Park to learn about equestrian sports

• Ride a bike or go rollerblading along the Little Miami Bike Trail

• Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

• Trains and Railroads

• Take a tour of the rail station of Union Terminal

• Visit Tower “A” in Union Terminal to view the train yard and train displays

• Visit the Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati in Covington

• Take a ride on the Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railway in Lebanon

• Visit EnterTRAINment Junction

• See the caboose in Sharonville or Morrow, Ohio

• Ride the historic train in Metamora, Indiana

• Build a model train or toy train set

• Attend the Rail Festival at Carillon Park in Dayton June 24-25,2017

https://www.daytonhistory.org/event/event-registration/

• Underground Railroad

• Visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center downtown

• Attend Freedom Camp (grades 4-6) or another program at the Freedom Center.

• Visit the Harriet Beecher Stowe House (Celebrate Harriet’s Birthday June 14th)

• Take the abolitionist walking tour of Walnut Hills

• Follow the Freedom Trail through Clermont County to see Underground Railroad sites

• Visit the Rankin House and Parker House in Ripley, Ohio.

• Read the book Uncle Tom’s Cabin or other books about the Underground Railroad

• Visit Ye Olde Tavern in Yellow Springs, OH—once a stop on the Underground Railroad

• Visit the National Afro-American Museum and Culture Center (Xenia, OH)

Other Summer Themes to Consider Ice Age Construction Water Wonders

Presidents with ties to Ohio Visual Arts Trees

Nocturnal Adventures International Influence on Cincinnati Music

Cooking Farms Folk Arts and Crafts

Games Pottery Cars

Theater and Drama Books & Reading Architecture

My Top-10 Recommend Web Sites for Summer Activities

Whether you choose a summer theme or not, there are many thing going on in Cincinnati over the summer

months that you may want to take advantage of. Be sure to take some time at the beginning of the

summer and the beginning of each month to review upcoming events. Otherwise you are sure to find

something you would love to do after the event has already passed!

1. Cincinnati Family Magazine Events Listings: http://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/events

2. Cincinnati Parent Magazine Events Listings: http://cincinnatiparent.com/

3. 50 Free/Cheap Things to Do This Summer in Cincinnati:

http://365cincinnati.com/guides/50-free-cheap-things-cincinnati-summer

4. Hamilton County Park activities calendar: http://www.greatparks.org/calendar

5. Clermont County Library events calendar: http://engagedpatrons.org/Events.cfm?SiteID=5338

• Library Summer Reading Program—June 1th to August 1st

6. Cincinnati Nature Center Events: http://www.cincynature.org/

7. Clermont County Parks Events: http://parks.clermontcountyohio.gov/calendar.aspx

8. Cincinnati Metro Parks Events: http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/calendar/

9. Cincinnati Museum Center Events: https://www.cincymuseum.org/visit/calendar

10. 50 Kid-Friendly Things to do in Cincinnati:

https://foursquare.com/chrisirmo/list/50-kidfriendly-things-to-do-in-cincinnati

Tips for Making Summer Adventures Affordable 1. Look for discount coupons in Reach Magazine and on sites like Groupon and Cincy Savers

2. Buddy up with another family—it’s twice as fun and you can split the cost of gas

3. Organize a group—many places offer group discounts

4. Purchase a membership—but only if you will really use it

5. Check to see if discounts are offered for memberships you already have

6. Look for discounted or free days—Cincinnati Zoo 7/19; Coney Island ridesfree 7/4 with Free

Cincinnati Pops Ticket (kids 17 and under)

7. Pack a lunch, drinks, and fun snacks—food and drinks can really add to the cost of an adventure

8. Skip the gift shop—make a summer scrapbook to keep “souvenir memories” instead

9. Look for free opportunities, programs, events, and activities—you can’t beat free fun!

10. Plan ahead—bring everything you might need so you don’t waste money (and time) buying it!

Day Trips in Cincinnati and the Surrounding Region Summer is a great time to venture out for more than just an hour or two. In place of local activity listings, I

have prepared a list of day trips for you to consider. These are organized by distance—metro area

destinations, Greater Cincinnati destinations, and those further afield (with travel times ranging from 30

minutes to 2 ½ hours from St. Thomas More). With some, special events have been noted. With most, it

will be up to you to google the destination for more information regarding program opportunities, hours,

and associated costs. There are just too many destinations to provide this information here. There are

obviously too many locations to visit in a single summer. Consider choosing a theme (as described in the

section above) to help you narrow down your destination options. I hope you have many exciting

adventures with your family this summer!

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Metro Day Trips

• Abolitionist Walking Tour of Walnut Hills

• American Sign Museum (Newport)

• BB Riverboats

• Carew Tower Observation Deck

• Cincinnati Art Museum

• Cincinnati Museum Center (Union Terminal)

• Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum

• Cincinnati Public Library MakerSpace (3D printers, sewing machines, laser cutters, and more)

• Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden ($1 Admission 7/19/17)

• Devou Park, Covington/Behringer Crawford Museum

• Garden of Hope (Covington)—exact replica of Jesus’ Tomb; grounds open daylight hours

• Harriet Beecher Stowe House

• Holiday Playland at West Fork Park

• Krohn Conservatory/Eden Park

• Lunken Airport—Land of Make Believe playground/Sky Galley Restaurant

• Mt. Airy Forest—treehouse, arboretum, hiking trails

• National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

• Newport Aquarium/Newport on the Levee/Purple People Bridge

• Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati (Covington)—Real train yard with actual train cars.

• Ride the Ducks—Newport

• Sawyer Point/1,000 Hands Playground/Serpentine Wall/Concourse Fountain & Sprayground

• Smale Riverfront Park (Including free water playground)/Carol Ann’s Carousel

• Taft Museum of Art

• Unmuseum at the Contemporary Arts Center

• Verdin Bell and Clock Museum (guided tours by appointment only)

• William Howard Taft National Historic Site

• World Peace Bell (Newport)—45 min. tours by apt. only; regular ringing 11:55 a.m. daily

Greater Cincinnati Day Trips (Around the I-275 Loop)

1. Adventure Station (indoor playground) at Sharon Woods

2. Anderson Ferry—ride the ferry boat across the Ohio River

3. The Beach Waterpark

4. Beech Acres—Splash park and unique playground with a miniature town of play houses

5. Canoeing at Scenic River Excursions (Roundbottom Road) or other local canoe liveries

6. Cincinnati Nature Center—Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm (June 20th Monarch Fiesta)

7. CoCo Key Water Resort (Indoor Waterpark)

8. Coney Island & Sunlight Pool

• Balloon Glow July 3, 2017

• Free admission with Patriotic Pops Tickets July 4th ($15/adult, kids free)

9. East Fork Riding Stables

10. East Fork State Park—Public beach, campground, boat docks, trails, Williamsburg bike trail

11. EnterTRAINment Junction

12. Florence Freedom Baseball Stadium

13. Gorman Heritage Farm

14. Heritage Village at Sharon Woods (Vintage Baseball; 7/8-7/9/17 Civil War Weekend)

15. Highfield Discovery Garden at Glenwood Gardens

16. Julyfest at STM and local parish festivals—show your support and have fun!

17. Kings Island and Boomerang Bay Waterpark

18. Little Miami Bike Trail

19. Local free concerts—Great Parks, Sawyer Point, Blue Ash Park, Civic Centers and other locations

20. Loveland Castle—Chateau LaRoche

21. Mariemont

• Bell Tower Carillion/Dogwood Park—tours by apt. only; Sunday 7 p.m. concerts

• Mariemont Enbankment—Indian Mound along Miami Bluffs drive

• Mariemont Preservation Foundation Museum—Saturdays 9-noon

22. Megaland at Colerain Park—large multi-level playground with out-of-the-ordinary features

23. Norwood Mound—Indian Mound Ave. (Access lane between homes 2409 and 2413)

24. Odd Fellows Cemetery Mounds—Indian mounds at Flagstone Cemetery, Roundbottom Road

25. Parky’s Wetland Adventure at Woodland Mound

26. Shawnee Lookout—Springhouse School, Log Cabin, Indian Earthworks (Miami Fort)

27. Short Woods Park Mound, Fernbank Golf and Tennis Club, Sayler Park (check in at club office)

28. Sunrock Farm

29. Totter’s Otterville

30. Trammel Fossilpark

31. Tri State Warbird Museum at the Clermont County Airport (Wed. 4-7 p.m.; Sat. 10-3 p.m.)

32. Winton Woods: Riding Stables/ Parky’s Farm/Parky’s Ark Wet Playground/Adventure Outpost

Trips Further Afield from Metro Cincinnati (About 1 hour or less from STM)

1. Big Bone Lick State Park (Union, Kentucky—40 minutes)—See skeletons of Ice age animals

2. Boone County Cliffs State Nature Preserve (Burlington, KY—45 minutes)

3. Caesar Creek State Park—Nature Center, Pioneer Village, Beach, Hiking (Waynesville, OH—45 min)

4. Clermont County Freedom Trail—Underground Railroad sites in Clermont County

http://www.firstohio.com/maps/tours_pdf/Underground_Railroad_Tour.pdf

5. Cowan Lake State Park—see the lotus flowers bloom in late July (Wilmington, OH—50 minutes)

6. Chilo Lock 34 Park /Crooked Run Nature Preserve (Felicity, OH—35 minutes)

7. Ft. Ancient State Memorial (Oregonia, OH—35 minutes)

8. General Butler State Resort Park (Carrolton, KY—1 hour)—miniature train, museum, trails

9. Grant’s Birthplace (Point Pleasant, OH—21 minutes)

10. Grant’s Boyhood Home/Grant’s Schoolhouse (Georgetown, OH—40 minutes)

11. Hueston Woods State Park (College Corner,OH—About 1 hr)—Beach, marina, lodge, trails, mound

12. Iron’s Fruit Farm (Lebanon, OH –40 minutes) Blueberry Picking Mid-June until Mid July

13. Kincaid Lake State Park (Falmouth, KY—55 minutes)

14. Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad

15. Metamora, IN—Grist mill, canal boat rides, train ride, historic buildings (~1 hr)

• Strawberry Days 6/3-6/4/17

• Metamora Music Festival 9/2-9/3/17

• White Water Canal Historic Trail

16. Miamisburg Mound State Memorial (Miamisburg, OH—50 minutes)

17. Miami Whitewater Forest Parky’s Pirate Cove Wet Playground/Water Cannon Boats (45 min)

18. National Afro-American Museum and Culture Center (Xenia, OH—1hr)

19. Rankin House State Memorial/John P. Parker House (Ripley, OH—55min)—Underground Railroad

20. Serpent Mound State Memorial (Peebles, OH—1hr)—Summer Solstice 6/18-6/20/17

21. Stonelick State Park (Goshen, OH—30 minutes)

22. Warren County History Center and Glendower (Lebanon, OH—35 minutes)

Trips to Surrounding Cities and Areas (About 2 ½ hours or less from STM)

• Dayton, OH (1 Hour)

• Boonshoft Museum of Discovery (Discount w/Cincy Zoo or Museum Center

Membership)

• Carillion Historic Park—Historical buildings/exhibits

• Carriage Hill Metropark—Working historic 1880s farm with staff in period dress

• Dayton Air Show

• Dayton Art Institute

• Free Kids Club (requires registration)—complete 4 Galley Hunts to earn an art

kit

• Experiencenter—hands-on art-based activities geared to 8-12 year-olds

• Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park (Junior Ranger Program Available)

• National Museum of the United States Air Force (free admission)

• Family Day 10-3 p.m. 3rd Saturday of the Month

• Imax Theater (ticket fee)

• Paul Laurence Dunbar House

• Sunwatch Indian Village

• Miami Valley Council of Native Americans Annual Pow Wow 6/24-6/25/17

• Wegerzyn Gardens Metropark Children’s Discovery Garden (ages 3-11)

• Yellow Springs/Clifton, OH (1hr 15 min)

• Clifton George State Nature Preserve—Scenic George of the Little Miami River (hiking)

• Clifton Mill—Working historic grist mill, gift shop and restaurant (dazzling Christmas

lights)

• Covered bridge—adjacent to mill and over river with views of Clifton George

• 1940s gas station with memorabilia (next door to the mill)

• Clifton Historical Society and Museum—within walking distance of the mill

• John Bryan State Park—trails connect to Clifton George to create a nice loop network

• Glen Helen Nature Preserve—nature center, raptor center, trails including yellow

springs

• Ye Olde Tavern—once a stop on the Underground Railroad (Read The House of Dies

Drear)

• Young’s Dairy—awesome ice cream, putt-putt, slide, petting barn, tractor playground

• Piqua, OH (1hr 30 min)

• Lockington Locks (former Miami and Erie Canal)

• Piqua Historic Area

• General Harrison Canal Boat

• Johnston Farm and Indian Agency

• Piqua Museum

• Piqua Heritage Festival—Labor Day Weekend

• Springfield/Urbana, OH (1hr 30 min)

• Buck Creek State Park

• Cedar Bog (see the rare Lady’s Slipper Orchid in early June)

• Freshwater Farms (Indoor Fish Hatchery)—sturgeon petting, trout feeding

• Johnny Appleseed Educational Center and Museum

• Columbus, OH (1hr 40 minutes)

• Anthony-Thomas Chocolate Factory—1hr tours Tuesday and Thursday

• Central Ohio Fire Museum and Learning Center

• Columbus Zoo

• COSI

• Indian Run Falls

• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

• Ohio History Center/Ohio Village (Recreated 19th century village)

• Ohio State Fair

• Olentangy Indian Caverns

• Santa Maria—Replica of Christopher Columbus’ Flag Ship

• Topiary Park—recreates the figures from a Georges Seurat Painting in shrubbery

• Chillicothe, OH (1hr 40 min)

• Adena State Memorial—Adena Mansion and Gardens

• Historic Walking Tours of Downtown Chillicothe (includes Ohio’s 1st capital)

• Hopewell Culture National Historic Park (Complete the Junior Ranger Program!)

• Lucy Webb Hayes Heritage Center (Friday and Saturday 1-4 p.m.)

• Story Mound

• Tecumseh Outdoor Drama

• Seip mound (17 miles out of Chillicothe)

• Wapakoneta Ohio (1hr 50 min)

• Armstrong Air & Space Museum

• Fort Amanda Park—Commemorates the fort (not standing) from the War of 1812

• Fort Recovery, Ohio (2hr 10 min)

• Site of two of the largest Indian battles in history (1791 and 1794)

• Fort Recovery State Museum (12-5 p.m. daily June-September)

• Fort Site Park (see a reconstruction of the fort)

• Pioneer Cemetery

• Log cabin

• Eagle Point—A tribute to the Native Americans who once lived in the region

• Ft. Recovery Monument Park—honors the soldiers who died in the battles

• Hocking Hills/Logan, Ohio (2hr 20 min)

• Old Man’s Cave

• Ash Cave

• Cedar Falls

• Conkle’s Hollow

• Rock Bridge

• Cantwell Cliffs

• Mansfield, OH (2hr 30 min)

• Malabar Farm State Park

• Ohio Bird Sanctuary

• Ohio State Reformatory Tour (Where Shawshank Redemption was filmed)

• Little Buckeyes Children’s Museum

• Gorman Nature Center

• Mansfield Memorial Museum

• Biblewalk

• B&O Bike Trail

• Lexington, KY (1hr 30 minutes )

• Explorium of Lexington—fun, interactive museum for kids

• Horse Farm Tours—see the workings of a horse farm first hand

• Kentucky Horse Park/American Saddlebred Museum

• Living Arts and Science Center

• Central Kentucky (1hr 30min-2hr 30min)

• Blue Licks Battlefield State Park (Carlisle, KY 1hr 30 min)

• Constitution Square (Danville, KY 2hr 20 min)—self-guided tours of historic buildings

• Ft. Boonesborough State Park (Richmond, KY 1hr 45 min)—historic re-enactment

• Lincoln Homestead State Park (Springfield, KY 2hr 25 min)—Abe’s mother’s house

• My Old Kentucky Home State Park/Stephen Foster Drama (Bardstown, KY 2hr 25 min)

• Natural Bridge State Park (Slade, KY 2hr)—chair lift, natural bridge, caves, arches, trails

• Old Ft. Harrod State Park (Harrodsburg, KY 2hr, 10 min)

• Perryville Battlefield State Park (Perryville, KY 2hr 30 min)

• Red River George (Slade, KY 2hr 30 min)—adjacent to Natural Bridge; hiking

• Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (Harrodsburg, KY 2hr 10 min)

• White Hall State Historic Site (Richmond, KY 1hr 45 min)—home of Cassius Clay

• Louisville, KY and the Vicinity (1hr 45min)

• Bernheim Memorial Forest and Arboretum

• E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park

• Falls of the Ohio State Park (Indiana)

• Louisville Mega Cavern—Tram tours and zip lining beneath the city

• Louisville Science Center

• Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

• Louisville Zoo

• Squire Boone Caverns (Indiana)

• Indianapolis, IN (2hr 11min)

• Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

• Connor Prairie Interactive History Park—Prairietown, Civil War, Indian Camp

• Ft. Harrison State Park

• Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden

• Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

• Indianapolis Zoo

• President Benjamin Harrison’s Home

• South Eastern Indiana

• Brookeville Lake Area (1hr 30 min)

• Brookeville Lake Dam Area

• Mounds State Recreational Area

• Whitewater Memorial State Park (Liberty, IN 1hr 30min)

• Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary (Connersville, IN 1hr 45 min)

• Versailles State Park (Versailles, IN 1hr 20 min)

• Nashville, IN (2hr 15min)—craft shops and historic buildings