Families will enjoy thousands of beautiful, colorful flowers and take in a fun, free concert. The music begins at 6 p.m. Here is the lineup for the remainder of the month: April 18: Highly Likely and Nicole Polara April 25: Moonshine Drive and Cecil Jackson & Dry Ridge  The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, Oh. Tunes and Blooms goes on Thursdays from 5 – 8:30 p.m. and admission to the zoo is free (starting at 5 p.m.) but be sure to plan for $10 on-site parking. For more information, call 513-281-4700 or visit cincinnatizoo.org/events/tune ..read more

USA Today recently announced the contenders who were nominated as the best aquariums in the U.S. and now, readers can vote for their favorite. There are over 150 aquariums in the U.S., and our very own Newport Aquarium is one of just 20 nominated for this honorable recognition. They look for facilities that provide exploratory settings where people can discover the hidden wonders of the world’s oceans and waterways; plus they recognize the important role the top aquariums play in conservation and education through their high-quality exhibits. Newport Aquarium specifically stood out for its reg ..read more

The apartments, located on Hopes Way, ensure that families have a home away from home during Proton Treatments at CCHMC. Each apartment features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, great room, laundry room and porch. Learn more at boldandbravekids.org. The post Bold & Brave Apartments for CCHMC Families appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine ..read more

The move from the Newport Aquarium will allow WAVE Foundation to serve as a thriving Education Center with fish tanks, a meeting space, team offices and three multipurpose rooms. WAVE offers year-round, education programming for kids of all ages. Programming includes WAVE on Wheels, Gills Club, Camp Wave, Finstitute and more. Learn more by visiting wavefoundation.org. The post WAVE Foundation’s New Digs appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine ..read more

Today’s the day and we’re hoping the clouds will clear away for the eclipse. For the first time in 200 years, Ohioans will be able to view the total solar eclipse. The Total Eclipse Low-Down — According to NASA projections, the eclipse will last for about three minutes and 40 seconds in totality. Southwest Ohio may start to see it at 3:05 p.m. — Cincinnati is southeast of the eclipse band but will see near totality. — During the eclipse, the moon will completely block the sun, casting a long shadow on the Earth. — For viewing, make sure you have your American Astronomical Society-approved sola ..read more

SMV TODDLER TIME WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Little ones will have big fun during this toddler time featuring a story time with talented local authors, sensory activities and yes, complimentary cereal for kids, too. Sweet! THE LITTLE MERMAID THURSDAY, APRIL 11 – SUNDAY, APRIL 14 Go under the seas with an independent little mermaid, a noble prince in search of true love and a devious sea witch. Be sure to arrive early for family fun, free games and activities in the lobby before the performance.   JURASSIC QUEST FRIDAY, APRIL 12 – SUNDAY, APRIL 14 Travel back to pr ..read more

The sun is shining and the world is blooming- with all of the new-ness of Spring, we have rounded up a fresh roundup of Fun Family Things to Do this weekend! Family Things to Do for Your Weekend   Zoo Blooms Are Popping! The zoo’s annual show of posies is here through April 30. Don’t miss out on one of the Midwest’s largest tulip displays (more than 100,000 tulips!) which also features breathtaking hyacinths, daffodils, flowering shrubs and bushes. Make sure you make a plan to go! Cincinnati Reds Home Games Come cheer on the home team this weekend!   If you love gaming, your famil ..read more

Many  run clubs work to motivate kids with activities, challenges and lots of friends their age to run around with. “Whatever it is, get them involved in something,” says Ryan. “Kids who play sports develop better social skills, cope with hard situations better and can foster a love of exercise that can last the rest of their lives.” Here are some youth run clubs to help your kids get involved. CROSS-COUNTRY FOR YOUTH crosscountryforyouth.org Locate what fits your family. GIRLS ON THE RUN GREATER CINCINNATI gotrcincinnati.org Blends physical activity with life skills development. LET ME R ..read more

FREE ECLIPSE & SIPS In partnership with The Cincinnati Observatory, this stellar event will feature light bites, mocktails by Molly Wellman, kids activities, space education, music and more. MRBL parking lot, 119 Fairfi eld Ave., Bellevue, Ky; 1 – 3 p.m.; facebook.com/events/736331028450835. FREE ENTERTRAINMENT ECLIPSE DAY Grab a pair of Butler County Eclipse viewing glasses and get ready for a rare site that is out of this world! To celebrate the total solar eclipse, there will be lots of learning activities and make-and-take moon goo, too.EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West ..read more

Being a parent is probably the toughest job you’ll ever have, and when your kids get injured, that’s just the icing on the cake. Right then and there, when you witness the fall, bump or bruise, your mind jumps ahead – do we go to the ER? Ice it and wait it out? A lot of this depends on the situation of course. Jordan Ryan, MD, Family Medicine physician at The Christ Hospital Health Network, says that the bottom line is, if something doesn’t seem right, your best bet is just go to the ER. “It’s never worth risking your child’s well-being,” he continues. “However, if you have a good relationship ..read more