by Heather Medlar
Elementary Coordinator, CC Kids
As we move into the month of July this summer, many families are already thinking about the start of school again in mid-August.
“Already?” I can hear many of you saying!
On the other hand, some of you are hearing, “Mom! I’m bored. What can I do?”
Some families are wondering what they are going to do for the rest of the summer. Maybe you’ve already been on vacation and now it’s time for your kids to get involved in some activities closer to home. When considering this from a parent’s point of view, might I suggest choosing activities with a purpose. Our current culture can be confusing for kids, but the Word of God is a constant—it never changes! And that’s why it is so important—especially now—to make sure our children have a strong foundation in the Bible.
Making Memories
God tells us in his Word to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads” (Deuteronomy 6:5-8, NIV).
This passage of Scripture reminds me that it’s my responsibility as a parent to teach my children the ways of being a believer in Christ as we live out our faith every day in the real world. By exploring new situations out of our home or out of our “normal” routines, I can be an example for my children and have meaningful conversations in the moment that will matter for a lifetime.
At Christ’s Church we have several events for kids and families planned this summer to help you create memories with your kids and build community within the church. Additionally, we have compiled a list of local places to explore as you continue to lead your family on their journey of faith.
Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday, July 7, 10 am, Keehner Park & Creeking
Address: 7411 Barret Road, West Chester, OH, 47069
Meet at the main playground to play until the kids get hot and then we’ll move on to the creek to explore. Picnic shelters are available if you want to pack a lunch.
Friday, July 16, 10 am, Tie-Dye Party
Address: 5165 Western Row Rd., Mason, 45040
We are excited to get together and host a “Tie-Dye Party” and play on the playground. We ask that you “Bring Your Own Item” (T-shirt size, or smaller). We will be meeting at Christ’s Church on the playground on the south side of the building. Please park by the Family Entrance. The cost is only $1 per item that you want to tie-dye, and pre-registration is required Click Here
Friday, July 23, 8 pm, Family Outdoor Movie Night
Address: 5165 Western Row Rd., Mason, 45040
We’ll be showing a family-friendly movie at Christ’s Church, and provide popcorn and cotton candy. Please bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and drinks. This event is open to all families and is an excellent opportunity to invite a friend to.
Wednesday, July 28, 10 am, Glenwood Gardens, Highfield Discovery Garden
Address: 10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH, 45215
Highfield Discovery Garden, located inside Glenwood Gardens, features twelve acres of gardens to explore. We will encounter frogs, fairies, a sleeping dragon, miniature trains, and beautiful plants. During your stay you can bounce across a bridge, climb a 25-foot-tall play tree, or join the naturalist for a daily nature program conducted in the garden workshop. What a great day it will be to enjoy God’s beautiful creation with your kids!
Additionally, if you missed out on the first two of our 4th Sunday Food Truck Fun-Days, have no fear, there are still four more of the events to come. They will take place on July 25, August 22, September 26, and October 24 from 11 am–2 pm after second service on Sunday. So, you’ve got some time to think about who you might want to invite to these fun food truck days.
Fun Foods and Timely Treks
We polled our Christ’s Church Mom’s Group to find out some of their favorite suggestions for kids this summer, and here’s what they said:
- Find some water! Big pools, kiddie pools, splash pads, sprinklers, and water parks!
- Prepare and eat fun foods: S’mores over an open fire, make-your-own pizza
- Ice Cream! Favorite local spots include The Twist, Graeter’s, and the Cone
- Pick-your-own berries at Stokes Berry Farm in Wilmington, or Blooms & Berries Farm Market in Loveland
- Hit the trails: Either burn some calories by hiking trails at parks or put on calories by visiting one of the many shops on the Butler County Donut Trail
- Take it easy with PJ days, movie days, and lazy days
Get Outside
If your kids love visiting local parks, here are more than enough to keep you busy for the rest of the summer, and into the upcoming fall months:
Makino Park, 6100 Kopfler Court, Mason, OH, 45040
Brand new inclusive playground and FC Cincinnati soccer field
Sharon Woods & Heritage Village Museum, 11500 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
Playground, splash pad, historic buildings from the 19th century
Gorman Heritage Farm, 10052 Reading Rd., Evendale, OH 45241
Families can visit a working farm; sunflower festival in the fall
Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH 45150
Natural playground and trails for families
Smale Riverfront Park, 166 W. Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH
Playgrounds, large swings, splash pads, Ohio River waterfront
Parky’s Farm at Winton Woods, 10073 Daly Rd, Cincinnati, OH
Playground, farm, activity barn, horseback riding, wagon rides
Trammel Fossil Park, 11935 Tramway Drive, Sharonville, OH 45241
Investigate the earth for fossils, dig in dirt, and collect rocks!
Woodland Mound Park, 8250 Old Kellogg Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45255
Park, playground, disc golf, splash pad
Whatever you choose to do over the next several months, have fun, look for those teachable moments, ask God’s blessing on your journey, and pass on any helpful tips to other parents. May God be glorified in your family this summer!
“Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way” (Colossians 3:17, The Message).