Oh May, how we love you.
May means beautiful weather, Mother’s Day, the end of the school year, Taste of Cincinnati — and lots of fun, fabulous and absolutely free family-friendly happenings!
We scoured our Calendar and hand-picked 25 of the best free activities for your family to enjoy.
Let’s make it a marvelous May!
Historic Cabin and School Opening Day
May 1
May 1 marks the season opening of the 1795 log cabin and historic stone school building at Shawnee Lookout. These buildings will be open Sundays from 2–5 p.m. through September. Admission is free.
Celebrate Star Wars Day
May 4
Complete a Star Wars themed activity and win a prize!
Linton Music’s Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions
Special FREE presentation on May 4 at 6:30 p.m.
The warm and fuzzy friends from Madcap Puppets help tell the story of The Frog Prince through the music of Brahms. Don’t miss the “ribbiting” music, animated storytelling and family friendly fun!
Mugs for Mothers
May 5
Need a Mother’s Day gift for mom? Come design your own mug at the library! Turn a plain mug into a custom gift with oil-based sharpies. All materials will be provided.
Meet New York Times Bestselling Author, Carrie Jones!
May 6
Meet New York Times bestselling author Carrie Jones as she shares her brand new book, Time Stoppers! Pick up a copy at Blue Manatee and enjoy the opportunity of meeting author, Carrie Jones, while having your book signed. Please call 513-731-2665 to reserve a spot for this free event.
Free Comic Book Day
May 7
Meet local comic artists Will Grapes and Jeffrey Ward at Up Up & Away Cheviot!
Free Junior Clinic
May 7
This free, one-hour introduction teaches basic safety, etiquette and full-swing fundamentals to junior golfers ages 7–17. Free; register by 5/5.
Where the Wild Things Play
May 7, 14 and 21
Kids and adults alike will love the stories and songs, art activities and creative movement of “Where the Wild Things Play” at Washington Park. All activities are led by Cathy Barney, founder and director of Artsy Fartsy Saturdays.
Crafty Supermarket Spring Show
May 7
An indie craft show of metropolitan proportions in the heart of Cincinnati, Crafty Supermarket is a juried show featuring crafters, artists and makers from all over North America. Come shop with our 50 vendors and enjoy great local food, a live DJ and hands-on craft activities for the young and young at heart! This event is free and open to the public.
Cincy-Cinco
May 7-8
Cincy-Cinco is a family friendly festival held annually to showcase aspects of Latino culture, values and traditions.
Mother’s Day at the Zoo
May 8
Moms get FREE ADMISSION to the Zoo on their special day.
Journey to Oz
May 9
Join dancers from the AVO School of Ballet for a family story time where you’ll be transported to Oz. All ages are welcome.
Furry and Fabulous
May 14
What’s warm-blooded and hairy all over? Mammals of course! We’ll take a close up look at some of the wild mammals that call our park home and meet one of Sharon Woods’ very own fuzzy ambassadors. For ages 8 and up. Free!
Lebanon Appreciation Days
May 14
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the LM&M with a discounted one-hour train ride as we show our appreciation for the continued support of the community. Ride the entire section of railroad owned by the city of Lebanon for just $5. Special station area activities will be organized by community partners. (Ok — this isn’t free, but $5/ride is a steal of a deal!)
Asian Food Fest
May 14-15
The 6th Asian Food Fest is returning to Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine on May 14-15. This community festival celebrates culture and cuisine from Asian countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, China, India, Indonesia and Malaysia. While food is definitely the heart of this festival, this year will also feature live entertainment, fun family activities and more.
Art in the Garden
May 15
Spend the day discovering the gardens of the Taft. Art educator Sarah Jane Bellamy will lead a session of plein air painting that will allow even the youngest artists to create a masterpiece. Learn about the tools artists use at the Art Cart. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will stop by at 2 p.m. to introduce you to some animals you may find in a garden. Admission and parking is always free for Third Sunday Funday at the Taft!
Afterschool Adventures: Live Animals with Hamilton County Parks
May 17
A naturalist from Great Parks of Hamilton County will present a fun and informative program featuring live animals.
French Story Time at Blue Manatee
May 20
Bonjour! Learn simple French vocabulary through stories and song. All ages welcome; free.
Trail Ribbon Cutting
May 21
Join Great Parks and area partner organizations to celebrate the opening of the 3.2-mile Little Miami Scenic Trail extension!
The City Flea
May 21
Don’t miss the first Flea of the season! It’s Cincinnati’s urban flea market featuring local vendors and artisans.
Build a Fairy Garden
May 24
Your child will create a miniature garden and learn a little bit of fairy lore in the process! Space is limited; registration required.
The Real History of the Cincinnati Reds
May 24
Join historian Gary Crouch for a fascinating discussion of the Real History of the Cincinnati Reds. Teens welcome. Older children may accompany an adult.
Nature Festival
May 28
Learn all about the natural world through games, hands-on activities and crafts. Bring the whole family to participate in a scavenger hunt for prizes.
Taste of Cincinnati
May 28-30
Come see the nation’s longest running culinary arts festival! More than 100 highly delicious dishes await at Taste of Cincinnati.
Memorial Day Celebration
May 29
Come celebrate the beginning of summer at a festive open house! Featuring activities sure to please all outdoor lovers; this event will showcase a natural liar’s club, an artist’s corner and a few unique surprises of the live animal variety.
Bonus: Farmers Markets are always free to browse, with many a free sample to be had! Check out our 2016 Farmers Market Guide for all the details.
We’ll be back next Friday with another Weekend Roundup; to stay up-to-date on all the weekend happenings, check out our Calendar — and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!