Enrichment Activities

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ACTING

Dramakinetics - www.dramakinetics.org or dramakinetics@fuse.net. - Performing Arts classes for individuals of all abilities.

For acting programs check out the Culture - "The Arts" tab:

Acting Up

Playhouse in the Park

The Children's Theatre of Mason

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ART 

Art Academy of Cincinnati - Art for Kids - www.artacademy.edu/CE_Art.html. (513) 562-8748). Check out their website for program info on drawing lessons, sculpture basics, drawing comics and Manga, charcoal and chalk drawing and more.

Cheers to Art - www.cheerstoart.com - This looks like a great place to let creativity shine.  They offer open paint sessions during the week and family days on Sundays. For only $25, you get to create a masterpiece on a 16 x 20 canvas that you will take home plus get some art instruction as you paint (looks like kids 12 and under can paint for $20).  See their calendar of events for other things going on. (513) 271-2793. 7700 Camargo Road, Madeira, Ohio 45243.

Clay Alliance - Wow the Clay Alliance is composed of many local artists.  They offer classes and workshops (a lot are geared toward adults but they may offer some for kids too).  Check out their calendar for upcoming shows and events during the year. "Objectives of the Clay Alliance The Clay Alliance founded in 1998, is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to raise the profile of clay and clay artists in the Greater Cincinnati area. We hope to achieve our goals through programs and projects that involve educating the public and ourselves, building community awareness of our skills and reaching out to the larger community. " (from Clay Alliance website). They have their Spring Pottery Fair on May 7, 2011 -  11am to 5pm at DeSales corner in East Walnut Hills (Madison and Woodburn).

FUNKe Fired Arts - www.funkefiredarts.com - A place for the beginner to the more advanced student.  They offer pottery classes for all ages.  For kids (ages 7-13), they have an Adventures in Clay class.  3130 Wasson Rd. (513) 871-2529.

Happen, Inc. - www.happeninc.com - This non-profit is for kids ages 6-12 and their caregivers.  They have many open studio times throughout the month to engage your creativity and best of all the open studio times are FREE at Northside but you need to reserve your spot since they are limited to 10 teams per session (an adult has to accompany each child).  They also provide art classes.  Two locations: 5210 Beechmont Ave. (513) 751-2345) and 4201 Hamilton Ave (in Northside - 513-751-2345).

Happen's Toy Lab - at the Beechmont Ave. location, kids (ages 6 and up) can create their own toys - making one-of-a-kind masterpieces from recycled toy parts. If you have toys (barbies, action figures, animals, plastic cars, airplanes and more) give them a call to set up a time to drop off your donations. What a great way to reuse these items! Call 513-751-2345 Ext. 2.

KidzArt® - www.kidzartcinci.com - See their website for class times and locations.  They encourage your artists no matter what their skill level is to enjoy art, build self confidence and to help them become "creative thinkers and problem solvers".  For more info contact krista@kidzartcinci.com.

Let's Go Doodlin' - www.letsgodoodlin.com - 7707 Five Mile Rd,Cincinnati, Ohio 45203 (corner of Five Mile & Beechmont) - 513-231-3000. A paint your own pottery studio. This is a walk-in studio so you can just show up - closed on Mondays. They also have a private party room for birthdays, baby showers, Girls Night Outs, Girl & Boy Scout outings and more (call to reserve the space). 

Mad Potter - www.mymadpotter.com. 6680 Tri-Way Drive, Mason, Ohio. (513) 770-5585. Here you can choose from a wide variety of pottery pieces (ranges $5-$40) and then you pay a studio fee ($8/adults, $6/kids) and you can design & decorate your pottery piece.  Make a one of a kind gift for someone you love. Hours: Monday-Friday 11-9, Saturday 10-9, Sunday 1-6. See their website for coupons and specials. You can also do birthday parties.

• Wed. 1/2 price studio fees for kids
  
• Kidz Nite
  
• Ladies Night
  

Mason Fine Arts Center - Offering art classes for kids.  309 Reading Road, Mason, Ohio. 513-754-0261.

West Chester, OH 45069 (513) 759-9400). Here is another place where your kids can get creative.  They also offer some fun programs such as:

• Kid's Story Time on the 3rd Wed. of the month from 10-11am or 1-2pm.  You get a discount of 1/2 price off the studio fee plus 20% some items.  You need to call to reserve a spot for this.
  
• Kid's Night Out program where you can drop the kids' from 6-8 pm on the 2nd Friday of the month from 5pm-8pm. 
  
• Ladies Night - 4th Friday of every month from 6pm-9pm.

The Powder Factory - www.thepowderfactory.com. Semi-private art instruction for ages 9 and up.  108 E. Church St., Mason, Ohio. 513-403-6255.

Whistle Stop Clay Works - www.whistlestopclayworks.com - A studio and gallery also offering classes for youth and adults.  They have private lessons, youth clay camps, after school enrichment programs, classes and more. They have adult/child clay time classes too (4 week sessions).  For adults, they have cocktails and clay on the final Friday of the month - looks like a fun girls night - only $35/person. 119 Harrison Street, Loveland, Ohio 45140. Call (513) 683-2529 for more information.

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CIRCUS

Circus Mojo - www.circusmojo.com - Tri-State Circus Center - 326 Elm St., Ludlow, KY 41016.Call 1-800-381-TADA for more information. Also offering summer camps. See more about Circus Mojo on Family Friendly Cincinnati.

My Nose Turns Red Theatre Company - www.mynoseturnsred.org - Call Steve Roenker (859) 581-7100 or email rednose@fuse.net. Baker Hunt Arts & Cultural Center, 620 Greenup, Covington, KY 41011.

The Amazing Portable Circus -  www.amazingportablecircus.com - (513) 921-5454. 

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Jewish Discovery Center - www.JDiscovery.com.  Kids' ages 2-6 years can learn to be a Jr. Chef. 7587 Central Park Blvd., Mason, Ohio (513) 234-0777.

The Learning Kitchen - www.thelearningkitchen.com - They offer kids cooking classes (ages 8 and up) as well as family days and during the holidays check out their gingerbread classes.  They also do birthday parties. Check out their website for upcoming events and class times - the new calendar posts on the 1st of each month. 9276 Centre Point Drive, West Chester, OH 45069, 513) 847-4474. 

Young Chefs Academy®- www.youngchefsacademy.com.   It looks like a wonderful learning place for young chefs. They offer a wide variety of cooking classes while also teaching about kitchen safety, etiquette, menu planning and fun!  My daughter got to attend a birthday party and she loved it  - they made pizza and cupcakes and decorated the cupcakes.  Each child got a cute chef's hat to decorate too. 6691 Western Row Rd., Mason, OH 45040 (513) 770-4267.

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All that Jazz Dance Center - www.allthatjazzdance.com - Ballet, tap, jazz, pom, tumbling, hip hop offered with competitive and recreational programs.  8810 Beckett Road. 513-942-0818.

AIM Cincinnati - formerly - ballet tech cincinnati (btc) - www.aimcincinnati.org - 6543 Montgomery Rd. 513-841-2822.  Offering a variety of dance (hip hop, tap, modern, salsa, lyrical, ballroom) and ballet classes for ages 3 and up. They also have a Wheelchair Ballroom dance class for all.  I love their motto, "to educate, entertain & inspire".  This is a non-profit dance studio.

Ballet Theatre Midwest- www.ballettheatremidwest.com. New location: Spencer Township Hall - 3833 Eastern, Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45226 (513) 520-2334).  They offer classical dance training for ages 3 to adult with performance opportunities.

Celtic Rhythm Dancers - www.celticrhythmdancersusa.com - 8554 Princeton Glendale Rd (West Chester Dance Academy). 513-200-1028.  Offering Irish dance classes for ages 5 through adult.  See their website for classes offered and special events.

Cunningham School of Dance - 631 Reading Rd., Mason, Ohio (513-398-4896). I didn't find a website , but I've passed by this dance studio so I wanted to include it since it's local to Mason.

Dance Concepts Studio - www.danceconceptsstudio.com - Tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, cheer, clogging, Zumba classes offered. 8606 Market Place Lane, Montgomery. 513-745-0678.

Dance Etc. - www.dance-etc.com - 5985 Meijer Drive, Milford, Ohio 45150 (513-576-1400).  Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, tumbling, parent-tot classes and a new Tots in Tutus class.

Just For Kicks Dance Academy - www.justforkicksdance.com. 570 Wellesley Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45224 (513-257-4604).  Here is another place for dance lessons.  They have an end of the year recital and offer many programs to enrich your child's knowledge of dance.

Mason Dance Center - www.masondance.com. 600 Reading Road. (513-398-0353). Both my daughters took dance class here.  They did a pre-combo class that combines tap, ballet and some gymnastics.  They have a wide variety of dance classes and have professional instructors.  You have to sign up for the year when you join and at the end of the season, there is a dance recital complete with costumes (you purchase) and your smiling child.

NCYB Dance Academy - www.NCYBdance.com - Located in the Gym-Nation building, this dance studio offers pre-professional ballet as well as recreational dance programs (composition, jazz, tap, pointe, modern, contemporary) and performance competition. Northern Cincinnati Youth Ballet LLC is under the direction of Oliver Arana. 836 Reading Road, Mason, Ohio 45040. 513-770-0268.

Showbiz Dance Academy - www.Showbizdance.us -. Offering classes in ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, AcroJazz, Hawaiian and more. Located in the Landen Square Shopping Center - 2906-5, U.S. Rt. 22 and 3, Maineville, Ohio, 45039.

513-226-8405. 

Star Performance Dance - www.starperformancecentre.com - Offering dance classes for all ages - pre-school combo classes, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Pom, Tap, adult Ballet, Jazz & Hip-Hop too. 7590 Wyandot Lane, Liberty Twp, Ohio. (513) 779-5678.

St. Romain Dance Center - www.stromaindance.com. Located off of Cincinnati-Dayton Rd. behind Liberty Kroger Marketplace.  (513-779-0135).  I have a friend who loves St. Romain's dance program. They are another dance studio offering lots of dance classes so check out their website for more information.

Tevlin Ballet - www.tevlinballet.com - Tevlin Ballet is a ballet school, pre-professional youth company and professional ballet company housed inside Contemporary Dance Theater, 1805 Larch Ave./Cincinnati, Ohio 45224. Tevlin Ballet School offers quality ballet for the seriously minded dancer in a joyful, nurturing environment. All classes are taught by master ballet teachers, Michael and Amy Tevlin in the R.D.A. and Vagonova traditions. Phone: 513-312-7608. Enrollment in the school or company is by audition only. Please contact Mrs. Tevlin at tevlinballet@aol.com to set up an audition. The Tevlins are also available as private ballet coaches, mentors, and advisors.

Tippi Toes - www.tippitoesdance.com - Classes for ages 18mos to 12 years. Offering Mommy & Me dance, ballet, tap, jazz combo and hip-hop. Classes held in different locations in Greater Cincinnati so check their website for more information. Please call (513) 708-9162 for Mason, Lakota, and Deerfield Twp. Call (513) 578-1280 for Blue Ash, Anderson & Mariemont. Now offering classes at Lifetime Fitness.

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GARDENING

Granny's Garden School - www.GrannysGardenSchool.com - This is a wonderful place for little ones to see how things grow - from beautiful flowers to vegetables and more.  It is one of the largest garden schools in the Midwest and is located on more than 25 acres in the Loveland school district.  There are over 100 garden beds that allow for an abundance of learning for the Loveland school students as well as the community.  They have many events that are open to the public throughout the year. They also welcome Scout troop participation and have other programs.  There are seed sales thoroughout the year as well. Granny's Garden is located at:

Loveland Primary & Elementary School Campus
550-600 Loveland-Madeira Road
Loveland, OH 45140
 
Loveland Early Childhood Center
6740 Loveland-Miamiville Road
Loveland, OH 45140

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American Eagle Gymnastics Cincinnati - Offering pre-school classes, recreational gymnastics, cheer, competitive teams and tumbling. Call 513-752-2003. Eastgate.

Flip & Twist Gymastics - www.flipntwist.com. 25-A Enterprise Dr., Hamilton, Ohio 45015 (513-942-4435). They offer a free trial class and have Preschool Gymastics (18mos-6years), Recreational Gymnastics (6 years & older), and Competitive USA Gymnastics and Competitive Rec. Gymnastics.

Gymboree Play & Music - Click here for more info on classes. 6209 Snider Road, Mason, Ohio. Call (513) 459-4769.

Gym-Nation - www.gym-nation.com. 836 Reading Rd., Mason, OH 45040 (513-229-7315).  This is a one-stop shop for gymnastics, tumbling and cheerleading. They offer program for ages 15 months and up. They do gymnastic themed birthday parties if you have some energetic youngsters to entertain.

Pride Athletics - www.prideathleticsallstars.com. 1087A Janet Way Suite 13/14, Lebanon, Ohio 45036 (513-228-1234). New students can try a free tumbling class.  This is a brand new 13,000 sq. ft. cheerleading, tumbling, and dance facility.

The Little Gym® - www.thelittlegym.com.   They have programs for age's infant to 12 years. They offer free introductory classes to see if it would be a fit for your child.  This is a great place to go for gymnastics, movement & karate classes and for a fun birthday party too.

• Liberty Township Location: 7318 Yankee Road, Middletown, OH 45044. (513) 777-1110. 
• Mason Location: 8201 Arbor Square, Mason-Montgomery Kroger. (513) 437-0233
  

TNT - Tumble, Cheer & Dance LLC - www.tnttumble.com - 110 Grandin Road, Mainveille, Ohio 45039. 513-677-3700. They have a renovated 10,000 square foot facility and they offer tumbling, cheer, fitness classes, hip hop and much more. They also do birthday parties. and have kids' night outs (Club Explosion).

Ultimate Cheer of Cincinnati - http://www.ultimatecheerofcincinnati.com/ - Offers competition dance and cheerleading, recreational tumbling.  513-829-UCC5. 4671 Industry Drive, Suite 3, Fairfield, Ohio 45014

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JEWISH ENRICHMENT

Fusion Family - www.fusionnati.org - A great resource for families where one parent is Jewish or for those exploring the Jewish faith.  Visit their website for activities and events.

Jewish Discovery Center - www.jewish-discovery.com. 7587 Central Parke Blvd ? Mason, OH 45040 (513-234-0777). From their website, "The Jewish Discovery Center is the center for the entire Jewish community in the Northern corridor and serves as a Jewish educational and spiritual lighthouse for the thousands of Jewish families in Greater Cincinnati and the Northeast Suburbs." The JDC has many fun programs for children as well as programs that cater to family fun.

Shalom Family - www.myshalomfamily.org - Providing programs for the Jewish Community for families that have at least one parent who is Jewish.  They have many programs offered on their website and also have events that are "Just for Dad", "Just for Mom" and "Just for Kids". 513-703-3343.

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MULTI ENRICHMENT CENTERS

Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center - www.theplaceforfamilies.com. 4244 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45223. This facility is located in Northside but I wanted to mention it since they have so many outstanding programs for children and families.

Gymboree  - www.gymboreeclasses.com. 4700 Duke Dr # 105, Mason -(513) 459-4769. Gymboree offers a wide variety of programs (art, music, sports) for children 5 and under.  They also do great birthday parties.  Check out their website for more information.

Jewish Discovery Center - www.jewish-discovery.com. 7587 Central Parke Blvd ? Mason, OH 45040 (513-234-0777). From their website, "The Jewish Discovery Center is the center for the entire Jewish community in the Northern corridor and serves as a Jewish educational and spiritual lighthouse for the thousands of Jewish families in Greater Cincinnati and the Northeast Suburbs." The JDC has many fun programs for children as well as programs that cater to family fun.

Mason's Busy Bees - www.creativetotspreschool.com. 6408 Thornberry Ct., Suite 110, Mason Ohio (513-770-6776). Busy Bees offers enrichment programs for math, science, Spanish, music, fitness and art for children (6mos plus) and their Moms.

Pied Piper Academy for the Arts - www.piedpiperarts.com. 106 N East St. Mason, OH 45040 (513-754-8866). In addition to music classes (see above), they also offer art and cooking etiquette classes.

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MUSIC 

MasonMetu Tip: Listen to Classics for Kids on 90.0 WGUC on Saturdays at 8:50am and Sundays at 6 pm.  www.classicsforkids.com.

Baldwin Music Education Center - www.baldwinmusiceducenter.com. P.O. Box 8534, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208 (513-351-1109). Offering keyboard-based group music programs for ages 6 mos - 4 years. Piano classes for ages 5 and up.

Gymboree Play & Music - Click here for more info on classes. 6209 Snider Road, Mason, Ohio. Call (513) 459-4769.

Pied Piper Music Education - www.piedpipermusic.net 106 N East St. Mason, OH 45040 (513-754-8866). They offer music and piano classes with both private and group instruction available. Some of the private music lessons are for piano, voice, violin, viola, & guitar. They also offer early childhood music programs for ages (0-4). You can also go to www.piedpiperarts.com.

Playtime Piano Instruction of Greater Cincinnati- www.playtimepiano.com. (513-459-3069). They have trained teachers that come to your home for piano and electronic keyboard, and composition, theory & sight reading. There are also recitals your child will participate in.

Musical Arts Center - www.musartscenter.com or info@musartscenter.com. 1987 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45208 (513-321-2766). They offer lessons for voice, drama, guitar, piano, strings and band instruments.  Classes are available year round and they do summer camps.

Musik Garten - music and movement classes from birth to 9 years.

• Musik Kids Program - Wyoming - www.TheCenter4TheArts.org. (513-771-7675)
• Miss Amanda's Music Garden - Clifton - www.MissAmandasMusic.com. (513-221-SING).
• Music For Us - Northern KY - Bonham-white@hotmail.com. (859-344-9445)
• Little Songbird Music Studio - Northern Ky -www.littlesongbirdmusic.com (859-547-8765)

West Chester Academy of Muisc - www.wcamom.com. 8374 Princeton-Glendale Rd., Suite 5, West Chester, Ohio (513-829-2345). Featuring Muisc Pups® classes.  Focus is on introducing music to young children (birth to 4 years is ideal).  They have parent and child classes. Call for class schedules or dates of free demonstration classes. 

Queen City Music Together - www.queencitymusictogether.com/ - Here's a music program geared to the little ones (4 and under).  They have music programs for kids and their caregivers and offer FREE demo classes during the year so make sure you check out their website to see when these are offered. 513-652-6267.

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PLAY-BASED ENRICHMENT

Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO® Labs - A Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO® Lab is a hands-on class where students (ages 6-11) build machines, buildings, vehicles and other structures out of LEGO® components including bricks, gears, axels, and motors.  Each week, students will learn a concept and then build a model illustrating that concept.  Lessons are designed around students’ interests with themes like inventions, animals, transportation, and sports.  Qualified instructors lead each class and all materials are provided. Creativity, innovation, and problem solving skills are encouraged and celebrated! Your kids have never had so much fun learning!

Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO® Labs are held at the West Chester Activity Center, the Lakota Family YMCA, and in area elementary schools as part of the after school enrichment programs.  If you'd like to see a Bricks 4 Kidz Program at your child's school, give them a call at 513.716.KIDZ. They also have great birthday parties at your location.

Sandtray Center for Children - www.sandtraycenter.com - This facility provides play-based enrichment activities for social and cognitive development for ages 5-12 years.  It is a great concept - children interact in group settings, either social groups or literature circles (book clubs) and then they get the opportunity to get creative and make use of all the wonderful miniature toys and objects they have to build scenes on their sandtrays.  Due to the small objects used, you must be developmentally over the age of 5 to participate.   

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SCIENCE 

iSpace - www.ispacescience.org - Interactive Science, sPace, and Aeronautics Center for Education - Looking for a way to encourage your child to get more involved with science?  Then see all that iSpace has to offer.  They have some great programs and events for a variety of age levels. iSpace can come to your facility but they also have programs at the Scarlet Oaks Campus in Sharonville at: 3254 East Kemper Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45241.

Mad Science of Cincinnati - www.madscience.org/Cincinnati. 9471 Loveland Madeira Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 (513-793-6784).  Their motto is:

 "We Get Kids Excited About Science!!!!!" 

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 SIGNING

Signing Safari - www.signingsafari.com. (513) 683-6990). Ages 6 months to 6 years.  Interactive "sign and play" classes for parent and child.  They promote American Sign Language (ASL) and use singing, storytelling, rhymes and body movement.  Check their website for more information on dates, locations and times offered.

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SPANISH

Cincinnati Spanish Academy - www.cincinnatispanishacademy.com - Spanish classes for the whole family. (513)348-1012. 

Spanish Booster  - Classes for kids and adults.  The courses for children are designed to learn practical Spanish in a natural way, according to their age and school grade. Middle school students can boost their Spanish language skills. For more information call: (513) 398-0645 or Contact Myrna Perez at myrna@spanishbooster.com.  Summer Dates: June 13 and July 25. Weekly classes of 55 minutes, for ages 7-16. 7577 Central Parke Blvd. Suite 120 Mason, OH 45040.

SpanishFun of Ohio - www.SpanishFUNofOhio.com - Señor Doug is ready to teach your kids. He works with local preschools, elementary schools, day cares, and play groups teaching Spanish to children ages 2-7.  Call (513) 777-3314 for more information.

World of Spanish - www.worldofspanishllc.com - Kids ages 3-12 are able to learn more about the Spanish culture through dance, language and cultural activities.  If you sign up in October, you may be eligible for a free class.  Locations throughout Greater Cincinnati. 513-375-8930.

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TELEVISION PRODUCTION 

ICRCTV - http://icrctv.com. Ever wondered how television productions are produced for cable TV? Want to learn to produce your very own TV show? Do you want to volunteer to run a camera for a local Mason TV production? Looking for a place to tour with your scouting troop? Do you want to watch Mason City Council Meetings and you need to to know what channel and time they air? Just call (513) 772-4272 for more details or visit their website for more information. What's ICRCTV stand for?....Intercommunity Cable Regulatory Commision!

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