👋 Glad to have you! —

This week, we’re serving up the perfect combo: a blast from the past, a bit of holiday spirit, and a side of fries. Whether you’re chasing high scores at the arcade, hunting handmade gifts, or drumming on cardboard boxes, consider this your cheat code for memory-making.

Here’s what’s in store

• One Place to Play — Nostalgic Arcade!

• 3 Events to Check Out — Wicked Wednesday, Craft Show, and Doodle & Dance!

• One Place to Eat — Steak ’n Shake!

• One at Home Activity — Box Beats!

• One thoughtful moment — Opening Doors, Not Choosing Paths

One Place to Play

🕹️ Nostalgic Arcade

8449 US Highway 42, Ste. L

Florence, KY 41042

Hours:

Mon, Wed–Fri: 11 AM – 7 PM

Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM (Retail closes at 7 PM)

Sun: Noon – 7 PM

Closed Tuesdays (Retail still open). If your kid loves Wreck-It Ralph, here’s your chance to show them what gaming looked like before battle passes and loading screens. Nostalgic Arcade in Northern Kentucky brings back the old-school magic — the glow of neon screens, the satisfying click-clack of buttons, and that unmistakable hum of friendly competition.

For just $10 at the door, kids and adults get unlimited play—no tokens, no quarters, no “just one more swipe.” Every arcade machine is set to free play, so you can jump from Pac-Man to NBA Jam to Mario Bros. without worrying about running out of credits. With 40+ classic games on the floor, there’s something for every generation to brag about.

Pro Tip: Wednesdays are Family Day — kids 10 and under get in free with a paid adult (one adult per child). Or, grab a 6-pass bundle for $39.99 to lock in future family fun.

So dust off your reflexes, show the kids your high score moves, and let the button-mashing begin.

Events to Check Out

Wicked Wednesday at the Kenton County Public Library

📍 Kenton County Public Library
📅 Wednesday, Nov 19th, 6:30-8 pm | ⏰ 1 hr 30 min | 💸 Free!

There’s no place like the library this week! ✨
Families are invited to click their heels and follow the yellow brick road to a Wicked Wednesday celebration packed with magic, make-believe, and a sprinkle of Oz-inspired fun.

✨ Here’s What’s in Store:
– 💖 Meet Glinda the Good Witch – She’ll be floating in for photos, sparkly smiles, and a bit of enchanting conversation.
– 🧹 Craft Your Own Magic – Make a wand, design your own broomstick, or decorate Elphaba’s hat—because every good witch (and wizard) needs their accessories.
– 🎯 Play & Pretend Stations – Themed games and hands-on activities to keep even the tiniest Munchkins entertained.
– 👗 Dress-Up Encouraged! – Come as your favorite Oz character—winged monkeys, good witches, or little lions welcome!

🧡 Our Take:
It’s a little bit wicked, a whole lot wonderful, and totally free—making it the perfect midweek adventure for families who love stories that sparkle.

Because sometimes, the best kind of magic doesn’t come from a wand—it comes from imagination shared together.

🎁 Ryle High School Craft Show – Handmade Holiday Magic

📍 Ryle High School, Union, KY
📅 Premiere Night: Friday, Nov 21 | ⏰ 7–10 PM | 🎟️ $10 (ticket required)
📅 Main Event: Saturday, Nov 22 | ⏰ 9 AM–3 PM | 💸 $5 at the door (10 & under free)

If your idea of holiday shopping includes hot cocoa, handmade treasures, and the smell of cinnamon wafting through the air, this is your weekend plan. The annual Ryle High School Craft Show is back, and it’s a handmade haven featuring 160+ local artisans, each bringing something one-of-a-kind to your gift list.

✨ What to Expect:
– 160+ booths filled with handcrafted gifts, décor, and seasonal finds (no mass-produced items here!)
– Local food trucks serving up snacks and sweet treats to keep your shopping energy high
– A cozy, community feel that makes even browsing a delight

🎟 Tickets & Details:
– Premiere Night (Fri, Nov 21): Beat the crowds and shop early for $10.
Get tickets online here or in person at The Black Goose (10829 US 42, Union, KY – cash only).
– Saturday (Nov 22): No ticket needed—just $5 cash at the door.
Kids 10 & under are free. Please note: no backpacks or strollers allowed inside.

🧡 Our Take:
It’s the perfect mix of merry and meaningful—a place where you can support local makers, snag thoughtful gifts, and maybe even find a little something for yourself. Whether you’re after cozy candles, festive décor, or handmade toys, this craft show makes holiday shopping feel more like a celebration than a chore.

Because there’s just something extra special about gifts made by hand—and given with heart.

 🎻 Doodle & Dance with the Violin!

📍 Kenton County Public Library – Independence Branch

📅 November 22nd | ⏰ 1- 2 pm | 💸 Free!

👧 Best for ages 3–8

What happens when music meets markers? 🎶✏️

Join local violinist Evin Blomberg for a one-of-a-kind creative session where little listeners become little artists! As Evin plays live music on her violin, kids are invited to doodle, draw, and let their imaginations dance along with each note.

✨ Why Families Will Love It:

– 🎵 Live Music Magic – Hear a real Cincinnati Symphony & Pops violinist perform right in your local library!

– 🎨 Guided Creativity – Evin gently leads kids to draw what they hear, sparking a connection between sound and art.

– 💫 Big Inspiration for Little Hands – Each session has its own theme, blending rhythm, color, and creativity.

It’s a sweet mix of music, mindfulness, and messy fun—the kind of quiet wonder that helps kids express themselves in ways words can’t.

Because sometimes the best masterpieces start with a single note and a crayon in hand.

One Place to Eat

 🍔Steak ’n Shake – Florence

If you’re in the mood for classic diner vibes and a milkshake fix, the Florence Steak ’n Shake might be worth a pit stop—especially if you’ve got hungry kids in tow. The spot recently switched things up: instead of table service, you’ll order at kiosks and pick up your food at the counter. Some parents love the speed; others miss the sit-down experience.

What to Expect:
🍔 The Food: The garlic burger and Frisco melt still get shoutouts, and of course, the milkshakes are a hit with kids. Fries are delicious. I usually add Parmesan cheese to mine, but my wife likes to dip hers in a milkshake.
👧 Kid Perks: There’s a kids’ menu with all the classics—burgers, grilled cheese, and chicken fingers—and best of all, the long-running “Kids Eat Free” deal still applies at many locations (check before you go, but Florence has historically participated).

Bottom line: It’s not a fancy night out, but if your crew wants burgers, fries, and shakes without breaking the bank, Steak ’n Shake keeps it simple—and sometimes, simple hits the spot. Let us know what you think of the updates!

One at Home Activity

🎵 Box Beats!

Got a cardboard box and a kid who can’t sit still? Perfect. You’re about five minutes away from turning that box into a mini drum — a noisy little masterpiece your toddler will proudly thump on all afternoon.

You’ll Need:

• A cardboard box or tube: An oatmeal container or small shipping box also works great.

• Paper: Butcher paper, packing paper, or a few printer sheets taped together — whatever you have on hand.

• Adhesive: Glue stick, craft glue, or double-sided tape.

• Decorations: Crayons, markers, paint, or stickers for the finishing touch.

• Drumsticks: Wooden spoons, plastic spatulas… or the most fun option — tiny hands!

How to Make It:

1. Prep the box: Adults only for this part — use scissors or a box cutter to remove both ends of the box so it’s open like a tunnel.

2. Wrap it up: Spread glue over the outside, roll it across your paper to cover it, and trim any extra.

3. Decorate! Hand it over to your little artist. Encourage scribbles, patterns, animals, or anything they can dream up.

4. Seal it (optional): Once the art is dry, add a layer of clear contact paper or Mod Podge to keep it sturdy through all those jam sessions.

Then, sit back and enjoy the concert. (Earplugs optional, applause required.)

One Thoughtful Moment

Opening Doors, Not Choosing Paths

There's this tension I feel sometimes as Little E's dad – this desire to share the things I love with him while also knowing he needs to discover his own passions, even if they're nothing like mine.

I love board games and woodworking, hobbies he's years away from being able to enjoy with me. But I also love tabletop role-playing games, and those are built on something timeless: make-believe, funny voices, and stories created on the fly. That, I can share with him now.

So I pick up his stuffed dragon and give it a grumbly voice: "Excuse me, Little E, but have you seen my missing sock?" He giggles, delighted by this suddenly animated toy. Or we'll pretend we're caught in a fairy ring and spin circles around the living room until we're both dizzy and laughing.

But here's what I'm learning – it's just as important to explore things that aren't my jam. So we go outside and I kick a ball around with him, even though sports were never my thing. We search for bugs under rocks and examine every stick we find, because maybe his path leads to biology or nature in ways mine never did.

And then there's watching him with his Mama. She teaches him little dance moves, and he mimics her with such joy – spinning, rolling, and his version of "jumping" that's really more of an enthusiastic stomp. His face lights up in ways I've never seen when he's moving to music.

Maybe he'll love games and storytelling like me. Maybe he'll dance like his mother. Maybe he'll fall in love with something neither of us ever considered.

My job isn't to mold him into a mini-me. It's to open as many doors as I can and then step back and watch which ones he walks through, cheering for him no matter where they lead.

Have you ever had a moment like mine? I am sure it would be encouraging to your fellow parenting community to share in these moments of life. Click the “Have an Experience to Share?” button at the bottom to get your story in a future issue!

~ Otto

Until Next Time… Achievement Unlocked: Quality Time
This week’s highlights are your reminder that the best adventures are co-op. Whether you’re button-mashing side by side or dancing in the kitchen, you’re building memories worth replaying.

Before we close out this issue, I want to take a moment to say how grateful I am for you. Every bit of feedback you’ve shared, every friend you’ve forwarded an issue to, every encouraging note — it all means more than you know. You’ve helped this little newsletter find its footing, grow its voice, and reach more families than I ever expected.

As we head into the season of back-to-back holidays, I’m hitting pause on writing so I can give my own family the extra attention these busy months deserve. Hopscotch Highlights will rest its crayons and keyboard until the new year.

In the meantime, feel free to revisit the archived issues and see how far we’ve come across our 21-week streak — it’s been a wild, wonderful run.

I might pop in here and there if something too good not to share comes across my radar, but otherwise, I’ll see you in January with fresh energy and new adventures.

Wishing you a season full of warmth, wonder, and as many small moments as you can carry.

With one hand on the joystick and the other holding fries,
Otto Neff
Creator of Hopscotch Highlights and tier of cherry stem knots