👋 Glad to have you! —

Some weeks, the best memories don’t come from big trips or perfect plans—they sneak up between errands, snack breaks, and surprise giggle fits. This week’s Hopscotch Highlights is a love letter to simple moments that fill our homes (and hearts) with light. From padded playgrounds to glowing bridges and a restaurant that’s feeding more than bellies, it’s proof that ordinary days can sparkle when you slow down to notice.

Here’s what’s in store

• One Place to Play — Pride Park!

• 3 Events to Check Out — White Christmas Exhibit, Winter Nights & River Lights, and Paint & Snip!

• One Place to Eat — Greek To Me!

• One at Home Activity — Indian Corn!

• One thoughtful moment — The Best Toys Cost Nothing!

One Place to Play

🌳 Pride Park
📍 5614 Taylor Mill Rd, Taylor Mill, KY

If your family’s definition of a good time includes squeals of laughter, grass-stained knees, and plenty of space to stretch those little legs, Pride Park in Taylor Mill delivers. It’s one of those rare spots that manages to be clean, calm, and kid-approved—all without feeling crowded or overbuilt.

✨ Why Families Love It
– 👶 A Win for the Littles – The brand-new toddler area has soft, padded flooring so you can actually exhale while your early walker tests their balance. No gravel, no scraped knees—just giggles and confidence building.
– 🧗‍♂️ Something for Every Age – With multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, even families with a mix of tiny explorers and fearless climbers can find their groove.
– 🧺 Room to Roam – There’s space for everyone here. Open fields for tag, paved walking paths for stroller strolls, and picnic shelters that practically beg for birthday parties or snack breaks.
– 🚻 Clean + Convenient – The restrooms are spotless (yes, really) and stocked with baby changing stations—a parenting win that deserves its own gold medal.
– 🌿 Simple, Scenic, and Sanity-Saving – Whether you’re walking loops with a coffee in hand or just watching your toddler proudly climb the same step 47 times, it’s one of those parks that makes ordinary days feel special.

👶 Parent Tip:
The toddler options are great for early walkers, though the main playground’s equipment might still be a bit tall for the under-2 crowd. Pack some bubbles or sidewalk chalk for those in-between moments, and you’ll easily fill an afternoon.
Pride Park isn’t flashy—but that’s what makes it so great. It’s clean, easy to navigate, and built with families in mind. From padded play zones to picnic-ready spots, it’s the kind of place that lets kids explore freely while parents actually relax (at least a little).

Because sometimes, pride isn’t just in the park’s name—it’s in watching your little one conquer that slide all on their own.

Events to Check Out

❄️ White Christmas Exhibit & Holly Jolly Days at BCM 🎄
📅 Nov 11 – Jan 11
📍 Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Rd, Covington, KY
💸 $9 Adults | $8 Seniors | $5 Kids (3–17) | Free for Members & Under 3

If you’ve ever dreamed of snow gently falling as Bing Crosby croons in the background, this one’s going to hit you right in the holiday feels. The Behringer-Crawford Museum is bringing movie magic to life with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Exhibit—a sparkling tribute to the 1954 classic that’s equal parts nostalgia, music, and merry memories.

✨ What You’ll See:
– 👗 Original costumes designed by the legendary Edith Head—yes, the blue “Sisters” dresses and that iconic red Santa finale outfit.
– 🎥 Props, sheet music, and memorabilia straight from the film and its stars (including Kentucky’s own Rosemary Clooney).
– 🎶 A behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beloved holiday movies ever made.

And because BCM never does “just one thing,” your visit also includes the Holly Jolly Days celebration—featuring the 34th annual Holiday Toy Trains exhibit!

🚂 All Aboard the Fun:
– Eight O-gauge Lionel model trains zipping along 250 feet of track.
– Buttons kids can push to bring tiny firefighters, farm animals, and even a cow-abducting UFO to life (yes, really).
– Enough moving pieces to keep everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—mesmerized.

👶 Parent Tip: Wednesdays are Grandparents Days! One grandchild gets in free with each paying grandparent—so make it a multi-generational outing.

🧡 Our Take: This exhibit is a cozy dose of holiday wonder that’s perfect for families who love tradition with a little twinkle. It’s not just a museum visit—it’s a chance to step straight into the magic of the movies, hum along to a few familiar tunes, and make new memories that feel like old ones.

Because sometimes, you don’t need a white Christmas—you just need a wonder-filled one.

🎄 Winter Nights & River Lights Kickoff on the Purple People Bridge
📅 Thursday, Nov 14 | ⏰ 6–7 PM
📍 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY
💸 Free | Family-Friendly

If you’re ready to flip the switch from fall fun to full-on holiday sparkle, this one’s for you! The Purple People Bridge is lighting up for the 10th Annual Winter Nights & River Lights, and it’s the kind of kickoff that makes even the grinchiest toddler say “whoa.”

✨ What to Expect:
– 🌟 10,000+ Twinkling Lights – The entire bridge transforms into a glowing holiday walkway, complete with music and festive decorations.
– 🎶 Sounds of the Season – Holiday tunes fill the air while the Ohio River sparkles below.
– 🎅 Opening Night Celebration – Join the crowd as the first lights of the season come to life—it’s a perfect excuse to bundle up, grab cocoa, and make a little magic happen.

🧡 Parent Tip: The bridge can get chilly, so layer up, bring hats and gloves, and maybe a stroller blanket for the littles. Parking is easiest at Newport on the Levee—bonus, you can grab dinner or dessert nearby before heading home.

✨ The light display runs nightly through January 4, so if bedtime wins this round, you’ve still got plenty of chances to stroll under the sparkle.

 🎨 Paint & Snip at the Elsmere Community Center ✂️
📅 Sunday, Nov 16 | ⏰ 2–4 PM
📍 179 Dell St, Elsmere, KY
💸 Free | All Ages Welcome

If your family’s craft bin is calling your name (but you’d rather someone else handle the setup and cleanup), this is your kind of Sunday! The City of Elsmere Paint & Snip is bringing out the brushes, scissors, and holiday spirit for an afternoon of hands-on creativity—no Pinterest perfection required.

✨ What to Expect:
– 🖼 Paint your own picture frame — perfect for those “aww” holiday photos.
– 🎁 Make festive paper crafts and handmade gifts — because Grandma loves a DIY ornament.
– ✂️ All supplies are provided — just show up with your imagination and maybe a few creative sound effects from the kids.

👩‍👧‍👦 Parent Tip: Wear something you don’t mind getting a little “artsy.” (Translation: paint-splattered.) The event is relaxed, family-friendly, and a great way to sneak in some early Christmas crafting without turning your kitchen table into a glitter zone.

🧡 Whether you’re painting, snipping, or just supervising the chaos with a coffee in hand, this is one of those low-stress, high-fun afternoons that make the season a little brighter—and a lot more colorful.

One Place to Eat

 🥙 Greek To Me – Kindness Served Fresh
📍 3212 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger, KY

Every once in a while, a local restaurant reminds you that “family-friendly” can mean more than crayons on the table—it can mean showing up for the community when it matters most. This week, that’s exactly what Greek To Me – Erlanger is doing.

Here’s What’s Happening:
With the suspension of SNAP benefits that started November 1, Greek To Me is stepping up in a big way. Until benefits are restored, they’re offering Free Kid’s Gyro Meals to any family affected by the shutdown—no fuss, no fanfare, just genuine care.

Each free meal includes:
– 🥙 One Kid’s Gyro
– 🍟 One Kid’s Fry
– 🥤 One Drink

This offer is available for dine-in or carryout only (not valid through delivery apps). Kids must be present, and each child (ages 16 and under) can enjoy one free meal per visit. Just show your SNAP card and their team will take it from there—no judgment, just kindness wrapped in pita bread.

🧡 Our Take:
In a world where “community” can sometimes feel like a buzzword, Greek To Me is living it out loud. Whether you’re a family in need or just want to support a business that leads with heart, this is the kind of place worth showing up for.

Because here, it’s not just about feeding bellies—it’s about feeding hope.

💙 Parent Tip:
Even if you’re not using SNAP, consider grabbing dinner here this week to support what they’re doing. Order a gyro, leave a generous tip, and help keep the good energy flowing. It helps that they make the best gyros in town!

It’s comfort food with compassion on the side—and that’s something we can all raise a napkin to.

One at Home Activity

🌽Beaded Indian Corn
(for little hands ages 0–8)

If your crew loves colorful crafts and you’re secretly hoping for 15 minutes of focused silence, this one’s for you. Beaded Indian Corn is a perfect fall project that combines fine motor practice, sensory fun, and festive decor—all with just a handful of supplies and a dash of patience.

✨ What You’ll Need:
– 4 tan or brown pipe cleaners (per ear of corn)
– Pony beads in fall colors: yellow, orange, white, and maroon
– Optional: extra pipe cleaner for the “stem”
– A kid or two who can’t resist shiny beads

🎨 How to Make It:

1. Start the Cob:
   Take two pipe cleaners and cross them into an “X.” Twist them together in the center. Then add two more pipe cleaners, twisting them in the same spot to create a star shape (8 “arms” total).

2. Add the Kernels:
   This is where the kids take over! Have them thread pony beads onto each pipe cleaner “arm.” Encourage creativity—patterns, rainbows, or total chaos all work beautifully.

3. Finish the Stem:
   Leave about 2 inches of bare pipe cleaner at the ends. Once all the arms are beaded, gather them together and twist the loose ends to form a stem. Wrap an extra piece of pipe cleaner around the top if you want it extra secure.

4. Display with Pride:
   Prop them in a fall centerpiece, tape them to the fridge, or tie them into a garland. Either way, you’ll have the cutest corn this side of the harvest.

👶 Toddler-Friendly Version:
If your little one isn’t quite ready for beads (or you’d like to avoid chasing them under the couch for a week), try Finger-Painted Paper Corn!

✨ What You’ll Need:
– Yellow construction paper or cardstock
– Scissors ✂️
– Washable finger paints in red, orange, and brown
– Optional: green paper for husks

🖐 How to Make It:

1. Cut out a simple corn shape from the yellow paper.

2. Let your toddler dip their fingers in paint and dab “kernels” all over.

3. Once dry, glue on green paper husks or let it stand alone as a mini masterpiece.

🧡 Parent Tip:
Dry the beaded version on wax paper to prevent stray glue or paint messes. And if you’re feeling extra festive, string a few together to make your own “Thankful Garland.”

It’s colorful, creative, and completely corn-tastic—a fun reminder that sometimes the simplest crafts are the ones that stick (literally and figuratively).

One Thoughtful Moment

The Best Toys Cost Nothing

Little E loves it when we get our monthly supply order from Amazon because it comes in large boxes.

For the next hour, those boxes became tunnels, drums, hats, and hiding spots. He pushed them across the floor, climbed into them, and wore the smaller ones like a helmet. The toys all around sat forgotten while he found endless entertainment in corrugated cardboard.

It's become a pattern I can't help but notice. This week at dinner, I've been playing the simplest game imaginable with him. I hide behind the centerpiece on our table – just duck down behind a vase and some fake flowers – then pop back up with a "peek-a-boo!"

His reaction every single time is pure magic. His whole face lights up, he throws his head back laughing, and immediately looks to see if I'm going to do it again. Sometimes he's so delighted he forgets to chew the food in his mouth.

No batteries required. No assembly needed. Just a dad, a centerpiece, and a toddler who thinks it's the funniest thing in the world.

I used to worry about whether we were giving him enough, whether he had the right developmental toys, and whether we were doing enough to enrich his world. But watching him dissolve into giggles over peek-a-boo has taught me something important: the best moments don't come from what we can buy.

They come from simply being present, being silly, and sharing joy in the smallest, simplest ways. Connection doesn't require a price tag.

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 Week…
So here’s to the boxes, peek-a-boos, and playground slides that remind us we already have everything we need to make life feel full. Go easy, have fun, and keep your eyes open for magic hiding in plain sight.

Pass this along to a fellow parent or playground pro—and we’ll be back next Friday with more of the good stuff.

Fueled by coffee and toddler giggles,
Otto Neff,
Creator of Hopscotch Highlights and Collector of Small Wins