👋 Hey there—

Sometimes the best family days aren’t the big, complicated ones—they’re the “grab a snack, find a park, see where the day takes you” kind. This week, we’ve got just the mix: a neighborhood park that punches above its weight in fun, free gelato (yes, really), a creativity-boosting art session, and a craft festival that’s as much for the kids as it is for you.

Here’s what’s in store

• One Place to Play — Lincoln Woods Park!

• 3 Events to Check Out — Free Gelato, Art Tuesdays, and First of Fall Fest!

• One Place to Eat — Amiel Arte Bakery!

• One at Home Activity — Keep the Fun Rolling!

• One thoughtful moment — Everyday Moments!

💃 Sponsor Spotlight: Christian Dance Academy
📍 240 Main St., Florence, KY | 📞 859-692-3971

For over 20 years, Christian Dance Academy (CDA) has been filling Northern Kentucky with music, movement, and a whole lot of encouragement—on and off the dance floor. Guided by Psalm 149:3 (“Let them praise His name with dancing”), CDA blends technical training with a warm, faith-centered community that feels like family.

Why HH Parents Love It:
If your child can’t help but twirl down the grocery aisle or bounce to the beat of a commercial, CDA has a class to match their energy. For our Hopscotch Highlights age crew (3–8 years old), there are plenty of beginner-friendly options that keep things fun while building coordination, confidence, and teamwork:

• Ballet, Tap & Tumbling (Ages 3–4) – Gentle introduction to dance basics in a playful, supportive space.

• Ballet, Tap & Tumbling (Ages 5–7) – A step up in skills, still packed with imagination and movement games.

• Hip Hop (Ages 6 & under) – Lyrical and hip-hop dance with a kid-friendly, upbeat vibe.

• Musical Theater (Ages 7–10) – Singing, acting, and dancing all rolled into one creative hour.

And for older siblings? CDA offers ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, performance sign language, and even competition team training—plus a special needs P.U.R.E program.

Mark Your Calendar:
CDA students perform in original, Holy Spirit-inspired productions each December and Spring. This year’s Christmas Recital will be at Florence Baptist Church on December 6, 2025 (shows at 10 AM & 3 PM).

Whether your little one is just learning to point their toes or dreaming of the big stage, CDA creates a space where every dancer feels encouraged to grow—technically, creatively, and spiritually.

🧡 Parent Tip: Ask about trying a class to see which style makes your child light up the most.

🌳 Lincoln Woods: Big Fun in a Little Package
📍 1 City Park Drive, Florence, KY

Tucked into a quiet Florence neighborhood, Lincoln Woods is one of those parks that feels like it was designed with families in mind—especially if your crew includes both fearless climbers and tiny toddlers.

Here’s why parents love it:

🚩 Play for Every Age
A separate tot lot means your littlest explorers get equipment made just for them, while bigger kids can conquer the climbing structures, slides, swings, and more. Soft, crumb rubber surfacing adds a layer of comfort (and peace of mind) for wobbly walkers.

🌿 Room to Roam
Beyond the playground, there’s plenty of open green space for tag, cartwheels, or sprawling out with a picnic blanket. Paved and unpaved walking paths give you options for a stroller stroll or a short “hike” for adventurous feet.

🍔 Picnic-Perfect
The large reservable shelter (complete with electricity, grill, and a water fountain) makes this a great spot for birthday parties, family meet-ups, or just a shaded snack break.

🏀 Extra Activities
Two tennis courts, a basketball court, and baseball/softball fields mean you can mix up your visit with a quick game.

🚻 Parent Peace of Mind
Clean restrooms, well-maintained equipment, and a calm neighborhood setting make it easy to relax while the kids burn energy.

🔥Events to Check Out:

🍨 Free Gelato Alert!
Because some things are just too good to keep quiet…

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 21, 3–5 PM—Golden Gelato in Covington is scooping up free sweet treats for the community, and you’re invited.

This isn’t just about sprinkles and waffle cones (though, yes, both are encouraged). It’s also a chance to hear how LINK NKY is giving Northern Kentucky a say in local journalism—literally putting community ownership at the heart of our hometown news.

Bring a friend, bring the kids, or just bring your appetite. Whether you stop in for a quick cone or linger to chat with fellow neighbors, you’ll leave with something even better than dessert: the inside scoop on how we can keep local stories thriving.

📍 Golden Gelato — 130 West Pike Street, Covington, KY
💸 Free! (Your wallet stays in your pocket. Your gelato stays in your hand.)

🧡 Parent Tip: If you’ve got littles in tow, downtown Covington has plenty of spots to stroll off the sugar rush after you get your cone.

🎨 Art Tuesdays: Little Hands, Big Creativity
If your kiddo is forever filling notebooks with doodles, building cardboard castles, or leaving a trail of glitter wherever they go (sorry couch), this might be your midweek sweet spot.

Every Tuesday from 1–3 PM, Roebling Books & Coffee in Newport opens up their cozy back room for Art Tuesdays—a casual, drop-in space where creativity is the only requirement.

This isn’t an art class with strict rules—it’s a community table for making, sharing, and learning. While you sip a latte, your young artist can:
– Swap tips and ideas with friendly local artists
– See how others turn simple sketches into something big
– Try new materials or styles without the pressure of “getting it right”

🖌 Why Parents Love It:
You get a relaxed, screen-free afternoon that fuels your child’s passion for creating. They get exposure to experienced artists who remember what it’s like to start with nothing but a blank page and a big imagination. And you both get to leave inspired—possibly with paint under your fingernails.

📍 Roebling Books & Coffee — 601 Overton St, Newport, KY
💸 Free to attend | All ages welcome (grownups, bring your sketchpad too!)

🧡 Parent Tip: If your little Picasso is shy, come early and grab a corner spot—you’ll be amazed how quickly they warm up once they see everyone else’s work in progress.

🍁 First of Fall Festival: Where Crafts, Treats, and Kid Energy Collide

🗓 When to Go: August 22nd-24th
– Friday: 4–8 PM (Early birds park for just $3!)
– Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
– Sunday: 11 AM–3 PM

🚗 Parking: $5/car (except Friday’s early bird special)
📍 Boone County Fairgrounds

Mark your calendars—Boone County’s biggest handmade craft show is rolling into the Boone County Fairgrounds the weekend before Labor Day, and it’s not just for the grown-ups who love to get their Christmas gifts early!

Sure, you’ll find aisles of gorgeous handmade goods, the kind you want to touch, smell, or taste (depending on the booth). But for the kids? It’s a full-on sensory playground:
– Bright colors and cool textures to explore
– The sweet smell of kettle corn and funnel cakes drifting through the air
– A chance to watch crafters in action (cue the “How do they DO that?” questions)
– Wide-open fairground space for little legs to roam between snack stops

And don’t forget the food trucks—because nothing fuels kid-powered shopping breaks like hot pretzels or a snow cone.

🧡 Parent Tip: If you want to avoid peak crowds, aim for Friday evening or early Saturday. Bonus—kids can run off their sugar rush in the open fairgrounds before the car ride home.

 🍰 Amiel Arte Bakery: Sweet Treats, Warm Vibes
📍 7103 Dixie Hwy, Florence, KY

If you’ve got a sweet tooth (or a kid who does), Amiel Arte Bakery is the kind of spot that makes you feel instantly at home. This family-owned bakery turns out beautiful pastries, rich tres leches cake, flaky empanadas, and coffee worth slowing down for—all served with a friendly smile.

Why Families Like It Here:
🧁 Treats for Tiny Taste Testers
From cookies to cakes, there’s no shortage of kid-approved options. If your little one’s adventurous, an empanada might just be their new favorite snack.

☕ Kid-Size Fun While You Sip
One reviewer spotted a toy coffee machine in the shop that kept their kid happily busy—so you might actually get to enjoy your latte while it’s still hot.

🏠 Cozy + Charming
The space has a warm, inviting vibe that works for both a quick stop or a slow afternoon treat.

Things to Keep in Mind:
⏳ Service is usually friendly but can run a bit slow at peak times—just bring a coloring book or a small toy if your kiddo isn’t into waiting.
❓ Menu details for picky eaters or dietary restrictions aren’t always obvious, so it’s worth asking the staff what’s available before ordering.

🧡 Parent Tip: This is a great “special treat” stop after errands or a park visit. Pair it with a walk in nearby Florence for a sweet little family outing.

🪁 9 Simple Ways to Keep the Fun Rolling at the Park (Even After the First “I’m Bored”)

We’ve all been there—your kid sprints to the playground like it’s the Olympics… only to declare they’re “done” after 15 minutes. Here are a few easy, low-prep ways to keep them happily busy just a bit longer:

🌿 Engage With Nature

1. Mini Nature Scavenger Hunt – Hand them a list (or pictures) of leaves, rocks, flowers, or bugs to find. Younger kids love simple visuals, while older ones can handle clues or challenges.

2. Leaf & Bark Rubbings – Toss a few crayons and paper in your bag. Instant art from whatever tree is nearby.

3. Bug or Bird Watch – Bring a magnifying glass or mini binoculars. Even “watching ants carry stuff” becomes fascinating with the right props.

🤸 Move & Groove
4. Animal Parade – Walk like a bear, hop like a frog, slither like a snake. Bonus points if you join in and make the sound effects.
5. Natural Obstacle Course – Use logs, rocks, or playground gear to create a course for jumping, crawling, and balancing.

🎭 Spark Imagination
6. Build a Fairy House – Twigs, leaves, bark… instant tiny home construction.
7. Park Storytime – Let kids use what they find (sticks, stones, feathers) as characters in a made-up story.

🎨 Little Hands at Work
8. Leaf Garland – Thread leaves together for a simple, calming activity that doubles as a nature craft.
9. Rock Painting – Smooth stones + washable paint or markers = portable art project.

🧡 Parent Tip: Keep a “park kit” in your trunk with crayons, string, a magnifying glass, and a snack. You’ll be the hero who magically extends playtime just long enough to tire them out before the ride home.

The Wonder in Everyday Moments

Yesterday, I watched my 14-month-old son pull out all the toys from the toy boxes I'd just put away. They were filled with a large assortment of things to play with. But somehow my hat ended up in there with everything else. He found what he was looking for with a grin of success!

He pulled out my hat and brought it to me, and I found myself asking, "What do you think this does?" He babbled something that sounded very important and promptly put it on his head backwards and looked at me through the hole. We both dissolved into giggles!

This is what I'm learning about nurturing his curiosity – it's less about having the right answers and more about asking the right questions together. When he points to something and looks at me with those wide, wondering eyes, I try to turn it back to him: "What do you see?" or "I wonder what would happen if..."

His latest obsession is running between my legs over and over again. He will look at me with a big grin and run at me laughing. Then I will look at him through my legs and he will come back through with just as many giggles.

I've started narrating my own curiosity out loud: "I wonder why this spoon sounds different when I tap it on the counter versus the floor?" He watches intently, absorbing the idea that questioning the world around us is valuable.

The mess is worth it. The Cheerios scattered across the living room floor, the toys clanging as he experiments with sounds – it's all part of building that foundation for lifelong learning. When I resist the urge to immediately clean up or redirect his exploration, I see his confidence grow.

Some days I catch myself wanting to show him the "right" way to use things. But then he'll surprise me by finding a completely different use for a wooden spoon or discovering that lids make excellent drums, and I'm reminded that his way of seeing the world is teaching me, too.

His curiosity is contagious, and I'm grateful to be along for the journey of discovery.

Until Next Week…
Whether you end up at the park, the bakery, or knee-deep in craft booths, remember—it’s the small, silly, unexpected moments that stick. So let the mess happen, say yes to the extra scoop, and follow the giggles. They’re the best map you’ve got.

Forward this to another tired-but-determined parent in your crew, and I’ll be back next Friday with more adventures worth getting out the door for.

With juice box in hand,
Otto Neff
Creator of Hopscotch Highlights and Champion of Second Breakfasts