Family events in Connersville, IN

Little ones can bounce, wiggle, and laugh at Wiggle Worms, a hands-on storytime for ages 0 to 2. The session includes lively songs, playful fingerplays, and time to discover a variety of toys. It also provides a welcoming space where children can socialize and caregivers can connect with one another.

Pop Up Play offers a burst of creativity with games, adventures, and craft projects. Each week brings fresh activities in collaboration with local partners such as Skool Aid, Indigo Hippo, Black Art Speaks, Girls Can Hoop, Abrakadoodle, Pones, Dino Buddies, and the Cincinnati Public Library. The lineup rotates and some sessions may be announced closer to the day, so experiences can vary from week to week. Sponsored by Urban Sites, the Hubert Family Foundation, and P&G.

Presented by Medpace, this event returns for a third year at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Walk a half-mile route lined with more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins and autumn displays, creating the biggest experience of its kind in the Tri-state. Glowing jack o’lanterns, striking scenes, and special effects fill the pathways for a seasonal outing suitable for all ages. The Reptile House and Night Hunters will also be open during the event. This is a separate ticketed experience and is not included with Zoo membership or regular admission.

Families can enjoy open swim time at Goldfish Swim School Anderson in a comfortably warm 90-degree setting, with showers, private changing areas, hair dryers, and water extraction stations available. Pricing is $10 per swimmer, capped at $30 per family. For children who are not yet potty trained, a reusable swim diaper is required. To verify availability before you go, call 513-719-6800 or email swimanderson@goldfishss.com.

Sean Lamb and Janet Miller take the stage at Dougherty Orchards & Winery as part of the free Friday night concerts presented by First Financial Bank. Enjoy an evening of live music with food and drinks available from the orchard. The event is free, family friendly, and open to the public. Groups may reserve a table for priority seating to make the night more comfortable. For the best experience, please note that only food and beverages purchased at the orchard are allowed. Alcohol bought on site may be consumed in designated areas. The venue is family focused, and behavior that could harm or threaten guests or animals is not permitted. Service may be refused when necessary. Seating is limited, so bringing your own chairs is encouraged.

The Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben is a regular community event open to runners and walkers across ages and experience levels. Expect cool fall air, bright foliage, and the rush of hitting the finish line. Participants can choose from a half marathon, 10K, 5K, or a one mile run for kids. After the race, a post race celebration features food, drinks, and entertainment so families and friends can share in the achievement, whether they took part or cheered from the sidelines.

Richmond’s Old Richmond Historic District transforms into a lively fall gathering with free, family-friendly activities. Browse handmade creations from local artisans, savor food truck favorites and sweet treats, and enjoy live entertainment. Children can dive into games and creative activities while everyone takes in the district’s historic architecture, relaxes together, and enjoys a festive autumn atmosphere. All ages are welcome, and the fun happens rain or shine.

Discover adoptable dogs at Petco - 5 Mile in Cincinnati. Meet a welcoming mix of pups at different life stages, from energetic youngsters to mellow seniors, all looking for a home. You can review available pets in advance and submit an application ahead of time or complete one on site. If adopting is not possible right now, volunteers will be available to share ways to get involved.

Local and regional jazz artists perform every Monday at the Sherwin-Williams Porch, adding to Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene. Attendees can enjoy a favorite drink while a rotating roster brings a range of sounds and ensembles. Artists featured across the run include Sophia Troyer, Love of Country Jazz Quintet Plays Cowboy Bossa Nova, Brent Gallaher Quintet, Mambo Combo, Estrada do Sol, Faux Frenchmen, Ricky Nye, Pamela Mallory Quartet, Little Saudade, Mandy Gaines and Brad Meyers, Jim Connerley Quartet, Camille Saba Smith, Bacchanal Steel Band, Marc Fields, Keigo Hirakawa Trio, Lili Shires and Steve Schmidt, Hank Stephens and Erwin Stuckey, Five Little Bears, Phil DeGreg Trio, Retro Nouveau featuring Jack Garrett, Noisepolice, Al West Jr, Jordan Pollard Trio, Queen City Cabaret, Daniel Bennett and the Dirty Shirleys, and Dixie Karas. Admission is free and tickets are not required. Programmed in collaboration with Jazz at the Memo, with thanks to sponsors GBBN, Sherwin-Williams, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Great Oak Church hosts a free Food Pantry and Clothing Bank for anyone seeking groceries, clothing, or items for children. There are no requirements to use the pantry, so visitors are not asked to register, show identification, or listen to a sermon. Prayer is available for those who request it, and questions can be answered on site. First-time guests are asked to fill out a short information sheet so the number of new and returning visitors can be shared with Midwest Food Pantry, which provides part of the donations. Personal details are not shared with Midwest Food Pantry or any other group. The pantry offers food for families and a wide selection of clothing in many sizes. Friends and relatives are welcome to come, and if you are choosing items for your family or children, they do not all need to be present.

Jack O’Lantern Glow, presented by Medpace, returns for its third year at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden with a walk-through featuring more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins and autumn displays along a half-mile route. Glowing jack o’lanterns, illuminated displays, and special effects transform the Zoo into a vivid fall setting, making it the biggest event of its kind in the Tri-state area. This family-friendly experience welcomes all ages. The Reptile House and Night Hunters will also be open during the event. Tickets are sold separately and the experience is not included with Zoo membership or regular admission.

Giraffes parade, birds glide, and gazelles spring as the Serengeti comes alive and Pride Rock rises through the mist to the swell of the music. Disney's The Lion King presents imaginative stagecraft, memorable songs, and distinctive storytelling that have captivated more than 100 million people around the globe. Celebrated with six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the production brings together director Julie Taymor, choreographer Garth Fagan, and the songwriting team of Elton John and Tim Rice to build a Broadway spectacle filled with hope and adventure. The experience is unlike any other.

Now in its fourth year, this hands-on learning day transforms a giant outdoor classroom into a lively hub of exploration with educational exhibitors from across Indianapolis. Students can interact with climbing arborists, dive into STEM and nature activity stations, experience Indiana DNR’s Woods on Wheels, and observe Civil War surgery reenactments. Activities also include the Heritage Tour, atlatl throwing, stone carving, and other interactive experiences supported by partners such as the Indiana Historical Society, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, Free Wheelin', Indiana Landmarks, Newfields, The Children's Museum, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Project Learning Tree, and the Indiana State Library. Admission is free, and advance registration is required. For questions, contact Director of Education Stephanie Ertel at sertel@crownhill.org.

Build early language skills through stories, songs, rhymes, and playful activities. Open to infants through school-age children. Please register and include the total number of people in your group.

Parents considering high school options for their daughters can take part in Walkabout Wednesdays at Saint Ursula Academy, a casual campus tour that showcases what makes the school a nurturing place to learn and grow. Explore the campus, get a feel for the community, meet dedicated staff members, and see learning in action. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and attendees are encouraged to bring questions.

Pop Up Play brings hands-on creative fun to Imagination Alley with activities designed to spark imagination. Each installment features a different community partner, with organizations such as the Cincinnati Public Library, Abrakadoodle, the Art Academy of Cincinnati, and Black Art Speaks leading the experience. Additional summer information is forthcoming. Events in Imagination Alley are supported by PNC Bank, the Hubert Foundation, KPMG, and Urban Sites.

Nail trimming for pets is offered for $10 per pet, cash only.

Yappy Hour, presented by Mission Vet Urgent Care, is a dog-friendly gathering held on the first Wednesday of each month. Pups and their people connect with Pet Wants at the Dog Park, then head out together on a community walk to Elm Street Plaza. Each edition features a new theme and activity, ranging from scavenger hunts and relay races to painting sessions, splash time, treat-catching contests that support the Stray Animal Adoption Program, and quick sit challenges. The October edition, Happy Howl-O-Weenie, invites everyone to show off their spookiest costumes. Sponsors include Mission Vet Urgent Care, Pet Wants, Decal Impressions, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

The touring production of Disney’s The Lion King is presented at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. The performance includes one intermission. Every attendee must have a ticket, regardless of age, and the event is recommended for ages 6 and up. Please be aware that flashing strobe lights are used.

A season-ending weekend arrives at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the Indianapolis 8 Hour brings global GT competitors to the Brickyard. The program features the final round of GT World Challenge America powered by AWS alongside the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli. Series wrapping up their seasons on the same bill include GT America powered by AWS, Pirelli GT4 America, TC America powered by Skip Barber, Toyota GR Cup North America, and McLaren Trophy America. The event offers continuous on-track action, paddock access, activities for fans, and a range of food and beverages, all within a lively atmosphere under the lights for endurance racing. Children 15 and under receive free entry.

Families can explore creativity at the CAC through tactile art activities followed by a kid-friendly yoga sequence. Children will learn about artist Sheida Soleimani, then make their own pieces inspired by her work, with yoga offered after each Art Play session. The program is intended for ages 2 to 6 with parents or caregivers. Admission is free for members and for families with a valid SNAP or EBT card, and costs $5 per child for nonmembers. Presented with support from the Charles H Dater Foundation and ArtsWave.

Teen Game Night brings video gaming to the library with support from Andy of IU East Esports. Teens can rotate through different popular consoles, play casually with new friends, or enter a competitive tournament. Snacks will be available to keep players energized during the event. The library also offers additional teen programs every Thursday.

Hosted in the Murat Theatre within the Old National Centre, this performance runs about two and a half hours and includes one intermission. Every attendee must have a ticket, regardless of age. It is recommended for guests 6 years and older. Please note that flashing strobe lighting is used during the show.