Registration Requirements: Preregistration required. 

Intended Audience: This program is designed for all ages, including families with children. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Program Description: The crickets will be singing, and so will you! Pack your favorite snacks and a picnic blanket for this lively evening of music and nature. Family Music Picnic will feature a live, local musician playing everything from the classics to modern-day hits and some originals, too. This fun-for-all-ages celebration will have the whole family dancing.

Band: The Laughing Lizards https://www.laughinglizardsband.com/ 

• Band Bio: Steve and Donna Bing of The Laughing Lizards are versatile performers, instrumentalists, and music teachers.  They have toured around the country and Canada playing their mix of Appalachian Old Time, Louisiana Cajun, and Western Swing with fiddle, Cajun accordion, guitar, banjo, and mandolin. They have recorded eight CD’s, one of which was considered for a Grammy nomination. Steve and Donna Bing are regular performers in the Cincinnati area, and their musicianship is complemented by their vocal harmonies.  Steve has twice won the Ohio State fiddle contest. 

What to Expect: This program is entirely outdoors and runs rain or shine. 

• Event time is 6–8 pm, with music from 6:15–7:45 pm.
• There will be no seating provided at this event. Please bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on. 
• Restrooms are available throughout the program.
• Pets are not permitted at any Cincinnati Nature Center program or event.

Please Note: While outside food and drink are welcome at this event, absolutely no outside alcohol will be allowed due to State of Ohio liquor laws. Coolers will be checked upon entry.

What to Wear: Dress for the weather and to be outdoors the entire time.

Where to Meet: Registered participants will meet at our Rowe Woods location. (4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150). See individual dates for specific event locations.

Cost: Ticket fees include daily admission.

Member adult free; member child (3-18) free; member 2 and under free; nonmember adult $12 (includes daily admission); nonmember child (3-18) $8 (includes daily admission); nonmember 2 and under free.

Am I allowed to bring in my own food and drink? What about coolers?

• Yes! Guests are encouraged to pack their own food and drinks. You can pack this however you’d like- picnic baskets, coolers, lunch boxes, etc. However, please note: due to State of Ohio liquor laws, absolutely no outside alcohol will be allowed in. Coolers will be checked upon entry. Additionally, no glass will be allowed for safety reasons. 

Will there be food and drink for sale at this event?

• Packing a cooler or picnic basket with your own food is encouraged. Beer and wine will be available for purchase for those 21+, as well as soft drinks (a valid ID must be presented to purchase alcohol). There will NOT be a food truck at this event. Due to State of Ohio liquor laws, absolutely no outside alcohol will be allowed. Coolers will be checked upon entry. 

I’m a Cincinnati Nature Center Member, do I still have to preregister?

• Yes. Everyone is required to preregister, even if your ticket price is “free” because you are a member. This helps us ensure we are staying within the maximum capacity that our site and parking can accommodate. You will be required to present your QR code ticket upon entry. 

I am not a Member of Cincinnati Nature Center. Can I attend? Do I have to preregister? 

• Nonmembers are welcome and encouraged at this event with the purchase of a ticket. The nonmember ticket price for this event is equal to the cost of Cincinnati Nature Center daily admission. We offer a great lineup of programs and camps for children and families throughout the year. The cost of most of these offerings are reduced for Members. Additionally, Members get into Family Music Picnics for free (which may end up being a better deal depending on how many people you plan to bring!) For more information on Memberships, visit: https://www.cincynature.org/membership

Will credit cards be accepted for purchases at Family Music Picnics?

• Yes. All major credit cards will be accepted, as well as cash. 

Can I bring my pet?

• No. While we typically welcome leashed dogs on our trails, pets are not allowed at any Cincinnati Nature Center programs or events for the comfort and safety of all guests. Please leave your furry friends at home for this event. 

Will there be seating at this event?

• No. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic blanket or chairs to sit on. 

Can I bring a stroller or wagon?

• Yes. Guests are welcome to bring strollers or wagons. Note that, while the event takes place on flat, grassy ground, you may have to traverse some bumpy gravel paths to get to the site.  

Where does this event take place?

• Family Music Picnic takes place at Cincinnati Nature Center’s main Rowe Woods location in Milford (4949 Tealtown Rd). Specifically, the event will be held in Oak Allee, which is near our Visitor Center. This is a large, shaded area. Our Gatehouse staff and Parking Attendants will help guests find the event location. 

Will this event take place outdoors?

• Yes. This event will be held in Oak Allee at our main, Milford location. This is a shaded field area. This event will go on rain or shine. Inclement weather such as lightning or high winds will result in a cancellation. Should weather result in a cancellation, all guests will be notified by 2 pm the day of the event, and a full refund will be issued.  

Is this event family friendly?

• Yes, this event is appropriate for the whole family and all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Can I bring games and activities for my kids?

• Absolutely! Things like bubbles, balls, and other games are welcomed and encouraged. Please note that we do not allow balloons at Cincinnati Nature Center. 

I am new to Cincinnati Nature Center. How do I know where to go upon arrival?

• Our Gatehouse staff will help all event registrants find their way to the proper location. Additionally, we will have parking attendants on site to help guests find their way from their parking lot to the event location. 

Is parking provided?

• Yes. Cincinnati Nature Center has several large parking lots on site.

Will I have to walk far from the parking lot to the event location?

• Cincinnati Nature Center has several large parking lots across our grounds. There is a parking lot directly adjacent to the event locations, however, when this parking lot fill is full, we will use overflow parking lots. This could require a roughly 2-3 minute walk from your car to the event site. Guests are welcome to bring wagons, strollers, coolers on wheels, etc. to help transport items from their car.