Category: family

July First Friday is tonight! Join WNZR and kick-off a great Independence Holiday weekend!

The Morning Thing talked with Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon about July’s First Friday. It IS happening on a Thursday (7/3/25).
Click HERE to hear the full conversation, or click the link below.

Lacey shares the details about this exciting event for families. She gives us highlights of the schedule, entertainment, food choices, parking and the theme – Red, White, & Blue Party! The event happens tonight from 6pm – 9pm in downtown Mount Vernon. We hope to see you there to celebrate our Independence Holiday.

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What are you making for the 4th of July?

Tomorrow is Independence Day! Are you looking for something to take to your picnic? Or family reunion?

The Morning Thing crew found 6 easy and festive recipes that are perfect for your 4th of July. These are simple to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and full of summer flavor! Check them out!

If you try one of these recipes, let us know what your family thinks and share their reviews. Email us at wnzr@mvnu.edu Also, send us a picture! 🙂

Have a wonderful 4th of July!

1. Red, White & Blue Fruit Skewers

Ingredients:

  • Strawberries (halved)
  • Blueberries
  • Marshmallows (or banana slices)
  • Wooden skewers

Instructions:
Thread strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows onto skewers in a red-white-blue pattern. Serve chilled for a refreshing and patriotic snack.

🌭 2. Grilled Hot Dog Bar

Ingredients:

  • Hot dogs & buns
  • Assorted toppings: ketchup, mustard, relish, diced onions, sauerkraut, shredded cheese, chili

Instructions:
Grill hot dogs until heated through and lightly charred. Set up a toppings bar so guests can customize their own!

🥔 3. Easy Ranch Potato Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs baby red potatoes (boiled & quartered)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour. Garnish with extra green onions or bacon bits if desired.

🍔 4. Mini Cheeseburger Sliders

Ingredients:

  • Slider buns
  • Ground beef patties (small)
  • Cheese slices
  • Pickles, ketchup, mustard

Instructions:
Grill or pan-cook small beef patties. Assemble with cheese and toppings on slider buns. Serve warm with toothpicks to hold together.

🍉 5. Watermelon Feta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cubed watermelon
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:
Toss watermelon with feta and mint. Drizzle with lime juice and chill before serving.

🍰 6. No-Bake Berry Icebox Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1 box graham crackers
  • 2 cups whipped topping
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1 cup blueberries

Instructions:
Layer graham crackers, whipped topping, and berries in a 9×13 dish. Repeat layers. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

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Are you ready for some Family Fun this 4th of July?

The Morning Thing is here to help!

Check out these FUN Ideas for some Family Fun this Independence Day!

🎆 Outdoor Activities

  1. Watch a Fireworks Show – Find a local display or do a small, safe one at home.
  2. Backyard BBQ or Picnic – Grill out classic American favorites.
  3. Decorate Bikes for a Parade – Host a mini neighborhood bike parade.
  4. Play Lawn Games – Cornhole, horseshoes, sack races, or a water balloon toss.
  5. Go to a Local Festival – Many towns host 4th of July events with food and games.
  6. Camp Out in the Backyard – Stargaze, tell stories, and enjoy s’mores.
  7. Host a Water Day – Sprinklers, slip n’ slide, kiddie pools, or a water balloon fight.

🎨 Creative Fun

  1. DIY T-Shirts or Tie-Dye – Use red, white, and blue to make festive shirts.
  2. Patriotic Face Painting – Stars, stripes, and sparkles!
  3. Make 4th of July Crafts – Flags, pinwheels, or paper fireworks.
  4. Decorate the Yard or House – Let the kids help with flags and streamers.

🍓 Food-Focused Fun

  1. Bake Patriotic Treats – Star-shaped cookies, flag fruit pizza, or red/white/blue Jello cups.
  2. Create a Hot Dog or Ice Cream Bar – Let everyone build their own.
  3. Make Homemade Lemonade or Snow Cones – Perfect for hot weather.

🧠 Quiet or Indoor Options

  1. Watch an Independence Day-Themed Movie – Ideas: National Treasure, The Sandlot, or Liberty’s Kids for younger viewers.
  2. Read Books About America – Great for young kids to learn about history.
  3. Play Patriotic Music and Sing Along – Teach classic American songs.

🏃‍♂️ Get Moving

  1. Do a Family Walk or Bike Ride – Explore a park or trail.
  2. Join a Fun Run or Parade – Many towns host family-friendly events.
  3. Scavenger Hunt with a Red, White & Blue Theme – Use household or nature items.

Want to know WHERE and WHEN to see fireworks this year?
Thanks to Knox Pages for this very informative list of Fireworks Displays and events happening around the Knox County Area! Click HERE to see their list of events for the 4th of July Weekend.

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Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival – Candy McCracken Interview!

We got the chance to talk with Candy McCracken, a Board Member and President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! She shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the rundown of the event schedule, how they have been fundraising, and then what she is excited for!

To learn more about the event, click HERE!

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Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival – Patrick Loudermilk Interview!

We got the chance to talk with Patrick Loudermilk, a Board Member and Vice President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! He shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the schedule, where the event is, how parking will work, and so much more!

To learn more about the festival, click HERE!

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Wild Adventures Await: Celebrate National Zoo and Aquarium Month with Family Fun in Ohio

Are you ready to have fun and make memories with your family and friends? Today, The Morning Thing celebrated National Zoo and Aquarium Month by sharing a list of destinations throughout Ohio.
Check out this list! Follow the links and you can start planning your trip. We would love to have you send us a picture – wnzr@mvnu.edu

🦁 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Powell, near Columbus)

🦓 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

🌍 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

  • Immersive exhibits, including a two-level RainForest and African Savanna with giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs ohiorc.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1
  • Interactive, family‑driven activities scattered throughout—great for kids to learn and explore hands-on ohiorc.org+1ohiorc.org+1

🐠 Greater Cleveland Aquarium

🐬 Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

🐧 Akron Zoo (Akron)

🐆 The Wilds (Cumberland, OH)

  • Ohio’s massive safari park on 9,154 acres of reclaimed coal mine land en.wikipedia.org
  • Open-range enclosures for rare & endangered species—plus zip-lining, horseback riding, fishing & biking en.wikipedia.org
  • Requires advanced reservations; less conventional but unforgettable wildlife immersion

🗺️ Bonus Spot: African Safari Wildlife Park (Port Clinton)

  • Drive-through safari with exotic animals; also walk-around petting zoo and train rides
  • More interactive with a “Wild Herd” experience—brings people close to giraffes, camels, bison, etc.

📌 Quick Comparison Table

LocationHighlights for Families
Columbus Zoo & AquariumCoasters, rides, behind-the-scenes, conservation programs
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical GardenHistoric grounds, endangered species, hands‑on demos
Cleveland Metroparks ZooRainforest, African Savanna, immersive exhibits
Greater Cleveland AquariumTouch-pools, shark tube, diver shows
Toledo Zoo & AquariumMassive reef tanks, dive shows, evening events
Akron ZooCompact, educational programs, junior keeper
The WildsSafari adventure + outdoor activities
African Safari ParkDrive-through safari, petting train, exotic animals

✅ Family Day Tips

  • Each site offers conservation & educational programming—ask about keeper talks or tours.
  • Check schedules for interactive experiences (feeding times, dive shows, rides).
  • Combine a Zoo + Aquarium visit (e.g., Cleveland Zoo + Greater Cleveland Aquarium).
  • For outdoor adventure, head to The Wilds or African Safari Park.
  • Bring snacks or picnic, water, sunscreen—plus a stroller for little ones.

Special Events on the Summer 2025 Calendar:
🦁 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Powell)

🕒 Hours & Tickets

🎟️ Online Perks & Passes

🎉 June Events

🦓 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

🎫 Tickets

🗓️ June Events

🐠 Greater Cleveland Aquarium

🎫 Tickets

🗓️ June Events

🐬 Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

🎫 Tickets

  • Non‑Lucas County: Adult $32, Child $29, Senior $29. Lucas County: Adult $30, Child $27, Senior $27 toledozoo.org
  • Parking included? Details online

🗓️ June Events

Rick Springfield Concert: June 29 – ticket via Live Nation, sold separately toledozoo.org+1toledozoo.org+1

Twilight Evenings: Wed & Thu, May 28–Aug 28; half‑price admission 4–8 PM, closes 9 PM toledozoo.org+1toledozoo.org+1

Weekly Evening Events: Garden tours, trivia, member mornings, family safaris, etc. See calendar details toledozoo.org

Zen at the Zoo (Yoga + Keeper Talk): June 21 toledozoo.org+2toledozoo.org+2toledozoo.org+2

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Father’s Week on WNZR – Thursday!

Today on The Morning Thing, we shared some great messages that you can give to a father figure in your life this Father’s Day. They have all kinds of messages from funny to sappy! Whether your saying this out loud or writing it in a card it is sure to make your dad feel special!

To see the entire list, click HERE!

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Father’s Week on WNZR – Wednesday!

Today we tied Father’s Day into the bible! By sharing some inspiring fathers in scripture! We should focus on God’s word this week as these amazing men inspire us to be more like them.

Some of the fathers we shared:

  • Adam – The First Man
  • Noah – A Brave Man
  • Abraham – The Father of Many Nations
  • Isaac – The Son of Abraham

These are just a few! To see the entire list, click HERE!

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Father’s Week on WNZR – Tuesday!

Today, we wanted to give you some inspiration what to do for Father’s Day! Our hosts shared some great ideas on activities you can do to make your day feel special this weekend. There is something for every kind of Dad!

Some of our favorites:

  • Have a movie marathon
  • Play video/board games
  • Attend a ball game
  • Go hiking or biking

To see the full list of ideas, click HERE!

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