Two native mothers. Ten one-of-a-kind Cincy experiences. Cincinnati locals LOVE their metropolis, and we will see why. We’ll assist you plan your subsequent household trip to Cincinnati with 10 off-the-beaten-path locations to eat and play.
Take a look at a map and also you’ll see Cincinnati hugs the northern financial institution of the Ohio River, simply throughout the border from Kentucky. Roads resulting in and from the river wind right here and there earlier than coming to useless ends. It’s the form of street planning (or lack of) that provides guests a headache. However it’s additionally the form of terrain that lends itself to exploration—the place does this street go, what’s across the subsequent bend?
That will help you discover Cincinnati, we requested two native mothers to share their favourite Cincy spots. BabyQuip High quality Suppliers Lindsey Brown and Rachael Tayce had so many implausible strategies that we had a tough time narrowing it down to only ten, however we managed!
Listed here are our high 10 issues to do with infants and youngsters in Cincinnati:
We love one-of-a-kind toy shops, and Cincinnati is residence to an actual gem—King Arthur’s Court docket Toys. In the event you can, we suggest scheduling your go to round story time—Tuesdays at 11 a.m.—for a story AND complimentary espresso and popcorn! Within the basement of the shop you’ll discover The Dungeon. It’s a play space the place toddlers can discover a brand new e book in one of many hanging Hugglepods or larger youngsters can fly on the zip line.
There’s quite a bit to discover at Smale Riverfront Park situated alongside the Ohio River. We recommend beginning off at Heekin Household/PNC Develop Up Nice Journey Playground. This totally accessible playground contains a mountaineering canyon, a rope bridge and fog-mist for cooling off on sizzling summer season days. Then head to the Rosenberg Swings to relaxation, snack, and hydrate. These family-sized porch swings supply views of the Ohio River and the Northern Kentucky shoreline. Subsequent, take a look at Carol Ann’s Carousel—a hand carved carousel whose whimsical characters had been impressed by Cincinnati life, historical past, and tradition. The carousel is situated in a glass constructing and is open 12 months spherical.
picture courtesy of Nice Parks of Hamilton County
Designed to encourage exploration, this 12-acre discovery backyard options the 25-foot Discovery Tree in addition to seven smaller gardens. We particularly love the Frog & Toads Backyard and the Trolley Backyard. Highfield is situated inside the 335-acre Glenwood Gardens which presents formal gardens, prairies, forests, wetlands, a 1-mile paved path and the 1.6-mile Wetland Loop nature path. Glenwood Gardens is open to the general public. Admission to the Discovery Backyard is $5 per particular person however free for little ones underneath two.
picture courtesy of Graeter’s
Since 1870, Graeter’s has been serving up handcrafted ice cream in Cincinnati. Graeter’s ice cream is a favourite coast to coast. It’s Oprah’s favourite ice cream so you’ll be able to’t go mistaken! You possibly can see what all of the hype is about on the Cherry Grove location the place your little ones can play within the ice cream themed Lil’ Pints Playroom. It’s at all times good to maintain an indoor playground in your again pocket for wet days. Having hassle deciding which taste to attempt? Black Raspberry Chip is BabyQuip High quality Supplier Lindsey Brown’s favourite!
picture courtesy of Cincinnati Nature Heart
Thirty minutes east of downtown, the Cincinnati Nature Heart is dedicated to offering nature play alternatives for teenagers. The pure options of the middle’s Nature Playscape are geared in the direction of guests underneath 11 years. The pure play area is designed for open-ended, artistic play the place your youngster can contact quite a lot of crops, soil, and water. Make sure to take a look at the weekly Playscape occasions when planning your go to. They embody Preschool Storytime and Toddler Tales and Songs. There are additionally 16 miles of trails winding by the 1,016-acre property, together with 65-acres of outdated progress forest! Admission is charged for non-members: Adults $9, Youngsters 4–12 $4, Youngsters 3 and underneath free.
picture courtesy BabyQuip High quality Supplier Rachael Tayce
Washington Park is a wonderful, inexperienced oasis in the midst of downtown Cincinnati and certainly one of BabyQuip High quality Supplier Rachael Tayce’s favourite locations to take youngsters, particularly in the course of the summer season months. Rachael at all times brings out-of-town pals and their youngsters to the 18,000 sq. foot, fenced-in playground whose options embody a play citadel, climbing wall, and a canal boat in a stream. One other hit with Rachael’s household is the 7,000 sq. foot interactive water park with greater than 130 pop-up jets. Once you’re prepared for a break, calm down underneath the lined patio, sip on a neighborhood beer, and revel in a snack. The park hosts an enormous number of free occasions, together with Teenager Yoga, household film nights, and stay music.
picture courtesy of Cincinnati Artwork Museum
The Cincinnati Artwork Museum is at all times free and presents a world-class artwork assortment along with rotating reveals. The large draw for households with little ones right here is the Rosenthal Schooling Heart (REC) the place youngsters can study artwork in an interactive setting geared in the direction of little minds and our bodies. Youngsters can work on an artwork challenge within the studio that corresponds to a present exhibit. On Wednesdays, the RED Reads program shares art-themed books, songs, and sensory actions with toddlers and pre-schoolers. BabyQuip High quality Supplier Rachael Tayce shared with us that the Terrace Café situated inside the museum is kid-friendly and impresses diners with good meals.
Sharon Woods is a 730-acre park that options the 35-acre Sharon Lake, strolling trails, and an indoor playground. Through the summer season months, lease a rowboat and get out on the water. On chilly and wet days, the two-story Journey Station will impress the two–12 age group with numerous climbing options, a cave, tunnels, and 1800s themed city. Make sure to ask the attendant concerning the scavenger hunt. If you could find all six objects you’ll win a prize! Admission to the Journey Station is $4.50 per youngster ages 2–12, youngsters underneath two are free.
Cincinnati has a hoppenin’ beer scene. In the event you’re trying to expertise some kid-friendly beer tradition, the Rhinegeist needs to be in your itinerary. BabyQuip High quality Supplier Rachael Tayce had her child bathe at Rhinegeist and he or she shares that her daughter loves visiting the taproom. Whereas the grownups sip on a beer, the entire household can take pleasure in a sport of ping pong or cornhole. Rachael recommends Bubbles, a fruited ale with apple, peach, and cranberry. For an additional dish of enjoyable, you’ll be able to order meals from Sartre and watch because it’s delivered through pneumatic tube.
