Ohio has reopened and it’s time for summer. Visit these local, kid-friendly attractions to make up for lost time.
It seems like a lifetime ago that we were stuck at home, with nowhere to go and nothing to do. This summer, many of us are ready to create memories to make up for that lost year. Check out these fun, off-the-beaten-path activities for the whole family, right here in Cincinnati.
Who doesn’t love a firehouse? While they’re fun, they’re also educational and can serve as a teaching moment even when the kids aren’t in school. The Cincinnati Fire Museum, located at 315 W. Court St. downtown, showcases the evolution and history of firefighting and is also home to a ton of antique equipment. Let your kids (and maybe even you) live out their dreams of sliding down a fire pole and climbing a real-life fire engine with sirens and lights.
On the education front, the Cincinnati Fire Museum also offers a world-class fire safety education program. A simulated fire event in a mock home shows various fire and burn hazards in each room while demonstrations visually explain what can cause a fire and how to prevent one.
Venture out to the West Side for a nature-infused family getaway at the Mt. Airy Forest. Introduce your kids to the beauty of Mother Nature with tons of fun outdoors activities fit for kids of any age. Mt. Airy Forest has 1,459 acres of land including miles of hiking trails, bridle trails for horseback riders and a multi-use mountain biking trail. Also in the forest is Ohio’s only wheelchair accessible public treehouse, an enclosed dog park and disc golf course. Let your littles explore the ground and get in touch with nature.
If you’re still in social distancing mode, Smale Riverfront Park is the perfect outdoor attraction that lets you enjoy yourself outside the house without getting too close to others. The park is a local favorite, as well as a great way to keep the kids occupied with gardens, swings, a fountain, a carousel for the littlest of the littles and an eco-friendly playground.
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library has a variety of programs available for kids of all ages to keep them entertained while also learning something. The summer reading program is open to all age groups and the library offers programs like art classes. Plus, parents can join in on the fun with programs like drop-in Tai Chi while the kids are getting in their reading. Additionally, the library offers a Discovery Pass that gives library cardholders free passes to attractions throughout the region including the American Sign Museum, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center, Great Parks of Hamilton County, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House and Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum.
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Seven U.S. presidents were born in Ohio, including William Howard Taft. The Taft family has buildings, streets, establishments and many other things named after them in the area, but the William Howard Taft Museum pays homage to the 27th president at his birthplace in Mt. Auburn. Step back to the 19th century to see the inside of this home, decorated in period, Victorian-era furnishings, and visit the Taft Education Center, which explores Taft’s time as president and as chief justice of the Supreme Court.
The Krohn Conservatory, which opened back in 1933 and is located in Eden Park, provides an educational experience to those who walk through its doors. There are more than 3,500 plant species from around the world on display at the Krohn Conservatory. Exhibits at the Krohn Conservatory include the Fern House, Palm House, Desert House, Orchid House, John Carroll Bonsai Gallery and the Seasonal Floral Show Room. And through Sept. 6, you’ll be able to see thousands of butterflies in flight during the Butterflies of Bali show.
The Highfield Discovery Garden at Glenwood Gardens is among the most kid-friendly places in Cincinnati. This 12-acre garden is suited for kids of all ages and encourages the exploration of the natural world. There is a 25-foot Discovery Tree and seven small gardens including the Frog & Toads Garden, Wizard’s Garden, Trolley Garden, Vegetable Garden, Grandma’s Scent Garden, Morph Garden and the Butterfly Garden for your fairy-loving, garden-obsessed little ones to enjoy.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum
Everyone loves baseball and the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum will take you back in time through the Reds’ history. Fans of America’s first pro baseball team will enjoy the artifacts and interactive activities. Let the kids play sportscaster alongside Joe Nuxhall and make their own baseball card.
The Historic Loveland Castle & Museum Chateau Laroche was built by Harry Delos Andrews for the Nights of the Golden Trail, a Boy Scout Troop. The interesting history of this building dates back to the 1920s when Andrews constructed the building modeled after the castles he saw in France during World War I where he served as a medic. Knights guard the castle today, even after Andres’ death in 1981. The castle is a great escape for a picnic and other activities, especially for the Boy Scouts in your life.
If you’re looking for a waterpark close to home, Coney Island is the place to go. Cincinnati’s Coney Island dates back to 1886 and is perfect for families with attractions like paddleboats and mini golf and the largest recirculating swimming pool on the planet. Coney Island is right on the Ohio River and also hosts events like the Balloon Glow and live music.
