Cincinnati Summer Bucket List of Family Fun!
Wow, Greater Cincinnati continues to grow and offer fun things to do for families. Even though I've been posting about things to do for over 6 years (egads), thankfully, we are still able to find new adventures to enjoy. We also have some repeat favorites we love to do. I've put together a top ten summer bucket list for the past few years and wanted to do the same for this year. Here's our 2015 Cincinnati Summer Bucket List of Family Fun (in no particular order). If you see a green check mark, we have completed this part of our bucket list. We hope we can get to the rest.
Smale Riverfront Park and the Cincinnati Banks - This part of Cincinnati is a must see. If you haven't visited downtown Cincinnati in awhile, you are missing out. You can't beat beautiful scenic river views enhanced by an amazing playground, three different spray up water feature areas (bring suits, towels and sunscreen), lovely large swings overlooking the Ohio River to share, and the newly opened Carol Ann's Carousel. Combine all of this with some delightful restaurants, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati Red's Hall of Fame, and U.S. Bank Arena, and you have a winning destination to enjoy.
Washington Park - Kudos to Cincinnati Parks for another beautiful addition to Cincinnati. Washington Park is located in front of the historic Cincinnati Music Hall and features a sprayground, large green spaces, a beautiful gazebo in the center and a fun accessible playground. There is also a dog park and plenty of fun and FREE events (movies, exercise classes, kids activities, concerts, flea markets and festivals).
Red's Game - We are one lucky city. We've got professional sports to enjoy and cheering on our hometown Cincinnati Red's is always fun for the family. This summer you can take advantage of Reach.com's Family Days during Sunday homegames (get up to 3 tickets at half-price with a full price admission. Be sure to get your tickets in advance of game day).
The Rootbeer Stand - A visit to the Rootbeer Stand in Sharonville
always makes our summer bucket list. Why? We love rootbeer, we love rootbeer floats, and we love ordering at the counter of this nostalgic eatery. We usually pair our visit with a trip to Sharon Woods. After taking a hike or a paddle boat ride on the lake, a visit to The Rootbeere Stand is a great reward.
Outdoor Zipline - Now that my kids are older (and can meet the weight requirements), we'd love to do an outdoor zipline. I faced my fears in Mexico this year and ziplined through the jungle so I think I can handle Ohio's terrain. Ozone Zipline Adventures at YMCA Camp Kern is the closest one to us.
(Yup, that's me ziplining in Mexico and see that tower in the background, I had to climb three of those - SCARY).
Movie in the Park - One of our favorite things to do in the summer is enjoying an outdoor movie. There are lots of opportunities for FREE summer movies but we love going to one of the Deerfield Township parks for their summer movies.
Newport Aquarium - A visit to Newport on the Levee is always a fun outing. Pairing that with a visit to the Newport Aquairium makes it even better. This summer they are also hosting Summer Family Hours and two kids (ages 12 and under) can get in a FREE with a full priced adult admission. Summer hours are Sunday-Friday from 4-7 p.m. (June 1 - Aug. 31). We are excited to try out the new shark bridge and see the the new Canyon Falls exhibit.
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Sweden Creme - Head to Hamilton to see Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. This is something so unique and fun to do. Rent an art cart to tour around the beautiful and hilly grounds. You will find amazing art throughout the park. Some of them are on a grand scale. You can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenic beauty of this park. We've never been to Sweden Creme but heard it was delicious and offers Dole Whip ice cream and Dixie Burgers. Yum!
Shakespeare in the Park - Enjoying the arts outside is on my wishlist. The 2015 summer season is July 31-Sept. 4, 2015. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company offers FREE shows at various parks during the summer. Check their website for their 2015 schedule. One show we hope to see is hosted by The Arts Alliance and Deerfield Township on Aug. 7 from 7-9 p.m. at Cottell Park.
Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue - So techincally this isn't in Cincinnati but it's fairly close. Located in Brookville, IN, this is a place where you can have an encounter with a wolf. They are open on the weekends and children must be 53" or higher to "interact" with the wolves. Admission is FREE but if you want to have an "interacting" wolf visit, the donation is $30 and $15 for ages 10 and under. They also recommend visiting when it's not overly hot and humid.
Have fun and enjoy your summer!
