Fast Facts: Blue Ash Nature Park

4433 Cooper Road

Blue Ash, OH  45242
http://www.blueash.com/content/87/195/311/default.aspx#nature park



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Kids Will Like

• Multiple Play Areas
• Easy Hike
• Picnics

Good to Know

• Free Admission
• Paved Parking Lot
• Restroom Rating: B
• Water Fountain at Restroom
• Multiple Picnic Shelters--May be Reserved by Residents or Businesses of Blue Ash
• Amphitheater on Site with Free Summer Concerts

Synopsis
This is a great little weekday loop hike if you are in the area.  Shelters can be reserved by Blue Ash residents or businesses, so summer weekends may be too crowded for the first time visitor.  There are at least three playgrounds on-site and some small picnic shelters that make this a perfect spot for a lunchtime outing.  Free weekly concerts are held on summer evenings at the amphitheater in the park.    


Links
Concerts in the Park
Trail Map

Fast Facts: Rheinstrom Park

8105 Graves Road

Cincinnati, OH  45243

http://www.ci.indian-hill.oh.us/departments/public-works-parks.htm

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Kids Will Like

• Easy Paved Path
• Meeting Neighborhood Dogs
• Looking for Deer Tracks in the Dirt
• Beautiful Scenery
• Plenty of Benches for Resting

Good to Know

• Paved Parking Lot
• No Fees
• Water Bowls Available for Dogs
• No Water Fountains for Humans
• No Restrooms
• Stroller Friendly

Synopsis
This Indian Hill estate, turned nature preserve, is a nice little loop hike for kids of all ages.  The paved path, which is just under a mile long, makes it a clean and easy walk  There are some beautiful large trees on the property and some open spaces as well.  It's also a good place to get a quick work-out with your stroller.  Little evidence of the former estate and farm exists, but knowing it was a homestead at one time adds a special ambiance to the place.  


Links
James Rheinstrom

Fast Facts: Withrow Nature Preserve

7075 Five Mile Road

Cincinnati, OH  45230

http://www.greatparks.org/parks/withrownaturepreserve.shtm


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Kids Will Like

• Hiking the Trails
• Climbing on Fallen Trees
• Tossing Pebbles into Small Streams
• Benches and Overlooks for Resting
• Viewing Wildflowers in Spring
• Spotting Deer Tracks

Good to Know

• Hamilton County Vehicle Permit Required
• Large Parking Lot
• Restroom Rating:  Portable Toilets Available in Parking Lot
• No Water Fountain
• No Picnic Facilities--Nature Study Only
• Stroller Friendly: Old Farm Loop 
• Not Stroller Friendly:  Hepatica Loop
• Large Wooden Staircases with Handrails on Hepatica Loop

Synopsis
Because Withrow is a Nature Preserve, the main activity here is the hiking and the chance to view wildflowers, wildlife, streams, and the Ohio River at an overlook point.  The Trout Lily Trail, with its different hiking loops offers both woods and open meadows to experience.  It proved to be just a bit too long for my boys to handle all the loops in one day, but I could have easily skipped a portion of the Old Farm Loop by taking one of the access trails to the parking lot.  The trails were empty in the morning, but toward the end of our hike, there were plenty of people walking, running, or following their dogs down the trails.  Be aware that wedding ceremonies are held at this park May through October.


More Information
The Nature Conservancy    

City Beat Article

Fast Facts: Sharon Woods

11450 Lebanon Road
Sharonville, OH  45241
http://www.hamiltoncountyparks.org/parks/sharonwoods.shtm


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Kids Will Like

• Playground
• Indoor Play Area and Nature Displays
• Outdoor Water Playground
• Boating on Sharon Lake
• Hikes Along the Gorge and Around the Lake
• 19th Century Village
• Special Events for Kids

Good to Know

• Admission: $3.00 daily or $10.00 for the year
• Small fees for Indoor Play Area, Water Park, or Boat Rental
• Heritage Village is Free for ages 4 and under (Small fees ages 5+)  
• Picnic Shelters Available for Reserve
• Snack Bar at Water Park
• Gift Shop at Visitor's Center
• Restrooms and Water Fountains Available
• Golf Course on Site

Synopsis

Sharon Woods is one of the large Hamilton County Parks which offers something for everyone:  nature, history, art, sports, and relaxation, togetherness, or alone time.  Our hike on the Gorge Trail featured waterfalls and educational signs to enhance our experience.  The paved trail around the lake is perfect for a good stroller workout.  The water park is a must-do summer activity for kids and the 19th century Heritage Village is an added attraction not found in most local parks.  The convenient location also makes this a definite go-to park throughout the year.

Links
Heritage Village Museum

Fast Facts: Krohn Conservatory

1501 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45202
http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/krohn-conservatory/



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Kids Will Like

• Getting Up Close and Personal with the Exotic Plants
• Running Through the Cave Behind the Waterfall
• Finding Turtles and Fish in the Water Features
• Searching for and Naming Colors
• Warm Atmosphere 
• Glass Construction
• Toys in the Gift Shop

Good to Know

• FREE Admission (except special events)
• Donations Accepted
• Parking Lot
• Restroom Rating: A
• Picnic Area and Green Space Outside
• Stroller Friendly Ramps (Though Some Paths are Narrow)
• Gift Shop

Synopsis

The Krohn Conservatory, located in Eden Park, is one of Cincinnati's great treasures not to be missed.  It's small enough for a quick visit, but older kids can take their time investigating and learning about the exotic plants and climates.  One room is set up for changing exhibits, so there is something new to see at different times of the year.  Special exhibits like the annual Butterfly Show and Holiday Show are spectacular.  Kids especially like the Butterfly Show where they can interact with so many butterflies.  For a longer outing, there is plenty to do in Eden Park where you can find a duck pond, playground, views of the Ohio River, and Mirror Lake. 

More Information

Video Tour

Fast Facts: Mariemont Concourse

Village of Mariemont
at W. Center Street and Miami Bluff Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45227
http://www.mariemontpreservation.org/tours.htm


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Kids Will Like

• Scenic Overlook
• Climbing the Stone Walls
• Looking for Fossils in the Stones
• Possible Train Sightings
• Running Through the Concourse
• Open Field for Playing

Good to Know

• Neighborhood Park
• No Admission
• Parking Along Concourse Driveway
• No Playgrounds
• No Restrooms
• Stroller Friendly
• Off the Beaten Path

Synopsis

The Mariemont Concourse is a neighborhood destination spot.  It is a small, but lovely community park featuring a large stone pergola covered with wisteria and overlooking the Little Miami River and farm fields beyond.  The stone used to build the pergola is full of fossils.  A railroad line crosses the river and stretches across the valley as far as the eye can see.  The Village of Mariemont hosts occasional events here and it is also a prime spot for high school Senior photos.


Historical Information
Mariemont History:  www.mariemontpreservation.org
Mariemont History, Book Recommendation:  http://www.worldcat.org/title/john-nolen-mariemont-building-a-new-town-in-ohio/oclc/45066383
Mariemont National Historic Landmark Nomination Document:
http://www.nps.gov/nhl/designations/samples/oh/Mariemont.pdf

Fast Facts: Lindner Park, McCullough Estate Nature Preserve

2726 Cypress Way

Cincinnati, OH  45212

 

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Kids Will Like

• Exploring Remnants of Stone Swimming Pool and other Structures
• Viewing the Goldfish Pond and Gardens
• Taking Footbridges over the Creek
• Locating the Old McCullough Seed Co. Sign
• Climbing on Fallen Trees

Good to Know

• Parking Lot on Premises
• Picnic Tables Available
• Restroom Rating: A
• Water Fountain
• Easy Trails
• Off the Beaten Path
• Small Toddlers May Need Help on Bridges

Synopsis
Lindner Park at the McCullough Estate is a well-maintained little gem tucked away on the northern side of Norwood near Pleasant Ridge.  The highlight of this park is it's historical structures:  a huge stone swimming pool, bath house made of cypress logs, a foot bridge that looks like it came from a fairy tale, and others, including the McCullough home.  The trails are fairly easy and the whole park can be explored in a couple of hours.  Besides the wooded setting, there is an open area containing picnic tables, a small formal garden, and lovely fish pond the kids will love.   The Norwood Historical Society holds meetings at the McCullough home and the Drake Planetarium hosts outdoor learning labs at the park for schools and groups.  There are several very impressive tall trees on this property to marvel at!


Historical Information
McCullough Estate History


Other Links of Interest
Drake Planetarium Outdoor Labs  
Norwood Historical Society   

Fast Facts: Stanbery Park

2221 Oxford Avenue
Cincinnati, OH  45230
http://cincyparks.com/parks-events/east-region/stanbery-park/
http://www.mwcc.org/hist.html#stanbery


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Kids Will Like

• Playground
• Hiking Trails
• Tossing Stones into the Creek Bed
• Climbing on Fallen Trees
• Open Field for Playing Tag

Good to Know

• No Admission Fees
• Paved Parking Lot
• Restroom Rating:  A
• Stroller-friendly Paved Path
• Trail Information
• Trail Maps Not Available On Site, Download Here: http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/bm~doc/trail-map-stanbery-park.pdf
• Not Stroller-Friendly
• Semi-Rough Terrain
• Some Steps Along the Way
• Small Bridges Are Well-Constructed
• Trail Follows Creek and Crosses at One Point
• Trail is Long, but Contains Several Off-Shoots Leading Back to the Playground

Synopsis
Located in the heart of Mt. Washington, this park provides a respite from the hubbub of busy Beechmont Avenue.  You can easily come for the playground and a quick stroll along the paved path or head down the trail for a deep woods experience which you would never guess existed if you are normally just a passerby of the area.     

Historical Information
Mt. Washington: http://www.mwcc.org/hist.html
General Stanbery: http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=18205

Fast Facts: Dogwood Park

Wooster Pike and Pleasant St
Mariemont, OH  45227
http://www.mariemont.org/recreation_parks.html


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Kids Will Like

• Playground
• Open Fields for Running, Playing Ball, etc.
• Taking the Concrete Steps Down to the Boathouse
• Hiking in the Woods
• Throwing Stones and Wading in the Creek
• Picking Up Sticks
• Hunting for Fossils
• Examining and Climbing on Fallen Trees
• Possible Deer Sightings

Good to Know

• No Admission Fees
• Parking Lot and On-Street Parking Available
• Playground Area
• Restroom Rating: A+  (RR Located Beneath Bell Tower)
• Picnic Shelter
• Designed with Tots in Mind
• Tall Trees Provide Shade
• Next to Ball Fields
• No Water Fountain On-Site
• Hiking Trail
• From Playground, Must Descend 30+ Concrete Steps
• Trail Head Located Beyond Small Meadow
• Trail Access From Wooster Pike Sidewalk Also (no steps)
• Strollers Not Recommended
• A Couple Short, Steep Spots--Assist Small Tykes
• Access to Creek
• Trail Is In a Ravine
• May Be Muddy After Heavy Rain

Synopsis
The playground and ball fields at Dogwood Park get plenty of action.  There are always other kids around to play with.  With a picnic shelter, A+ restrooms, and location just off Wooster Pike, it's a great place to take young kids.  The trail is not too long and can be combined with a picnic and some playground time.  Since it sits in a ravine lined with fairly thick woods, you can barely hear the traffic from above and you can have a wilderness experience without trekking too far from the playground.  Naturalists and Historians will find these woods intriguing as well.   

Further Information
Mariemont History:  http://www.mariemontpreservation.org/
Article about the Boathouse (Cincinnati Enquirer, 07/19/2000): http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2000/07/19/loc_mariemont_boathouse.html
 

Fast Facts: Otto Armleder Memorial Park

5057 Wooster Pike
Cincinnati, OH  45226
http://cincyparks.com/parks-events/east-region/otto-armleder-park/
http://www.hamiltoncountyparks.org/parks/armlederpark.htm


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Kids Will Like

• Playground
• Seeing Airplanes from Lunken Airport Flying Overhead
• Running, Playing Ball or Frisbee, Flying Kites in Open Fields
• Riding Bikes or Walking on Paved Bike Trail
• Spotting Wildlife in the Prairies/Meadows and Along Hiking Trails
• Wading and Throwing Stones in the Little Miami River (when water level is low)
• Watching Dogs Romp Around Dog Park

Good to Know

• No Admission Fees
• Paved Parking Lot
• Stroller Friendly Paved Path-1.9 miles
• Playground Area
• Designed for Ages 2-5
• Water Fountain
• Shelter with Picnic Tables
• Restroom Rating:  A+
• Playground is Not Shaded
• Little Miami River Access Area
• Parking Allowed in Grass
• Bike Rack Available
• No Restrooms or Water Fountain
• Hiking Trails
• Trail Head Located Near River--Follow Park Signs
• Trails Run Beside River
• Overgrown in Late Summer
• Poison Ivy Present 
• Dog Park On Site
• Small Fishing Pond On Site
• Park Closes if Flooding Occurs
• Soccer Fields

Synopsis
This park seems most commonly known for it's dog park, playground, and paved trails--all excellent facilities that see plenty of use, but are never overcrowded.  There is a nice hiking trail that runs along the Little Miami River as well as an access point to the river that deserves more attention.  At this summertime writing, I have only hiked a very small portion of the trail since it was too overgrown to continue with kids in tow. I look forward to a fall or winter hike--especially if the river freezes.  Now, that would be neat!
  

Historical Information
Otto Armleder: 
http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/a/armleder/armleder.htm

Informational Sign about Otto Armleder at the Playground Area

Paved Trail

Hiking Trail

Little Miami River in August

Fast Facts: Avoca Trailhead

8063 Wooster Pike
Cincinnati, OH  45227
http://www.hamiltoncountyparks.org/parks/littlemiamigolfcenter.htm



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Kids Will Like

• Close-up view of the Little Miami River
• Throwing Stones into the Water
• Riding Bikes on the Little Miami Scenic Trail
• Playing Ball or Frisbee in Field Nearby
• Spotting Butterflies Along the Trail

Good to Know

• Hamilton County Parks Sticker Required
• Paved Parking Lot--Plenty of Spaces
• Small Covered Shelter with Picnic Tables
• Water Fountains Available
• Bathroom Rating:  A
• Bike Trail is Busy in Summer
• Strollers Welcome on Bike Trail / Possible on Hiking Trail

Synopsis


[August, 2010]  The Avoca Trailhead Park is a small, but very busy place with cyclists, runners, and walkers starting out on a trip from the paved parking lot or making a pit-stop to utilize the restrooms, water fountains, and small shaded picnic area.  With a big enough grassy field, people playing soccer, baseball, frisbee, and such can easily utilize this park as well.  The hiking trail is fairly short, about a 15 minute hike one-way, and ends at the banks of the Little Miami River.  Caution should be taken after rain as the water may be high.  I recommend holding hands!  If the water is low, however, there is a large "beach" of smooth stones to wander upon while getting a good look at this lovely State and National Scenic River as it rounds a bend. 

Further Information


Little Miami State Scenic River:  http://dnr.state.oh.us/tabid/1862/default.aspx
Little Miami Bike Trail:  http://www.miamivalleytrails.org/miami.htm
Armstrong Family Mills:  http://www.indianhill.org/History/Ppl003.htm 
Armstrong Family Mills: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ohhamilt/histhc/254c.htm

Fast Facts: Alms Park

710 Tusculum Ave.
Cincinnati, OH  45226
http://www.ci.cincinnati.oh.us/cityparks/pages/-4647-/
http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/parks-events/east-region/alms-park/



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Kids Will Like

• Scenic Overlooks of Lunken Airport and Ohio River
• Playground and Swings
• Cement Slide
• Stone Shelter to Explore
• Portions of the Trails (see Trail Tale)
• Possible Deer Sightings

Good to Know

• No Admission Fees
• Plenty of Parking Along Park Driveway
• Picnic Tables
• Shade Trees
• Water Fountains
• Sidewalks are Stroller Friendly
• Restrooms Rating: B (no baby-changing tables)
• Trails
• Trail Maps not Available On-Site, Download Here:  http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/parks-events/east-region/alms-park/
• Semi-rough Terrain
• Not Stroller Friendly
• Difficult for Toddlers, but Okay for Older Kids
• Length:  not quite a mile in all

Caution:  Trail may be overgrown with vines and impassable at the Lunken trailhead

Synopsis

[July, 2010]  For young children, the highlight of this park is the playground and Lunken Airport Overlook where you can see the airplanes taking off and landing.  It's a nice place to enjoy a picnic lunch or snack under the shade trees.  The trails this summer are overgrown, but worth exploring in part as an extra activity, but they are not the main attraction.  Two hours is probably all you need for a visit to this lovely park.

Historical Information

Frederick H. Alms:  http://queencitysurvey.blogspot.com/2009/08/qcs-behind-asphalt.html
Columbia-Tusculum History:  http://columbiatusculum.org/about-the-neighborhood/history/
Nicholas Longworth:  http://www.weekendwinery.com/WineryInsight/Article_Jul03.htm

Fast Facts: Cincinnati Nature Center, Rowe Woods

4949 Tealtown Road
Milford, OH 45150
www.cincynature.org/rowewoods.html


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Kids Will Like

• A True Wilderness Experience
• Hands-on Activities and Exhibits in the Visitor's Center
• New Nature Playscape (opened August, 2011)
• Toys and books in the Nature Shop
• The Learning Log: a fallen tree to explore 
• Pellets to feed the fish in the pond--bring some quarters
• Streams and Bridges and Ponds, oh my!
• Bird Blinds
• Touch Tables of Items Found at CNC, like Bones, Fossils, etc.
• Many programs and special activities available--check the CNC's excellent website for more information:    www.cincynature.org/rowewoods.html

Good to Know

• Non-Member Admission Fees: Adults--$8; Kids (4-12)--$3; Active Military and Seniors 65+--$6
• Large Parking Lot
• Designated Picnic Area
• Air-Conditioned / Heated Visitor's Center (Free coffee inside!)
• Restroom Rating: A+
• Drinking Fountains
• Stroller's Possible on certain trails
• Trail Maps Available or download here: http://www.cincynature.org/sites/default/files/Trail_map_update_CNC.pdf

Climbing the Learning Log at CNC

Feeding the Fish at the Pond

                                                                           On the Trail