What’s more festive for the Fourth of July than fireworks? Here’s an activity to create some patriotic artwork with your little one this Independence Day.
Toilet Paper Roll Fireworks Painting
Supplies
2-3 Empty Toilet Paper Roll Tubes
Red, White, and/or Blue paint
Paper plate (to put paint on)
Scissors
Steps
Make the firework stamps from the toilet paper roll tubes. Take toilet paper roll tube and cut about a third of the way up. Repeat, cutting strips all the way around the circumference of the roll. The strips can be as thick or thin as you’d like!
TP Roll with strips cut
Fan the pieces out from the center of the roll, creating the firework shape.
TP Roll ready for painting
Repeat for each roll. 2-3 rolls are ideal to create a variety of fireworks.
Squirt paint on to paint, tray or anything with a flat surface. Add glitter and mix into paint for some extra pizzazz.
Paint + Glitter
Then let the kiddos paint their little hearts out.
TP Roll Fireworks Painting
This activity can also easily be modified to make spiders, suns, flowers, stars and more!
A great playground for the littlest and biggest of kids
This newer playground in Deerfield Township is a great spot for crawlers and bigger kids. This playground has artificial turf, but it’s also somewhat shaded by the large oak trees throughout the park. Schappacher Park also has a dog run park for your furry kids.
Schappacher Park
Schappacher Park Highlights
Playground was recently renovated
It has a little play house structure for crawlers
There’s also a large play structure for bigger kids
Artificial turf throughout the play area
A variety of swings
Nearby dog run for your furry kids
Schappacher Park rope globe merry go round
Overview
The playground at Schappacher Park was recently renovated about a year ago with brand new playground equipment. There are several parking spots along the street. There are several paths throughout this park, along with a restroom building, two picnic shelters, and a dog run park. The playground is located towards the back of the park. There are trees throughout this park, and I would consider the playground to be semi-shaded.
The playground
I love that this playground also has the same little play house structure that you can find at West Fork Park. This little house is great for kids who are still crawling and young toddlers. It can definitely feel difficult to find a playground that kids under 2 can enjoy. If you have a little little one, Schappacher Park is a great spot to check out.
The bigger kid play structure reminds me of a ninja course. It’s got several ladders that require a decent amount of strength and skill to scale. The top part of the structure has bigger openings, and there’s a rope bridge walkway between the two slides. I would say this structure is most appropriate for kids age 5 and up. We last took our son to Schappacher Park when he was 2.5 years old, and he couldn’t navigate this play structure.
Schappacher Park big play structure
Schappacher Park
There is also a piece of playground equipment that can best be described as a rope globe merry go round. It’s big, it’s round, it’s got a bunch of ropes, and it spins. This could be fun for a toddler, but not for more than 10-15 minutes.
Schappacher Park has a set of 6 swings. There are 4 regular swings, one bucket swing, and one two-seater swing.
Schappacher Park swings
The not so greats
There are very few things for older toddlers and preschool-aged kids to enjoy at at this playground. The little play house would get boring fast, and the bigger play structure is too complex and open for this age group to easily navigate.
Overall, if you have a 1 year old and a 5 year old, Schappacher Park would be a great park to check out. But if your kiddo falls within the 2-4 age range, you’ll likely find that there isn’t much here to hold their attention for long.
Blue Ash Nature Park is a great choice if you’re looking for some pretty scenery, easy walking trails, and a variety of playgrounds. Located behind the Blue Ash Recreation Center, this park has 5 playgrounds, 6 picnic shelters, 2 restrooms, an amphitheater, and both paved and gravel walking paths. It’s a great spot to take the kids to play or go on a walk with the dog – or both!
Blue Ash Nature Park
Blue Ash Nature Park Highlights
This park has variety – two larger and one smaller playground for bigger kids, one playground for toddlers, swings, and a sandbox
2 on-site restrooms – one near the front of the park and one towards the back near the creek
The park is mostly shaded, including the playgrounds
The trails can be easily navigated, including the gravel paths through the woods
The large amphitheater hosts events in the summer, but is also a great spot for kids to put on their own week day afternoon performance
Overview
The main parking lot for Blue Ash Nature Park is located to the back of the Blue Ash Recreation Center parking lot. There is also a secondary entrance and parking lot located on the other side of the city building. When you enter the park by the rec center, you will see the largest playground to your right and a picnic shelter to your left. Next to the picnic shelter are the swings. Keep walking down the paved path and you will see the restrooms and concession stand building before you reach the amphitheater.
The next section back under the tree line is the toddler playground and sandbox to your left and a second playground to your right. Keep on the path to pass picnic shelters, a built-in corn hole set, and the other restrooms. In the woods, before you reach the other parking lot, you will see the last of the playgrounds.
Playgrounds
There are three playgrounds designed for older kids. The playgrounds can be navigated by older toddlers, but these play structures have large open spaces higher up, making it not ideal for smaller ones who aren’t as steady on their feet. As a high-strung mom, these playgrounds would make me super nervous when my son was younger and a bit woobly on his toes.
The first and largest playground is right off of the rec center entrance. It consists of two main levels, with several slides and ladders to access each level. A younger kid could have fun on the lower level of this structure, but I would recommend the higher level for older kids. There are also a few smaller structures around this playground.
The second playground is located towards the back of Blue Ash Park and across from the sandbox. This playground has a transportation theme, with pretend vehicles to drive on the ground level. It’s a similar layout to the first playground, but smaller. There are several big openings up top towards the curly slide.
The last playground is located in the woods and is the smallest of the three. This playground consists of a climbing wall, a ladder and a slide. This playground is fun because it feels a bit secluded, but there aren’t very many features.
Blue Ash Nature Park Large Playground
Blue Ash Nature Park Large Playground
Blue Ash Nature Park Vehicle Playground
Blue Ash Nature Park Smaller Playground
Toddler Playground and Sandbox
The toddler playground at Blue Ash Nature Park is dinosaur themed. It has a ride-on dinosaur, a smaller climbing structure, and my son’s all time favorite – a big, green dinosaur slide. The flooring is mulch, so this is not the play space for crawlers, but an 18 month old would have fun.
Next to the toddler playground is a covered sandbox. The sandbox is big enough for 5-6 kids comfortably. This is a sandbox at a park in a wooded area, so there are lots of twigs and leaves and sometimes bugs in the sand.
Blue Ash Nature Park Toddler Playground
Blue Ash Nature Park Sandbox
Blue Ash Nature Park Toddler Playground
Swings
Located towards the rec center entrance at Blue Ash Nature Park are the swings. There are only four – two regular and two bucket, but there are so many playgrounds at this park that the lack of swings doesn’t seem to pose a huge problem. There is also a tire swing further back in the park.
Blue Ash Nature Park Swings
Trails
There is a long paved path that stretches back to the amphitheater. From there, the paths form two looped trails – essentially creating a funky-looking figure eight. The paths through the woods are gravel, but these are some of the easily trails to navigate in the area. The trails are short and are relatively flat. There is also currently a story walk (pages from a children’s book displayed along a pathway), which is always a fun activity with kids.
There’s a cute little bridge over a creek that makes the perfect spot for taking photos. The creek isn’t easily accessed from the trails, but it’s not the spot for creeking. There is an area where you can stand near the creek and admire the little waterfall.
Blue Ash Nature Park Main Path
Blue Ash Nature Park Bridge
Story Walk at Blue Ash Nature Park
Blue Ash Nature Park Map
The not so greats
Blue Ash Nature Park is, as the name suggests, a nature park. It has trees, leaves, twigs, mulch, bugs and other nature-y stuff. If this isn’t your jam, than this probably isn’t your spot.
Playground wise, I’m not a huge fan that most of the playgrounds have big openings way up high, and that there are only a handful of swings. All of the playgrounds have mulch, and there really isn’t much for crawlers.
Overall, Blue Ash Nature Park is a great spot with a variety of shaded playgrounds to choose from. It’s best for toddler-aged kids and up. This is also a great park to find easy beginner trails to explore with your kids.
Two homerun playgrounds at Great American Ball Park
9 innings can seem like a really long time with little kids. But thanks to not one, but two, play areas at Great American Ball Park, a day at the Reds game can feel like a walk in the (ball) park.
Playgrounds at Great American Ball Park
GABP Playground Highlights
Fan Zone playset features 3-stories of fun, complete with artificial turf ground
Family Zone playground features a climbable clubhouse, large bridge, and two slides
The Family Zone also includes a sensory room, reading room, and nursing suite
Both areas were supervised by an attendant
Overview
A day at the Reds baseball game looks a lot different today than it did when we were kids. Great American Ball Park, the stadium for the Cincinnati Reds, now features two separate areas for kids to enjoy in between innings. The 3-story Fan Zone play set is located the Terrace Level and the large Family Zone located up in the View Level. Access to these play areas is included in the ticket price to a baseball game.
GABP Fan Zone Playset
Fan Zone Playground
You can find the Fan Zone at Great American Ball Park along the right field side of the stadium at the Terrace Level. The Kids Playset presented by Recreations Outlet is nestled along the outside of the stadium seats near sections 34-35. Outfitted in red and white (of course), this 3-story playset features custom baseball features throughout. The ground is fittingly covered in artificial turf, and the play area is fully fenced with a large opening to the side. A women’s restroom is also conveniently located next to the playset.
The Fan Zone playset features 3 levels of tunnels, ladders, and interactive toys. There are 4 slides; 2 from the second story, and 2 from the top story. There are many baseball-themed features for kids to enjoy on this playset.
This playground is best for toddlers and older kids. There are features on the ground level of the playset that could be enjoyed by a crawler, such as a little store, a baseball-themed spinner, and a tunnel. However, crawling around on artificial turf is only fun for a short period of time. Not to mention, this area is not covered, and could potentially be hot in late afternoon.
GABP Fan Zone Playset
GABP Fan Zone Playset
GABP Fan Zone Playset
GABP Fan Zone Playset
GABP Family Zone
Family Zone
New for 2021, the TriHealth Family Zone at Great American Ball Park features an outdoor playground, sensory room, reading room, nursing room, family bathroom, lounge area, and porch swings overlooking the Ohio River. There’s a lot in this space for all families to enjoy. The Family Zone is located on the upper level of the stadium (the “View Level”), along the right field side by sections 434/534 and 435/535. This space also features an amazing view of the riverfront and Roebling Bridge. And if you came for the game, don’t worry – there are several TVs throughout the Family Zone.
GABP Family Zone Playground
The Family Zone playground looks like a scene from a magical backyard. Look up to see a large bridge, which can be accessed by a ladder nestled within a cute, red clubhouse. Outside of the clubhouse is a little mailbox to submit letters to Gapper. There are two slides, one of which goes outside the stadium (don’t worry, it’s fully enclosed!).
This playground features a few interactive features at ground level, such as musical toys and stepping stones. The ground is all solid surface rubber. These features are is great when you have a child who is still crawling or not steady on their feet, but there are few features to keep a child under age 2 entertained for very long. A bit of coordination and strength is needed to scale the clubhouse ladder, so this spot is best for kids ages 3 and older.
GABP Family Zone Playground
GABP Family Zone Playground
GABP Family Zone Playground
Letters to Gapper
GABP Family Zone Playground
GABP Family Zone Playground
Next to the playground are the two batting cases. A stadium attendant is on hand to make baseball dreams come true. The equipment is plastic and geared towards younger kids (my 3 year old participated without an issue). The wait-to-play ratio wasn’t bad – the line moves very quickly.
GABP Family Zone Batting Cage
Beyond the batting cases is a large lounge area for families to enjoy. Around the corner from the lounge area are several porch swings with a view of the river and the baseball game below.
GABP Family Zone Lounge Area
Indoor amenities in the Family Zone include a sensory room, nursing suite, and family restroom. We spent some time in the reading room, and found that it was a good spot to cool down. While there are not any books out currently, there are toys to play with, including two play cubes and a magnetic tabletop toy. There are also two reading nooks where kids can lounge, and a large chalk board.
GABP Kids Reading Room
GABP Kids Reading Room
GABP Kids Reading Room
The not so greats
The biggest negative about the two playgrounds at Great American Ball Park is that neither space is fully covered. The Fan Zone playset has zero coverage, and while most of the Family Zone is covered or indoors, the actual playground structure is not covered. The lack of cover means these playground spaces could heat up on a very sunny day and they were not available during a rain delay.
Also, there are not any swings for the youngest ones to enjoy in either play area, besides the porch swings in the Family Zone. And lastly, this space is only available to paying fans during game time. This isn’t a spot you can pop by on a whim.
Overall, I love how Great American Ball Park has two play areas for kids within the stadium. It really adds to the magic of attending a Reds game. My kiddo did not stop smiling the entire time we were at the game, and the Fan Zone playset and Family Zone playground are two big reasons why.
As if getting ice cream couldn’t get any sweeter, the new Graeter’s Kenwood location now has a free ice cream themed play room for little kids to enjoy. Located at the corner of Montgomery and Galbraith roads, this spot is the perfect place to grab a sweet treat while the kids run off some energy on a rainy afternoon.
Graeter’s Lil’ Pints Play Room
Graeter’s Lil’ Pints Play Room Highlights
It’s an adorable ice cream themed play room at Graeter’s new Kenwood store
Designated for kids age 9 & under
Has a large ice cream cone slide and two climbing areas
Smaller area for crawlers and younger kids
Several interactive features including puzzles and color-changing touch boards
Graeter’s Kenwood Lil’ Pints Play Room
Lil’ Pints Play Room
Opened in May 2021, the new Graeter’s Kenwood store features a Lil’ Pints Play Room. Only two other Graeter’s locations feature a play room as well. This play room is designated for kids ages 9 and under, and adult supervision is required.
The main attraction in the Lil’ Pints Play Room is the giant ice cream cone slide. To reach the top of the slide, climb up the incline rock wall or ramp ladder. The large platform at top of the slide is completely enclosed by a plexiglass fence, with a few interactive features along the side.
Below the slide area is a space for toddlers and crawlers. This area has a tiny ice cream cone slide and other features to crawl and climb on. To the side of this space is a built-in ice cream truck complete with pretend ice cream toys. To round out the Lil’ Pints Play Room, there’s a giant banana see saw and several wall-mounted interactive features, such as puzzles and color-changing touch boards.
Graeter’s Kenwood Lil’ Pints Play Room Ice Cream Cone Slide
Climbing the ramp ladder to the ice cream cone slide
Lil’ Pints Play Room Interactive Features
Banana See Saw
Keep in mind
The Lil’ Pints Play Room is designated for kids 9 and under with adult supervision required. However, that doesn’t mean that everyone abides by the rules. On a busy afternoon this space can feel very chaotic, especially with older kids running around.
Socks are required. Head to the counter to purchase a pair for $1 if you forget yours.
No food is allowed in the play room, but there is a bar top with a view of the room just outside the play space. We will typically play first, then grab ice cream on our way out.
There are two party rooms attached to the Lil’ Pints Play Room that are available to rent. The restrooms are just outside the door to the play room.
So the next time you’re looking for the chance to eat your ice cream undisturbed, head over to the Graeter’s Kenwood store. Grab yourself a cone while the kiddos run around in the Lil’ Pints Play Room.
There is so much to love about West Fork Park. Located in Green Township, this park has play areas for the littlest ones up through elementary school age. It is completely fenced in and the play surface is solid rubber or artificial turf – so no need to worry about dirt or mulch. This playground is worth the drive from any part of town.
West Fork Park
West Fork Park Playground Highlights
Great for all ages – from crawlers to bigger kids
No mulch – play areas are solid rubber surface or artificial turf
Fully fenced-in, plus ample parking
On-site restrooms
Two shaded picnic spots with plenty of tables
Cool features include a maze, playhouse for crawlers, musical instruments, zip line, artificial turf hill with built-in tunnels and slides, and a giant, 3-story play structure for bigger kids
Overview
Enter the playground through the gate to the right of the asphalt drive (remember, it’s fully fenced-in). To the right of the gate, you will see a rainbow maze surrounded by built-in features such as gumdrop steps and racing lanes. Next to the maze is the little kid play area, featuring structures for crawlers and toddlers. To the right of this area are the restrooms and two more gates. Behind this area are built-in musical instruments and the zip line. Beyond the maze you can find the artificial turf hill, big kid climbing structure, climbing rock, picnic areas and swings. There is a LOT to do here!
For the littlest littles
I love that West Fork Park has an area for toddler and crawlers. There aren’t many outdoor play options in Cincinnati when your child isn’t walking yet, so having a piece of playground equipment dedicated to crawlers makes this place extra special. Nestled under a large umbrella, this spot features a little play house about a step off the ground. There is a ramp and step to access inside, and interactive features throughout. Just steps away is a larger play house for toddlers to enjoy.
Little kid play area at West Fork Park
For bigger kids
The main climbing structure for bigger kids is huge! It consists of three main sections connected by bridges. While this area is labeled for ages 5-12, my son can navigate it seamlessly at age 3. I really like that it has different access points (regular stairs, a ladder that looks like bear prints, etc.), but it’s not so open that you worry about your child falling off the side. There are also slides at different levels, so you don’t have to stress about getting your child to the very top to enjoy the slide down.
The three-story tower looks intimidating, but the top level can only be accessed by ladder inside of the tower and is fully enclosed up top. Still, this level is probably best for kids who can navigate up there on their own. The tower also features a tunnel that goes outside of the main climbing structure – a feature I find a little nerve-wracking but my little daredevil loves!
Separately, there is a little rock climbing structure and zip line for older kids. The artificial turf hill and maze areas are great for most ages – but I’d skip them if your child isn’t walking yet.
Big kid climbing structure at West Fork Park
The not so greats
The bathroom situation. While it’s always awesome to have on-site restrooms at a playground, my biggest gripe about West Fork Park is the bathroom situation. There is only one that faces the playground and is within the fence – and it’s the Men’s restroom. To access the women’s restroom, you have to go out of the gate and around to the backside of the building. This makes no sense to me! To have to drag your child out of the playground and disappear around the corner to use the bathroom is inconvenient at best. I do not understand this set-up, but it irks me every time I need to go!
The swings. This park has swings, just not a ton of them. There are a handful of regular swings, one bucket swing, and one inclusive swing. Something to keep in mind if you have a swing-obsessed child like me.
No sand, no water. While there are a TON of features at this playground, there is not a sandbox or any water features. Which could be good or bad – depending on your kiddo and how that particular day is going.
Very sunny. This park is not very shady, despite its location nestled in the woods. However, the little kids area and picnic spots are covered by large umbrellas.
Overall, this is a great little playground with a ton to do! I love that there are play structures for crawlers, as well as bigger kids. West Fork Park is located on the westside of Cincinnati, but it’s worth the drive from any part of town.
Please visit the URL above for the full list of Cincinnati area splash pads open in summer 2022.
The 2022 splash pad post will first be shared on OLS’s social channels. Please follow on Instagram at @onelittlesmallblog or Facebook.
2021 Splash Pads
Free Splash Pads
Home of the Brave Park
Located in Loveland, Home of the Brave Park features a free splash pad that runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 12:00pm to 5:00pm daily. The splash pad is next to the park’s woodland-themed playground.
Another cute, free splash pad next to a playground is Clippard Park in Colerain Township. The Clippard Park splash pad will be open daily from 11:00am to 7:00pm starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Juilfs Park is an adorable barnyard-themed playground in Anderson Township. In addition to the splash pad, this park boasts a large themed play structure, several smaller play structures, and a giant covered sandbox. The splash pad, complete with farm animals, a silo, and a tractor, will run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend from 10:00am to 8:00pm daily.
Beech Acres Park is another Anderson Township park that includes a large playground, a sandbox, and a splash pad. For summer 2021, the Beech Acres splash pad will run daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm starting Memorial Day weekend through August 16.
On August 16, the splash pad will close for the season, and the playground will close for maintenance through September 20, 2021.
Smale Riverfront Park is located (fittingly) downtown Cincinnati along the riverfront of the Ohio River and has two spraygrounds. The Main Street Fountain is located on Mehring Way, near the baseball stadium, and is typically the spray ground you think of when you think of Smale Riverfront Park. A second spray ground, Pichler Fountains, is located on the upper level of the park, near Carol Ann’s Carousel.
The Smale Riverfront Main Street Fountain will open Memorial Day weekend on Friday, May 28, 2021, and will run daily from 10:00am to 9:00pm. Please note that as of June 10, the Smale Riverfront Water Play features west of the Roebling Bridge is out of order due to maintenance. No reopening date has been given.
Pichler Fountains is currently closed due to needed repairs and a reopening date is still to be announced.
Otto Armleder Memorial Aquatic Sprayground is also located along the riverfront in Yeatman’s Cove – just up the river from Smale Riverfront Park. If you great up in Cincinnati, you may remember playing on the big concrete steps as water rushed down. Although the steps are now fenced off, this sprayground is still a lot of fun and can accommodate a lot of kids (and parents). This spot was our go-to for cooling down last summer.
In 2021, the Otto Armleder Memorial Aquatic Sprayground will run daily from 10:00am to 9:00pm starting May 28.
Washington Park, the gem of Over-the-Rhine, boasts one of the largest spraygrounds in town. This interactive water park is 7,000 sq. ft. and runs from 10:00am to 10:00pm from April through October. It does appear that the COVID restrictions from last summer have been lifted.
The splash pad at Sharon Woods Harbor consists of a spray fountain next to the playground and a little man-made creek that runs along the side of the boathouse. Sharon Woods Harbor is the area of Sharon Woods Park next to Sharon Lake with a boathouse and playground with splash pad.
Unlike the other wet playgrounds run by the Great Parks of Hamilton County, the Sharon Woods Harbor splash pad is FREE* and will be open for summer 2021! As of June, all water features at Sharon Woods Harbor are up and running.
*While the splash pad at Sharon Woods Harbor is free, a Great Parks Annual Motor Vehicle Pass is required to enter the park. More info here.
Summit Park WaterScape
The WaterScape at Summit Park in Blue Ash is a cute, nature-y way to cool down this summer. Located next to the pond, in the area over by the Nature PlayScape, the WaterScape features a zero depth entry, stepping stones, and a little stream with stoppers to redirect water flow. The WaterScape does get a bit deep towards the back and the bottom is quite slippery in parts. I would suggest having your kiddo wear water shoes and keep the littler ones close by. Also, the water is from the nearby pond, so it’s not chlorinated.
The Summit Park WaterScape is open for summer 2021, but is occasionally closed and drained for maintenance – although there is usually a sign when this occurs.
The City of Hamilton, Ohio, has 7 spraygrounds that will open daily from 11:00am to 7:00pm starting Saturday, May 29, 2021. Restrooms will also be open from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Here’s a complete list of Hamilton spraygrounds open for summer 2021:
Located next to a brand new playground, Kacie Jane Park splash pad is huge and has a lot to keep kids busy. Located in Springboro, a suburb of Dayton, Ohio, this splash pad is 4,000 sq. ft. and has 15 different interactive spray toys. The park was named for Kacie Jane Hausfeld, who died in a 2010 plane crash. Kacie’s mother was inspired to create a splash pad in her daughter’s honor after looking at a picture of her two daughters playing in a fountain as children.
The Kacie Jane Park splash pad is open daily from 10am-8pm Memorial Day to September or October (depending on weather).
Located in Over-the-Rhine, Zeigler Pool is part of Zeigler Park. The pool features a zero depth walk-in zone with interactive water features by the bigger pool, along with a sprayground located away from the pool area.
Reservations are required for Zeigler Pool for summer 2021 for everyone, even if you do not plan to swim. Reservations are broken down into three 2-hour time slots and can be booked online. The pool opened on May 1 and will close on September 12, 2021.
There is a flat entry fee of $4 per person, per session. Season passes are sold out for 2021, but there is a waitlist available.
The Cincinnati Recreation Commission operates several pools and spraygrounds throughout Cincinnati. CRC will open 13 pools for summer 2021. The full list of CRC pool opening dates and operating hours can be found here.
CRC pool entry fees range from $1-$5. Pool memberships are not available for summer 2021. As of July, reservations are no longer required at CRC pools and spraygrounds.
A full list of CRC spraygrounds can be found here.
Mason Municipal Aquatic Center
The City of Mason opens its brand new outdoor leisure pool this Memorial Day weekend. The Mason Municipal Aquatic Center leisure pool opens daily from 11:00am to 7:00pm starting May 29 through August 15, 2021. The extended season will begin on August 16, but exact dates and times have not yet been announced.
This new pool in Mason looks super fun and has lots of cool features for the whole family. It’s got a big splash pad away from the pool area, big slides, a lazy river, and a zero depth entry with interactive features. I’m very much looking forward to taking the little guy here this summer.
Reservations are not required but a membership or daily pass is. Mason Community Members with a premier membership will automatically receive a pool pass for 2021. Passes are still available for this summer and can be purchased by residents, corporate residents and non-residents. Daily passes are also available for $10. Children under age 3 are free.
The Sharonville Aquatic Center in Sharonville opens for summer 2021 on May 29. This pool features the cutest family area, complete with zero depth entry, toddler dolphin slide, squirt whale, water playground, and more. The Sharonville Aquatic Center will be open from 12:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday through Friday, and from 11:00am to 8:00pm on the weekend.
Reservations are not required, but a membership is! Members are able to bring guests for summer 2021.
The Blue Ash Recreation Center outdoor swimming pools will be open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend for summer 2021. The pools will be open from 12:00pm to 7:00pm Monday to Friday, 11:00am to 7:00pm on Saturday, and 11:00am to 6:00pm. There are also special hours for early bird swim and tot swim.
The outdoor pools at the Blue Ash Recreation Center has a family area designed to be inclusive for all ages and abilities. The family pool includes two zero depth entries, a slide, interactive spray toys, a dump bucket and more.
A membership to the Blue Ash Recreation Center is required in order to access the outdoor pools. Members are able to purchase guest passes. Reservations are not required for the pool for 2021.
The Mayerson JCC of Cincinnati offers both indoors and outdoor pool options. The indoor pool includes a zero depth entry area, interactive spray toys, and slides. Outside, you can find a pool just for infants and toddlers. The indoor pool is open year round, and the outdoor pool opened for the 2021 season on May 29. Full hours can be found here.
The JCC offers membership options, and non-members are able to request a free guest pass.
Soak City Water Park at Kings Island is opening May 29 for summer 2021! Full hours and dates for the water park will be announced on the Kings Island calendar soon. Admission to Soak City is included in season passes. Daily tickets can be purchased for amusement park and water park access. Reservations are no longer required for the water park as of July 2021.
Soak City Water Park has several areas designated for smaller kids, including Castaway Cove, Coconut Cove, and Lookout Lagoon. These areas have a maximum height requirement, and any adult over the maximum height must be accompanied by a child.
Coney Island Sunlite Water Adventure opened on June 7 for the 2021 season. This attraction includes the giant Sunlite pool, water slides, water spray tower, interactive water features, and more. Both season passes and daily passes can be purchased online.
The Nature PlayScape at Cincinnati Nature Center in Milford is a great spot for kids to play and explore nature – and cool down in the little stream that runs down the center of the PlayScape. The water is on and running for summer 2021.
The Nature PlayScape is a fenced-in area designated for kids 11 and under and is located within CNC’s Rowe Woods. Access to the PlayScape is included with admission to Rowe Woods. Daily passes are available for purchase at the gate or online. Memberships to the Cincinnati Nature Center are available as well.
The Nature PlayScape is open during regular operating hours. May and August hours are 7:00am to 8:30pm. June and July hours are 7:00am to 9:00pm.
Bill Cappel Youth Sports Complex features, among many other amenities, a large splash pad for Covington, Kentucky residents. Open daily 12:00pm to 6:00pm from June 8 through August 4, 2021, this splash pad is open to residents with a pool pass only. Details on obtaining a pool pass can be found here.
The two Great Parks of Hamilton County Wet Playgrounds with entry fees (Winton Woods: Parky’s Ark and Woodland Mound: Parky’s Wetland Adventure) are CLOSED for summer 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the splash pad and man-made creek at Sharon Woods Harbor will be open this summer and is tons of fun!
Liberty Center Splash Pad
As of the beginning of June 2021, the splash pad at Liberty Center in Liberty Township is undergoing maintenance and will be closed until further notice.
I am so excited to see so many more splash pads and the like open for summer 2021. So tell us – which ones are you going to check out first?
Updated July 7, 2021
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Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Looking for an easy, crafty activity to keep your kiddos occupied in the backyard? Look no further than sidewalk chalk paint. It’s easy to make – just 3 ingredients – and everything rinses clean with water.
Here’s what you’ll need for sidewalk chalk paint:
Corn starch
Water
Food Coloring
Large bowl for mixing
Wisk or spoon for mixing
6-well muffin pan
Toothpicks
A few different sized paint brushes
Sidewalk Chalk Paint Recipe
1 cup corn starch 1.5 cups water Food coloring
Stir corn starch into water until thoroughly mixed. Add corn starch until mixture is no longer runny. Pour the mixture into each muffin pan well and add a couple of drops of food coloring. Stir with a tooth pick and you’re ready to paint!
We first tried this activity last April during quarantine, and found that it was a fun and easy way to brighten up our walkways while we were stuck at home. Set up took less than 5 minutes – which is ideal when you’ve got a toddler with a short attention span! When you’re done painting, simply hose off the muffin pan, paint brushes, and yourselves if needed. Everything rinses clean with water. It’s fun, simple and kept my toddler occupied for nearly an hour!
So the next time you’re looking for something crafty to do outside, try sidewalk chalk paint!
