The best indoor play centers, cafes, playgrounds and more around Cincinnati to enjoy in 2025

One of the best ways to survive a midwest winter and crazy spring weather with little kids is to spend time at one of the many Cincinnati indoor play places. From play pretend towns to indoor playgrounds, from inflatables and free play places, and from trampoline parks to play cafes designed for the littlest ones in mind, there’s an indoor play place that’s perfect for everyone. Check out our list of Cincinnati Indoor Play Places to check out in 2025 to find the perfect spot for you!

Indoor Play Centers and Cafes

Little Diggers Playspace

New in 2025

Little Diggers Playspace is a brand new play spot perfect for kids who love construction equipment and playing in the sand. Located in West Chester, Little Diggers has one GIANT sandbox, another smaller one to the side, and tons of construction-themed and sand toys. This place is for ages 7 and under only, and is best enjoyed when kids can navigate through the sand on their own (without trying to eat it).

Admission is based on playtime duration. A 30 minute play session is $12/child ($10/sibling). An hour play session is $16/child ($12/sibling & $10/siblings 2+). A 2 hour play session is $21/child ($17/sibling & $10/sibling 2+). Then it’s $5 per additional hour after that. Admission also includes 2 adults per family for free (additional adults are $5 each). My kids (ages 7 & 2) were good with an hour of play time. You do receive a text alert when you have 10 minutes of play time left, and are able to add the additional hour for $5 at that time.

Little Diggers is open 7 days a week from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Little Diggers Playspace is located at 9442 Water Front Drive, West Chester, OH 45069

Green Elephant Play

New in 2025

Green Elephant Play officially opens on June 17, 2025. With a focus on eco-friendly play, Green Elephant is the only indoor play place for kids located in downtown Cincinnati. This is the spot to take your kids to play with really cool toys. Designed for ages 1-8, my 2 and 7 year olds spent a solid 2 hours playing with their friends.

At Green Elephant Play, you’ll find a ton of green (re: not plastic!) toys to play with. My kids loved the doll house, train table, giant blocks, shopping cart, ice cream cart, Lovevery toys, ball pit, a small wooden climbing structure, chalk wall, pom pom pit, reading nook, puzzle wall, and more. There is also a gated playpen for infants.

Daily admission is $10.50/child aged 1-8, and infants under age 1 are free with paid sibling. Socks are required – but if you forget, grippy socks are available for purchase for $1. Hours are Tuesday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm, and on Saturday from 7:00am to 1:00pm. Closed Sunday for parties and Monday for cleaning. Parking-wise, there is a lot of street parking, plus free parking at casino across the street (this is what we opted to do, and it was easy peasy!).

Green Elephant Play is located at 9528 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Chasing Cali Collective

New in 2024

Chasing Cali Collective is a brand new concept to Cincinnati, offering childcare in their play space while parents can work, grab a coffee from their coffee bar, enjoy self care such as the infrared sauna and spa services, or even take a nap(!!!). The childcare services are for babies (over 6 weeks old) and toddlers only. However, there is parent monitored play available on most weekends.

Located in Reading, little ones will enjoy themed crafts and activities at Chasing Cali. Childcare sessions available in increments from 1 hour to 2.5 hours. Parents must stay onsite. You can book a spot online, but walk-ins are also welcome during the week.

The cost for childcare starts at $15 for one hour for one child and goes up to $30 for 2.5 hours for 1 child. They also offer a coffee/play date session for one hour for 2 kids for $27 so you can catch up with your mom bestie uninterrupted while your littles play. The parent monitored play sessions are $10 each. Hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday (so if you want an hour of childcare, get there by 4:00pm), and vary on weekends.

Chasing Cali Collective is located at 418 W. Benson Street, Reading, OH 45215

We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym Cincinnati

We Rock The Spectrum Cincinnati is a kids gym designed for kids of all abilities to enjoy. The equipment in the gym was designed for children with sensory processing disorders, but the gym is open to all children. Located a few doors down from the new Deer Park Library, WRTS Cincinnati offers both open play and classes. And great news for parents on the other side of the river. We Rock The Spectrum Northern Kentucky opened in Erlanger in 2024.

WRTS is designed for infants up to kids 13 years old. Current pricing for open play is $14/child, with $12 for a sibling. Packages and memberships are available for purchase. Open play hours are generally from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily, but it can vary week to week based on private events and camps

We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym Cincinnati is located at 4060 E Galbraith Rd Unit 17, Cincinnati, OH 45236

We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym Northern Kentucky is located at 331 Kenton Lands Road, Suite 400, Erlanger, KY 41018

Wonderland Playground

Located in Anderson Township, Wonderland Playground boasts a play area for little kids, a large play area for bigger kids, and a ninja course. This indoor play center was designed for kids ages 1 through 8. Amenities include a nursing room, cafe, and free wi-fi.

Reservations must be made online prior to playing. Pricing for general admission is $16 per child for a 2 hour time slot. Time slots are 9:00 to 11:00am, 12:00 to 2:00pm, and 3:00 to 5:00pm.

Wonderland Playground is located at 8255 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45255

Magic Land Play Café

Magic Land Play Café is a unique play place in Harrison. Designed for kids 7 and under, Magic Land has spaces for climbing, sliding, play pretend, a mess-free sandbox, and more. They also have a human claw machine – something I’ve never seen before in Cincinnati!

Open play admission is $12 per child for 3 hours. Additional siblings are $10 each and babies under 1 year old are free with a paid sibling. Magic Land hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, and 9:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.  

Magic Land Play Café is located at 10501 New Haven Rd Suite E and F, Harrison, OH 45030

Recreations Outlet 

Recreations Outlet is an indoor play set and equipment showroom that is open for children to play. Located in Milford, this is a great spot to take the kids when it’s raining or too chilly to play outside. Also, it was very clean! Recreations Outlet is great for all ages, and best for toddlers up to big kids. There is a small area for the littlest ones, but kids will have the most fun once they can (mostly) run, climb and jump on their own.

A play pass is $9 per child from Monday to Friday, and $12 per child on weekends & school holidays. Discounted punch passes and annual memberships are also available for purchase. On a budget? Check out the charity play sessions from 9:00 to 11:00am on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. Charity play sessions are $4 per child for 2 hours, and 50% of profits go to the featured charity of the month. This is what we typically opt for when visiting this spot.

Recreations Outlet is open 7 days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Saturday, and noon to 6:00pm on Sunday.

Recreations Outlet is located at 885 OH-28, Milford, OH 45150

Busy Bees Kids Playhouse

Busy Bees Kids Playhouse, formerly Bee Kind Kids Clubhouse, in Liberty Township is an indoor play space designed for kids under age 10 (older kids are welcome as long as they play gently). This space reopened under new management in late summer 2024. There is a separate spot for babies, as well as a place for parents to work while their children play.

The cost is $10 per child, and $7 for siblings. Infants 8 months and younger are free. Current hours are Tuesday evening from 4:00 to 7:00pm and Friday mornings 9:30am to 12:30pm.

Busy Bees Kids Playhouse is located at 5534 Eureka Dr A, Liberty Township, OH 45011

Creative Play Cafe

Creative Play Cafe in Crescent Springs, KY is a play cafe focused on imaginary play. This space is designed for kids ages 1 to 6, but there is a small area for older siblings to hangout. Timed-entry play date tickets can be purchased on their website.

A 2-hour play date session is $15 per child ages 1 to 6 years old. Babies under age 1 year old are free with a paid sibling. Children ages 7 and older are $10 each, and must stay in the designated area with a STEM activity. Effective 3/1/25, adults will be charged a $2 admission. Memberships are also available for purchase.

Current Creative Play Cafe hours are 8:30am to 4:00pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 8:30am to 5:00pm on Friday and Saturday.

Creative Play Cafe plans to open a second location in Union, KY in 2025.

Creative Play Cafe is located at 2434 High Street, Crescent Springs, KY 41017

For the Littlest Littles

LilyPad

LilyPad is my favorite indoor play spot in Cincinnati for babies who aren’t walking yet and young toddlers (although children up to age 6 will still enjoy it!). There are now three locations – in O’Bryonville, OH, Crescent Springs, KY, and West Chester, OH. LilyPad locations have an open play area with play set, climbing wall, and play pretend section. They also have an area just for crawlers.

LilyPad has many mom-friendly features, such as a nursing room, kitchen and snack-room, and fully stocked changing tables in each bathroom. This is also a nut-free facility – perfect for those with food allergies.

The cost is $10 per child, $8 per sibling, for all day play. Babies under age 1 year old are free. Membership and discount packages are available. The cost is the same at all 3 LilyPad locations.

Current hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm from Monday to Friday. The O’Bryonville and West Chester locations are open 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday, and closed on Sunday for private events. The Crescent Springs, KY location is closed on Saturday for private events, and open on Sunday from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

LilyPad is located at 2008 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208

LilyPad Crescent Springs is located at 574 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs, KY 41017

LilyPad West Chester is located at 7334 Tylers Corner Place, Suite 100, West Chester, OH 45069

PETALS Playhouse & Activity Center

New in 2024

New this year is PETALS Playhouse & Activity Center for children 6 years and under. Located in Paddock Hills / North Avondale, this spot is just down the road from the original Sugar N Spice location.

PETALS Playhouse is a 1900 sq ft indoor play and activity center with 4 specialty theme areas – including a sensory-friendly castle-theme area, arcade, and lego station. What makes this spot special is that they have partnered with Rosemary’s Babies Company for special pricing for teen parents (under 19 years old).

The cost is $20 per child, $10 for 2 or more children, and $2 for 2 or more children for teen parents. Open play hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm on Monday and Tuesday. PETALS Playhouse is also open for private events Friday through Sunday.

PETALS Playhouse is located at 4439 Reading Rd, Suite 107, Cincinnati, OH 45229
Off Avon Avenue, turn in rear lot of the building

Places with Inflatables

Dig ‘N Play 

New location

Although Dig ‘N Play has been around since 2019, this play spot recently moved to a new location in West Chester. The new location boasts a large sand table, a bigger play structure, a toddler play structure, inflatables, and a a play pretend area. Dig ‘N Play is great for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2 to 6).

Despite featuring a sand table, Dig ‘N Play is one of the cleanest indoor play spots in Cincinnati. All the toys and sand are regularly sanitized. This spot also offers mom-friendly amenities, such a nursing room and changing station.

The cost for open play is $10 for ages 2 and under, and $13 for ages 3 and up. Dig ‘N Play is open from 9:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, 9:30am to 7:00pm on Friday, 10:00am to 7:00pm on Saturday, and noon to 5:00pm on Sunday.

Dig ‘N Play is now located at 4902 Union Centre Pavilion, West Chester, OH 45069

Kid Clubhouse: Indoor Playground

Located a bit north of Cincinnati in the Dayton suburb of Springboro is Kid Clubhouse. This indoor play spot boasts a large playground, toddler room, bounce house and interactive game floor. They also have cool events like Glow Night. Kid Clubhouse is also parent-friendly with a dedicated workstation and nursery with changing tables.

And great news for Cincinnati folks – Kid Clubhouse opened a second location in Mason in July 2024! The Mason location has a huge play structure for big kids, ninja course, gated-in toddler area (with view of big kid area & ninja course), rock climbing wall, small trampoline area, interactive ball maze, hanging carousel, and more. There is also a large seating area with work station for parents, a nursery, and snack bar (that serves coffee!).

Kid Clubhouse is designed for kids ages 12 and under – and I would say it’s great for ages 1 to 12. As long as your littlest one can climb, they will have fun at this Cincinnati indoor play spot.

Admission for all day play is $10 for ages 1 to 2 years old and $13 for ages 3 to 12 years old. Babies under age 1 are free with a paid sibling. 2 adults are included with admission, while additional adults or siblings 13+ are $3 each. Hours at both Kid Clubhouse locations are 9:30am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday, and noon to 6:00pm on Sunday.

Kids Clubhouse Springboro is located at 865 W Central Ave, Springboro, OH 45066

Kid Clubhouse Mason is located at 3187 Western Row Road #109, Maineville, OH 45039

Run, Jump-N-Play 

Located in Blue Ash, Run, Jump-N-Play is an indoor showroom filled with swing sets and outdoor play equipment with daily open play sessions for kids to enjoy. This indoor play spot boasts swing sets, trampolines, basketball hoops, a toddler area, and inflatables on the weekend. We have enjoyed RJP from the toddler years and up (the maximum age is 15). You can read my full review on Run, Jump-N-Play here.

Open play is $8 for kids ages 5 & under and $10 for ages 6+ on weekdays. On weekends and holidays (when the inflatables are running), the cost is $10 for kids under 36in tall and $13 for kids over 36in tall. Children must be over 36in tall to go on the inflatables. Run, Jump-N-Play is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 9:00pm on Saturday, and 10:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday.

Run, Jump-N-Play is located just off I-71 at the Pfeiffer Road exit at 5897 Pfeiffer Rd Ste B, Blue Ash, OH 45242

Jump & Jack’s

Also located in West Chester, Jump & Jack’s is a large indoor play center with play areas for big kids, toddlers and inflatables. This indoor play spot is best for ages 3 to 11, but can be enjoyed by toddlers with adult supervision.

Admission is $5 for crawlers to 2 years old every day. For kids 3 and up, admission $10 per child on weekdays and $13 on Friday nights and weekends. Hours are 9:30am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday, and 11:30am to 8:00pm on Sunday. Special hours for their inflatables are posted on social media.

Jump & Jack’s is located at 7102 Office Park Dr, West Chester, OH 45069

Pump It Up

Pump It Up in West Chester is all inflatables, all the time. However, it is a spot primarily for private birthday parties and events, and therefore it is not open daily. Open Jump sessions can be found on their calendar, and spots can be reserved in advance. The cost for open jump sessions is $5 for toddlers under age 2 and $10 for kids ages 2 to 17 years old.

Pump It Up is located at 7724 Service Center Dr, West Chester, OH 45069

Jump!Zone

Jump!Zone in Florence, KY boats 9 large inflatables to enjoy. Like Pump It Up, Jump!Zone is mainly used for private birthday parties and events, and is not open daily. While hours for their Open!Play sessions vary, it is typically open at 9:00 or 10:00am until 3:00pm on weekdays, from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday, and 11:00am to 6:00pm on Sunday. All Open!Play sessions are listed on the calendar on the Jump!Zone website.

The cost for Open!Play is $10 for ages 12mo-23mo and $15 for ages 2 to 12 years old for all day.

Jump!Zone is located at 5765 Constitution Dr, Florence, KY 41042

Scene75 Cincinnati

Scene75 is not your traditional play center, but it does offer a bounce zone with a variety of inflatables for kids under age 12 (but also over 42in tall) to enjoy. Check out their website for other attractions.

The Scene75 Bounce Zone is $10 per child. It is open during regular business hours: noon to 9:00pm Sunday to Thursday, noon to 11:00pm on Friday, and 10:00am to 11:00pm on Saturday.

Scene75 Cincinnati is located at 876 OH-28, Milford, OH 45150

Free Indoor Play Centers

Graeter’s Kenwood Lil’ Pints Play Room

One of my favorite indoor play spots to go when you just need to get out of the house for an hour is the Lil’ Pints Play Room at Graeter’s Kenwood store. Nothing turns around a bad day like a scoop of your favorite treat and running around an ice cream themed play room.

Graeter’s Lil’ Pints Play Room is open during regular store hours: from 6:30am to 10:00pm Tuesday to Thursday, 6:30am to 11:00pm on Friday, 9:00am to 10:00pm on Sunday, and 11:00am to 10:00pm on Monday. There is a large climbing area with ice cream cone slide, a section for the youngest kids, an ice cream truck play house, and more. This play room is designated for kids ages 9 and under, and socks are required.

Graeter’s Kenwood store is located at 8167 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, OH 45236

The Dungeon at King Arthur’s Court Toy Store

What could be better than a super cool, royal toy store? How about one with a free play room to enjoy? The Dungeon is located in the basement of King Arthur’s Court Toy Store in Oakley. This spot is made up of 3 rooms filled with toys to play with, climb on, and enjoy. Check out my review below.

The Dungeon is open during regular store hours: 10:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday and 11:00am to 6:00pm on Sunday.

King Arthur’s Court Toys is located at 3040 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209

Cincinnati Children’s Discovery Zone at Liberty Center

At Liberty Center, you can find a free indoor play spot where kids can climb, slide, build, explore, and more! According to their website, the Cincinnati Children’s Discovery Center is in the Foundry building, between the Food Hall and MidPointe Library Liberty on the second floor.

Liberty Center is located at 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township, OH 45069

The Backyard at Newport on the Levee

Did you know Newport on the Levee has a free children’s play area for children ages 12 and under? New in 2024, The Backyard play area is located in The Gallery and open during regular hours. The play area includes a swing set, climbing dome, see saws, outdoor games, and plenty of seating for grownups.

Newport on the Levee is located at One Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071

Little Village at City Gospel Mission

Little Village is a free play spot for children under age 5. According to their website, the Little Village has spaces for science, art, play pretend, tumbling, reading construction, and an area for babies. The play area is open from 9:00am to 6:00pm Tuesday to Friday, and from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday.

Little Village at City Gospel Mission is located at 2420 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211

Community Commons Playscape

Community Commons in Harrison has a free indoor play structure. The building also houses a church and child care center. The play area is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.

Community Commons is located at 9850 Carolina Trace, Harrison, OH 45030

Trampoline Parks

Trampoline parks are typically great for older kids, but can also be enjoyable with younger kids at places with designated toddler hours. They are typically more expensive than other indoor play spots, but have more attractions and are open late.

Most trampoline parks also require you to wear special grippy jump socks. TIP: buy the socks once, and keep them in your car for future use.

Urban Air Adventure Park 

There’s a lot to enjoy at Urban Air Adventure Park in Oakley for kids of all ages. This indoor play spot boasts loads of trampolines, an indoor play structure, a warrior course with ball pit, a balance beam with foam block pit, climbing hill, and several ultimate attractions. Hours vary week to week, but they are typically open until at least 8:00pm. Read my full review below.

For those with younger kids, head out to Urban Air during the Jumperoo session. This special session is only for kids ages 2 to 5. Jumperoo runs during the school year from 10:00am to 12:30pm on select dates.

Tickets to Urban Active are $30.99 for Ultimate attractions (which includes everything) and $24.99 for Deluxe attractions (which includes the trampolines, playground, dodgeball, etc. – basically everything that does not require additional workers to operate). For children under 40in tall, tickets are $12.99 each. I believe this is also the price for the Jumperoo session. Additionally, parent pass are available for 50% of what you pay for your kid’s ticket. Monthly memberships are also available.

Urban Air Cincinnati is located in Oakley at 3321 Alamo Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45209

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Another cool indoor play spot to jump your heart out is Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Springdale. This spot has an area for freestyle jumping, foam pit, basketball hoops, and more. Tickets are $22.99 for a standard 90 minute session and $32.99 for all day. Monthly memberships are also available.

Sky Zone is open from 4:00 to 8:00pm Monday to Thursday, noon to 9:30pm on Friday, 11:00am to 9:30pm on Saturday, and 11:00am to 8:00pm on Sunday.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is located at 11745 Commons Dr, Springdale, OH 45246

Altitude Trampoline Park 

With locations in Mason and Anderson, Altitude Trampoline Park is an indoor play center with a large trampoline area, foam pit, battle beam, wipeout, and more. Altitude offers a Junior Jumpers Jam 2-hour pass for ages 2 to 6 for only $8. This pass is only available on weekdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm. They also offer a Home School Hops pass available weekdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm for $7.

Regular pricing for Altitude Trampoline Park is $21.99 for a 90 minute session and $24.99 for a 120 minute session. Monthly memberships are available for purchase. Hours are 10:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Thursday, 10:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, 11:00am to 9:00pm on Saturday, and 11:00am to 8:00pm on Sunday.

Altitude Trampoline Park – Mason is located at 4786 Fields Ertel Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249

Altitude Trampoline Park – Anderson is located at 7522 Beechmont Ave Cincinnati, OH 45255

Get Air Trampoline Park 

Next to Jump & Jacks you’ll find Get Air Trampoline Park is another spot for indoor fun in West Chester. This trampoline park offers a foam pit, dodgeball, ninja activities, and of course, lots of trampolines.

For the littlest ones, there is Kiddie Court – a section of the park reserved for kids under 46 inches tall, as well as Toddler Time. Toddler Time is for kids under 46in tall and is available from 10:00am to noon on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 8:00am to 10:00am on Sunday. The cost is $10.99 per child, and one adult is free. Toddler Time is still available when school for big kids is out for breaks, but little ones will be required to jump in the Kiddie Court section of the park.

Pricing for “big air” tickets (for kids over 46in tall) is $16.99 for one hour, $23.99 for 2 hours, and $26.99 for 3 hours. “Little air” tickets (for kids under 46in tall) are $10.99 for one hour, $17.49 for 2 hours, and $20.49 for 3 hours.

Open jump hours are 10:00am to 8:00pm Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday, from noon to 8:00pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10:00am to 7:00pm (with extended “Club Air” hours from 7:00pm to 10:00pm for kids over 46in tall) on Friday and Saturday.

Get Air Trampoline Park is located at 7106 Office Park Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45069

---

Thanks for checking out our list of the best Cincinnati indoor play places to check out in 2025. You’re sure to find the perfect indoor spot for those cloudy and rainy days!

---

Enjoyed my Cincinnati Indoor Play Places guide? Make sure to check out our Indoor Fun page for all the best indoor places around Cincinnati to enjoy with your kids.

The new PNC Grow Up Great® Playground is open and ready for play

This newly renovated playground at Inwood Park has one of the largest playground areas for the littlest little ones. And don’t worry – there’s still an area for bigger kids to play too. Designed with input from children and accessibility experts and built with a grant from PNC, this innovative playground is best enjoyed on a cooler morning with a few clouds in the sky.

---

Overall, the PNC Grow Up Great® Playground at Inwood Park a nice, medium sized playground with a lot to do for infants and older. There are spaces to climb, explore, and play pretend – not to mention the accessible features so all children can be included. This playground has a lot of cool, newer features you can find at playground hot spots like Makino Park or West Fork Park, but Inwood Park is much less crowded.

Inwood Park is located at 2308 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219. However, use directions to this location to navigate to the playground.

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 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

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.

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.

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.

Schappacher Park is located at 4686 Old Irwin Simpson Rd, Mason, OH 45040

A sweet spot to play inside

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 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

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.

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.

Graeter’s Kenwood store is located at 8167 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, OH 45236

Best of the West(side)

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 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.

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.

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.

West Fork Park is located in Green Township and can be found at 4764 W Fork Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45247