Summer Bucket List Bingo

Don’t waste time wondering what to do this summer

What better way to make summer fun than to put together a summer bucket list bingo card? This is how we’ve done our summer bucket list the last few years, and it’s been great! It’s so handy to have a list of ideas for summer already posted on our fridge, and we have a great time trying to get bingo.

Want your own summer bucket list bingo card? Don’t worry – I’ve already done the hard part! Below you’ll find a Cincinnati Summer Bucket List Bingo card, a general summer bucket list bingo card, and a blank bingo card if you’d like to make your own. Plus, I’ve included a giant master list of summer fun ideas.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s make this summer the best summer together!

Summer Bucket List Bingo

Below are the summer bucket list bingo cards to download. You can chose from two pre-made bingo cards – Cincinnati Summer Bucket List Bingo and general Summer Bucket List Bingo. There is also a blank Summer Bucket List Bingo card. Use the ultimate check list to complete your own card!

Download Your Summer Bucket List Bingo Card

Click on the download button below each graphic to download and print the summer bucket list bingo card of your choice. And keep scrolling for the ultimate check list of summer fun ideas if you chose the blank summer bucket list bingo card.

Download Cincinnati Bucket List

Download Summer Bucket List

Download Blank Bingo Card

Summer Bucket List Bingo Ultimate Check List

Here’s a list of summer bucket list ideas unique to Cincinnati to add to your bingo card.

Cincinnati Activities

Great Parks splash pad

CRC splash pad

West Chester Splash Pad

New Cincinnati splash pad (check out the full splash pad guide!)

Summit Park waterscape

Cincinnati NatureScape Stream

Ziegler Pool

Explore a new Cincinnati creek (check out our favorite local creeking spots here!)

Sign up for summer reading at the library

Ride the Cincinnati Bell Connector (streetcar)

NaturePlay at BCM

Carol Ann’s Carousel

Cincinnati Zoo

Newport Aquarium

Highfield Discovery Garden

Parky’s Farm

Kitty Brew Cat Café

Purrfect Day Cat Café

Krohn Conservatory

Cincinnati Observatory

Findlay Market

Spend the day along the riverfront

Wasson Way

Mt Airy Treehouse

Rowe Arboretum

Trammel Fossil Park

Castle Skateland

Court Street Roller Rink

The Loveland Bike Trail

The Loveland Castle

Paddle down the Little Miami River

Watch airplanes land at Lunken Airfield from Ault Park or Alms Park

Check out the views from Spencer Overlook or Eden Overlook in Eden Park

Check out the views from Drees Pavilion in Devou Park

Take a ride on the Station Road Express at Station Road Farm in West Chester (one of the outdoor trains formerly at EnterTrainment Junction)

Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati

Anderson Ferry

Newport on the Levee

Liberty Center

Factory 52

Check out The OFF Market or city flea

King Arthur’s Toy Store

Handzy Shop + Studio

Jungle Jim’s

Eat

Playground & ice cream at Summit Park

The Root Beer Stand

Breakfast at Sugar ’N Spice Diner

Get ice cream from a creamy whip

Get ice cream from The Cone

Get ice cream from Cincy Sammy’s

Get ice cream & play at Graeter’s Lil Pints playroom

Get ice cream & play at Sharky’s Arctic Sweets & Eats

Have some Cincinnati chili

Go on the Butler County Donut Trail

Go to a German festival

Create

The Paint Playground in Milford

Glassroom

The Art Spark

Sports

Cincinnati Reds game

Florence Y’alls game

Bengals Training Camp

FC Cincinnati game

Mini golf at The Acres

Oakley Greens (check out other Cincinnati area mini golf spots here!)

Museums & Amusements

Check out the full guide to Cincinnati Kid-Friendly Museums here!

National Museum of US Air Force in Dayton

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton

The American Construction Toy Museum

Carillon Historic Park in Dayton

Cincinnati Fire Museum

Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington

Cincinnati Museum Center

American Sign Museum

Creativity Center at Contemporary Arts Center

The REC at the Cincinnati Art Museum

Create & Play events at the Taft Art Museum

Kings Island

Stricker’s grove

Land Of Illusion’s Aqua Adventures

Events

Kids Crew at Newport on the Levee – Mondays June 8 – August 24 from 11am-12:30pm

Smale Family Fun Days – First Thursday of the month in June, July & August

Niederman Family Farm Summer Play Dates – Tuesdays in June from 10am to noon

Pop Up Play at Washington Park OTR – Tuesdays May 26 – September 1 from 11am-1pm

Road Trips

Road trip to Ohio State Fair

Road trip to Columbus Zoo

Road trip to COSI in Columbus

Road trip to Yellow Springs

Road trip to Hocking Hills

Road trip to Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Union, KY

Road trip to Mammoth Cave National Park

Road trip to the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis

Road trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in Indianapolis

Road trip to the Neil Armstrong Museum in Wapakoneta, OH

Road trip to Mammoth Cave National Park

Road trip to Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk in Reynoldsburg, OH

Summer Activities

See fireworks

Play at a new playground

Cool down at a splash pad

Go down a water slide

Ride a roller coaster

Go creeking

Explore a new neighborhood

Have a beer at a family-friendly brewery

Go on a family hike

Go on a family walk

Check out a farmers market

Check out a craft market

Go on a picnic

Get ice cream

Paint pottery

Go to a touch-a-truck event

Go to a festival or fair

Go to the movie theatre

Drive-In movie

Move in the park

Music in the park

Go to story time

Visit the library

Visit a local bookstore

Try a new restaurant

Go out for breakfast

Go to a new museum

Go to a baseball game

Go to a parade

Go bowling

Go duckpin bowling

Go on a road trip

Play cornhole

Play mini golf

Go on a bike ride

Pool day

Lake day

Beach day

Water park day

Amusement park day

Color with sidewalk chalk

Sidewalk chalk paint

Paint with shaving cream & food coloring

Blow bubbles

Paint rocks

Backyard pool day

Water balloon fight

Water squirter fight

Play in the water table

Play in the sprinkler

Backyard obstacle course

Limbo contest

Hula hoop contest

Fly a kite

Catch fireflies

Build a sandcastle

Tie dye a t-shirt

Backyard camping

Roast s’mores

Make popsicles

Make ice cream

Grill out

Have a meal outside

Go stargazing

Play flashlight tag

Teach your kids a game you used to

Play as kids

Roll down a hill

Find constellations in the night sky

Look for pictures in the clouds

Now that you’ve set yourself up for the most fun summer ever with your very own summer bucket list bingo card, don’t forget my Cincinnati Splash Pad Guide and other summer posts for more ideas!

Cincinnati Shaded Playgrounds

There are several playgrounds around Cincinnati with at least partial shade to help keep you cool during the summer months. Not all of them have total coverage, but the playgrounds in this list have enough shade for kids to be able to play without being directly in the sun the entire time. Here are some of our favorite Cincinnati shaded playgrounds.

The ride on toys at Dogwood Park in Mariemont - Cincinnati Playgrounds - One Little Small Blog

Cincinnati Shaded Playgrounds

Land of Make Believe Park in Lunken Playfield at 4740 Playfield Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45226

Blue Ash Nature Park in Blue Ash at 4337 Cooper Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242

Dogwood Park in Mariemont at 3706 Pleasant Street, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Sellman Park in Madeira at 6700 Marvin Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45243

Oakley Playground in Oakley at 3900 Paxton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45209

Alms Park in Columbia-Tusculum at 710 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226

Eden Park Playground in Mt Adams at Lake Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Ault Park Playground in Hyde Park at 3515 Heekin Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208

Highfield Discovery Garden in Glenwood Gardens in Woodlawn at 10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215

Pine Hill Lakes Park in Mason at 211 Kings Mills Road, Mason, OH 45040

Schappacher Park in Deerfield Township at 4686 Old Irwin Simpson Road, Mason, OH 45040

Fernbank Park in Sayler Park at 50 Thornton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45233

Julifs Park in Anderson Township at 8249 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244

Armco Park in Lebanon at 1223 OH-741, Lebanon, OH 45036

Bicentennial Commons in Monroe at 250 Jerry Couch Blvd, Liberty Township, OH 45044

Dulle Park in Montgomery at 10530 Deerfield Road, Montgomery, OH 45242

Crescent Park in Wyoming at 340 Crescent Ave, Wyoming, OH 45215

Veteran’s Memorial Park in Wilder, KY at 110 South Street, Wilder, KY 41071

Looking for more ideas of fun things to do around Cincinnati? Check out my playground reviews and my splash pad guide for endless summer fun!

Latest Posts from One Little Small

1000 Hands Every Child’s Playground at Sawyer Point

Hands down the best playground under a bridge

While you wouldn’t typically think to look for a playground under a bridge, the 1000 Hands Every Child’s Playground at Sawyer Point is one playground you don’t want to miss. Located under the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, this steamboat-themed playground is not only great for kids of all ages, but was designed for kids of all abilities.

Please note: This playground burned to the ground on November 1, 2024. There is hope that the playground will be rebuilt nearby, but nothing official has been announced yet. I will update once more information is available.

DO NOT USE MY IMAGES OR TEXT WITHOUT RECEIVING MY PERMISSION FIRST – THANK YOU

1000 Hands Every Child’s Playground
at Sawyer Point

1000 Hands Playground Sawyer Point Highlights

Large, steamboat-themed playground located along the Ohio River front
Built for children of all abilities and is wheelchair accessible
Lots of shade due to its location under a bridge
8 swings, including an ADA swing and tire swing
Has a rock wall with a cool mural of downtown
Best for kids ages 2-12

Overview

1000 Hands Every Child’s Playground is located at Sawyer Point, along the Ohio River front. There is another, more well-known, 1000 Hands Playground located in Pleasant Ridge. This playground is located directly under the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge (aka the yellow “Big Mac Bridge”), between the sand volleyball court and Sawyer Point Park.

The playground is mostly fenced and is easily accessed by the main entrance across from the sand volleyball court. There is a second entrance along the side of the playground closest to the access road. The ground is solid surface throughout and the playground is built from composite wood. There are many different levels and interactive features throughout this park to keep kids of all ages busy for at least an hour or two. If you need a snack break, you can find plenty of picnic tables along the side of the playground closest to the volleyball court.

The playground

There is a lot to take in when you first enter 1000 Hands Every Child’s Playground at Sawyer Point. To the left are monkey bar-type features, and beyond that is a ramp that goes up and around to the back of the playground. To your right is a separate area with an interactive roads sand table and musical toys. Next is the first set of swings, then the little playhouse, second entrance, and another ramp leading to the back of the playground. In the center is a giant playground structure with many different tunnels, ramps, stairs, and slides.

1000 Hands Park Sand Table — 1000 Hands Park Sawyer Point

Walk a little further in to see the main steamboat playground structure in all its glory. Steamboat touches can be found throughout the playground. Very fitting, I think, given the playground’s location next to the Ohio River.

The steamboat play structure is teeming with nooks and crannies to explore. It can be accessed by one of two playground ramps or the many different types of stairs and ladders throughout. There are two slides – one at each end of the playground. Some of the interactive features on the playground include a giant steamboat steering wheel and a tic-tac-toe board. One of my favorite features is the little rock wall with a mural of downtown Cincinnati.

1000 Hands Park Steamboat Play Structure

1000 Hands Park Tic Tac Toe — 1000 Hands Park Steamboat Play Structure

Swings

There are 8 swings total at 1000 Hands Playground Sawyer Point. Four regular swings can be found not far from the main playground entrance. The other set of swings is in the back area of the playground. Here you will find two bucket seats, one ADA swing, and a tire swing.

Bathrooms

The bathrooms are in their own little building located under the bridge but closer to the river. The doors to the individual bathrooms face the river (away from the playground), and are on their own little path. It’s about a minute walk from the playground to the bathrooms.

Parking

There are several parking lots along Pete Rose Way. The parking lot at Sawyer Point is closest to 1000 Hands Playground, but it does have a parking fee. Free parking is available further down, such as at International Friendship Park, but it’s a bit of a walk to the playground from there.

The not so greats

Not fully fenced. While 1000 Hands Every Child’s Playground at Sawyer Point is mostly fenced, it’s important to be aware that this playground is not completely fenced in. The main playground entrance (facing the sand volleyball court) does not have a gate, but there is a bit of an entryway that makes this spot more manageable.

The spot to be aware of is the secondary entrance along the side of the playground closest to the access road. This entrance is a bit deceiving because it doesn’t look like a way out at first glance, but you can exit the playground via the little playhouse and the ramp next to it. It exits out to the access road and then a parking lot.

Not the cleanest. While I wouldn’t consider any playground to be clean, 1000 Hands Playground is one of the least clean of the playgrounds we frequent. Although the ground is solid surface, this is not the playground I would take a crawling baby. To be clear, this playground is far from filthy, but we do sometimes find trash throughout and the whole area could use a good hose down. Because of it’s location under a bridge, it doesn’t receive a lot of rain that would normally wash away dirt, sand, pollen and the like that has built up on the playground.

No good vantage point. Because 1000 Hands Playground Sawyer Point is so big and has so many levels, it can be tricky to keep up with your kids as they run and play. This is not a playground where you can stand in one spot and have eyes on the little ones the entire time.

Overall, 1000 Hands Every Child’s Playground at Sawyer Point is one of the hidden gem playgrounds in Cincinnati. I love how it honors the city’s history with the steamboat-theme. This playground has so many areas to explore, yet is still accessible for kids of all abilities.

1000 Hands Every Child’s Playground at Sawyer Point is located at 801 East Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Otto Armleder Memorial Aquatic Sprayground - One Little Small Blog

BONUS: After working up a sweat at 1000 Hands Every Child’s Playground at Sawyer Point, head 5 minutes down the riverwalk to cool down at the Otto Armleder Memorial Aquatic Sprayground.

Dogwood Park

A playground just for toddlers in Mariemont

One of our favorite toddler playgrounds is Dogwood Park in Mariemont. This playground was designed for ages 2 to 5, and is completely fenced-in!

Dogwood Park

Highlights

Best for ages 2 to 5
Features include a playground, swings, ride on toys, play house, green space, and more
The playground is fully fenced in!
Very easy for a toddler to navigate

Playground

The playground at Dogwood Park was designed for ages 2 to 5, and it’s very easy for that age group to navigate without too much help. The main playground structure has several levels and slides, all which are connected by stairs – rather than something more difficult like a ladder.

There are several ride-on toys, as well as a row of swings. A cute little playhouse was added to the playground in 2022.

Other Features

On the other side of the playground fence, you’ll find a picnic shelter, a bell tower (where the bathrooms are!), and ball fields. There’s a small parking lot next to the playground, street parking, and another, larger lot further down.

At the back of the playground you will find another gate and steps leading down into the woods. Here you’ll find the old Boathouse that used to house boats and canoes for a lagoon over 200 years ago. You can read more about it here.

The play house at Dogwood Park in Mariemont - Cincinnati Playgrounds - One Little Small Blog — The play house

The Not So Greats

While Dogwood Park is a must visit if you’ve got a toddler, there are a few things I don’t love. The bathroom is all the way in the nearby bell tower, and it isn’t always open (during the winter). There are only a handful few parking spots right next to the playground. There is ample street parking and a larger lot further down, but it’s nice to be right next to the playground when you’re schlepping a bunch of little kid stuff with you.

Also, there is mulch thorough the playground. Mulch isn’t my favorite in general, but especially not with toddlers. And since the playground was designed for 2 to 5 year olds, there’s not much to do for bigger kids or babies.

Overall, Dogwood Park in Mariemont is an awesome playground for toddlers. My son always has a blast on the playground, and I love how it’s fully fenced-in! The playground at Dogwood Park is not too big, but still has plenty of room to run around!

And for more fun things to do with your toddler, check out our favorite toddler-friendly places around Cincinnati!

Dogwood Park is located at 3706 Pleasant St, Cincinnati, OH 45227

The fenced in playground at Dogwood Park in Mariemont - Cincinnati Playgrounds - One Little Small Blog — Trying to escape, but can’t!

Gorman Park

A great park in Sharonville for summer fun

Reopened in May 2022, Gorman Park in Sharonville is a great spot for summer fun with a new playground, a splash pad, picnic shelter, and more.

Gorman Park

Highlights

Good for ages 2 and up
There is a large splash pad on one side of the park and a large playground on the other
The playground consists of a large big kid jungle gym, smaller toddler jungle gym, and swings
The splash pad is open from 10am to 8pm during the summer
There’s a large picnic shelter next to the splash pad with plenty of picnic tables, bathrooms and water fountains

Playground

The playground at Gorman Park is great for ages 2 and up. There is a large playground for bigger kids with different levels, slides, a rock wall, and ropes course. This part of the playground is nicely shaded.

The swings are located between the big kid playground and the toddler playground, and include an accessible swing and a two-seater swing.

The playground at Gorman Park Sharonville - Cincinnati Playgrounds - One Little Small Blog — The swings and toddler playground

The toddler playground is located closest to the parking lot, and is a smaller version of the big kid playground. It is not shaded, and was not as popular as the big kid playground during our visit. The playground has mulch throughout.

The toddler playground at Gorman Park Sharonville - Cincinnati Playgrounds - One Little Small Blog — The toddler playground

I found that the playground complimented the splash pad well, however, I personally wouldn’t visit this park only for the playground if I wasn’t nearby.

The Splash Pad

The splash pad at Gorman Park is huge, and can accommodate a lot of kids. There are a variety of sprayers, and a large dump bucket in the center. It is easy to see the entire splash pad from one of the many nearby benches, as well as from the large picnic shelter behind it.

Gorman Park splash pad is open from 10am to 8pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. To activate the splash pad, press the Start button in the middle of the splash pad.

For more summer fun, check out my Cincinnati Splash Pads post!

The splash pad at Gorman Park Sharonville - Cincinnati Playgrounds - One Little Small Blog — The splash pad at Gorman Park

Other Features

I really liked the large picnic shelter, located behind the splash pad. It has plenty of picnic tables, bathrooms and water fountains. The nearby parking lot made it very convenient to get from the car to the splash pad and playground quickly. There is also a walking path around the perimeter of Gorman Park.

The large picnic shelter at Gorman Park Sharonville - Cincinnati Playgrounds - One Little Small Blog — The large picnic shelter with bathrooms and water fountains

Gorman Park Sharonville - Cincinnati Playgrounds - One Little Small Blog — The large picnic shelter with bathrooms and water fountains

The Not So Greats

While Gorman Park has been beautifully updated, there were a few things about the playground that I didn’t love. The entire playground is mulch, and I personally prefer a solid surface or artificial turf ground. I also feel that mulch limits the playground from children who are still crawling or need a wheelchair to get around. The toddler playground did not have much shade, which isn’t great on a hot summer day. And while there there is a barrier between the toddler playground and the road, it’s always nice when a playground is fully fenced in.

Overall, Gorman Park in Sharonville is a really fun park to check out in the summer. Pack a lunch (or a snack!) so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy both the splash pad and the playground.

Gorman Park is located at 12153 Centerdale Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45246

Spring Break in Cincinnati

A guide to spending spring break in the Queen City

We had a blast during our Cincinnati spring break staycation. Check everything on our spring break in Cincinnati bucket list!

Spring Break in Cincinnati

Go out for breakfast

To kick off spring break in Cincinnati, we headed to one of our favorite breakfast spots – Sugar N Spice Diner. I am a huge fan of their Wispy Thin Pancakes, and all of us love bringing home a rubber ducky at the end of our meal.

Sugar N Spice has 3 locations – Reading Road, OTR, and Blue Ash. The original Reading Road location is currently closed and undergoing a huge renovation, but should be open later this year!

Breakfast at Sugar N Spice Diner - Spring Break in Cincinnati - One Little Small Blog — Breakfast at Sugar N Spice Diner

Get ice cream

Ice cream is always on my bucket list. For spring break, we grabbed a scoop at Gold Spoon Creamery after playing at Summit Park. Their delicious flavors and location near the playground makes it the perfect spot to play and get ice cream on your way home. They’re also just a few doors down from Sugar N Spice.

Gold Spoon Creamery is located at 10235 Summit Parkway, Blue Ash, OH 45242

Getting ice cream at Gold Spoon Creamery - Spring Break in Cincinnati - One Little Small Blog — Getting ice cream at Gold Spoon Creamery

Have a zoo day

Springtime is the best time to enjoy the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. The flowers are blooming, early admission for zoo members begin, and the animals are a lot more active.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220

Explore the Creativity Center at CAC

The Creativity Center at the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) is an interactive creative & education space for all ages. We enjoyed making art, music, stories, and playing during our visit. Located on the 6th floor of the CAC, the Creative Center reopened the end of October 2022. This space includes the well-known UnMuseum™.

The Contemporary Arts Center is located at 44 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Creating together at the Creative Center at CAC - Spring Break in Cincinnati - One Little Small Blog — Creating together at the Creative Center at CAC

Roadtrip to COSI in Columbus

We wanted to do a day trip during spring break, so we decided to head up to Columbus to check out COSI: Center of Science and Industry. COSI has a lot of hands-on STEM exhibits, and is great for all ages. Columbus is about an hour and a half drive from Cincinnati, so it’s not bad to do in one day.

But a head’s up – it was very crowded during spring break. Summer seems to be a better time to go. It was also a bit tricky to navigate with a stroller, so bring a baby carrier if possible.

COSI is located at 333 West Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

Road trip to COSI in Columbus - Spring Break in Cincinnati - One Little Small Blog — Road trip to COSI in Columbus

Check out a new playground

It’s been a minute since we’ve been to a new playground, so we made sure to include somewhere new on our spring break bucket list. We found out about the new playground at Colerain Park from our friends. It’s design like a fort – with lots to climb, slide, and explore. Part of the playground is accessible by wheelchair. This playground is best for ages 3 and up.

Colerain Park is located at 4725 Springdale Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45251

Playing at a new playground at Colerain Park - Spring Break in Cincinnati - One Little Small Blog — Playing at a new playground at Colerain Park

Try duckpin bowling

To wrap up spring break, we tried our hand at duckpin bowling at Hoppin’ Vines in Kenwood. I think of duckpin bowling as mini bowling – the lanes and bowling balls are smaller. Plus you get 3 changes per frame to knock all the pins down. My son is 5, and that was the perfect age to enjoy this activity.

Hoppin’ Vines also has a huge draft beer selection (and other drinks), plus Delicio Coal Fired Pizza on site.

Hoppin’ Vines is located at 8150 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, OH 45236

Trying duckpin bowling at Hoppin' Vines - Spring Break in Cincinnati - One Little Small Blog — Trying duckpin bowling at Hoppin’ Vines

Thanks for tagging along on our spring break in Cincinnati! There’s so much fun to be had in the Queen City during spring time.

For more springtime ideas, check out my 10 Best: Cincinnati Spring Bucket List!

10 Best: Cincinnati Spring Bucket List 2022

Springtime in Cincinnati is here (and hopefully to stay!). What I love most about spring in the Queen City is all the beautiful blooms and baby animals to enjoy. And with that theme in mind, enjoy my Cincinnati Spring Bucket List for 2022.

Zoo Blooms at the Cincinnati Zoo - One Little Small Blog - Cincinnati Spring Bucket List

10 Best:
Cincinnati Spring
Bucket List 2022

Have a Zoo Day: Blooms & Animal Babies

A day at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is always fun, but there’s something about springtime that makes it extra special – Zoo Blooms and Zoo Babies! Zoom Blooms runs all of April and features large displays of tulips and other flowers throughout the zoo grounds. Zoo Babies runs throughout May and showcases the animal babies who take up residence in the zoo. And BONUS – moms get in for free on Mother’s Day.

Both Zoo Blooms and Zoo Babies are included with zoo admission.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220

With Fiona the hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo - One Little Small Blog - Cincinnati Spring Bucket List — Ben with the Cincinnati Zoo’s most famous zoo baby – Fiona the Hippo

Enjoy the Krohn Conservatory Butterfly Show

One of the most popular events at the Krohn Conservatory is the annual butterfly show. This year’s show features Butterflies Along the Nile. And if you haven’t had a chance to catch the butterflies – don’t worry! The show runs through June 19, 2022.

Krohn Conservatory is located in Eden Park at 1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Head to Jungle Jim’s International Market

Take a walk on the wild side and head to Jungle Jim’s International Market this spring. Not only does the market have a plethora of exotic foods from around the world to check out, but there are several cool displays and animatronics to enjoy throughout. Plus, you can’t miss their famous bathroom, setup to look like a port-a-potty from the outside.

There are two locations – the original location in Fairfield and a newer store in Eastgate. Both are great options!

Jungle Jim’s International Market Fairfield is located at 5440 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH 45014

Jungle Jim’s International Market Eastgate is located at 4450 Eastgate South Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45245

Jungle Jim's - One Little Small Blog - Cincinnati Spring Bucket List — Jungle Jim’s

Spend time at a cat cafe

Looking for the purr-fect spot to spend an afternoon? Perhaps with a bunch of cuddly cats and kittens? Well, you’re paw-sitively in luck! There’s not one, but two great cat cafes in the Cincinnati area. Kitty Brew Cafe is located in Mason, while Purrfect Day Cafe is located across the river in Covington, KY.

Cat cafes offer the opportunity to play with cats and kittens up for adoption while also enjoying a coffee beverage. It’s a great way to meet a potentially new furry member of your family if you’re looking to adopt a cat, or to get your cat fix if you’re unable to bring one home. Please note that reservations are strongly recommended, and can be made online.

Kitty Brew Cafe is located at 6011 Tylersville Rd, Suites 6 & &, Mason, OH 45040

Purrfect Day Cafe is located at 25 W 8th St, Covington, KY 41011

Go creeking

The splash pads may not be open yet, but there are still plenty of creeks to splash in and explore around Cincinnati. So if creeking is your jam, make sure to check out my list of the best spots to go creeking around Cincinnati – all places recommended by you!

Let’s Go Creeking

Creeking at Dulle Park - One Little Small Blog — Creeking at Dulle Park

Take on the Art Climb Steps at CAM

On the corner of Gilbert Avenue and Eden Park Drive you’ll find Cincinnati Art Museum’s Art Climb Steps. While the steps themselves are cool, you can also enjoy rotating art installations on your way up (or down) the steps. Plus, there’s a great view of downtown Cincinnati once you reach the top.

I think the CAM Art Climb Steps are a great way to spend an hour or two outdoors – especially if your kiddo is in that stage when they looooove to climb steps (we’ve all been there).

The Art Climb Steps are located at the corner of Gilbert Ave &, Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Play at West Fork Park

One of my favorite playgrounds around Cincinnati is West Fork Park in Green Township. If you haven’t had a chance to check out this playground, make sure to carve out time this spring.

West Fork Park is great for kids of all ages – from babies up through elementary school age. There is a play area for kids who are still crawling, as well as a large climbing structure for bigger kids. It has cool features like a maze and a zip-line. Plus, this park is completely fenced in and the play surface is solid rubber or artificial turf – so no need to worry about dirt or mulch.

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

Check Out West Fork Park

West Fork Park Little Kid Play Area - One Little Small Blog — Little kid play area at West Fork Park

The maze at West Fork Park - One Little Small Blog — Little kid play area at West Fork Park

Have a great sandbox day at Dig ‘N Play

As soon as the weather gets nice outside, my son is clamoring to play in the sandbox. But on days when I’m just not having it (or the weather isn’t cooperating), we head up to Dig ‘N Play. Located in West Chester, Dig ‘N Play offers a large play structure, inflatables, a lego table, a baby play area, and – you guessed it – a giant sand table. I love that despite the giant sand table, this spot is super clean and everything is regularly sanitized.

For more on Dig ‘N Play, head to their website. And make sure to check out my full list of Cincinnati Indoor Play Places below.

Dig ‘N Play is located at 9405 Cincinnati Columbus Rd #8, West Chester, OH 45069

Cincinnati Indoor Play Places

Dig 'N Play - One Little Small Blog — Having fun in the giant sand table at Dig ‘N Play

Go nuts for donuts

Donuts are always a good idea, and with so many amazing local donut shops around Cincinnati, how can you not?! One thing on my personal bucket list is the Butler County Donut Trail. The trail consists of 13 local donut shops, and a passport to stamp at each location to earn yourself a sweet t-shirt.

Down in Hamilton County, there are two new donut shops that opened up just this year. Blossim Donuts in Montgomery is delicious, and I can’t wait to check out Starlight Doughnut Lab in Norwood (find them on Instagram at @starlightdoughnutlab).

Head out to a farm – with baby goats!

Love getting up close and personal with baby goats, bunnies, lambs, chicks and other farm animals? A visit to a petting farm may be right up your alley! Good Green Earth Farm in Bethel offers farm visits, a mobile petting farm, goat yoga, and more. They are a local mom & pop farm, caring for all the animals themselves.

Good Green Earth Farm is located at 2803 Kinnett Rd, Bethel, OH 45106

With activities to help you get outside (or survive another rainy day), there’s something for everyone on this Cincinnati spring bucket list. And if you need a few more ideas, don’t worry! I’ve got a bucket list for every season. Have fun, friends!

10 Best: Cincinnati Fall Bucket List 2021

All about having some fall fun, but unsure what to do? Check out my Cincinnati fall bucket list for 2021.

10 Best: Cincinnati Fall Bucket List 2021

Go to a pumpkin patch

Starting off this list is the most obvious idea for fall – go to a pumpkin patch. With over 20 pumpkin patches or festivals within an hour and half drive of Cincinnati, you’re sure to find your perfect spot for pumpkin fun on my pumpkin patch list. From farms with all the frills to ones with hayrides to u-pick pumpkin fields.

Find a Pumpkin Patch

Cincinnati Pumpkin Patches 2021 - The pumpkin patch at Blooms and Berries - One Little Small Blog — The pumpkin patch at Blooms and Berries

Carol Ann’s Carousal

Take a spin on this one-of-a-kind, Cincinnati-themed carousal. Carol Ann’s Carousal recently reopened after an extended pandemic-related closure. This attraction features artwork and animals unique to Cincinnati’s culture and history. Where else can you find a flying pig and Oktoberfest horse in the same place?

This is a great outing to save for the weekend. Carol Ann’s Carousal is currently open Friday to Sunday, from 11am to 4pm. Tokens can be purchased online or at the carousal.

Carol Ann’s Carousal is located near the riverfront at 8 East Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

One Little Small Blog - 10 Best Fall Bucket List - Carol Ann's Carousal — Carol Ann’s Carousal with baby Ben, circ. Sept. 2019

Haunted Poasttown School

Looking for some spooky fun? How about leading your own paranormal investigation at a REAL haunted school? At Haunted Posttown School, near Middletown, you can lead your own investigation through the school.

While I’ve never done an investigation of my own (self-admitted scaredy cat over here), I do have a personal connection to the school. My mom taught at Posttown up until it closed – and I’ve spent many hours there helping her in her classroom.

This activity is probably best for bigger kids and grown ups – unless you enjoy staying up all night with your little ones.

Posttown School is located at 6600 Trenton -Franklin Road Middletown, OH 45042

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

One museum I’ve been excited to check out is the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton, Ohio. This children’s museum is all about science, technology and natural history – and is only about an hour drive from Cincinnati.

Some exhibits that caught my eye include the Kids Place for kids 4 and under, Strictly Briks where visitors can enjoy a building station with a variety of oversized “briks”, Science On a Sphere® which features a giant suspended globe to teach visitors all about Earth and space, and of course, the Discovery Zoo. The zoo is home to over 100 animals and insects, including river otters and a sloth named Patience.

The museum is currently open 7 days a week, and reservations are not required.

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is located at 2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton, OH 45414

Inwood Park

This newly renovated playground is best explored on an overcast day – making it the perfect fit for some fall fun. The PNC Grow Up Great® Playground in Inwood Park is located near Christ Hospital. It reopened in August 2021, and was designed with input from children and accessibility experts and built with a grant from PNC.

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. If you haven’t had a chance to check out this playground yet, make sure to add it to your fall bucket list!

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

Explore Inwood Park

Inwood Park Little Kid Playground musical toys - One Little Small Blog — Jammin’ out at Inwood Park playground

Drive-in Movie

One of the few pluses of the sun setting earlier is that drive-in movie screen times now begin before bedtime. We really wanted to try this outing during the summer, but it just wasn’t worth keeping a toddler up that late. But this time of year, the movies begin just after dinner.

The two drive-in movie theatres closest to Cincinnati and open during the fall are Holiday Auto Theatre in Hamilton and Starlite Drive-in in Amelia. Tickets can be purchased online. Both spots offer concessions, but also charge a flat fee to bring your own food.

Holiday Auto Theatre is located at 1816 Old Oxford Road State Route 130, Hamilton, OH 45013

Starlite Drive-in is located at 2255 Ohio Pike, Amelia, OH 45102

Fall Colors Scavenger Hunt

Looking for an easy, outdoors fall activity? Fall Colors Scavenger Hunt took about 5 minutes to put together and got us out the doors and enjoying the great autumn outdoors for over an hour.

To make the color guide, I used a piece of printer paper, drew 6 boxes and colored them in with fall colors. There are so many different ways to make a color guide for this activity – from using paint sample squares to magnetic tile toys, it’s easy to make this activity your own.

Two of our favorite spots to search for fall colors is Blue Ash Nature Park and Pioneer Park in Montgomery. But this is an activity you can do in your own backyard!

One Little Small Blog - 10 Best Fall Bucket List - Fall Colors Scavenger Hunt — Fall Colors Scavenger Hunt at Pioneer Park

Craft Fairs

We’re all a bit anxious to get a jump start on our holiday shopping this year. A great way to support local vendors while doing your holiday shopping is to stop by one of the many craft shows and markets taking place during November. Some of my favorite craft shows include:

Greater Cincinnati Holiday Marketing – November 12-14
Lakota East Craft Show – November 13-14
The O.F.F. Market – November 20

American Sign Museum

Looking to find some fall colors, but indoors? Spend a morning or afternoon exploring the American Sign Museum. The AMS is the largest public museum of its kind in the country dedicated to signs. Here you can find over 100 years worth of signs spread throughout 20,000 sq. ft.

Reservations are required and advanced timed-entry tickets can be purchased online. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday.

The American Sign Museum is located in Camp Washington at 1330 Monmouth Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45225

One Little Small Blog - 10 Best Fall Bucket List - American Sign Museum — American Sign Museum, pre-kids.

No matter what type of fun you’re looking to have this fall, there’s something for everyone on this bucket list. From pumpkin patches to spooky fun, and a Cincinnati-themed carousal to cool museums, you’re bound to find something fun to do this fall in Cincinnati.

Washington Park Children’s Playground

A beautiful playground in the gem of OTR

What’s got a water feature, a sandbox, a castle, is fully fenced in, and pays homage to the Queen City’s history? It’s Washington Park Children’s Playground! This playground in Over-the-Rhine is beautifully designed with many features to explore and enjoy for everyone.

And it’s just a stone’s throw from the large sprayground open through October.

Washington Park

Children’s Playground

Highlights

Great for all ages
Fully fenced in with one entry point
Features water play and a sandbox in addition to playground structures
Parking garage located conveniently underneath the park and nearby streetcar stops
Beautifully designed and landscaped with a mix of natural and artificial elements
Manned by 3CDC staff member
Nearby sprayground and dog park

Washington Park Children's Playground entry - One Little Small Blog — The gate

Overview

The Children’s Playground is located the southeast part of Washington Park. Designed to honor the rich history of Cincinnati, this half-acre playground is semi-shaded and offers a solid-surface ground throughout. No need to worry about mulch here!

Washington Park Children's Playground - One Little Small Blog — The Children’s Playground

Enter the playground through the large gate to find the canal and a shipwrecked canal boat in front of you. To the left are the restrooms, benches and picnic tables. Further in is the ruins play area with hills and valleys. To the right is a shaded area with swings and more benches.

Washington Park Children's Playground the ruins - One Little Small Blog — Exploring the ruins

Back to the left, a deck walkway borders a nature area. Follow the deck to find the sandbox and musical toys. Continue along this path to reach the castle play structure at the back of the playground.

Washington Park Children's Playground nature area - One Little Small Blog — Nature area

There is a large parking garage underneath the park, as well as street parking nearby. You can also get to the playground by streetcar. Two streetcar stops are adjacent to the park.

The canal

At the front of the playground is a small canal that runs towards the front corner of the fence, ending near a canal boat. This feature pays homage to the Miami and Erie Canal that flowed down what is now Central Parkway nearly a century ago. The canal is separate from the nearby sprayground, and is the perfect spot to cool down your toes or watch a leaf boat race downstream.

Washington Park Children's Playground canal - One Little Small Blog — Playground entry

The ruins area

In the heart of the playground is the ruins area. The highlight of this area is the large structure designed to look like a ruin for kids to climb and explore.

In the center is a large valley that is a blast to run down and up. Large stones designed for climbing or sitting also border the valley. Grippy solid surface rubber coats the ground in this area.

The swings are also in the ruins area. The swings sit under a row of large trees towards the edge of the playground. Two bucket swings and a saucer swing are nestled in their own alcove in an area covered by artificial turf. And look for a little library housed near the bucket swings.

Washington Park Children's Playground the swings - One Little Small Blog — The swings

Washington Park Children's Playground swings - One Little Small Blog — The swings

The sandbox area

Take the deck walkway leading to the side of the playground closest to Race Street to find the sandbox. The sandbox is off the side of the deck, right across from the musical toys.

Washington Park Children's Playground musical toys - One Little Small Blog — Musical toys

It’s not the largest sandbox, but it’s nicely landscaped with large boulders to play on. A small crew of kids could play here together quite comfortably.

Washington Park Children's Playground the sandbox - One Little Small Blog — The sandbox

What I like most about this sandbox are the facets stationed next to the sandbox to conveniently wash off sandy fingers and toes.

The castle

Way in the back of the playground is a castle structure for kids to climb and explore. The castle boasts two slides – one dual slide and one spiral tube slide, a rock wall, and a cool staircase.

Washington Park Children's Playground castle - One Little Small Blog — Front of the castle

To reach the castle, you must either scale the artificial turf hill leading up to the front of the castle or journey along the path from the sandbox and musical toys area.

Washington Park Sprayground

Washington Park 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.

While the sprayground isn’t within the gates of the playground, it’s only a short walk away. You can find this water feature just up the path from the playground, in the center of Washington Park.

Don’t miss my complete guide to Cincinnati Splash Pads for a full list of places to cool down.

The bathrooms

When you gotta go, look for the family bathroom in the building next to the gate. If the family bathroom is closed, other bathrooms can be found around the other side of the same building, just outside of the playground gates.

Washington Park Children's Playground restrooms - One Little Small Blog — Bathrooms

The not so greats

The gate may be open. While the Children’s Playground is fully fenced in, the big gate is sometimes open. This is something to be aware of if your kid is a runner.

Few swings. There are only 3 swings at this playground, and there are no regular swings for older kids.

Not a lot for the littlest littles. A baby could happily crawl around in this playground or swinging on one of the bucket swings, but there aren’t any playground structures designed on the ground level for a baby to enjoy. (But don’t miss these other playgrounds that are perfect for baby.)

Big variety, but low volume. There’s a great variety of things to do – from water play to sand to swings to climbing to slides. But each area isn’t very large, and doesn’t keep kids engaged for long. We typically spend about an hour at this playground.

Overall, the Children’s Playground at Washington Park uses a mix of natural and artificial elements to create a space that is both beautiful and fun. This fully fenced in spot hosts a variety of attractions, from water to sand to swings to slides, to capture the interest of every child. It’s the perfect playground to include while exploring Over-the-Rhine with your kids.

Washington Park is located in OTR at 1230 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Swaim Park

And the sandbox has a built-in digger, too.

Swaim Park is a lovely, well-manicured park with a nice playground located next to downtown Montgomery, Ohio. This playground is a great spot to take toddlers and primary school aged kids to run and play. Plus it’s got a sandbox with a really cool sit-on digger.

Swaim Park

Highlights

The playground consists of 3 main play structures, perfect for ages 2 to 12
A big highlight is the sandbox with built-in sit-on digger
Good variety of things to play on throughout the playground
Cute spot to take a little walk after playing

Overview

Swaim Park is located off Cooper Road, just west of downtown Montgomery, Ohio. In addition to the playground, there is a walking trail, pond, tennis and basketball courts, and sand volleyball. There are two parking lots – one off of Cooper Road; the other off of Zig Zag Road. The playground sits towards the back of the park, closer to Zig Zag Road. This playground is great for toddlers and up.

The playground

The playground at Swaim Park consists of 3 play structures, a see saw, swings, a hanging merry-go-round, and a sandbox. Most of the playground structures are a bit older, but still in good working order. There’s a good variety of things to play on, and enough selection to entertain kids from ages 2 and up. The ground is covered in mulch, so it’s not the best spot for kids who are still crawling.

The 3 play structures are best described in “3 Bears” terms. First, the baby bear-sized play structure is perfect for younger toddlers. My son could easily navigate this play structure at 20 months old. There are a few features on the ground level, but because the ground is covered in mulch, it’s best for kids already walking.

Second, the mama bear-sized play structure is a bit higher off the ground and a bit more advanced. It has two slides, a bridge, handle monkey bars, and other interactive features. It’s a great spot for toddlers and preschoolers to play.

Third, the papa bear-sized play structure is the newest structure on the Swaim Park playground. It’s more open, has more complicated transitions to different platforms, and has a pretty tall slide. The playground states that it is designated for kids ages 5-12, but my son is able to hold his own at (almost) 4 years old.

Swaim Park Large Play Structure — Swaim Park

The sandbox

A big highlight of the Swaim Park playground is definitely the sandbox with the built-in sit-on digger. It’s a small sandbox, but it’s the digger that makes the sandbox such a big hit. The digger can be a bit cumbersome to operate. At 3.5 years old, my son can just about maneuver it by himself. The sandbox itself can fit about 6 kids with clearance for the digger.

The sandbox is the most shaded spot on the playground. There are also two benches nearby – making this a great spot to sit down and watch the kids dig around in the sand.

The swings

Towards the back of the playground are the swings. Swaim Park has four swings total – 2 bucket and 2 regular swings. There is also a tire swing, which can be found along the side of the playground nearest to the tennis courts.

The not so greats

Bathroom not close to playground. While it’s great that Swaim Park has an all-seasons bathroom, the bathroom itself is located on the opposite side of the park from the playground. The bathroom sits next to the Cooper Road parking lot while the playground sits closer to the Zig Zag Road parking lot. Not a dealbreaker, but not convenient either.

Not shaded. While there are many trees throughout Swaim Park, the playground itself is not shaded, except for a small corner where the sandbox is located.

No fence. The playground is not fenced in, but it is located far from roads and traffic, and is boarded by houses in the back.

It’s got mulch. The playground is covered in mulch, which frankly, isn’t my favorite. Mulch gets into sandals and shoes, and it makes it difficult for the youngest children who aren’t walking yet to participate in the fun.

It has a pond. Swaim Park is also home to a mid-sized pond. While the pond isn’t right next to the playground, it isn’t too far either. Again, not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.

Swaim Park Map - One Little Small Blog — Swaim Park Map

Overall, Swaim Park has some pretty scenery, is a pleasant spot to take a walk, and has a nice playground with a variety of things to play on. It’s not the latest or greatest, but all around nice. Plus it’s got that cool sit-on digger in the sandbox.

Swaim Park is located at 7650 Cooper Rd, Montgomery, OH 45242