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
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.
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 Splash Pads Summer 2026
All the Cincinnati splash pads open this summer
Looking for the best places to cool down in the Queen City this summer? Then check out my Cincinnati splash pads guide! I’ve got the complete list of splash pads, spraygrounds & more open around Cincinnati for summer 2026.
Cincinnati Splash Pads Summer 2026
Head’s Up: Most of these Cincinnati splash pads featured below are free to the public, but not all. Others require an entry fee or membership, so please plan accordingly!
Free Cincinnati Splash Pads
The Square at Union Center in West Chester
New for 2026
In May 2026, West Chester Township announced the completion of The Square at Union Center renovation. The updates includ two new splash pads with interactive lights. The splash pads are open daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
The new Harrison Splash Pad at the Harrison Community Center opened in May 2026. It is open every day from 11:00am to 8:00pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The splash pad is 4,300sq ft, and includes fun features such as a mushroom maze, water-brella, water rings, jet way, fill-n-spill, spin-a-round, lotus petal, and more. You can find the splash pad between the shelter and existing playground. To address parking issues, 10 new parking spaces were built right next to the splash pad, along with a pathway connecting the splash pad to the shelter where restrooms are located.
The new splash pad at Clepper Park in Union Township (Clermont County) opened in May 2026. The Clepper Park splash pad is open daily and includes over 10 water features for kids to enjoy.
The new Spray Park at Dial Park opened in May 2026. This splash pad is open daily from 8:00am until 1 hour after dusk. The Dial Park Spray Park looks really neat – it has a few slides, sprayers, and other interactive water features.
The splash pad at Harbin Park in Fairfield opened on May 22, 2026. The Harbin Park splash pad is open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm through Labor Day weekend.
Batavia Township Community Park splash pad is open daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm through Labor Day. The splash pad was part of the park’s improvements in 2025, along with upgrades to the playground such as a zip line, play structure for small children, turf on the existing playground, and more.
The West Chester Splash Pad is open daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm through Labor Day. New for 2026 is a water dome feature, replacing the problematic water slide that caused numerous injuries last year, and lead to the splash pad closing in early August 2025.
In May 2025, the City of Blue Ash completed a major renovation of their Towne Square. These renovations include a small water feature, open daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
This is a cute little water feature that my family enjoys. I like to grab coffee from nearby Park Pour, then let the kids play and cool down.
Renovated in 2022, Gorman Park in Sharonville features green space, new playground equipment, and a brand new splash pad. The splash pad is expected to open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and will be on from 8:00am to 8:00pm. Simply press the Play button to turn on the water for some splash pad fun!
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 in 2026.
Beech Acres Park is another Anderson Township park that includes a large playground, a sandbox, and a splash pad. For summer 2025, the Beech Acres splash pad will run daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Smale Riverfront Park is located (fittingly) downtown Cincinnati along the riverfront of the Ohio River and features several spraygrounds and a water play area. The water features are open daily from 10:00am to 9:00pm from May 1, 2026 through Labor Day.
Main Street sprayground 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. The Pichler Fountains sprayground is located on the upper level of the park, near Carol Ann’s Carousel. On the same level and across the Roebling Bridge entrance road is the Walnut Street sprayground. The main water play area is located along the riverfront, just west of the Roebling Bridge.
And for fun things to do along the riverfront, check out my summer bucket list.
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 9:00pm from early May through October in 2026.
The sprayground is located only a few steps away from an awesome, fenced-in playground. You can read all about the Children’s Playground below.
Located in Loveland, Home of the Brave Park features a free splash pad that runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 11:00am to 7:00pm daily. The splash pad is next to the park’s woodland-themed playground.
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.
The Sharon Woods Harbor water features are expected to open Memorial Day weekend for summer 2026. Unlike the other wet playgrounds run by the Great Parks of Hamilton County, there is no additional entry fee to enjoy the spray fountain and man-made creek.
Make sure to check out my post below for everything you need to know about Sharon Woods Harbor before you go!
Another cute, free splash pad next to a playground is Clippard Park in Colerain Township. For summer 2026, the Clippard Park splash pad will be open daily from 11:00am to 7:00pm starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
The splash pad at Liberty Center in Liberty Township is open now through Labor Day for summer 2026. You can find the splash pad in The Park area of Liberty Center. This splash pad is activated by a start button, so don’t be alarmed if you stop by and see the water off.
The Cincinnati Recreation Commission operates several pools and spraygrounds throughout Cincinnati. The nine CRC spraygrounds will be open daily from 10:00am to 9:00pm beginning June 6 through August 8, 2026. The spraygrounds are free, but there is an admission fee for the pools.
CRC Pleasant Ridge Sprayground
Landen Deerfield Park
Located in Maineville, Landen Deerfield Park features a small splash pad, located in the middle of the park next to the bug-themed playground. This splash pad can fit about 10 kids comfortably, but it’s still a place to cool down this summer.
In June 2026, a Nature Play and Recreation space opened in the park as part of the Simpson Creek Headwaters Restoration project. This space incorporates nature play elements to allow children to safely interact with the water.
The Water Corridor 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 younger ones close by. Also, the water is from the nearby pond, so it’s not chlorinated.
The Summit Park Water Corridor is temporarily closed as of 6/1/26. I would expect it to reopen soon, as it is occasionally closed and drained for maintenance, but no reopening date is listed. This water feature is typically open through Labor Day weekend.
The City of Hamilton, Ohio, has 7 spraygrounds that will open daily from 11:00am to 7:00pm from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend in 2026. Restrooms will also be open from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Here’s a complete list of the Hamilton Parks spraygrounds:
Otto Armleder Memorial Aquatic Sprayground (also called Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove 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.
Unfortunately, the Otto Armleder Sprayground is currently closed for repairs. This is one of our favorite Cincinnati splash pads, and I really hope it will be open this summer. Once it’s fixed, the splash pad will be open daily from noon to 6:00pm. You can still read all about this splash pad in my review.
Located in downtown Sharonville, Depot Square has seating, a small stage, a splash fountain, and has a DORA designation. The fountain is located next to alReaddy Cafe (which has amazing food BTW) in the downtown Sharonville loop on Reading Road.
Depot Square splash fountain is open for summer 2026 and will be on daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm. To activate the fountain, press the sensor on the ground on the outer ring. The fountain will run in a 4 minute cycle.
The Five Points Landing Park in the City of Milford is open for summer 2026. This park, located at the intersection of Main Street and Lila Avenue, features a splash fountain, along with walking paths, green space, dog park, performance areas, and more.
The splash fountain will be open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm, and then again from 9:00pm to 10:00pm once the lights come on. This water feature is activated by a sensor – so don’t worry if you drive by and don’t see it on.
Located next to a 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 Kacie Jane Park splash pad will be open daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm beginning May 22, 2026.
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.
Located in Indiana along the banks of the Ohio River, the Lawrenceburg Civic Park features a public splash pad open seasonally. This splash pad is typically open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
The City of Wilder, Kentucky, has a very popular splash pad at City Center Park. The splash pad will be open from 10:00am to 9:00pm during from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and as weather permits. City Center Park also has a playground, sand volleyball, pickleball, concessions, and more.
A bit further south in Kentucky is the Williamstown Splash Park. This splash pad will be open from 9:00am to 8:00pm starting Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend.
The two Great Parks of Hamilton County Wet Playgrounds will be open for summer 2026 on Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Parky’s Ark Wet Playground at Winton Woods is located in Springfield Township. Parky’s Wetland Adventure at Woodland Mound is located in Anderson Township.
Both wet playgrounds will be open daily from 11:00am to 7:00pm May 23 through August 9, 2026. Starting August 10 through September 7, 2026, Parky’s Ark splash pad (in Winton Woods) will then be open weekends only from noon to 6:00pm. Parky’s Wetland Adventure splash pad (Woodland Mound) will be open weekends only from 11:00am to 7:00pm during the same timeframe.
The cost is $6.75 per child, and a bathing suit is required to enjoy the water. And don’t forget to check out the FREE splash pad and man-made creek at Sharon Woods Harbor!
Located in Over-the-Rhine, Zeigler Pool is part of Zeigler Park run by 3CDC. 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.
The pool is open May 16 through September 13, 2026. Hours vary by day, and reservations are required Friday to Sunday and on holidays for non-passholders. There is a flat entry fee of $4 per person, per session. 2026 season passes are still available (as of June 7).
The Pat O’Neill Memorial Pool & Splash Park in Lawrenceburg, IN will open for summer on May 25, 2026. The pool and splash pad will be open daily from noon to 6:00pm.
Entry to the pool and splash pad is free for residents of the City of Lawrenceburg (see website for details), and is $10 per day for non-residents. Annual passes are available for purchase.
The City of Mason Municipal Aquatic Center opens daily May 23 through August 13, 2026 for the 2026 season. The outdoor leisure pool, as well as the enclosed 50-meter pool, will be open from 11:00am to 7:00pm with reduced hours beginning August 14.
The outdoor leisure pool is very family-friendly and perfect for younger kids. There is a big splash pad away from the pool area, big slides, a lazy river, and a zero depth entry with interactive features. We had so much fun here last summer, and can’t wait to spend time at the pool again this year.
Pool passes are still available for this summer and can be purchased by residents, corporate residents and non-residents. Daily passes are also available for $17. Children under age 3 are free.
The Sharonville Aquatic Center in Sharonville is open for summer through September 7, 2026. It will be open daily from 12:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday through Friday, and from 11:00am to 8:00pm on the weekend. This pool features the cutest family area, complete with zero depth entry, toddler dolphin slide, squirt whale, water playground, and more.
The Blue Ash Recreation Center completely rebuilt their outdoor swimming pools in 2026. As of June 7, the outdoor pools are not yet open, but it is expected to reopen within a few weeks. Updated features include zero-depth entry, zoned areas by ability levels, and additional shade structures. The family wading pool remains, 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.
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 with a diving board and a splash pool for infants and toddlers. The indoor pool is open year round, and the outdoor pool will open on May 23 through September 7, 2026. Full hours can be found here.
Soak City Water Park at Kings Island opens on Memorial Day weekend for summer 2026! The water park will be open daily from 11:00am to 7:00pm starting May 24 to August 16, 2026. Soak City will then be open weekends through September 7. Admission to Soak City is included in season passes or daily tickets can be purchased for amusement park and water park access.
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.
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 currently on for 2026, and will be on as the weather allows.
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. The Nature PlayScape is open during regular operating hours. May and August hours are 7:00am to 8:30pm, while June and July hours are 7:00am to 9:00pm.
Aqua Adventure at Land of Illusion has a Toddler Splash Zone for ages 3-5. The Toddler Splash Zone features water slides, buckets and water play area. In 2026, the waterpark is open daily beginning May 30 through August 9, 2026. The park will then be open weekends through Labor Day weekend.
The Latonia Water Park/Splash Pad at the Bill Cappel Youth Sports Complex
Bill Cappel Youth Sports Complex features, among many other amenities, a large splash pad for Covington, Kentucky residents. The Latonia Water Park/Splash Pad will open daily 12:00pm to 6:00pm beginning June 6 to August 2, 2026. Please note that this splash pad is open to residents with a pool pass only.
These Cincinnati splash pads have recently been announced or are currently under construction.
USS Cincinnati Cold War Memorial Peace Pavilion at Voice of America Park
In March 2024, MetroParks of Butler County and West Chester Township announced that the USS Cincinnati Cold War Memorial Peace Pavilion will be built in Voice of America Park in West Chester. The memorial will include pieces of the USS Cincinnati, a decommissioned nuclear submarine, as well as an interactive splash pad.
The memorial and splash pad will be located to the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting within the VOA Park. Construction is still on going, with an expected opening date in summer 2026.
As of June 2026, the memorial pavilion has opened, but it doesn’t appear that a splash pad is included. I am still investigating.
Thanks for checking out my guide to Cincinnati Splash Pads for summer 2026. Have fun this summer checking out these hot spots to cool down around Cincinnati this summer. And for more ideas, check out my summer bucket list and Water Fun posts!
Pool Day Gear Guide
Splish Splash – Here’s what you need to make pool day a blast
Finding that you’re not quite as prepared for a fun day at the pool with the kids? Here are all of our favorite things to have the best pool day. If you would like to shop directly on Amazon, head to the One Little Small storefront and check out the Pool Day Gear list.
For the Momma
FURTALK Sun Straw Hat
A Sun Hat
This year I decided to upgrade from the baseball hat I never remembered to grab to an actual sun hat. I really like this one because it is UPF 50 and has a wide brim to fully shade my face from the sun. I’ve found that it’s durable and stays on my head.
Another pool day item I upgrade this year was my swimsuit cover up. Gone are the old t-shirt and ratty shorts from high school. And in their place is this lovely, breezy, button-down swimsuit cover up shirt. It comes in a huge selection of colors and runs true to size (although size up if you’re expecting this summer).
There are tons of options for a great pool (or beach bag) out there. I like how this one is a good size and has tons of pockets – including a built-in wet compartment for your swimsuits.
I opted to use a multipurpose utility bag for our pool bag this year. It holds several oversized towels, our lunch bag, change of clothes, and puddle jumper. It’s so nice to have everything fit in one bag.
Because our son is still working on his swimming skills, we opted a flotation device while swimming at the community pool. As always, you should make the best decision for your family based on your needs. This is what we used for our son when he was a toddler.
This is the flotation device we used at the pool after my oldest outgrew the life vest. Again, please make the best decision for your family when purchasing.
I had a difficult time finding mineral sunscreen to use on my kids that I wasn’t allergic to. But this is the second summer we are using this brand, and we’ve been very happy with it so far!
The best summer parenting hack by far is using these blending brushes to put on sunscreen. I purchased a brush from a friend, and liked it so much I bought a whole pack to keep one handy at all times.
Baby girl isn’t here quite yet, but she’s ready for a day at the pool with this adorable sun hat. I like that it provides sun protection and comes in a huge variety of colors.
To shop directly on Amazon, head to the One Little Small storefront and check out the Pool Day Gear list.
Looking for a spot to cool down with all your new pool day gear? Head over to my list of all the Cincinnati Splash Pads!
Thank you for checking out my pool day gear guide! Hope you have the best summer day now that you’re all set for some fun in the sun – and pool!
Updated June 2025
10 Best: Cincinnati Summer Bucket List 2021
Summer is flying by… but are you already running out of things to do with the kids? Check out One Little Small’s summer bucket list with 10 cool places in Cincinnati to check out with your little ones.
10 Best: Cincinnati Summer Bucket List 2021 from One Little Small
Cincinnati Riverwalk
The best way to explore the riverfront area is to spend the morning exploring the Cincinnati Riverwalk path. Known by several names, this path runs from Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park (next to Montgomery Inn Boathouse) down to Smale Riverfront Park.
Your best bet is to start in Friendship Park (where parking is free) and make your way west to Smale Riverfront Park. Along the way you’ll pass 1000 Hands Every Child’s Playground at Sawyer Point – an amazing playground under a bridge, Otto Armleder Memorial Aquatic Sprayground – a large sprayground, public art, tennis and volleyball courts, and amazing views of the Ohio River. When you reach your destination, you’ll find that Smale Riverfront Park is packed with things to do and see, from two splash pad areas, a large playground, a maze, and porch swings facing the river. The Cincinnati Riverwalk is one of the prettiest areas in the city and has so much for all ages to explore.
The Cincinnati Riverwalk path is bookended by Smale Riverfront Park and Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park.
Picture this – sitting down and enjoying your ice cream in peace while your kiddos have the time of their lives in the ice cream themed play room of their dreams. Sounds pretty sweet, right?
The new Graeter’s Kenwood store features a Lil’ Pints Play Room. This play room, designated for kids ages 9 and under, features a large ice cream cone slide and two climbing areas, a smaller area for crawlers and younger kids, and several interactive features including puzzles and color-changing touch boards. I don’t like to play flavorites, but I can guarantee you’ll like this spot a waffle lot.
Did you know that Cincinnati is home to the first professional fire department? At the Cincinnati Fire Museum, you can learn all about the history of professional firefighting, see lots of fire trucks, climb into a cab of a real fire truck, slide down a fire pole, and learn about fire safety. This museum is the perfect place to extinguish any feelings of boredom. There is enough to see, do and touch at the Cincinnati Fire Museum to spend about 2 hours there.
The Cincinnati Fire Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm (closed Sunday and Monday). Children age 6 and under are FREE with the purchase of an adult or senior ticket. Current ticket prices can be found on their website.
I’ve been wanting to tie dye some t-shirts with my little guy, but that’s one activity I don’t think I can tackle on my own. So I’ve been dying to check out a local tie dye studio that opened up this winter. Located about 5 minutes from Kenwood Towne Center, Kaleidoscope Color and Co. is a DIY tie dye studio that can accommodate artists of all ages.
Reservations can be made online and the reservation fee is then deducted from your studio purchase. Hours are based on reservations.
Located within Glenwood Gardens, Highfield Discovery Garden is a magical spot with a giant tree and playhouse to explore, a little tea house, a miniature train, a small pond, curated walkways, and several gardens to explore. We love to watch the little miniature train zoom over bridges and through tunnels and look for the little fairy garden tucked away near the rope bridges. Highfield Discovery Garden is such a special place; there is truly else nothing like it in Cincinnati.
During the summer, Highfield Discovery Garden is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30am to 5:00pm and on Sunday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm (closed on Monday). Admission is $5.25 per person and kids under age 2 are free.
The City of Mason opened its brand new outdoor leisure pool this summer, and it’s the perfect spot to both splish and splash. The Mason Municipal Aquatic Center leisure pool was designed with kids in mind. It’s got a big splash pad away from the pool area, with a little river, several sprayers and water cannons, dump buckets, spraying water rings, and more. The pool has a large zero depth entry area with built-in water table, large dump bucket, and water cannons. In the deeper area, you can find basketball hoops, the lazy river, and two water slides for bigger kids. And although it’s a popular spot, it’s a huge space with plenty of chairs and shade for everyone.
The Mason Municipal Aquatic Center leisure pool is open daily from 11:00am to 7:00pm through August 15, 2021. The extended season will begin on August 16, but exact dates and times have not yet been announced. Pool passes are included with some community center memberships and pool memberships are still available. Daily passes can be purchased for $10. Children under age 3 are free.
What could be cooler than getting ice cream from a giant ice cream cone building? I remember going to The Cone as a kid, and I’ve been wanting to take my son there for a cone (or two!). The Cone offers soft serve ice cream in many different flavors, including their famous orange sherbet, and more. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating at The Cone, as well as a family-friendly game room and a drive thru.
The Cone is open Tuesday through Thursday from 12:00pm to 9:00pm and Friday through Sunday from 12:00pm to 9:30pm (closed on Monday).
Nestled in Devou Park, the Behringer-Crawford Museum is a gem of a museum that explores the history and culture of Northern Kentucky. The museum has hands on exhibits with trains, cars, and steamboats, which is what attracted us to check out BCM. The first floor of the museum explores the impact of railways in NKY, with streetcar you can walk through and a large model train display. The second floor explores life after WWII, complete with 1950s play kitchen and drive-in movie experience. The top floor features a large replica of a steamboat to explore, along with special exhibits and more. We took our families to BCM for our son’s second birthday and we easily spent two hours there exploring and playing.
In addition to the super fun museum space, the Behringer-Crawford Museum also has a handicapped-accessible naturescape play area called the NaturePlay@BCM. The NaturePlay area is located next to the museum’s parking lot, is free of charge and is open daily from dawn to dusk.
The Behringer-Crawford Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm (closed Monday). Wednesdays at BCM are Grandparent days where one grandchild is admitted for free with each paying grandparent. Full details on admission prices can be found on their website.
Did you know that there’s a local park dedicated to fossil hunting? Trammel Fossil Park in Sharonville was created specifically for little fossil hunters to dig their little hearts out. The park consists of a large, rocky hill that is teeming with fossils. At the bottom of the hill is the parking lot, a porta-potty, and a display area where kids can learn all about area fossils. The hill Trammel Fossil Park sits on is pretty steep and can be tricky to navigate, so this outing is best for kids age 2 and up.
Trammel Fossil Park is open daily from 9:00am to 8:00pm. Don’t forget to put together a “fossil hunting kit” before you head out. Items like a bucket, shovels, brushes, spray bottle, and a magnifying glass can make this experience so much more fun.
Catch a Reds game – and check out a playground at GABP
Love going to a Reds game, but dread the thought of getting your kiddo to sit through all 9 innings? Well, your worrying days are over! 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.
GABP features two separate areas for kids to enjoy – a 3-story play set located in the Fan Zone at the Terrace Level and a large Family Zone located up in the View Level. And I’ve got all the details you need to know on my GABP Playgrounds review below.
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?
