A playground, a splash pad, a creek… and a saber-toothed tiger?

Sharon Woods Harbor has become one of our favorite spots this summer with a large playground, toddler area, splash pad, man-made creek and saber-toothed tiger (yes, you read that correctly). There are still pieces of the prehistoric theme, such as the large rock formation with saber-toothed tiger on top, dating back from our childhood. The playground itself however, is from a much more modern era.

Sharon Woods Harbor is located within Sharon Woods, which is part of the Great Parks of Hamilton County. The best way to access this area of Sharon Woods is from the main Kemper Road entrance.

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Overall, Sharon Woods Harbor is a great park with a large solid-surface playground and two fun options for water play (be sure to bring a swimsuit). There is enough to do to keep kids from toddler-age to big kids entertained for a few hours.

And be ready to take your kid’s photo atop a saber-toothed tiger.

Sharon Woods Harbor Playground is located near the Boathouse at 4631 E Kemper Rd, Sharonville, OH 45241

A great spot to play and enjoy nature

Blue Ash Nature Park is a great choice if you’re looking for some pretty scenery, easy walking trails, and a variety of playgrounds. Located behind the Blue Ash Recreation Center, this park has 5 playgrounds, 6 picnic shelters, 2 restrooms, an amphitheater, and both paved and gravel walking paths. It’s a great spot to take the kids to play or go on a walk with the dog – or both!

Blue Ash Nature Park Highlights

• This park has variety – two larger and one smaller playground for bigger kids, one playground for toddlers, swings, and a sandbox
• 2 on-site restrooms – one near the front of the park and one towards the back near the creek
• The park is mostly shaded, including the playgrounds
• The trails can be easily navigated, including the gravel paths through the woods
• The large amphitheater hosts events in the summer, but is also a great spot for kids to put on their own week day afternoon performance

Overview

The main parking lot for Blue Ash Nature Park is located to the back of the Blue Ash Recreation Center parking lot. There is also a secondary entrance and parking lot located on the other side of the city building. When you enter the park by the rec center, you will see the largest playground to your right and a picnic shelter to your left. Next to the picnic shelter are the swings. Keep walking down the paved path and you will see the restrooms and concession stand building before you reach the amphitheater.

The next section back under the tree line is the toddler playground and sandbox to your left and a second playground to your right. Keep on the path to pass picnic shelters, a built-in corn hole set, and the other restrooms. In the woods, before you reach the other parking lot, you will see the last of the playgrounds.

Playgrounds

There are three playgrounds designed for older kids. The playgrounds can be navigated by older toddlers, but these play structures have large open spaces higher up, making it not ideal for smaller ones who aren’t as steady on their feet. As a high-strung mom, these playgrounds would make me super nervous when my son was younger and a bit woobly on his toes.

The first and largest playground is right off of the rec center entrance. It consists of two main levels, with several slides and ladders to access each level. A younger kid could have fun on the lower level of this structure, but I would recommend the higher level for older kids. There are also a few smaller structures around this playground.

The second playground is located towards the back of Blue Ash Park and across from the sandbox. This playground has a transportation theme, with pretend vehicles to drive on the ground level. It’s a similar layout to the first playground, but smaller. There are several big openings up top towards the curly slide.

The last playground is located in the woods and is the smallest of the three. This playground consists of a climbing wall, a ladder and a slide. This playground is fun because it feels a bit secluded, but there aren’t very many features.

Toddler Playground and Sandbox

The toddler playground at Blue Ash Nature Park is dinosaur themed. It has a ride-on dinosaur, a smaller climbing structure, and my son’s all time favorite – a big, green dinosaur slide. The flooring is mulch, so this is not the play space for crawlers, but an 18 month old would have fun.

Next to the toddler playground is a covered sandbox. The sandbox is big enough for 5-6 kids comfortably. This is a sandbox at a park in a wooded area, so there are lots of twigs and leaves and sometimes bugs in the sand.

Swings

Located towards the rec center entrance at Blue Ash Nature Park are the swings. There are only four – two regular and two bucket, but there are so many playgrounds at this park that the lack of swings doesn’t seem to pose a huge problem. There is also a tire swing further back in the park.

Trails

There is a long paved path that stretches back to the amphitheater. From there, the paths form two looped trails – essentially creating a funky-looking figure eight. The paths through the woods are gravel, but these are some of the easily trails to navigate in the area. The trails are short and are relatively flat. There is also currently a story walk (pages from a children’s book displayed along a pathway), which is always a fun activity with kids.

There’s a cute little bridge over a creek that makes the perfect spot for taking photos. The creek isn’t easily accessed from the trails, but it’s not the spot for creeking. There is an area where you can stand near the creek and admire the little waterfall.

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The not so greats

Blue Ash Nature Park is, as the name suggests, a nature park. It has trees, leaves, twigs, mulch, bugs and other nature-y stuff. If this isn’t your jam, than this probably isn’t your spot.

Playground wise, I’m not a huge fan that most of the playgrounds have big openings way up high, and that there are only a handful of swings. All of the playgrounds have mulch, and there really isn’t much for crawlers.

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Overall, Blue Ash Nature Park is a great spot with a variety of shaded playgrounds to choose from. It’s best for toddler-aged kids and up. This is also a great park to find easy beginner trails to explore with your kids.

Blue Ash Nature Park is located at 4337 Cooper Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242

Two homerun playgrounds at Great American Ball Park

9 innings can seem like a really long time with little kids. But thanks to not one, but two, play areas at Great American Ball Park, a day at the Reds game can feel like a walk in the (ball) park.

GABP Playground Highlights

• Fan Zone playset features 3-stories of fun, complete with artificial turf ground
• Family Zone playground features a climbable clubhouse, large bridge, and two slides
• The Family Zone also includes a sensory room, reading room, and nursing suite
• Both areas were supervised by an attendant

Overview

A day at the Reds baseball game looks a lot different today than it did when we were kids. Great American Ball Park, the stadium for the Cincinnati Reds, now features two separate areas for kids to enjoy in between innings. The 3-story Fan Zone play set is located the Terrace Level and the large Family Zone located up in the View Level. Access to these play areas is included in the ticket price to a baseball game.

Fan Zone Playground

You can find the Fan Zone at Great American Ball Park along the right field side of the stadium at the Terrace Level. The Kids Playset presented by Recreations Outlet is nestled along the outside of the stadium seats near sections 34-35. Outfitted in red and white (of course), this 3-story playset features custom baseball features throughout. The ground is fittingly covered in artificial turf, and the play area is fully fenced with a large opening to the side. A women’s restroom is also conveniently located next to the playset.

The Fan Zone playset features 3 levels of tunnels, ladders, and interactive toys. There are 4 slides; 2 from the second story, and 2 from the top story. There are many baseball-themed features for kids to enjoy on this playset.

This playground is best for toddlers and older kids. There are features on the ground level of the playset that could be enjoyed by a crawler, such as a little store, a baseball-themed spinner, and a tunnel. However, crawling around on artificial turf is only fun for a short period of time. Not to mention, this area is not covered, and could potentially be hot in late afternoon.

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Family Zone

New for 2021, the TriHealth Family Zone at Great American Ball Park features an outdoor playground, sensory room, reading room, nursing room, family bathroom, lounge area, and porch swings overlooking the Ohio River. There’s a lot in this space for all families to enjoy. The Family Zone is located on the upper level of the stadium (the “View Level”), along the right field side by sections 434/534 and 435/535. This space also features an amazing view of the riverfront and Roebling Bridge. And if you came for the game, don’t worry – there are several TVs throughout the Family Zone.

The Family Zone playground looks like a scene from a magical backyard. Look up to see a large bridge, which can be accessed by a ladder nestled within a cute, red clubhouse. Outside of the clubhouse is a little mailbox to submit letters to Gapper. There are two slides, one of which goes outside the stadium (don’t worry, it’s fully enclosed!).

This playground features a few interactive features at ground level, such as musical toys and stepping stones. The ground is all solid surface rubber. These features are is great when you have a child who is still crawling or not steady on their feet, but there are few features to keep a child under age 2 entertained for very long. A bit of coordination and strength is needed to scale the clubhouse ladder, so this spot is best for kids ages 3 and older.

Next to the playground are the two batting cases. A stadium attendant is on hand to make baseball dreams come true. The equipment is plastic and geared towards younger kids (my 3 year old participated without an issue). The wait-to-play ratio wasn’t bad – the line moves very quickly.

Beyond the batting cases is a large lounge area for families to enjoy. Around the corner from the lounge area are several porch swings with a view of the river and the baseball game below.

Indoor amenities in the Family Zone include a sensory room, nursing suite, and family restroom. We spent some time in the reading room, and found that it was a good spot to cool down. While there are not any books out currently, there are toys to play with, including two play cubes and a magnetic tabletop toy. There are also two reading nooks where kids can lounge, and a large chalk board.

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The not so greats

The biggest negative about the two playgrounds at Great American Ball Park is that neither space is fully covered. The Fan Zone playset has zero coverage, and while most of the Family Zone is covered or indoors, the actual playground structure is not covered. The lack of cover means these playground spaces could heat up on a very sunny day and they were not available during a rain delay.

Also, there are not any swings for the youngest ones to enjoy in either play area, besides the porch swings in the Family Zone. And lastly, this space is only available to paying fans during game time. This isn’t a spot you can pop by on a whim.

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Overall, I love how Great American Ball Park has two play areas for kids within the stadium. It really adds to the magic of attending a Reds game. My kiddo did not stop smiling the entire time we were at the game, and the Fan Zone playset and Family Zone playground are two big reasons why.

Great American Ball Park is located at 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

A sweet spot to play inside

As if getting ice cream couldn’t get any sweeter, the new Graeter’s Kenwood location now has a free ice cream themed play room for little kids to enjoy. Located at the corner of Montgomery and Galbraith roads, this spot is the perfect place to grab a sweet treat while the kids run off some energy on a rainy afternoon.

Graeter’s Lil’ Pints Play Room Highlights

• It’s an adorable ice cream themed play room at Graeter’s new Kenwood store
• Designated for kids age 9 & under
• Has a large ice cream cone slide and two climbing areas
• Smaller area for crawlers and younger kids
• Several interactive features including puzzles and color-changing touch boards

Lil’ Pints Play Room

Opened in May 2021, the new Graeter’s Kenwood store features a Lil’ Pints Play Room. Only two other Graeter’s locations feature a play room as well. This play room is designated for kids ages 9 and under, and adult supervision is required.

The main attraction in the Lil’ Pints Play Room is the giant ice cream cone slide. To reach the top of the slide, climb up the incline rock wall or ramp ladder. The large platform at top of the slide is completely enclosed by a plexiglass fence, with a few interactive features along the side.

Below the slide area is a space for toddlers and crawlers. This area has a tiny ice cream cone slide and other features to crawl and climb on. To the side of this space is a built-in ice cream truck complete with pretend ice cream toys. To round out the Lil’ Pints Play Room, there’s a giant banana see saw and several wall-mounted interactive features, such as puzzles and color-changing touch boards.

Keep in mind

The Lil’ Pints Play Room is designated for kids 9 and under with adult supervision required. However, that doesn’t mean that everyone abides by the rules. On a busy afternoon this space can feel very chaotic, especially with older kids running around.

Socks are required. Head to the counter to purchase a pair for $1 if you forget yours.

No food is allowed in the play room, but there is a bar top with a view of the room just outside the play space. We will typically play first, then grab ice cream on our way out.

There are two party rooms attached to the Lil’ Pints Play Room that are available to rent. The restrooms are just outside the door to the play room.

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So the next time you’re looking for the chance to eat your ice cream undisturbed, head over to the Graeter’s Kenwood store. Grab yourself a cone while the kiddos run around in the Lil’ Pints Play Room.

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

Best of the West(side)

There is so much to love about West Fork Park. Located in Green Township, this park has play areas for the littlest ones up through elementary school age. It is completely fenced in and the play surface is solid rubber or artificial turf – so no need to worry about dirt or mulch. This playground is worth the drive from any part of town.

West Fork Park Playground Highlights

• Great for all ages – from crawlers to bigger kids
• No mulch – play areas are solid rubber surface or artificial turf
• Fully fenced-in, plus ample parking
• On-site restrooms
• Two shaded picnic spots with plenty of tables
• Cool features include a maze, playhouse for crawlers, musical instruments, zip line, artificial turf hill with built-in tunnels and slides, and a giant, 3-story play structure for bigger kids

Overview

Enter the playground through the gate to the right of the asphalt drive (remember, it’s fully fenced-in). To the right of the gate, you will see a rainbow maze surrounded by built-in features such as gumdrop steps and racing lanes. Next to the maze is the little kid play area, featuring structures for crawlers and toddlers. To the right of this area are the restrooms and two more gates. Behind this area are built-in musical instruments and the zip line. Beyond the maze you can find the artificial turf hill, big kid climbing structure, climbing rock, picnic areas and swings. There is a LOT to do here!

For the littlest littles

I love that West Fork Park has an area for toddler and crawlers. There aren’t many outdoor play options in Cincinnati when your child isn’t walking yet, so having a piece of playground equipment dedicated to crawlers makes this place extra special. Nestled under a large umbrella, this spot features a little play house about a step off the ground. There is a ramp and step to access inside, and interactive features throughout. Just steps away is a larger play house for toddlers to enjoy.

For bigger kids

The main climbing structure for bigger kids is huge! It consists of three main sections connected by bridges. While this area is labeled for ages 5-12, my son can navigate it seamlessly at age 3. I really like that it has different access points (regular stairs, a ladder that looks like bear prints, etc.), but it’s not so open that you worry about your child falling off the side. There are also slides at different levels, so you don’t have to stress about getting your child to the very top to enjoy the slide down.

The three-story tower looks intimidating, but the top level can only be accessed by ladder inside of the tower and is fully enclosed up top. Still, this level is probably best for kids who can navigate up there on their own. The tower also features a tunnel that goes outside of the main climbing structure – a feature I find a little nerve-wracking but my little daredevil loves!

Separately, there is a little rock climbing structure and zip line for older kids. The artificial turf hill and maze areas are great for most ages – but I’d skip them if your child isn’t walking yet.

The not so greats

The bathroom situation. While it’s always awesome to have on-site restrooms at a playground, my biggest gripe about West Fork Park is the bathroom situation. There is only one that faces the playground and is within the fence – and it’s the Men’s restroom. To access the women’s restroom, you have to go out of the gate and around to the backside of the building. This makes no sense to me! To have to drag your child out of the playground and disappear around the corner to use the bathroom is inconvenient at best. I do not understand this set-up, but it irks me every time I need to go!

The swings. This park has swings, just not a ton of them. There are a handful of regular swings, one bucket swing, and one inclusive swing. Something to keep in mind if you have a swing-obsessed child like me.

No sand, no water. While there are a TON of features at this playground, there is not a sandbox or any water features. Which could be good or bad – depending on your kiddo and how that particular day is going.

Very sunny. This park is not very shady, despite its location nestled in the woods. However, the little kids area and picnic spots are covered by large umbrellas.

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Overall, this is a great little playground with a ton to do! I love that there are play structures for crawlers, as well as bigger kids. West Fork Park is located on the westside of Cincinnati, but it’s worth the drive from any part of town.

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