If you have yet to visit downtown’s Smale Riverfront Park, this is the time to do it! Smale is basically a summer paradise and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation has made it even better with Smale Family Fun Days this summer. I took my two young children to the first one on a gorgeous Thursday morning and I’ve never seen the park so lively, filled with Cincinnati families.
The actual event takes place on The Schmidlapp Event Lawn, which is the grassy area next to Morlein Lager House. Even with a Reds game that afternoon, we parked with ease in the garage underneath the lawn (there is a fee), and we had perfect access to the event and everything else the area offers. The actual event runs from 10am – 1 pm, so come early to take advantage of the free balloon animals and entertainment.
Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy lunch while the puppet show and concert keeps your kids amused. The entire event is free and also includes several lawn games, face painting and more.
You can really spend an entire day within the park, which spans a stretch along the riverfront. Especially on a hot day, bring a few towels along and splash in one of the many fountains. The playground is unique and ideal for many ages and we always make sure to take a ride on the already legendary Carol Ann’s Carousel. I like to end our time there with a stroll along the river, when if I’m lucky, the kids may even doze a bit in the stroller so I can enjoy some peace and quiet on the swings overlooking the river. (Before you get too jealous, this has only happened once. I just daydream about it happening again!)
Smale Family Fun Days will return to the lawn on Thursday, August 2nd – so mark your calendars now! The entertainment and activities are from 10am to 1pm, but keep in mind some things may wrap up a little early. For more info on these events, as well as the many others hosted by Cincinnati Parks, check out their Facebook page here.
About Andrea:
A native Cincinnatian, Andrea has experienced life in all four corners of this city. After growing up on the west side, she headed north to attend Miami University, then moved east to Hyde Park and now lives in Northern Kentucky with her family.
When she’s not playing trains and doing the “hot dog dance” as a stay-at-home mom to her two toddlers, Andrea is busy writing for Cincinnati publications and brainstorming ideas for her next children’s book! With a newfound passion for fitness and overall health, she spends a lot of time at her family gym and loves to play outside.
Andrea worked in education for several years and has a special love for children’s literature. She loves showing her children all our city has to offer and enjoys sharing her finds with other parents. Her favorite spots include the Cincinnati Zoo (although she steers clear of the bird house), her local library and any playground.