Ultimate Guide to Cincinnati Playgrounds

If you think back on your childhood, was there anything better than a day at a playground? Especially in the spring, when you’ve been stuck inside for months and the weather is finally nice enough to spend more than five minutes outside, playgrounds are fun for both kids and parents. And if you’re a kid growing up in Cincinnati, no matter which neighborhood in the city, there’s a fun playground right around the corner.

We’ve rounded up some of the best and most unique playgrounds throughout Cincinnati in our Ultimate Guide to Cincinnati Playgrounds:

North Cincinnati Playgrounds

Cottell Park
5847 Irwin Simpson Rd., Mason, OH 45040
This 46-acre green space is perfect for all sorts of activities. The playground itself is entertaining for all ages with a designated spot for toddlers. It’s also mostly shaded, with plenty of benches, and other wide-open spaces to run around.

Fleckstein Park
3834 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH 45040
This Mason park is a little climber’s dream come true and also a mom’s as there is no mulch! Toddlers will love the area that’s just for them and everyone will love the variety of things to do in the park.

Fort Liberty Playground
6845 Van Gorden Rd, Liberty Township, OH 45011
Fort Liberty is a large, wooden playground that resembles, you guessed it, a fort! This park is also a favorite for the massive, mowed lawn that lends itself for any kind of outdoor fun.

Gower Park
10997 Thronview Drive, Sharonville, OH 45241
Gower Park is located across the street from the Sharonville Community Center and has big- and little-kid playgrounds. It’s nicely enclosed in a fenced-in area that allows parents to keep an eye on everyone.

Swim Park
Corner of Zig Zag and Cooper Road in Montgomery, OH 45242
Easily one of the most picturesque parks in Greater Cincinnati, Swaim Park features two tennis courts, a basketball court, baseball diamonds, sand volleyball, a .39 mile walking pathway and a tot lot and school-age playground.

Summit Park (pictured)
4335 Glendale Milford Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242
Summit Park in Blue Ash is arguably the most innovative playground in the city. This large park is constantly adding more and more exciting features, with a new playscape coming soon! And for now, enjoy the creative playground and paved walking trail that provide fun for everyone.

Voice of America MetroPark
7850 VOA Park Dr., West Chester Township, OH 45069
The playground and activities offered at Voice of America Park make it a destination all locals will enjoy. The playground is large and great for all ages and on a nice, summer day you can also take a boat for a spin on the large lake.

East Cincinnati Playgrounds

Beech Acres Park
6910 Salem Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230
Beech Acres is another playground destination that every Cincinnati kid should experience at least once. The playground is large, handicap accessible, and has several different areas and themes to keep kids engaged. There is also a large sand play area and a seasonal spray ground!

Juilfs Park
8249 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244
This creative playground in Anderson has a whimsical farm theme and plenty of unique features. There’s a tricycle track, complete with pretend gas pumps, and a covered sand play area that every kid is sure to love.

Land of Make Believe/Lunken Playfield (pictured)
4740 Playfield Ln., Cincinnati, OH 45226
This large, fenced-in playground offers a huge playground that will speak to every child’s imagination. There are also swings and other structures, all in a very shady area. And bonus that you can often see planes land and take off!

Miami Meadows Park
1546 State Route 131, Milford, OH 45150
Miami Meadows Park, the crown jewel in the Miami Township park system, is approximately 200 acres of idealic recreational and green space. Miami Meadows Park offers numerous soccer, football and baseball fields; basketball courts and a skate park, as well as walking trails, a playground area and two picnic shelters. There is a dog park and a beautiful lake that is used on a “catch and release” basis for fishing by residents.

Veterans Park
8531 Forest Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45255
Another popular playground in Anderson, Veterans Park was designed with the physically challenged child in mind. It’s a fun and playful place for everyone and the .4-mile trail that encircles the park is also a nice feature.

Pleasant Ridge Park
5915 Ridge Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213
The 1000 Hands Playground in Pleasant Ridge has been rejuvenated and is a fun, central spot to play in the city. Climb to the towers and run through the tunnels of this classic playground.

Roger Nisbet Park
126 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, OH 45140
This large playground in Loveland is perfectly located right on the Bike Trail. It’s also very close to downtown Loveland, so it’s a great spot to play, relax, and enjoy all this part of our city has to offer.

West Cincinnati Playgrounds

West Fork Park
4764 West Fork Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45247
Recently reopened and completely redone, West Fork Park is an incredible play space for all children. It has too many unique features to count, and even has a zip line for kids to test their bravery.

Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm (pictured)
10073 Daly Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231
Parky’s Farm is known as a part of Winton Woods with plenty of animal fun, but it also has an amazing playground. This farm-themed play structure is large and appealing to many ages. There are also great spots for a picnic and other activities offered throughout the summer, plus Parky’s Ark, a super-fun splash park!

Miami Whitewater Forest
9001 Mt Hope Rd., Harrison, OH 45030
As a part of the largest park within Great Parks of Hamilton County, the playground at Miami Whitewater is one of the best! It’s large, with areas for all ages, plenty of swings, and a fun splash park right next to it for those hot summer play days.

Veterans Park
6231 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45247
Veterans Park on Harrison Avenue is a great location, with plenty to do. The playground was recently revamped and the paved trail around the park is a great break from the climbing, swinging, and sliding.

Fernbank Park
50 Thornton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45233
Fernbank Park is unique thanks to its beautiful location right along the river. The playground is large, mostly shaded, and has no mulch. You have to save time for a walk along the paved path that winds adjacent to the river.

South/Central Cincinnati Playgrounds

Smale Riverfront Park
100 Ted Berry Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
If you have yet to visit Smale Riverfront Park, it definitely needs to top your list this spring and summer. The atmosphere can’t be beat with the river on one side and the skyline of downtown on the other and the playground is wonderfully unique. In addition to spots where kids can climb and slide, and even ride a flying pig, make sure to check out the multiple water fun areas throughout the park.

Sawyer Point
705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Sawyer Point may win the award for the most classic Cincinnati playground. Don’t discount this favorite play destination now that Smale is just down the street. There’s plenty of fun to be had in this large playground, as well!

Ziegler Park
1322 Sycamore St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Possibly the newest park on the list, Ziegler Park has great urban feel, with plenty of creative fun for kids. The park is adjacent to the sprayground for even more hot, summer day fun.

Washington Park
1230 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Also located in the vibrancy of OTR, Washington Park boasts beautiful, historic surroundings and a fenced-in playground that all ages will enjoy. Children can explore music, movement, creativity, and more at this new favorite Cincinnati spot.

Northern Kentucky Playgrounds

Goebel Park
501 Philadelphia St., Covington, KY 41011
Located in Covington, Goebel Park also has historic surroundings, as well as new playground equipment! Swing, climb, and slide for hours of fun and don’t forget to say hi to the Goebel Goats!

Pioneer Park
3951 Madison Pike, Covington, KY 41017
Pioneer Park is a large property on Madison Pike with several playgrounds to choose from. The park is also surrounded by a beautiful walking trail, a picturesque creek, and a popular dog park.

Tower Park
900 S. Ft. Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, KY 41075
The playground at Tower Park in beautiful Fort Thomas is a great spot for those who live in this city, as well as those visiting to take advantage of all the area offers. Play on the playground, go for a little hike, and explore the history of this unique park.

General Ormsby Memorial Park
279 Grandview Dr., Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
This gem of a park in Fort Mitchell is especially great for little ones. It has colorful, engaging equipment and the mostly shaded area makes it great, even on a hot day.

South Fork Park
9200 Southfork Park Dr., Florence, KY 41042
This large park is hidden back in a neighborhood, but is definitely worth seeking out! The rubber ground and large play structures are great for all ages and make sure you head across the field to the creek, which is also a fun, natural playground that many take advantage of!

As you can see, there are countless options to get out and play in Cincinnati! Most people tend to head to the closest playground or their favorite, but make sure to get out and about and experience more of the fun options around town! Keep in mind; some of these playgrounds are a part of a park system, so they may have an entrance fee. But they are typically small and several offer annual passes.

This is a great list to save or to pass along to someone who may be new to the area and looking for a tried and true playground. We would also love to hear your opinions, so feel free to add to our list by commenting your favorite Cincinnati playground!

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