The official first day of summer is right around the corner. Start your season of fun the right way with a few activities!
Make a Festival Plan
Before moving to Cincinnati, I had no idea a community could have so many festivals. Map out your weekends bopping about town to fill your summer with spirited celebrations and community camaraderie. From the east side to the west side, festivals are a testament to the city’s strong sense of faith and fellowship, offering a joyful experience for all who attend.
If that’s not your thing, don’t worry! Be sure to check out the renowned Cincinnati Music Festival, featuring top artists in R&B and soul, or the family-friendly Taste of Cincinnati, where food lovers can savor the city’s diverse culinary scene; there’s something for everyone! Art enthusiasts will revel in the creativity showcased at the Summerfair at Coney Island, while history buffs can step back in time at the Celtic Festival. Each event celebrates the rich tapestry of Cincinnati’s community, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories in the heart of the Queen City.
Take Advantage of Parks
Did you know that Cincinnati is a top 10 city in the nation for parks? It’s true! Cincinnati’s expansive parks department consists of 5,000+ acres of city parklands, including 8 regional parks, 70 neighborhood parks, 34 natural areas, 6 neighborhood nature centers, 30 sites managed by the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, 5 parkways, 16 scenic overlooks, 2 arboretums, and 65 miles of hiking and bridle trails. You could fill way more than one summer exploring all of them.
And then there are the county parks. If you want to visit one of the amazing Hamilton County parks (such as Glenwood Gardens, Sharon Woods, Miami Whitewater, and so many others), you can buy a year-long parking pass for $10 (for Hamilton County residents, non-residents are $16). But, there are even ways to visit these parks for free all summer long. Certain veterans, library card holders, and those eligible for Ohio EBT can all visit the parks for free. You can learn more here.
Venture Out of Your Community
Our family’s favorite splash pad is all the way in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. And my son absolutely loves visiting the Boonshoft Museum up in Dayton. Make a day of these slightly out-of-the-way locales and see where adventure takes you. Sometimes the juice is worth the squeeze when it comes to finding fun new places with your kids!
Stay on Top of Your Summer Reading
I love air-conditioning. AND I love reading, which makes an outing to the library a no-brainer. Summer Reading at the Cincinnati Public Library has started, with all new challenges for kids and teens, plus fun family events all summer long. Many libraries also have children’s play spaces that rival any outdoor park, so be sure to check out all the branch locations, including Anderson, Green Township, Walnut Hills, or Madisonville.
Don’t Forget Ice Cream
Creamy whips are a Cincinnati staple. My personal favorites are Zip Dip and Whitewater Whippy Dip, but this year I am committing to trying some new-to-me locations, like The Cone in West Chester and General Custer’s in Western Hills. Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments and I will check it out.
Happy summer!
