10 Best Parks in Cincinnati in 2023 (By a Local)
I’m a Cincinnati local with insights into the absolute best parks in Cincinnati!
Would you believe that Cincinnati is one of the best places to visit in Ohio for nature? The Queen City is home to 365 parks, and in this guide, I point you to the top 10 worth visiting.
Whether you want glorious views, a wide range of activities, or just a great picnic spot, I’ve got you and your family covered. Learn about popular green spaces and a couple of hidden gems that you won’t want to miss.
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10 Best Parks in Cincinnati
Sharon Woods
A family-friendly park in the northern Cincinnati neighborhood of Sharonville.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Sharon Woods Website
Sharon Woods features several paved walking trails, including a fitness trail and a scenic gorge trail. The popular 2.6-mile nature trail loops around the park’s gorgeous 25-acre lake.
In warm weather, enjoy pedal boat and pontoon boat rentals. There are also play areas for children, including an indoor play park for kids ages 2 to 12.
🌲 Love Parks? Check out my guide to the best day trips from Cincinnati! It includes destinations like Hocking Hills State Park, Red River Gorge Geological Area, and more.
Smale Riverfront Park
A unique downtown Cincinnati park full of activities and Ohio River views.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Smale Riverfront Park Website
Set along the Ohio River, Smale Riverfront Park is absolutely beautiful. The 0.9-mile Riverfront Loop Trail has swinging benches where you can gaze across the water.
Children can enjoy Carol Ann’s Carousel and a playground area with slides and climbing walls. The park has giant versions of your favorite board games, and a giant foot piano under the Roebling Suspension Bridge as well.
👉 Pro Tip: Note that some attractions, like the carousel and water play area, are only open seasonally. See the park’s website for more information.
Eden Park
A Mt. Adams park full of green space, gardens, gazebos, and more.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Eden Park Website
Eden Park is situated in Mt. Adams, one of the safest neighborhoods in Cincinnati. Whether you want to relax or experience the several hiking trails, Eden Park has a ton of open green space. Its 186 acres offer fantastic views of Northern Kentucky and the Ohio River.
Work up a sweat on the basketball court, or take in the surrounding beauty from the gazebo. The pristine Bettman Fountain, Seasongood Pavilion, and Krohn Conservatory are other park attractions.
Woodland Mound
Relax or fill an afternoon with activities at this park on Cincinnati’s east side.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Woodland Mound Website
Woodland Mound is set in Cherry Grove, found on the east side of Cincinnati, OH. This 1,066-acre park along the Ohio River offers many activities.
Enjoy several hiking trails and paved walking paths, or check out the 18-hole disc golf course. Then, relax at one of the many picnic areas, the snack bar, or the Breezy Point Pavilion overlooking the Ohio River. There’s also a Wetland Adventure playground, great for young children.
📚 Related Reading: For many of these outdoor activities, you’ll want to come prepared. Bookmark my Cincinnati packing list!
Ault Park
Set in Mt. Lookout and Hyde Park, this beautiful area features several attractions and events.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Ault Park Website
Ault Park is one of the most well-known parks in the city. It spans more than 224 acres in the Mt. Lookout and Hyde Park neighborhoods.
Explore the network of hiking trails, or take a leisurely walk on the paved walking paths. After this, observe the stunning garden, relax in the picnic areas and pavilion, and experience the amazing lookout point.
With a playground and dedicated kids’ trail, families will especially like this park. Seasonal events like summer concerts and Independence Day fireworks are another reason to visit.
Devou Park
Golf, hike, mountain bike, and more at this scenic Covington, Kentucky park.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Devou Park Website
Technically, the 700 acres of Devou Park are in Covington, Kentucky. However, it’s minutes away from Cincinnati.
Devou Park is home to paved paths, many hiking trails and mountain biking trails, a fishing pond, and several places to sit and bask in nature. You can also enjoy one of the top golf courses in the area, complete with magnificent views of the Cincinnati skyline.
🛎️ Visiting the Area? Though across the Ohio state line, Covington makes my list of the best places to stay in Cincinnati! Read the guide for more suggestions from a local.
French Park
A hidden gem in Amberley, bursting with natural beauty.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 French Park Website
This Amberley park covers 275 acres and is home to The French House, a historic two-story brick structure. It’s a stunning place to host weddings and private parties.
The park also features a network of hiking trails. Several make their way through forests and creek beds, and the outermost loop is approximately 3 miles long. After your hike, enjoy resting and snacking at the picnic shelter.
Summit Park
This Blue Ash park’s observation tower allows you to see all of Cincinnati!
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Summit Park Website
Summit Park is located in Blue Ash. Aptly named, it’s the highest point in Hamilton County. There are many walking trails, as well as a free observation tower that allows you to see downtown views. Families will love this park, having a play area for older kids and a toddler playground.
🛝 Love Playgrounds? Don’t miss the nearby Home of the Brave Park in Symmes Township. Its playground has three areas, each for different age groups.
Otto Armleder Park
A Linwood outdoor space with a huge dog park and other fun attractions.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Otto Armleder Park Website
Otto Armleder Park is located in Linwood, on the east side of the city. The park’s 238 acres include a bike path, hiking trails, a playground area, many soccer fields, and one of the biggest dog parks in Cincinnati!
Alms Park
Experience this park’s amazing set of lookout points on top of Mt. Tusculum.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Alms Park Website
Alms Park is also located on the east side of Cincinnati, OH. It rests on top of Mt. Tusculum and has many magnificent overlook points. View Northern Kentucky, the Lunken Airport, the Little Miami River, and the Ohio River from here! The 94 acres of this park also encompass hiking trails, picnic areas, a pavilion, and a playground.
👉 Pro Tip: Other Cincinnati park favorites include Winton Woods, the Cincinnati Nature Center, and Glenwood Gardens.
FAQs About Cincinnati Parks
How many parks are there in Cincinnati?
There are 365 parks in Cincinnati, OH. Within the Cincinnati Parks system, there are 70 neighborhood parks, 5 regional parks, and 34 natural areas.
What is Cincinnati’s largest park?
Cincinnati’s largest park is Mt. Airy Forest, which spans more than 1,400 acres. It is home to several miles of hiking trails and mountain biking trails. Additionally, there is a spectacular 18-hole disc golf course and an enclosed dog park.
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So many of the parks in Cincinnati, OH are worth exploring. I hope this guide has helped you figure out which ones to visit! For more fun, check out my list of the top things to do in Cincinnati.
