With a Riverwalk, SplashPad And Carousel, This Ohio Park Is the Ultimate Family Destination
By Sarah McCosham|Published August 10, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There are some places that capture the unbridled joy and exuberance of childhood. Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, is one such place. Located right on the river in downtown Cincinnati, Smale has become a presence in the Queen City’s iconic riverfront since opening a decade ago. It’s easy to see why; between the different playgrounds (P&G go Vibrantscape, River Play, Heekin Family/PNC Grow up Great Adventure Playground, Fath Fountain), always-happening events, carousel, and gorgeous green spaces perfect for eating and relaxing, this is an Ohio park that just oozes family friendly appeal. Smale has been a regular on my family’s summer parks rotation for years now; it’s a destination that’s always met with an enthusiastic chorus of approval. Between the riverwalk, splash pad, and carousel, this Ohio park is sure to become a favorite for your family, too.
Cincinnati is a beautiful river city that I've called home for much of my life. As a parent, the opportunity to explore my old stomping grounds with my four kids is something I relish -- but what I enjoy even more is when we can experience new places together.
Smale Riverfront Park is one such place. This stunning oasis on the banks of the Ohio River (literally "The Banks" of Cincinnati) has been a family favorite since opening over a decade ago. My kids, the oldest of whom is 12, don't imagine a Cincinnati without Smale Riverfront Park, which makes them very lucky, indeed.
Must-visit spots at this waterfront park include the rope bridge at the Adventure Playground; and really, the entire Adventure Playground, which boasts an Insta-perfect photo op of the iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge.
Really, the whole of this family-friendly park is a place of delightful fun and whimsy, with the splash pad boasting color-changing fountains and larger-than-life water features that will make kids feel as though they've tumbled down the rabbit hole.
Speaking of which, this area also has a larger-than-life checkers board, a game my kids always (mysteriously) seem to win. The larger-than-life fun continues with Smale’s massive, playable piano. You know that scene in "Big" where Tom Hanks crushes it with the toe tap piano? You can totally reenact that scene at Smale Park. This piano is huge, and kids will absolutely love running up and down the keys…though they probably won’t get the film reference.
They will, however, get the "flying pig" reference with the nearby attraction: a massive, metal pig that invites kids to climb inside and operate using the power of their own might... and imaginations.
There's no park feature that captures this magical spirit better than, of course, the carousel. Carol Ann's Carousel is set up inside a giant glass structure in Smale Park, so you can enjoy a ride no matter the weather or temperature. This old-fashioned attraction was designed, built and hand-painted by Carousel Works of Mansfield, Ohio, the world’s largest maker of wooden carousels that's taken this park to a whole new realm of enchantment.
I could wax poetic about this family-friendly park in my hometown Cincinnati, Ohio, all day... but I'll spare you of that by simply imploring you to go and experience this slice of magic in the Queen City for yourself.
Have you visited this family-friendly Ohio park before? Smale Riverfront Park is the perfect day trip destination; a place sure to capture the imagination of the young and young at heart!
