Rated as one of the best places to live in Ohio, Cincinnati offers endless opportunities for families to thrive. With wonderful schools, rich heritage, and great attractions, the ‘Queen City’ offers an ideal environment for you to explore with your little ones. We’ve crafted a special itinerary with a blend of activities for you to enjoy with your children and help them continue their learning journey outside of The Gardner School.
Morning (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)
- Smale Riverfront Park (9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.)
Cincinnati is home to 78 parks, and we recommend starting your day at Smale Riverfront Park, located along the banks of the Ohio River. Your children can splash in the water play area, hang out on the giant swings, take a ride on Carol Ann’s Carousel, or enjoy the various other play structures designed for different age groups. - Storytime at the Public Library (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Just a few blocks away from Smale Riverfront Park is the downtown main library. At least once a week, you can catch a 30-minute engaging storytime session with a mix of books and activities for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Be sure to check the library’s schedule for specific storytime hours!
Lunch
- Findlay Market (11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.)
Wrap up your busy morning with a delicious lunch at Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market. Explore diverse food options from different vendors and find a spot to enjoy a picnic-style meal in a lively atmosphere.
Afternoon (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
- Cincinnati Fire Museum (1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Children can channel their inner firefighter at the Cincinnati Fire Museum. During a guided group tour (advanced reservation required), which can be completed in about an hour, they can see what a firefighter looks like in uniform, try on gear, climb aboard a real fire truck, slide down a fire pole, and run lights and sirens on an E-ONE pumper truck.
- Interactive Exploration at the Cincinnati Museum Center (2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
The Cincinnati Museum Center has a children’s museum along with three other museums, an Omnimax theater, and special exhibits that rotate regularly. Your family could easily spend all day here! But if you’re short on time, head straight to The Children’s Museum. It offers eight educational play areas, including two specifically designed for preschool-aged children and younger. From water play to a wilderness adventure, it’s easy to see why The Children’s Museum consistently ranks among the top 10 children’s museums in the country!
As you plan your day, keep in mind the individual needs of your child, including nap times and snack breaks. This itinerary is a simple guide that you can adjust to suit your family’s preferences and pace.
A Partner For Parents
The Gardner School is proud to partner with parents to provide support as you provide your children with new experiences. Take a look at our blog page for inspiration and helpful tips on a wide variety of topics.
Interested in enrolling your child at The Gardner School location in Cincinnati? Find a location near you and reach out to schedule a tour! We’re always here to answer your questions.