The Cincinnati Zoo has over 500 different species of animals on display in 23 exhibits. Children can feed and touch goats and other animals at the petting zoo and also climb a large spider web. There is a wooded area to hike through with contained Mexican wolves as well as river otters inside. Pick up a brochure at the entrance that contains a self-guided tour itinerary just for young children. The tour has 14 activities that younger children will enjoy the most. The zoo is open every day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, but is closed on Christmas Day.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45220
513-281-4700
cincinnatizoo.org
Coney Island Amusement Park sits on 120 acres and includes the Sunlite pool, which is 401 feet long. The pool offers over an acre of shallow water for younger children to splash around in. There are showers and changing rooms near the pool as well as a concession stand serving food and drinks. The park features live shows on a regular basis with everything from music to farm animals. There is a miniature golf course that is handicap accessible as well as an old mining town. An arcade is open all day long with a variety of games, and there are rides for families, older children and kiddie rides for the younger ones.
Coney Island
6201 Kellogg Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45230
513-232-8230
coneyislandpark.com
Sharon Woods is a 761 acre park with many activities to keep young children and all other family members busy. The Schrock lake contains 14 acres of water for fishing, as well as picnicking along the bank. There are paved trails for biking and jogging as well as wooded trails for hiking and exploring. The natural play area is an area where young children can explore nature on their own terms by climbing trees, wading into a creek and digging in the soil. There is also a traditional play area with swings, slides and monkey bars.
Sharon Woods
6911 Cleveland Ave.
Westerville, OH 43081
513-563-4513
metroparks.net/ParksSharonWoods.aspx
