An annual must-visit attraction, the Krohn Conservatory Butterfly Show will return to Cincinnati on May 10th, 2025.

This year’s event theme is Gothica Botanica. The usual whimsy of the butterfly show will be on full display with a dark dash of mystery and enchantment. Gothic architecture, shadowy black foliage and deep-hued blooms will set the stage for a mesmerizing juxtaposition of light and shadow, dark and light. Delicate butterflies will dance overhead, providing an unexpected iridescence.

The Krohn Conservatory 2025 Butterly Show runs May 10th – August 10th, daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

This exciting exhibition will include some special events also, such as Krohn Discovery Space (May 21st), Game Night at Krohn (May 28th) and more — visit the Cincinnati Parks website to discover all of the super special events that will accompany this beautiful Butterfly Show!

Find even more Things to Do by CLICKING HERE.

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Warmer weather means it is time to hit the parks and get those kids moving (and worn out!). Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky boast an abundance of fabulous playgrounds, each with unique features and draws that bring families back time and time again. Branch out and explore what our communities have to offer when it comes to PLAY!  Why not make a point to check out ALL of these perfect playgrounds around town?

Alms Park Playground
710 Tusculum Avenue, Cincinnati, OH
This hilltop park is a fabulous destination for a playdate. The stone slide brings nostalgia that grown-ups will adore, while kids will enjoy the climbing boulder, musical instruments, spinners and swings.

Beech Acres Park
6910 Salem Road, Cincinnati, OH
With a train station tot-lot and a massive fort-like play unit for bigger kids, this playground is fit for the entire family. There are bridges, climbing rocks, slides and so much more. Be sure to visit during the summer to check out the water play area.

Common Ground Playground
6000 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason, OH 
All-inclusive elements at this playground promote fun for everyone! The park is fenced in, so don’t worry about the kids running off. There are also designated areas for different age groups, an accessible zip line and musical elements, too. 

West Fork Park
4764 West Fork Road, Cincinnati, OH
This colorful playground is so much fun! Featuring a zip line, huge playscape, an area for littles and lots of room for creative play, be sure to add this park to your must-visit list.

Summit Park Playground
4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, OH
Not just one, but two phenomenal playscape at one location. The contemporary playground has slides, ropes, play mounds and unique climbing structures. The Nature Playscape is not your average playground! Utilizing earth elements, kids can feel one with nature as they climb giant logs, get their knees dirty crawling through a hobbit-hole and more. There are also two fun zip lines for kids to feel like they are swinging through the forest.

Washington Park Children’s Playground
1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH
Nestled in downtown Cincinnati, Washington Park is a beautiful spot for a family afternoon out! There are plenty of local eateries near by to grab a bite and there are often times free concerts going on or exciting events happening. The fenced in playground features a play castle, climbing wall, slides and musical instruments for children to explore. During summer months, the Washington Park spray ground is a big hit with little ones.

Tower Park Playground
900 S Fort Thomas Avenue, Fort Thomas, KY
This recently renovated playground mixes innovative play with elements of a traditional playground. Featuring slides galore, learning through play activities, climbers, balance beams, a zip line and a emphasis on both history and nature, we guarantee little ones will love this park.

Smale Riverfront Park
100 West Merhing Way, Cincinnati, OH
This sprawling riverfront park showcases natures beauty alongside city life. Take in a view of the river, watch barges and boats go by and check out the PNC Grow Up Great Adventure Playground, too. With slides, climbing elements, a rock wall and so much more, this oasis in the heart of Cincinnati is so much fun for families to enjoy together. During warm months, the spray ground is a big hit with little ones.

1000 Hands Playground
5915 Ridge Road, Pleasant Ridge, OH
This is the park of your childhood dreams. This classic wooden playscape has the best hiding spots for hide and seek! There are delightfully designed nooks and crannies for kids to explore with their grown-ups and lots of opportunities to climb, slide and swing.

Land of Make Believe Lunken Playground
4740 Playfield Lane, Cincinnati, OH
Enjoy watching planes taking off while taking turns on slides. This playground near Lunken Airport is a great place for some plane watching in between playing.

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Great Parks and Cohen Recycling 

Great Parks is renewing its holiday lights recycling program this season (diverting thousands of pounds of material from going into landfills). Holiday light sets are accepted in specially marked bins at six Great Parks destinations now through February 1, 2024. From there, Cohen Recycling will collect and recycle all the wiring and light sets. Plus, Cohen will present a check to Great Parks for the value of the recycled material at the end of the program.

Both LED and traditional bulb string lights can be dropped off, but other recyclable materials should not be left in the bins. Only lights and their wiring should be dropped – bags or boxes used to carry lights into the parks should not be placed in the bins.

Here are the destinations you can drop off your lights:

• Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve
  Ellenwood Nature Barn, 3455 Poole Road Cincinnati, Oh
• Glenwood Gardens
  Gatehouse, 10397 Springfield Pike Cincinnati, Oh
• Miami Whitewater Forest
  Visitor Center, 9001 Mt. Hope Road Harrison, Oh
• Sharon Woods
  Sharon Centre, 11450 Lebanon Road Sharonville, Oh
• Winton Woods
  Winton Centre, 10245 Winton Road Cincinnati, Oh
• Woodland Mound
  Breezy Point Pavilion, 8250 Old Kellogg Road Cincinnati, Oh

Learn more at greatparks.org.

The Campbell County Christmas Tree and Light Recycling Program

The Campbell County Christmas Tree Recycling Program begins Tuesday, December 26, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 14. Residents can drop off natural Christmas trees at the designated area in Pendery Park during daylight hours.

Note: trees should not be wrapped in bags and be sure to remove all ornaments, tinsel, ribbons and lights before drop-off. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife will collect the trees for fish habitat in lakes throughout the commonwealth.

The holiday light recycling program takes place now through February 1, 2024.

Campbell County residents can drop off unwanted string lights at these six locations:

• Campbell County Administration Building
  1098 Monmouth St., Newport
• Campbell County Clerk’s Office
  8330 W Main St., Alexandria
• Campbell County Public Library locations

The county asks that only string lights be recycled in the provided barrels, free of plastic bags and other packaging products.

For questions, email SolidWaste@campbellcountyky.gov or call 859-547-1866.

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Families can join guided hikes along the Gorge Trail and paved trail, and learn how to throw a spear with an atlatl, or spear-throwing tool, too! Be sure to cozy around the fire and build some tasty s’mores – all of the fixins will be available for everyone, plus light refreshments and lawn games.

Veterans are honored year-round at Great Parks! Veterans get special offers on Motor Vehicle Permits, golf, fishing, and boat and campsite rentals. Learn more at greatparks.org.

*** Note: November 11 marks their special Community Day; families can drive into the 22 parks and conservation areas of Great Parks without purchasing a Motor Vehicle Permit. ***

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Here’s what’s coming up:

Friday, Oct. 20 at 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m.
“Spooky Tales on the Trails: Cosmic Curiosities”
Mitchell Memorial Forest
5401 Zion Road, Cleves, OH 45002

Hikers at the Wood Duck Trail will imagine walking through a wormhole as they pull back the curtain of our expansive universe. Through the instruction of a Great Parks interpreter, they will travel light years away and interact with some of astronomy’s most infamous cosmic characters in the sky on this family-friendly adventure.

Friday, Oct. 27 at 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m.
“Spooky Tales on the Trails:“Creepy Crawlies at Fernbank Park
50 Thornton Ave., Cincinnati

On the Sycamore Trail, this spooky tale is all about creatures that creep and crawl. Great Parks Interpreters will reveal the underworld while uncovering the heebiest and jeebiest of Ohio’s critters as they skitter and scatter along the trail. As with all Spooky Tales on the Trails, this hike is family-friendly.  

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Great Outdoor Weekend Events

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22 – SUNDAY, SEPT. 24

• Union, KY – Great Outdoor Weekend at Big Bone Lick State Park

Join in for outdoor exploration and education. Available programs include a birding walk, guided hike, tobacco hiking stick craft, creek exploring, tree ID walk, and more.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23 ONLY:

• Cincinnati – Northside Greenspace Invasive Removal Project at Parker Woods

Volunteers will work with community leaders to remove honeysuckle and other non-native plants.

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Kids First Too Winter Day Camps
Kids First Too, 885 State Route 28, Milford
Dec. 19 – 23, Dec. 26 – 30 and Jan. 2, 2023, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (before-and after-care available). Themed day camps will be offered throughout the end of December. The daily schedule will include themed games, arts and crafts projects, gym and foam pit time and so much more. See website for daily day camp themes. A 20 percent sibling discount is available! Call 513-831-4333 or visit kidsfirstoo.com for more information.

Winter Dance Camp
Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance, 1801 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati
Dec. 27 – 29, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. During Cincinnati Ballet’s Winter Dance Camp, students ages 4 – 8 will chassé through the season with three days of games, crafts and magical wintry tunes. Featuring age-appropriate ballet classes led by professional faculty, students will hone their creative skills and build dance vocabulary with friends both old and new. Call 513-562-1111 or visit cballet.org/winter-dancecamp for more information.

Winter Break Day Camps
Cincinnati Parks – see website for locations
Day Camps offered Dec. 20 – 22 or 28, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Four separate days of nature-based camps will be offered at four awesome Cincinnati parks. Each day has a unique theme where campers will learn about the great outdoors, create crafts, play games and of course, make friends. Call or visit explorenature.regfox.com/winterbreakcamps2022 for more information.

Winter Warriors Zoo Camp
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati
Dec. 19 – 21 OR Dec. 28 – 30, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Brr! It is starting to get cold out there. During this three-day adventure, campers will learn how animals can brave the child and cold, hike the zoo, play games and meet some awesome animal ambassadors. Call 513-559-7730 or visit cincinnatizoo.org/camp for more information.

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Float-In Movies

For the second year in a row, Great Parks’ popular summer float-in movie series kicks off! The series begins with a showing of “Clueless” at Lake Isabella on lucky Friday, May 13. This fun series includes four features at different parks throughout the summer. Families can rent a rowboat for $40 and watch the film from the water. Up to four people can be on the boat, and one person needs to be at  18 years or older. For more family movie night vibes, food and drinks will be available!

All movies begin at 9:30 p.m.  Here is the fun lineup to look forward to:

• Clueless – May 13, Lake Isabella Boathouse, 10174 Loveland-Madeira Road in Loveland.
• Jungle Cruise – June 3, Winton Woods Harbor, 10245 Winton Road.
• Hairspray – July 8, Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor, 9001 Mt. Hope Road in Harrison.
• Ghostbusters: Afterlife – August 19, Winton Woods Harbor.

Advance registration is required. For more information, visit greatparks.org/calendar/special-events/float-in-movies.

Paws in the Park

Celebrate all of the furry friends in your life at Paws in the Park in Simmonds Family Dog Park at Miami Whitewater Forest on Sunday, May 22. Bring along your four-legged pals and enjoy local pet services and businesses on-hand offering lots of goods and services for your pal, plus there will be food truck on-site for you.

In addition, this free event runs is from 12 – 5 p.m. Simmonds Family Dog Park is located at 8715 Hamilton-Cleves Road in Cleves. For more information, visit greatparks.org/calendar/special-events/paws-in-the-park.

Summer Concert Series

Aaaa … the sound of summer tunes. Rock beneath the stars Saturday, May 28, for the first performance of the Summer Concert Series. Blues pianist, vocalist and songwriter Ben Levin, performs from 7 – 9 p.m. at Miami Whitewater Forest. What are you waiting for? All concerts are free!

All Summer Concert Series tunes run from 7 – 9 p.m.:

• May 28 – Blues pianist, vocalist and songwriter Ben Levin, Miami Whitewater Forest, 9001 Mt. Hope Road in Harrison.
• June 4 – Singer-songwriter, Lauren Eylise, Glenwood Gardens, 10397 Springfield Pike.
• July 9 – Acoustic duo, Ethan and Joey, Winton Woods Harbor Ampitheater, 10245 Winton Road.
• July 23 – Indy rock band, Fox Royale, Winton Woods Harbor Amphitheater.
• August 13 – Modern vintage rock ‘n’ roll band, The Newbees, Fernbank Park, 50 Thornton Ave.
• September 10 – Brass band, Jump ‘n’ Jive Big Band, Sharon Woods Cardinal Crest Meadow, 11450 Lebanon Road in Sharonville.

For more information, visit greatparks.org/calendar/special-events/summer-concerts-in-the-park.

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    “The Music Garden at Highfield Discovery Garden will allow children and users of all ages to understand connections between nature and music while creating their own performances encouraged by the nature around them,” says Todd Palmeter, CEO of Great Parks.

    And there’s more from the parks, too. AJ Jolly Park is known for its camping and golf, but now they will be known for a new, inclusive playground. The playground’s construction is slated to begin in June 2022. Visit ajjolly.com for more information.
    In Wyoming — our northern neighbor by 20 minutes — there are plans for a brand-new, accessible playground called Crescent Park. This space will feature swings, spinning components, climbers and more. Construction begins this summer. Visit wyomingohio.gov for updates.

FIND MORE OUTDOOR-THEMED ADVENTURES IN THINGS TO DO!

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Holiday in Lights; Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road

Now through December 30, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; Drive through the joyful Holiday in Lights display at Sharon Woods featuring over 1 million lights in over 250 light displays! This is a Greater Cincinnati tradition that is the highlight of the holiday season. Light displays feature The Big Man in Red and his little helpers, a variety of animals the kids will love, plus, don’t forget to purchase your special glasses when you get there to enhance the experience! Visit holidayinlights.com to buy tickets in advance.

Winter Wonderland; Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road

Wednesdays – Saturdays, now through December 23; The Sharon Center in Sharon Woods turns into a Winter Wonderland! This is the best way to carry on the Christmas cheer after visiting Holiday in Lights. Meet Santa Claus, enjoy s’mores toasting, live entertainment and crafts and more all inside the warm Sharon Center and a short distance outside its doors. This year, you can also head outdoors and wind through an outdoor winter maze and step into inflatable bounce houses and a moon slide.

Calls with Claus

Santa Claus has gone hi-tech! He is his list, and making video calls directly from the North Pole to kiddos throughout Greater Cincinnati. Kids can receive an exclusive 10-minute video call with the big red elf without ever leaving home. They can share their wish lists with Santa and come away with a personalized greeting with the entire family. You can receive a video recording and a digital photo of the call with the jolly Mr. Claus himself, too! Santa is available to connect from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays now through December 19. Online registration is required at greatparks.org; $30 per family.

Storytelling with Santa; Mill Race Banquet Center at Winton Woods, 1515 W. Sharon Road

10:30 a.m., 12 and 1:30 p.m., December 18 and 19; Join Santa for a special two days of storytelling! Listen as he reads the holiday tale, “The Broken Ornament,” by New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott Honor winning illustrator, Tony DeTerlizzi. Kids can read along with Santa with a hard bound copy of the book to take home, plus, they have the chance to visit with Santa after the story and receive a special voucher to visit the Schott Holiday Train Display at Highfield Discovery Children’s Garden – what a treat!

Learn more and grab your tickets in advance at greatparks.org.

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