See all that Highfield Discovery Garden has to offer by
reading my article on Associated Content.
When it comes to playgrounds & parks, you can't beat what we have! There are some wonderful playgrounds and there are some especially terrific ones in the Mason, Ohio & Deerfield Township. I'll touch on some of our favorites first and then we can branch out to some others. Best of all........playgrounds are FREE!
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 | The Mason Parks Foundation has been working diligently to raise money to build Common Ground - an all inclusive playground designed to promote safe and fun play for all children (those with disabilities and those without). You can help, click here on how to give! |
"The Mason Parks & Recreation Foundation is a non-profit (501(c)3) organization formed to raise private funds to enhance Mason’s parks and recreation programs. The Foundation's mission is to preserve Mason’s livability by raising private funds to enhance and expand our community's parks, trails and recreation programs and to provide access and opportunity for all." - from the Mason Parks Foundation website
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I know this is a big page, but bear with me - there's just so much to offer. I may have saved the best for last at the bottom of the page - don't miss out on the Hamilton County Parks - they have wonderful facilities and things for kids, you want to make sure you check it out!
MasonMetu Tips: yes I'm one of "those Moms"....I have to be prepared.
- Remember your sunscreen & put it on
- Bring snacks
- Bring drinks (especially water)
- Bring wet wipes
- Bring hand sanitizer
- Bring band aids (nice to have a first aid kit in the car)
- Bring your cell phone (not for emergencies but in case you get bored and need to phone a friend - I mean your kids can play for for hours, but you, c'mon!)
- I also keep an extra change of clothes in the car.
- Sometimes I even have a towel (in case we go to a playground that has wet sprayers).
Deerfield Township Playgrounds/Parks
Below are my favorites:
Cottell Park - 5487 Irwin-Simpson Rd. This park has come a long way and Deerfield Township should be proud. They just put in a brand new, state of the art playground that has a toddler area as well as a bigger kid playground plus there are some nice new swings. They relocated the older/smaller playground (still in good shape though) near the restroom facilities and it's surrounded by nice trees and picnic tables. The new playgrounds have some benches for parents and a covered picnic shelter close by. The park also has a bike/walking path, soccer fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball and baseball fields. The Snyder House can be rented for weddings and events. This is close to where we live so we head there frequently.
Fleckenstein Park - 3834 Mason-Montgomery Rd. This is also a nice brand new park. What it lacks in trees, it makes up in fun plus they do have a covered shelter near the playground. My kids had a blast there this summer. There's also ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and picnic areas.
Schappacher Park - 4686 Old Irwin Simpson Rd. This is one of Deerfield's smaller parks but I find it charming. It has wonderful trees to keep you shaded and a nice small playground - perfect for a day where you just want to sit and relax while knowing that your kids are playing and having fun. The playground is set far back from the road so that makes it nice. The downside is there are no restroom facilities except for the dreaded port-o-potty and I'm sure you're probably not a big fan of that. So just have everyone use the restroom before you leave. This is also home to one of our local dog parks so if your canine friends need some R&R, take them along.
S enjoying Pine Hill Lakes Park, Mason, Ohio
Mason, Ohio Playgrounds/Parks
Below are my favorites:
Heritage Oak Park - 4601 US42 North. This park is great. In addition to having tennis courts, a track that goes around the park, basketball courts, ball diamonds, soccer fields & picnic shelters, they also have two playgrounds. The larger playground has restroom facilities right there as well as a nice picnic area so you can bring your lunch and enjoy the day. They also have those large misting spray umbrellas if it gets a bit hot.
Corwin M. Nixon Park - off of Mason-Montgomery Rd. In the summer, you can swim at Lou Eves Municipal Pool but if you just want to enjoy the playground, they have a great one here. It's got one of those spider web climbing systems with slides and a mini rock formation. There aren't any swings but who needs swings when you can get on those spinning things. There isn't a restroom close to this, so make sure your kids go before you get there.
Pine Hill Lakes Park - 211 Kings Mills Rd. I think this has to be my favorite park in Mason. It's like a mini oasis in the city. They have nature trails to walk on, fishing in the lake (get a license), ducks in the little lake, picnic shelters and of course, an awesome playground with swings. They also have a fun water feature that is great on those hot summer days.
Mason Sports Park - 3400 Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Rd. (do you think they could make that name any longer?). This is one of Mason's newest parks and it's a dazzler especially if you have a baseball enthusiast in your midst. They also have football fields, a 9-hole disc golf course, picnic shelters and, of course, a pretty cool playground. There is a covered picnic shelter right next to it so you can sit & read a book while your kids play and you are close enough to feel very safe & secure.
Playgrounds & Parks Worth Driving To
Armco Park - 1223 N. Ohio 741, Lebanon, Ohio. This park is now under new management through the Warren County Park District. Free to the public but there are additional charges for golf and boat rental. There's a fishing lake and renovated picnic facilities on site.
City of Blue Ash Parks - www.blueash.com
- Blue Ash Nature Park & Ampitheater - this is also another gem that we have. I love this park. It has 5 playground areas scattered throughout the wooded park. There are walking trails, picnic shelters and a wonderful outdoor ampitheater. They host the Heritage Festival every year and I only read about it this year - I wish I had known about it sooner. The kids loved milking goats, seeing how the pioneers lived and taking a horse drawn carriage ride as well as listening to some good ol' Bluegrass music. All FREE!
Loveland, Ohio - www.lovelandoh.com . I haven't been to many of the Loveland parks but I thought feature their website since they are such a close neighbor of Mason. I have been to the bike trail and downtown Loveland which is reminiscent of an old-style Main Street. They have antique shops & little restaurants.
Montgomery, Ohio - www.ci.montgomery.oh.us - .
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Weller Park - Off of Weller Rd., next to Good Shepherd Parish. We love going to Weller Park since it has a playground that is perfect for the 5 and under crowd - the equipment is all lower to the ground so that makes it nice. They have swings too and a restroom facility and picnic shelter adjacent to the playground. There is also a sand volleyball area - I never see anyone playing but I do see kids digging in the sand - so bring some sand toys. They also have soccer fields, a trail, tennis courts, b-ball courts and baseball fields.
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Swaim Park - Corner of Zig Zag (like that name) & Cooper Rd. Swaim offers a lodge you can reserve, picnic facilities, playground, tennis courts, tot lot, soccer fields, & baseball fields. This is a beautiful park.
Symmes Township Parks - www.symmestownship.org. Symmes is also a close neighbor and they have some great parks to see.
- Seven Gables Park - 11680 Seven Gables Rd. I love this park. It is the perfect size. They have swings and a nice picnic shelter with clean restrooms. There is a small bike/walking path that surrounds the park. It is very well maintained and we really enjoy going there. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy.
- Symmes Township Park - 11600 Lebanon Rd. This is also a great park with plenty to do from "three picnic shelters, playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, a soccer/softball field, scenic walking trails, to an exercise loop, a dog run* (in season) and a bird sanctuary".
- Hopewell Meadows Park - 9131 Hopewell Rd. This was a rare find for a park/playground. I just love it. It is the perfect size and is wonderfully maintained. There are two playgrounds adjacent to each other - one caters more to the toddler set. They have a small walking/bike path that surrounds the park as well as a nice picnic shelter. My kids loved spinning on the tire.
West Chester Parks - www.westchesteroh.org
- Keehner Park - 7211 Barrett Rd. You've got to love Keehner park for its charm. It's located near some nice woodland trails and Mill Creek. It has a playground (which does need some renovations but the kids still seem to enjoy themselves) but what is really nice about Keehner is that they have an outdoor ampitheater where they'll have spring and summer concerts that are usually FREE to the public. They also do an adorable Halloween festival and have a not so haunted trail. The kids always enjoy dressing up and going to that.
- The Voice of America Park & Ronald Regan Lodge - VOA Park Dr., off of Cox Rd. You really need to check out the new VOA park and go for a nice stroll around their lake. You'll be able to do some nice bird watching. Get those bikes & helmets out if you want to kick it up a notch. The kids can also fish (get a license first at the office) and rent row boats and pedal boats or you can bring your own kayak to use. There is also the Wiggly Field dog park for your canine friends. They have some fun events during the year like their Lollipop programs for kids so check out their website at www.butlercountymetroparks.org/.
Cincinnati Parks - www.cincyparks.com. Various locations throughout Cincinnati. If you thought Hamilton County had lots of parks, well check out Cincinnati's own park system - they have so many wonderful parks that I just can't list them all. Definitely check out their website to find some places to go on some new adventures with your family! They have five nature preserves and we haven't been to any of those yet - we need to get busy.
Cincinnati Nature Centers -
- Avon Woods Nature Center - 4235 Paddock Road (513-861-3435)
- Caldwell Nature Center - 430 W.N. Bend Road (513-761-4313)
- California Woods Nature Center - 5400 Kellogg Ave. (513-231-8678)
- Trailside Nature Center - Brookline Dr. in Burnet Woods (513-751-3679)
- LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Center - 5400 Lanius Lane (513-542-2909)
Sawyer's Point- http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/crc/pages/-5925-/ E Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 352-6180. If you and your family want to see the Ohio River, this is the perfect place to do it. You can take a walk through the beautiful park and not even realize that you are in the city. According to their website, "they have a performance pavilion, concessions, outdoor tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, a world class playground, a dynamic water feature, and many other attractions. Yeatman's Cove, a part of Sawyer Point, is the site of the founding of Cincinnati". We've been there numerous times, and my kids love playing on the playground or putting their feet in the sand at the Volleyball courts. There are also numerous events hosted here throughout the year and many of them are child-friendly so pack a picnic lunch and head down. You can even rent those four people bike things.
Hamilton County Parks
I don't know if there is another part of the country that can compete with the Hamilton County Park system. They have so much to offer - we haven't even come close to utilizing all that they have and boy is it a bargain. You just have to pay $5.00 for an annual pass and it gets you into any of the parks. I will touch base on some of our favorite places but please check out their website for even more fun things to do. www.hamiltoncountyparks.org.
Winton Woods - 10245 Winton Road, 45231 (513-521-7275). This park is well worth the drive if you decide to hop onto I-275. It has so much to offer. Where do I start - how about with the adorable Parky's Farm - there is an actual farm with live animals that you can see up close and personal. You can even go in and pet the goats (just make sure to use that hand sanitizer when you're done). They just built a brand new playground and they also have an indoor play barn area ($2.50/child) that is a lot of fun with tunnels, slides and plenty of places to run and hide.
They also do pony & wagon rides in season and you can take horse back riding lessons as well at the Winton Woods Riding Center. There's picnic facilities and clean restrooms. Winton Woods Harbor - here you can rent pedal boats and row boats, get bait & tackle to fish and just enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake.
When the warm weather hits, the kids will want to go to Parky's Ark ($2.00/child or 3 for $5 for ages 2-12) for some wet playground fun. My kids always have a great time here and when they get hungry, we get some ice cream or a snack at the snack bar. There's also a dry playground adjacent to the wet one so there is something for everyone - the dry playground is FREE. Then if you just want some time with nature, find one of the many hiking trails in Winton Woods and get some peace and tranquility going.
Sharon Woods - 11450 Lebanon Road, 45241. Sharon Center (513-563-4513). This is truly a wonderful park. It has a newly revamped playground near the lake - it has a cool water feature during the summer months. You can rent pedal boats, row boats, & canoes when the Boathouse opens at the end of March. There is a gorgeous hike/bike trail that surrounds the lake as you walk through the woods.
On the other side of the park, there's another playground that is next to the nature center. There are swings, picnic areas and of course, plenty of trails to walk on. You can also head into Sharon Center and check out the FREE nature center. They also have an indoor play area, Adventure Station, that my girls love - there is a small admission charge for this ($2.50/child) but it is well worth it.
For those who enjoy history, go to the Heritage Village Museum - there's an extra charge for this but it's kind of cool to walk through the re-created 19th century town with actual buildings and artifacts from that era. I'd say school age kids would enjoy this better than the preschoolers.
Woodland Mound - 8250 Old Kellogg Road, 45255
Seasongood Nature Center (513-474-0580). I discovered this park at the end of last summer and decided to take the girls, hop in car and check it out - I'm sure glad we did. We ended up going to Breezy Point ($2.00/child or 3 kids for $5 ages 2-12) which is another fun wet playground and it has amazing views of the Ohio River and KY. The girls loved it and they also loved the soft serve ice cream at the snack bar.
The nature center is right next door so after they got tired of some fun-in-the-sun, we headed over there. It's a small nature center but the girls occupied themselves for about 30 minutes with the displays. After that we headed back outside and they played at another fun dry playground. We had a great day and will definitely head back there this summer.
Highfield Discovery Garden - www.discoverygarden.org. 10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215. Okay, I'm putting this little piece of wonderment in it's own box since it is so adorable and it is great for kids (ages 3-8)! If you haven't been here, you & your kids are in for a real treat. This is also a wonderful place to take grandparents - they will love it too.
First of all, it is located in Glenwood Gardens which has a really nice walking trail and beautiful grounds and flowers but even though it's beautiful, we've never really done that. We can't since my kids just want to head to the Discovery Garden. This is where nature and fun intersect. They have a kid friendly tree house called the Discovery Tree in the middle of the park where they can climb and explore.
They also have the most adorable little gardens dispersed throughout. There's a little tiny house perfect for little ones to have a tea party. They also have a mini train display in the Trolley Garden and the kids can pretend they are the conductors and press the light up buttons in the train station to make it go.
There's a wonderful nature center with nature programs as well as hands on things for kids to do - puzzles, puppets, games, etc. There usually is a program going on that the kids find exciting and parents can even learn something too.
One note, there is a working water spout that the kids love to pump and fill their buckets. They can then water the plants on the grounds - of course, with water you may get wet so bring a towel and an extra set of clothes just in case.
New: A Fairy Garden was added as part of the Wizard's Garden and it is something to see.
Check out their adorable little gift shop to check out on your way in or out of the park (Cotswold Visitors Center).
Cost: $4 for adults, $3 for children 2-12Family Pass is $30.00*
*A family is defined as two named adults and two children or grandchildren under the age of 16. Valid for twelve (12) months from date of purchase.
MasonMetu Tip: Since they won't allow you to bring food into the Discovery Garden, we will usually pack our lunch and eat outside the garden. They have this wonderful tree area with big rocks where you can sit and have a nice picnic lunch. Also, if you think you and your family are going to go more than once per year, purchase an annual pass - it's a bargain and they let you add on an extra person (grandparents) for a small additional charge.
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