As the days are growing longer and evening hours are getting warmer and lighter, Cincy residents are slowly getting out of their winter hibernation. The spring blooms wrap the city parks. Spring is in the air and the season of picnics begins. Picnics are the perfect way to spend time with family and friends on a budget. Cincinnati is nicknamed The City of Seven Hills, so you can guess how beautiful the views of the city are when you go for a picnic. The Cincy parks offer designated picnicking areas and lots of things to do besides the actual picnic.
When is the picnic season in Cincinnati
Warm and sunny days are frequent guests in Cincinnati from spring to fall. Picnic shelters and group picnic areas in most Cincinnati parks are usually open from April 15 through October 15. Shelters are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Group picnic areas should be reserved via Cincinnati Parks.
Best places to enjoy picnic in The 'Nati
One of the most scenic picnic spots is Alms Park with an outstanding view of the Ohio River and Lunken Airport. The park has wonderful woodland scenery, hiking trails, a concrete slide for all ages, and a beautiful pavilion in the Italian Renaissance style. The reserved picnic area offers an open shelter, picnic tables, water, swings, grills, volleyball net, and parking. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy a picnic in Mt. Airy Forest. Miles of hiking trails, bridle trails for horseback riding, the fairytale-like Everybody's Treehouse (wheelchair accessible!), an enclosed dog park, and disc golf can keep you busy all day long. Mt. Airy Forest boasts a couple of forest lodges and three picnic areas available for reservation. If you prefer spontaneity, simply throw a picnic at one of 23 picnic areas within Mt. Airy Forest. They have everything you need for a perfect picnic: tables, charcoal grills, and swings. Another family-friendly picnic spot in Cincinnati is Mt. Echo Park with playgrounds and hiking trails. One of the perks of the location is an excellent view of Downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River. Make a photo stop at the beautiful arched pavilion built in the late 1920s. The reserved picnic area has tables, restrooms, grills, and panoramic views, but alcohol is not allowed at the site. There are lots of other parks with picnic areas and family-friendly activities closer to the city center like Eden Park and Smale Riverfront Park. Whatever place you choose, look for the best spots and enjoy the views of the Ohio River and hills of Northern Kentucky.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Cincinnati for picnic season?
Cincinnati's picnic season typically runs from late April to early October, when warm and sunny weather make it a perfect time for outdoor activities. Spring and summer remains the best time to visit, with parks full of bloom and excellent views of the city. Shelters in these parks can be used from 15th of April to 15th of October, and are available to anyone on a first-come, first-serve basis. Show more
Where are the best scenic spots for a picnic in Cincinnati?
Several parks in Cincinnati offer great scenery and will make for a memorable picnic. With parks like Alms Park located on Mt. Tusculum offering a view of the airport and Ohio River. Mt Airy Forest offering miles of hiking trails, disc golf, a dog park, and Everybody's Treehouse. Mt. Echo Park comes with an excellent view of Downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River. Show more
What activities besides picnicking can be enjoyed in Alms Park?
Alms Park in Cincinnati offers many family-friendly activities, including hiking trails, a playground and a concrete slide that suits every age group. The park has a new pavilion renovated in the Italian Renaissance style, perfect for taking pictures. At the bottom of the park is a rose garden and a baseball diamond. Picnickers have shelter, picnic tables, water, swings, grills, and parking available. Show more
Are reservations required for all picnic areas in Mt. Airy Forest?
Mt. Airy Forest in Cincinnati offers visitors three picnic areas that they can reserve. However, there are also up to twenty-three picnic areas available that don't require prior bookings. While it's recommended to have reservations, they are not a must, unlike group picnic areas, which have to be reserved. Picnickers have access to tables, charcoal grills, and swings provided in all picnic areas. Show more
Is alcohol allowed in reserved picnic areas at Mt. Echo Park?
Mt. Echo Park welcomes picnickers to enjoy great views of Downtown Cincinnati and Ohio river while using tables, grills, and restrooms. However, it strictly forbids carrying or drinking alcohol within the park limits. Park officials ensure this regulation is enforced. For parents visiting with kids, it is good to note that the playgrounds found in the park are not fenced. Show more
