Spring Blooms in Cincinnati, OH 2025

Spring is an exciting time in Cincinnati. Even in this time of uncertainties and restrictions, most Cincinnati parks remain open. From late March through the end of May the city bursts with beautiful spring blooms: magnolias, cherry and plum trees, redbuds, wisterias, crocuses, Virginia bluebells, daffodils, tulips—the color symphony fills the parks and streets of Cincinnati.

Smale Riverfront Park: daffodils and Virginia bluebells

The park is a great start to your spring flower adventure. Smale Riverfront Park stretches along the Ohio River and features a variety of flowers from daffodils and Virginia bluebells to tulips and hyacinths. Take a stroll through Smale Riverfront Park and make sure to stop at the flower section closest to the Ohio River with a postcard view of the Roebling Suspension Bridge.

The Smale Riverfront Park is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Central Riverfront Garage is a large parking facility beneath the park, offering over 3,300 spaces.

Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum—various blooming trees and flowers

Spring Grove Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States, dating back to 1845. The site boasts a 733 ac (297 ha) garden, which draws photographers and leisure-walk enthusiasts year-round. There are also several small lakes with geese and ducks along with their neighbors—turtles, who love to sit under the sun on warm days.

From April through October, the cemetery offers tours, so you can combine some historical insights with the stunning blooms in the spring months. In late March and early April, the trees blossom, followed by the colorful displays of tulips, daffodils, and other flowers later in the spring.

Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum operates from Monday through Sunday, 8 am to 6 pm. Entrance to the cemetery and arboretum is free for all visitors. Ample on-site parking is available for visitors.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden—tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden turns into the Cincinnati Botanical Garden & Zoo each spring. "Zoo Blooms" flower show takes over the botanical garden, one of the few two accredited botanical gardens in Ohio, throughout April. The Zoo offers one of the most impressive tulip displays in the Midwest—the so-called "Tulip Mania"—with more than 100,000 tulips of all imaginable colors. The flower show also features over a million daffodils, hyacinths, and various flowering trees and shrubs.

April has some other perks. Every Thursday evening in April, visitors can enjoy free concerts during the "Tunes & Blooms" nights. Due to the restrictions and the unstable spring weather, the concert program, as well as the Zoo admission, is subject to change.

The Zoo operates daily, with hours varying by season and special events. It's advisable to check the official website or contact the Zoo directly for the most current hours before planning your visit. Ticket prices fluctuate based on the day and season. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended, as it may offer savings compared to on-site purchases. Additionally, online tickets can expedite entry.

On-site parking is available for a fee of $10. Payments can be made at parking kiosks or via Scan to Pay QR codes located around the parking areas. Please note that cash is not accepted; only credit card payments are accepted.

Eden Park—magnolias and butterflies

Eden Park stretches over some 186 ac (75 ha) and features walking trails, small lakes, and stunning spring blooms. The park is also home to the Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory.

Late March and early April is the prime time to witness tree blossoms at Eden Park. Walk to the Hinkle Gazebo and Magnolia Garden across from the Krohn Conservatory for the magnificent pink flower spectacle. The magnolia bloom usually peaks in early April. If you are keen to see more flowers, walk to Mirror Lake for the tender blossoms of roses and cherry trees along the lakeshore.

Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park offers another stunning spring spectacle: the Butterfly Show. From mid-March to mid-June (dates vary each year), thousands of butterflies flutter throughout the showroom. Eden Park is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.

Ault Park—cherry trees

One of the largest parks of Cincinnati, Ault Park has lots of green areas, hiking trails, several gardens, and a pavilion. In late March and early April, trees dress up in spring blossoms, and later in spring, various flowers lure visitors to the gardens. There are two cherry tree groves in Ault Park where you can behold the beauty of the delicate white and pink flowers: the Kwanzan Cherry tree grove and the Japanese Cherry blossom tree grove. The park is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.