Finding inclusive areas that cater to toddlers, preschoolers, grade-schoolers, and kids with special needs is no easy feat.
Check out our 10 Best Inclusive Playgrounds around Cincinnati:
All Children’s Playground
The Anderson Township Park District has created a playground at Beech Acres Park where all children can play and learn together. For children ages 0-5, there is a Tot Lot complete with a train and train station, plus swings, a sand play area and a playhouse. Older kids will like the larger-than-life climbing boulders and a massive fort-like play unit. For everyone, regardless of age, there is a riverboat shelter, a seasonal water play area and a Sway Fun glider. 6910 Salem Road, Cincinnati, OH 45230
Crescent Park
Located in Wyoming, the universally accessible playground is one of a kind in Cincinnati. Unlike most playgrounds, Crescent Park lets children push their wheelchair onto several rockers and spinners for the best time ever with friends and family. 340 Crescent Avenue, Wyoming, OH 45215
Gower Park
This Sharonville gem truly has something for everyone: a big-kids playground with a rock wall and multi-level play structure, and a sizable tot lot. The park is located across from the Sharonville library (score) and surrounded with a fence to keep kids contained as they play. (The fence opens at a few spots, but it’s easy to keep an eye on your kiddos.) 10997 Thornview Drive, Sharonville, OH 45241
Great Parks
Great Parks has two universally accessible playgrounds: Francis RecreAcres and Winton Woods – Harper Meadows. Both have wide wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory-friendly equipment and rubber safety mats beneath the equipment. Francis RecreAcres: 11982 Conrey Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249; Winton Woods/Harper Meadows: 10245 Winton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231
Makino Park
Makino Park is a one-of-a-kind asset for Mason and the entire Greater Cincinnati region. This park encourages recreation for multi-generational users of all abilities in a peaceful, welcoming setting. Makino Park includes Common Ground Playground, FCC Field mini pitch soccer, a shelter area for gathering and programming, and restrooms, all designed for an enjoyable visit. 6100 Kopfler Court, Mason, OH 45040
LeBlond Recreation Center
While all CRC recreation centers and programs are accessible and inclusive, the LeBlond Regional RecPlex uses the principles of universal design to offer the best experience for individuals and families with or without disabilities. CRC’s mission goes beyond meeting ADA standards to exceed them. The indoor/outdoor RecPlex provides inclusive recreation activities while promoting healthy lifestyles and fitness. 2335 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Mt. Airy Forest
Dubbed “Everybody’s Treehouse,” Mt. Airy Treehouse is as charming, unique and accessible as the Queen City herself, and is worth a visit with your family. It’s 14 feet tall and connected to 12 trees within the forest. It has fairy-tale features, such as a winding (and wheelchair-accessible) ramp, a swirly, shingled roof, and windows with crooked branches as windowpanes. The views from the treehouse are stunning. There’s also an inclusive playground just across the street that kids of all ages will love. 1212 Trail Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Summit Park Playground
The playground features separate areas for ages 5 to 12 and 5 and under, and my youngest two took their first steps in the little kids’ section. There is a ramp parents and kids can walk up, and lots of soft playground turf that takes the danger out of falling. When your kids have tired of this playground, head over to the Nature PlayScape. 4335 Glendale-Milford Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242
Washington Park
The half-acre, 18,000-square-foot, fenced children’s playground has features based on historic Cincinnati structures. Features include a play castle, climbing wall, sandbox, dual slides, a canal boat in a stream and musical instruments, all creatively integrated into a safe and imaginative play environment for children of all ages. 1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
West Fork Park
This inclusive playground is worth the hype, as it’s truly for everyone, and visually stunning to boot. There is a section dedicated to toddlers and even babies, but other areas are great for them too. Big kids will love the large play structure and zip line. The maze is entertaining but easy to see inside, and the entire park is covered in turf. 4764 West Fork Road, Cincinnati, OH 45247
