Welcome to the Cincinnati Nature Center PlayScape, where kids can unleash their curiosity and embrace the joy of being outdoors! Imagine a magical world filled with winding trails, giant logs, kid-sized creeks, rocks, trees, and mud. Every element is thoughtfully connected to create a space where your little ones can touch, feel, and explore to their hearts’ content.
This incredible playscape, known as the Marge & Charles Schott Cincinnati Nature Center PlayScape, is here to make your kids’ dreams come true.
As you step outside, you’ll find a network of trails meandering through the woods, connecting all the exciting components of the Cincinnati Nature Center PlayScape. Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by the soothing sounds of nature – the melodies of birds, the chorus of cicadas, and the gentle babbling of water.
Get ready for some wet and wild adventures at the shallow yet stomp-able creek! Your little explorers will have a blast climbing rocks, skipping stones, and splashing in the water. Dress them in slip shoes for maximum fun (and don’t forget your rain boots too, so you can join in on the excitement!). With its shallow depths, the creek provides a safe and perfect space for kids to enjoy some water play.
Next, venture over to the open room filled with flat surfaces and an abundance of logs, branches, and large sticks just waiting to be transformed into forts and structures. Watch as your kids’ imaginations come alive as they eagerly build and create.
Take a scenic trail walk afterwards, pausing by the creek to admire the wildlife around you. Keep an eye out for the vibrant red cardinal, the colorful yellow finch, and the enchanting brown-speckled butterfly. Nature never fails to surprise and amaze!
Now, brace yourselves for the highlight of the PlayScape: the Mud Zone! Let your kids dive into a world of messy, muddy play. They can mix mud pies using dishes and utensils, make mud using a giant hose, and sit on stumps while scooping out wet, muddy slop. This may go against the grain for those of us with a Type-A personality, but take a deep breath and embrace the mess. Seeing the sheer joy on your kids’ faces is worth it! After all, where else can they freely let loose and play in the mud?
To wrap up your adventure, head over to the bathrooms where you’ll find an outdoor area for washing off. Remember to bring clean clothes for your little ones, as they may just need a change after their muddy escapades. Trust me, it’s all part of the fun, so lean into the mess and enjoy the experience to the fullest!
Consider becoming a member of the Cincinnati Nature Center to unlock even more outdoor wonders. With a membership, you gain access to the best hiking trails in Southwestern Ohio, while supporting the preservation of green spaces, wildlife habitats, and conservation ethics for the next generation.
Plan your visit to the Cincinnati Nature Center and PlayScape today. The center’s hours vary by month, so make sure to check the schedule before you go:
January: 8 am–5:30 pm *Visitor Center closed New Years Day
February: 8 am–6 pm
March: 8 am–7:30 pm
April: 8 am–8 pm
May: 7 am–8:30 pm
June: 7 am–9 pm
July: 7 am–9 pm
August: 7 am–8:30 pm
September: 8 am–7:30 pm
October: 8 am–7 pm
November: 8 am–5:30 pm *Visitor Center closed Thanksgiving Day
December: 8 am–5 pm
The Cincinnati Nature Center PlayScape awaits you at 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, Ohio 45150. Come and create unforgettable memories with your family in this natural oasis!