Playgrounds are a great place for little ones to burn off that excessive energy, get some exercise and fresh air, and of course for the family to spend quality time together. Toddlers (say, five and under) love playgrounds just as much as older children, but they can be stressful places for parents, who have to keep an eye out for danger traps such as tall ledges, fireman poles, and quickly moving swings.
But that doesn’t mean you should avoid a playground with your little outdoor enthusiast. If you have younger children, check out our guide to Cincinnati’s Top Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds that will ease your mind and entertain your kids!
Gower Park (pictured)
10997 Thornview Dr, Sharonville, OH 45241
This Sharonville gem is so much fun. There are mini vehicles to ride, a dino-themed tot lot and lots of swings. Plus, it’s located across the street from the Sharonville branch of the Cincinnati Library, so you can hit up story time after your kids have played.
Highfield Discovery Garden at Glenwood Gardens
10397 Springfield Pike, Woodlawn, OH 45215
This magical garden may not be a typical playground, but it is perfect for toddlers! Playing here is like stepping inside a fairy tale and young children will especially love the magical features like a fairy garden, outdoor train, and swinging bridges. You’ll definitely want to visit this park while your children are still young and you can get more information here.
Land of Make Believe at Lunken Airport
4740 Playfield Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45226
Toddlers love playgrounds and they love planes, so why not take them to a playground that’s at an airport? Land of Make Believe is a fenced-in (they can’t escape!), mostly shaded playground with plenty of equipment for all ages. There are multiple swings for little ones and an area just for them. To see more of what this park offers, check this out!
LilyPad Play
2008 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208
If it’s raining or just gets too hot and humid to be outside, then your first stop with toddlers should be LilyPad Play. This new, Pinterest-perfect indoor play space is aimed toward kids 6 and under, and the space is truly great for that diverse age range.
Symmes Township Park
11600 Lebanon Road, Symmes Township, OH 45140
This newly revamped park is the epitome of little kid friendly. Bright colors, low-to-the-ground structures and soft, green turf give even the tiniest cruisers lots of options at this new playground.
ICYMI: 10 Best Inclusive Playgrounds in Cincinnati
Summit Park
4335 Glendale-Milford Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242
Summit Park is another mulch-free gem that offers so much for young children. A good portion of the playground is dedicated solely to little ones and their little imaginations can run wild, along with their feet, at this innovative play space. It also has restrooms and picnic spots, and if they still need to run after time on the playground, there are open fields and walking paths for that, too! For more on this incredible park, visit here.
West Fork Park
4764 West Fork Road, Cincinnati, OH 45247
We’ve raved about this new playground recently here, and it is definitely ideal for little ones. There is a section dedicated just to toddlers and even babies, but other areas are great for them, too. The colorful maze is entertaining, but easy to see inside, and there is zero mulch for eating and throwing (or is that just my kids?). There is also a nice restroom if you are in the middle of potty training, and a shelter for picnics.
These seven playgrounds are the perfect spots for toddlers to run, play and explore. If you’re looking for a place that has your little one’s needs in mind, check these out and be sure to report back and let us know what you thought!