It seems that the warmer weather is finally here to stay and that means it is time to get outside! Thankfully, Cincinnati has plenty of Great Parks to explore and enjoy. Recently, I took my kids back to a park where I spent quite a bit of time as a child. I spread the word to a few friends and before long, five moms and thirteen kids were meeting up for a spring playdate at Farbach Werner Nature Preserve.
I knew Farbach Werner fairly well, but what I didn’t realize was that they host a number of events throughout the year. Now through April 28th, they are celebrating Painted Pots Week. Daily from 11-4, children can paint a flowerpot and have it hung throughout the park. You can also choose to purchase the pot and take it home with you for five dollars. When we arrived, they had a large table set up with all of the necessary supplies, so our eager group of youngsters grabbed paintbrushes and got to work.
After painting, we spread out on nearby benches for a picnic lunch. There are plenty of shaded spots and picnic tables. They also have a nice restroom facility, a space for events and Nature Niche’s Gift and Books – a memorable place for me. Whenever I would visit this park as a child, my mom would let me pick out one gemstone. I had quite the collection and was happy to see they still had them in the store (many, many years later). The staff and volunteers were also just as nice and welcoming as I remembered.
After lunch, we hit up the Pin Oak Trail – a .6 mile paved trail that winds through the woods, past bamboo, butterflies, wildflowers and a small pond. It was the perfect length for our group that included wandering toddlers and sleepy babies. As you walk through the trail, it’s easy to forget that you are in the middle of an urban area. That was also something I always remembered about Farbach Werner and something I love about all of the Great Parks. They are true escapes into nature, right in the heart of Cincinnati.
Farbach Werner has many events throughout the year and it’s a great place to visit on your own or with a big group for a play date! For more info on all Great Parks events, check out their calendar here. And for more info on Farbach Werner, read all about it here.
About Andrea:
A native Cincinnatian, Andrea has experienced life in all four corners of this city. After growing up on the west side, she headed north to attend Miami University, then moved east to Hyde Park and now lives in Northern Kentucky with her family.
When she’s not playing trains and doing the “hot dog dance” as a stay-at-home mom to her two toddlers, Andrea is busy writing for Cincinnati publications and brainstorming ideas for her next children’s book! With a newfound passion for fitness and overall health, she spends a lot of time at her family gym and loves to play outside.
Andrea worked in education for several years and has a special love for children’s literature. She loves showing her children all our city has to offer and enjoys sharing her finds with other parents. Her favorite spots include the Cincinnati Zoo (although she steers clear of the bird house), her local library and any playground.