It’s hard to believe, but in just a few days, it will be 2016. A New Year. And I’m sure my kids will ring in 2016 with a chorus of “where are we going today?” questions at 5:30 a.m. on January 1.
And you know what? I can’t wait!
I’m looking forward to exploring more in 2016, and sharing all the fantastic, family friendly places I find — with you! But for today, I’m looking back at 2015 with a smile, and revealing my top 15 posts from the year. I hope you enjoy, and have a very happy and safe New Year!
15. Apple Picking and 14. Blueberry Picking at Iron’s Fruit Farm
Iron’s Fruit Farm is one of my favorite finds of 2015 — this farm is gorgeous, family friendly and very reasonably priced. Apple and blueberry picking at Iron’s are now McCosham family traditions!
13. The Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati
This Kentucky park would make a great activity on a chilly (but dry) Saturday afternoon this winter! See real cars and engines up close at this well-preserved rail yard.
12. Mt. Airy Forest
It’s a giant, wheelchair-and-stroller accessible tree house! In the middle of America’s largest municipal park. Very cool!
11. Smale Riverfront Park
If you want the ultimate splash park experience, head to Smale Park. Between fountains, interactive water activities, streams and spritzers, Smale is awesome. Plus, there’s a giant playground, flying pig, larger-than-life keyboard and picnic areas galore at this free Cincinnati Park!
10. Carol Ann’s Carousel
In May, Cincinnati got its very own hand-made, wooden carousel on the banks of the Ohio River. Rides are just $2, and this carousel is open year-round!
9. 2015 All-Star Game
Cincinnati hosted the All-Star Game in 2015, and commemorated the event with moustaches. We downloaded the moustache map and had a blast exploring the city during All-Star Weekend.
8. Blooms & Berries
If you have kids, you have to go to Blooms & Berries’ Fall Festival. The highlight for the kids was the gigantic (as in, two-story tall) slide made from some sort of rubber tubing.
7. The Art of the Brick
There are lots of reasons to take your family to this exhibit; the most compelling being, simply, that it’s really, really cool.
6. Goebel Goats
Covington’s Goebel Park has a clock tower, brand-new playground and goats! The goats are hibernating for the season, but will be back in the spring!
5. Gorman Heritage Farm
A real, working and educational farm located just off Reading Road, Gorman Heritage Farm is beautiful and a great place to take your kids. All winter long, you can get your Blue Oven Bread fix there, too!
4. Highfield Discovery Garden
This kids’ park is part of Glenwood Gardens, and has become a regular in our parks rotation! A family pass is just $40/year, and my kids love the outdoor train display. In the summer, they got to pick fresh vegetables from the garden, too!
3. Behringer Christmas Tree Farm
This local tree farm had everything I wanted: lots of trees, a cozy, homey atmosphere and tons of Christmas spirit! Plus, trees were only $33 each (and ours is still standing and looking great!). We will be back in 2016.
2. Shillito’s Elves
Santa’s Workshop is one of Cincinnati’s most cherished holiday traditions. Catch these elves in Downtown Mariemont before they’re gone for the season!
1. Pyramid Hill
This was my very favorite outing — acres of acres of gorgeous, lush space to run around, really gorgeous and large-scale sculptures… Pyramid Hill is a local gem. Catch the holiday lights at Pyramid Hill until Jan. 3!
I’ve lived in Cincinnati for 29 of my 31 years, and am still constantly surprised by the Queen City’s hidden gems, gorgeous parks and off-the-beaten-path places.
Thanks to this blog (and YOU!), I get to explore my beloved city as part of my job — and with my favorite people in the whole world! I’m pretty lucky. We all are pretty lucky to live in such a beautiful, family friendly city!
My family started lots of new traditions this year that I am excited to carry into 2016 and beyond. I hope this blog helps give you ideas and inspiration for your own family!
See you in 2016!