It’s so important to get your kids outside to play. And what better way to do that than by letting them stomp, romp and splash around in a local creek? Creek stomping is a fun activity for kids, allowing them to get down n’ dirty, while also facilitating a connection with nature. Cincinnati has lots of picturesque, kid-friendly places to creek stomp, splash and play!
Here’s where to creek stomp in Cincinnati:
Avon Woods Preserve
4235 Paddock Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45229
The Avon Woods Preserve is a city park in Cincinnati’s North Avondale neighborhood. The park has nature trails, gardens, a nature center and stream that’s perfect for creek stomping.
Cincinnati Nature Center PlayScape
4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150
The CNC PlayScape features a special water area that’s the perfect size for little creek stompers!
California Woods Nature Preserve
5400 Kellogg Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45230
This Cincinnati Park features 53 species of trees, more than 200 species of herbaceous plants, and Lick Run Creek. This creek run through this preserve, and is home to kingfishers, snapping turtles, small fish, myriad invertebrates and the occasional visit from grebes, mallards, wood ducks and beavers.
Dulle Park/Pioneer ParkÂ
10505 Deerfield Rd. Montgomery, OH
We included both Dulle and Pioneer, as Sycamore Creek connects both Montgomery Parks (and they are located across the street from one another). Pioneer Park boasts a fishable pond (permit required for fishers over 16), but younger kids might prefer creek stomping at Dulle, which is a little more manageable.
French Park
3012 Section Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45237
French Park is the perfect place to spend a spring day with your kids; and, at 275-acres, it’s a fantastic place to let your kids run free.
Gower Park
10997 Thornview Dr, Sharonville, OH 45241
Bring your rain boots when you go to this hidden gem – there’s a creek located just beyond the playground, and it’s the perfect size for (supervised) kids.
Long Branch Farm
6926 Gaynor Rd, Goshen, OH 45122
This Cincinnati Nature Facility is only open for creek stompin’ at certain times, so be sure to check the calendar for open stompin’ times.
Mt. Airy Forest
5083 Colerain Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45223
Cincinnati’s largest urban park at 1,459 acres, Mt. Airy forest features miles of hiking trails and bridle trails, plus lots of areas with shallow, stompable water.
Sharon Woods
11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, OH 45241
With the Sharon Creek running throughout this Great Park, there are lots of shallow spots for creek stomping. Kids will especially love admiring the waterfalls (please use caution around waterfalls — there are signs prohibiting hikers from hiking in certain areas — like along the overhang).
Summit Park
4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, OH
Summit Park’s Nature Playscape has next-level creek stomping, featuring several connected ponds and pools with rapids, rocks and interactive elements.
Triple Creek Park
2700 Buell Road, Cincinnati, OH 45251
True to its name, Triple Creek is prime creek stompin’ territory. In addition to great stomping grounds (pun intended!), Triple Creek also has open-to-the-public fishing.
What should you bring creek stomping? We recommend rain boots/water shoes, a change of clothes, sunscreen/hat and a healthy sense of adventure and awe.
