Art Play Hike: A Wonderful Free Outdoor Children’s Activity In Cincinnati

As cold weather sets in, finding fun toddler activities that don’t break the bank in Cincinnati has been challenging. It was by pure chance that I stumbled upon the Cincinnati Parks outdoor series Art Play Hike. This free series is brought to life by the Contemporary Art Museum in partnership with Cincinnati Parks.

The group meets the first Tuesday of the month, from 10:30-11:30 am, at a different Cincinnati parks to create art, go on a nature hike, and try out some yoga and movement activities. The program is for children 2-7 years old, and registration is not required.

Here are three reasons why we love the Art Play Hike Program.

Explore A Variety A Great Cincinnati Parks

The class will change location each week to a different Cincinnati Park. Check the schedule to see what parks are on the agenda for each month. It has opened up a new world to us as we have been visiting places that have not been on our radar. A few of our favorites have been California Nature Park and Caldwell Nature Preserve.

Thanks to this program introducing us to new parks, we often make many return visits to explore more hiking trails and playgrounds. Did you know Mt. Airy had a treehouse? Or that California Woods had a nature center? It has opened our eyes to all the great amenities that Cincinnati Parks offers.

Create A Variety of Different Art

Coming up with creative crafts is a constant struggle in my household. Therefore, when others put together unique crafts my daughter loves, it is a win-win in my book. Each Art Play Hike starts with hands-on art-making. Whether it is ice painting, making a snow globe, or another opportunity to get their creative juices flowing.

A highlight of the crafts is that it can adapt to fit all ages. Whether simple for younger toddlers or more elaborate for the older kids in the group. Crafts are created at picnic tables, which may be shared with another participant in the program.

At the end of the program, guests get to take home an art activity bag, including an interactive park print designed by a local artist.

Get Outdoors For A Little Learning And Fresh Air

After creating a few masterpieces to bring home, we are off for an educational nature hike. A Cincinnati Park Ranger takes the kids on a fun nature walk, parents you come to, pointing out so many cool things in nature, including identifying dormant trees and how sap is tapped to track footprints in the mud.

After the hike, there is an interactive yoga and movement class. It is a fun ending to the program.

Bundle up on cold days because this program takes place regardless of the weather. If it is rainy, be sure to pack proper shoes, a raincoat, or an umbrella.

Tips To Know Before You Go To Art Play Hike

• Hot Chocolate and Coffee are typically available at the beginning of the program.
• Dress for the weather. As I mentioned earlier, this program takes place in the snow, rain, and cold.
• Get directions to the park the day before. The parks are spread out throughout Cincinnati. Therefore, in one month, the park could be ten minutes from your home, and in the next, it could be a half-hour. Check the night before to ensure you leave the house on time.
• Pack snacks. As with any event with kids, snacks are a must.
• The program is an hour-long. If it is a nice day, pack a picnic to stay at the park a little longer.
• Click here to learn more about Art Play Hike and register.

Check Out These Other Great Outdoor Spots In Cincinnati

7 Nature Preserves In Cincinnati Worth Exploring

3 Unique Hiking Trails in Cincinnati

Johnson Nature Preserve 

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Art Play Hike: A Wonderful Free Outdoor Children’s Activity In Cincinnati