What a wonderful park! There's something for everyone. The splash fountains and playgrounds are perfect for children. The river-facing bench swings are built for adults (but kids can enjoy them too). There's a labyrinth/maze to walk through, lots of things to climb on, and even a gorgeous carousel (and very affordable, at $2 a ride). When I was there last night, there was even live music. It's pet-friendly and kid-friendly, but it's also a great place to just relax by the river with a book. And it's beautiful, with modern architecture paired with lovely gardens and water features. read more

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Great place to run or walk. I ran there in the morning and the early evening. It has some descriptions of the past along the River walk.

I really like this park. So pretty, peaceful and the splash park part of it kept my daughter very entertained. She did slip and fall on the light gray tiles after coming out of the splash part with the black tiles which I guess are a little more grippy. She was hurt but obviously nothing that required stitches. Just bruised and crying. She went right back out there, now a bit more cautious of that slippery tile all around the splash part. We love the swings!! Even on sweltering days, the swings cool you off big time. There are nice clean bathrooms fairly close, on the next block by the big waterfalls. The park is right by a parking garage. Overall we love this park. read more

Another unique and compelling reason to visit, be proud of and enjoy Cincinnati. The hand crafted carousel is eye catching and a happy place. Children of all ages will love their experience with family. Make it a treasured tradition with yours. read more

Smale Riverfront Park - Parks Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I feel bad for kids who fall down, or people who thought parking was too expensive (it would be nice if it were free). But these are externalities that the park and its designers can't control. This park is a 5 star experience, period. Go as soon as possible. You will see Cincinnati from, literally, a whole new perspective. read more

I'm so excited about this park! It is probably the first thing, as an OTR resident, that has made me say that I might consider moving down to the CBD. I'm not going to, but it made me think. At least it's still walking distance from me! The fountains are beautiful. The green space is slowly starting to "spiff up" the riverfront, which is a fantastic thing. Every time I'm there, I see a fair amount of people hanging out there, which so adds to the sense of community. The lights in the staircase fountain are cool, but the best water feature is the waterfall thing, in the evening when the lights are on that. It is beautiful. If you are a kid, the best part is splashing through the fountains (and if I had on more appropriate shoes, that probably would have been MY favorite part as well, because every time I've been there it has been super-hot). Anyway--there is something about this park that makes me feel like this is a real city, and I love it! read more

Beautiful riverside park in downtown Cincinnati. Trees, gardens, exercise equipment, benches, giant chessboard and on and on. Start at one end and work your way around the park. It seems there's a surprise around every corner. read more

I can't believe I hadn't reviewed Smale yet! As the closest Cincinnati park to where I live, Smale is my go to for a stroll or a bike ride. The first time I visited Smale, when only phase one was open, I thought to myself how crazy it was that there hadn't been a riverfront park already along this stretch. Its beautifully landscaped and offers something for pretty much everyone. Just want to watch the sunset or people watch? There are sweet swings set up overlooking the river. Want to play kickball and have strangers laugh as you accidentally fall up a grassy hill? There's some green space for that. Having a family day with the kids? There are multiple playground areas including splash pads, a great carousel, and a giant keyboard a la Big. Smale connects to the east with Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove and Friendship Park, so its a pretty fun walk to do that entire trek along the river. Or you can rent a Red Bike and bike it which is also a blast! I really can't say enough good things about Smale. It's just a beautiful addition to the city. read more

Easily the nicest and coolest park I've ever been to.... have a 10/12 year old sons and they wanted to stay for hours. Highlights: big chess set, the climbing area, and the piano chimes. Had pizza at the pint and pie - also amazing. read more

I took an English colleague to the opening of Smale park. She has been living in London for years and was very impressed by our new Smale park. I tend to think that's a good sign. Smale park may be not very big, it has different parts to it and is symbolically very important for making change happen in Cincinnati. My 2 favorite spots right now are probably the grass field with the stage next to Moerlein and the fountains next to that. There are several benches next to the fountains, I've really enjoyed sitting there, overlooking the river. And it's obviously really cool for kids to run through. At first I didn't get the grass field, but then at the opening of the park, it all made sense: it's great to have just an open space for people to lay on the grass, sit down, picknick, for kids to run around... for all to enjoy the band that plays on the stage. I suddenly saw a different Cincy, where all people came together, no matter what your age, social status or race is. And it felt good - everybody is excited about this new place to get together and it promises a great future for Cincy! As you then walk down the stairs, you'll find my 3rd favorite element: the stairwell fountains, they are magical to me! I'm tempted to go and stand under them every time I walk by :) The part of the park along the riverside seems promising as well (see Paige's review for more details!). A great addition to Cincinnati! read more

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This park was much nicer than expected. There were many interactive things to do, in addition to playground and workout equipment... And, of course, the swings. read more

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This is a really nice place to spend a summer evening, especially the part by the river. I always stop by Orange Leaf after the reds games and head down to Smale to hang out and enjoy the froyo while waiting for the parking / traffic to clear. It seems there is always some new cool spot in the park. The view of the skyline, the river views, this place just seems to be the place to be after dark. It would be 5 star, but the restroom aren't always open. read more

Beautiful riverside park. Several chair swings for adults and children alike. Cute unique play area for kids with slides, climbing and more. If you are near the ballpark or stadium you should definitely check it out. read more

Go, just go! Cincinnati definitely knows how to do parks. This place is gorgeous. Perfect place to take a book to read, walk the dog, let the kids run around in the water sprays, take scenic pics, walk the spiral labyrinth path, eat some Orange Leaf fro-yo, and be proud of Cincinnati's up-and-comingness. And there's a bike center where you can rent bikes, get your own fixed, find tour route info, and more. So very cool and it's not even completely done yet. Usually my favorite thing about parks is that they're free, but the $1-per-half hour parking garage rate is totally worth it to me to enjoy this spot. Can't wait to come back at night to check out the pretty water lights, and also to see what events they use the lawn space for. read more

This is possibly my favorite place in the city. When I'm down in the dumps, going here and seeing the fountains with the shining lights, and walking along the river- always cheers me up. I love the swings, the little park, the rose garden. The fountains. Seriously- the lights on the fountains. Plus it's close to some great bars for drinks and snacks. Love this place. read more

I walked around down here taking pictures this past weekend and felt completely safe walking alone at 8pm. The bridge and views of the buildings downtown are amazing! read more

I'll just keep piling on the love for this place. It's about damn time we have something this beautiful on the Cincinnati Riverfront. I can't wait to come back with my camera and take some cool shots of the fountains at night. Thanks to those involved with bringing this park to fruition. Anyone else getting a boost of pride for this city? read more

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I went down to Smale Riverfront Park the day after the official grand opening, as I was in the area. Seeing the sprayground made me wish I was a kid again... This is a small park, but they did not skimp on the details! I just love it! From the water that cascades down from the upper level to a small pool down below to the aforementioned sprayground, it's all very beautiful. And I didn't get to see it, but I hear there is a lighted display at night! What?! That alone is worth going back again and again. There's lots of space to sit and chill, and a lot of people were doing that this day. Welcome to The Banks, SRP! You're in good company! read more

This park makes the riverfront so inviting. There's greenery, water, and colorful lights at night. It's a joy to see kids playing in the water during the day, and I love the ambience in the evening. This park is a must visit when visiting the area. read more

Smale Riverfront Park - At night ... Beautiful colors - Parks Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Smale Riverfront Park is a nice open concrete park with fountains that is located on the riverfront. I stopped by here after the marathon to sit on the benches and they had a public outdoor water fountain. This is a nice little park with a great view. The fountains encourage little ones to play and get wet. Though I do not encourage such activity I could see why some parents would want to bring their kids here. This is a nice modern touch to a growing downtown area. read more

Great place for an evening or morning stroll. What a great park! This place will only get better with the addition of a carousel next summer! Highlights include: - Awesome rocking benches overlooking the Ohio River - just watch the barges and boats float by. - Plenty of fountains to explore and even a few that you or your kids could jump in on a hot summer day! - The playground should be opening very soon and it looks spectacular. - There is a connection to walk across the beautiful Roebling Suspension Bridge - this bridge was once the longest of its kind in the world, and was the design test for the Brooklyn Bridge! - Moerlein Beer Garden - Near the Ballpark, and at the top of the park, there is the Moerlein Lager House with an enormous two story patio overlooking the park, river and bridge. When you get thirsty head here for great local brews and great food. - Bike Center - the bike center is located at the bottom of the Walnut street steps and offer bikes for rent (including 2-4 person bike mobiles). Very fun! read more

VERY beautiful park! Went with my sister right a couple days after it opened. We were there in the morning and there were a couple other people strolling through - stopping to take pictures of the fountains and read the plaques. The zen garden was so amazing! The open green space was stunning - seriously, words can't describe it! So many beautiful potted flowers along the way. The numerous fountains were so brilliantly designed. Whenever we have out of town guests, this is one of the first places I take them! Can't wait to go back one night to see the colored lights!! read more

The city did a great job with Smale Riverfront Park. It's the best park in Cincinnati, with Washington Park as a close second. This park offer views of the Cincinnati skyline, Ohio River, and the Roebling Bridge. read more

Smale Riverfront Park - A beautiful sunset view of Roebling Bridge from Smale Riverfront Park. - Parks Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Love the swings.....great for watching the river boat traffic. Happen to be there on the 14th of Nov a saw fire works shot from the Covington side. One of the best places in Cincinnati is this park hands down. read more

This is going to really be a strength for the city as we continue to see a revitalization of urban cities. Think millennium park in Chicago. I look forward to the continued development of the park and encourage everyone to check this park out. You can rent bikes, Segway tours, visit multiple restaurants located at the banks, quickly access great American ballpark, Paul brown stadium, and US bank arena. read more

Great park. It was very hot the day we went so we couldn't stay to long. But I wish we could have. We had a great time walking the path and finding adventures along the way. Parking was a little tricky tho. read more

So fun! Lots of fun visual interest and active things to do. Great eating close by too. On a hot day cross the street for an ice cold beer

An expansive park that covers the waterfront area of downtown Cincinnati and joins next to Sawyer Point. More green spaces than Sawyer with a different atmosphere. Lots of water features some of which kids can play in, a carousel, swings, and a neat play area. You can rent a bike too! All of these peaceful features are surrounded by Cincinnati's downtown cityscape, giving you the feeling of participating in some enculturation. Love it read more

Such an excellent morning was had by all last Friday. We parked in Covington and walked across the Roebling Bridge. I just love that walk and the view, the water action, etc. GREAT walk. Three adults and four kids enjoyed the Carousel - only $1.50 each!! The lower level park's climbing and other interactive things were fun, interesting and something we could all enjoy together. We came with out of town visitors (from upstate NY) and I'm going to bring all visitors here in the future. Our guests were impressed with Cincinnati and the park. read more

A beautiful park especially at night when all the lights turn on. A great place to take kids to play in the water sprinklers or sit on the swinging benches. Has a great view of the river too! The park continues along the river so it's actually fairly large just spread out. The park is kept really clean but can get super crowded on nice days. read more

On a recent trip to Cincinnati I had to get out for a few runs as it's something I enjoy and also very much enjoy doing in new cities. (Cheers to exploring!) I ended up coming to the Riverfront Park twice for my long runs and I was pleasantly surprised. It's very runner/biker friendly and has plenty of water fountains along the way. It's also a very nice park for families as they have playgrounds and swinging chairs. There is plenty of open space for recreational activities and picnics. What really made me love this Riverfront Park is that is very well maintained and there was plenty of security throughout it. If I lived here, I would definitely make this a go-to weekend spot for any activity that would come to mind. Highly recommended. read more

Beautiful place to visit! Sit and watch barges go up and down the Ohio River; let the kids play in the Childrens Park, visit any of the eateries or micro brewery, catch a tour of the Cincinnati Reds' Stadium (GABP), look at the Cincinnati Bengals' stadium, visit the carousel (that has Cincy themed characters you can ride on)...lots to do for the whole family!!! Must see in Cincy! read more

Smale Riverfront Park - Parks Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This place was phenomenal. Gray for a romantic walk in the park. Also fantastic for the little kids. So many neat things to do. Pack a bathing suit for the kids because there's a lot of water play. Looks like an all day entertainment for kids at no cost. Can't go wrong....feee entertainment. read more

This is such a beautiful place to walk. Plus, there are a couple play areas for the kids and lots of grass for them to run around in. We're down here at least once a week and always pack a lunch. Parking can be tricky if there's a Bengals or Reds game. Apart from those days, we usually find street parking, garage parking, or park across the river and walk over the Roebling Bridge to get to the park. Our favorite thing about Smale is the big swings overlooking the river. read more

If you have a kid, just go ahead and give this place 5 stars, sight-unseen. Wow this place is so great. Bring towels and extra clothes and watch your kids have an absolute blast in the fountains and other water features. Take a splash yourself, or find some of the ample shade available from the many trees or under the bridge where you'll also find public restrooms and a snack bar. Absolutely loved the experience so much we went down for a second straight day when we were recently in town. Such a beautiful space, Cincinnati, great job! read more

This park was fantastic! There is playground equipment, including a life size checker and chess board as well as a water park area and a large foot piano like in the movie BIG. You can walk down by the water, watch the barges going down. A great bridge connecting Ohio and Kentucky. There were kids and adults of all ages in this park. It was fantastic. Large swing overlooking the water. Amazing park. read more

LOTS of fun for all ages! We spent many days walking the river. If you're in Cincinnati it's worth the walk around.

Smale Park was perfect for an afternoon jog. There were plenty of people out using this park even in the middle of the day on a weekday. I would love to return with my kids to try out some of the fun play areas I saw. read more

We went on 5-4-13 to walk around and explore while we were in town for the Flying Pig Marathon, but the area is mostly under construction. We saw some neat fountains and displays, but was pretty disappointed not to be able to really walk around the river. I'm sure it will be awesome once construction is completed. read more

This may be one of my favorite things to do in Cincinnati. Don't miss this. You can rent bikes, segways, surreys. It's awesome. I run here (good for about a four mile run, 2 out and back). There is just a lot to see and do. You can also walk over the bridges, walking over the purple people bridge is really cool. Don't miss this. You can probably spend a solid two hours doing this. Yay! read more