Hamilton County · Great Parks of Hamilton County · Great Parks locations across Hamilton County · Parks & Outdoors
On Community / free-entry days, a motor vehicle permit is not required. The 2026 list includes Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 27 (Opt Outside Day), plus earlier dates already passed. Parks cover more than 17,600 acres, 78 miles of trails, playgrounds, and dog parks. Outside those days, an annual MVP is $10 for Hamilton County residents and $16 for non-residents.
When: Remaining 2026 dates: Nov. 11 Veterans Day and Nov. 27 Opt Outside Day; no motor vehicle permit required those days
Cincinnati · Cincinnati Parks · Smale Riverfront Park, downtown riverfront · Parks & Outdoors
Cincinnati Parks properties are free to visit. Named favorites include Smale Riverfront Park, Sawyer Point, Yeatman’s Cove, Alms Park, Ault Park, and Washington Park. Tip from the same guide: park free at Friendship Park and walk the riverwalk.
Blue Ash · Summit Park · Summit Park, Blue Ash · Parks & Outdoors
130-acre park with year-round events, playground, trails, dog park, and on-site restaurants. Admission is free. The observation tower was listed as temporarily closed for improvements.
When: Park admission free; observation tower temporarily closed for improvements
Cincinnati · Cincinnati Parks · Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine · Parks & Outdoors
6-acre park with a playground, seasonal interactive water park, dog park, and bandstand. Park admission is free. Connector streetcar stations are on either side of the park.