Smale Riverfront Park- Downtown Cincinnati

Cincinnati finally has a riverfront that surpasses Newport on the Levee

In just the 7+ years that we have lived here, Cincinnati's waterfront has gone from good to spectacular. With the addition of The Banks and Smale Riverfront Park, there are a lot of interesting sites, delicious restaurants and free fun things to do.

One day in July, the kids and I headed out for water, walking and warm summer breezes by the Ohio River. 

Leah & her friend, Seth, playing in the water

Plenty of shade and seating for adults too.

There are two water spray pads within just a few blocks of each other. No one should feel strange dressing their kids in swimsuits, because we saw plenty of people there doing the same. These are very kid-friendly fountains, made for play. Both areas also have plenty of seating and shade for parents too.

Make sure you take towels!

But there is also history at Smale Park. A memorial to the Black Brigade of the Civil War is beautiful and commemorates a mostly unknown group of men who served our country well.

There is a meditative labryinth (which my kids used for play instead)...

beautiful views of Covington and the River...

The Cincinnati-Covington Roebling Bridge

and the swings!

These swings were the entire reason why we went down to Smale Park to begin with. 

I kept seeing pictures of these swings in tourism and promotional photos and I absolutely had to find them. I know it's silly, but big front-porch type swings along a meandering river in the "near" South. 

Yes, I have always believed that I should have been born further South. I am a southern girl at heart!

You could actually sit on these swings and listen to a Reds game. That is Great American Ballpark in the background.

Regardless of why you go down to The Banks...food, fun, football (yes, it's almost here) or family time, don't forget to stop along the way at Smale Riverfront Park. 

Cincinnati...you did good.

You did good.

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End note:  I can't wait for the trolley car system that will connect the riverfront to everything between it and Findlay Market. We will definitely experience the "spend-a-day-wandering-around-Cincinnati" that I've always wanted to do when that opens up.