Forest Park OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Forest Park, Ohio.
1. Neusole Glassworks
GLASS ART EDUCATION CENTER
Neusole Glassworks is a nonprofit, public access educational glassblowing studio dedicated to teaching the art of glass. Visitors can watch demonstrations, take classes, or purchase unique glass art pieces created by local artists. The studio regularly hosts special events and exhibitions showcasing various glass art techniques and creations.
2. Meadow Links & Golf Academy
PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Meadow Links & Golf Academy offers a well-maintained golf course suitable for players of all skill levels. The facility includes practice areas, a driving range, and professional instruction for those looking to improve their game. Golf enthusiasts appreciate the challenging layout and affordable rates at this popular Forest Park destination.
3. Smooth Jazz Festival
ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Smooth Jazz Festival is a beloved annual event in Forest Park featuring renowned jazz musicians and local talent. Attendees enjoy a day of soulful music performances in an outdoor setting with food vendors and a festive atmosphere. The festival has become a cultural highlight of the city, drawing jazz enthusiasts from across the region.
4. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
HISTORICAL EDUCATION MUSEUM
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center tells the story of slavery and the Underground Railroad through powerful exhibits and interactive displays. Located near Forest Park in downtown Cincinnati, this museum serves as both a memorial and educational institution focused on themes of freedom and human rights. Visitors can explore multiple floors of exhibits that document the struggle for freedom and the ongoing fight against modern forms of enslavement.
5. Hidden Brewery Taproom
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Hidden Brewery Taproom offers a selection of locally crafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere near Forest Park. The taproom features rotating taps, seasonal specialties, and occasional live music events for guests to enjoy. Visitors can sample flight tastings or purchase growlers of their favorite brews to take home.
6. Forest Park Central Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Forest Park Central Park serves as the heart of outdoor recreation for the community with walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. The park features playgrounds for children, fishing ponds, and seasonal events throughout the year. Residents and visitors enjoy the well-maintained green spaces and recreational facilities available to the public.
7. Winton Woods
EXPANSIVE NATURAL PARK
Winton Woods is a sprawling 2,555-acre park featuring a 156-acre lake, hiking trails, and numerous outdoor activities near Forest Park. The park offers boating, fishing, camping, and equestrian facilities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Nature lovers can spot local wildlife while enjoying the scenic beauty of this Hamilton County gem.
8. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
HISTORIC WILDLIFE ATTRACTION
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, housing over 500 animal species and 3,000 plant varieties. Visitors can experience themed exhibits like the African Savannah, Manatee Springs, and the award-winning Cat Canyon. The zoo is renowned for its conservation efforts and successful breeding programs for endangered species.
9. Kings Island
PREMIER AMUSEMENT PARK
Kings Island is a 364-acre amusement park featuring over 100 attractions, including 15 roller coasters and a 33-acre water park. The park is home to The Beast, the world's longest wooden roller coaster, and Orion, one of only seven giga coasters in the world. Families particularly enjoy Planet Snoopy, a kid-friendly area with Peanuts-themed rides and attractions.
10. Jungle Jim's International Market
EXOTIC FOOD EMPORIUM
Jungle Jim's International Market is a 200,000-square-foot foodie wonderland featuring over 180,000 products from around the world. The store is known for its elaborate themed displays, extensive selection of international foods, and specialty sections including an impressive beer and wine department. Visitors can find rare ingredients, participate in cooking classes, or simply wander through this unique shopping attraction near Forest Park.
11. Tri-County Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER
Tri-County Mall serves the Forest Park area with a diverse selection of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. The mall features major department stores alongside specialty retailers for a comprehensive shopping experience. Visitors appreciate the convenient location and variety of shopping options available under one roof.
12. Great Parks of Hamilton County
OUTDOOR RECREATION SYSTEM
Great Parks of Hamilton County manages a network of parks and nature preserves surrounding the Forest Park area. The park system offers miles of hiking and biking trails, golf courses, fishing lakes, and educational nature programs. Outdoor enthusiasts can purchase an annual motor vehicle permit for unlimited access to all the parks within the system.
13. Cincinnati Art Museum
PREMIER ART COLLECTION
The Cincinnati Art Museum houses a collection of more than 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years of human history. Located in scenic Eden Park, the museum features significant collections of European and American paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and works from Africa, Asia, and antiquity. Visitors can enjoy special exhibitions, educational programs, and the beautiful architecture of this historic institution established in 1881.
14. Belterra Park Gaming
CASINO AND RACETRACK
Belterra Park Gaming combines a casino with live thoroughbred racing for a complete entertainment experience near Forest Park. The venue features over 1,300 slot machines, six dining options ranging from casual to upscale, and seasonal horse racing events. Visitors can enjoy gaming, dining, and racing while taking in views of the Ohio River from this renovated facility.
15. Newport Aquarium
UNDERWATER ADVENTURE WORLD
Newport Aquarium showcases thousands of aquatic creatures in over a million gallons of water across 70 exhibits just across the river from Cincinnati. Visitors can walk through acrylic tunnels surrounded by sharks, touch stingrays, and observe rare creatures like the shark ray and the giant Pacific octopus. The aquarium's Penguin Palooza exhibit houses a colony of cold-weather penguins in a naturalistic habitat with underwater viewing areas.