With summer only a few weeks away, many students are looking to make stress-free plans packed full of fun. Some may be stumped when thinking of options, however, so the Milestone created a list of can’t-miss activities for a summer spent around Cincinnati.
Explore Gorman Heritage Farm
According to gormanfarm.org, “Gorman Heritage Farm is a 122-acre working farm and outdoor education center, inviting visitors to explore and learn the history, methods and values of a working family farm in a natural setting.” Gorman Farm is located on Reading Road in Evendale, Ohio, and is especially known for their beautiful sunflowers. Their farm is the perfect place to take pictures or take a tour. They also offer cooking classes, quilting classes, wagon rides, and more. If just visiting isn’t enough, the farm is always in need of volunteers to work too. Admission to the farm is $5 for adults, $3 for children (3-17 years old), $3 for Seniors (60 years +), and free for children under 3 years old. Be sure to check their website link above for operating hours and special events.
Visit Carew Tower Observation Deck
Physics teacher Jonathon Spurlock suggested students visit the Carew Tower Observation Deck in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. “It is a pretty cool way to see Cincinnati, [from] one of our tallest buildings built before WWII. The building itself is pretty awesome and this isn’t an all-day thing,” he said. According to cincinnatiusa.com, the Carew Tower stands 49 stories tall, and it offers the perfect view of the region. It also includes 25 shops and restaurants. To use the observation deck, there is a cash-only fee – $4 (ages 12 and older), $2 (ages 6-11), or free (ages 5 and under). More information can be found at Cincinnatiusa.com.
Coney Island Annual Hot Air Balloon Glow
Recommended by senior Isabella Daley, the Annual LaRosa’s Balloon Glow at Coney Island is full of music, entertainment, and rides. In the evening, the event closes with a sky illuminated by glowing hot air balloons. The event happens this year on Tuesday, July 3. Sunlite Pool will be open from 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. and rides will stay open until 11 p.m. Tickets for general admission for those ages 8 and up are $21.95.
Run the Color Run
The Color Run date for 2018 has yet to be determined, but all are welcome to sign up to be on the email list for notifications for when the event date releases. Last year’s Color Run participants received a t-shirt, headband, happy tattoo, and bib at check-in. Once they crossed the finish line, they received a Unicorn Medal and Color Pack. The Color Run starting line has its own pre-race party with music, dancing, warm-up stretching, and giveaways as well. There are also many local and national vendors lining the streets during the event. For more 5Ks and fun runs in Cincinnati, visit the Cincinnati Run Guide.
Set-up a Lemonade Stand
While a lemonade stand may seem childish, it can actually be a fun and inexpensive thing to do with friends. Develop your own unique lemonade recipe to make your community happy, and you could make a little bit of extra change for yourself or to donate to a charity of your choice at the same time.
Enjoy White Rock Park
White Rock Park is located in St. Paul, Indiana, which is about a 90 minute drive from the Cincinnati area, making for a perfect day trip. The park offers cliff jumping and diving, swimming, camping, fishing, scuba diving, and more. Senior, Julia Lind visited White Rock Park last summer with her family friends. Lind recommends, “keeping your arms close to your sides when jumping off the cliffs, other than that, let go and have fun.” Admission to the park is $15 for anyone age 10 and older. Overnight camping at the riverfront and fishing lake sites has $35 fee for two adults. For more information, visit https://www.stpaulcliffs.com/.
Visit Krohn Conservatory
Theatre teacher Teresa De Zarn suggested visiting Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park. “Bring a lunch and picnic at their lovely picnic grounds on premises. If you like walking, bring sneakers and hike all over Eden Park,” she said. “The views of the river and the city can’t be beat. This is a great date idea and is not bad on the wallet,” she added. According to Cincinnatiparks.com, Krohn Conservatory changes throughout the year with special exhibits and programs, including the popular Butterfly Show, where thousands of butterflies are free to fly throughout the show room in a specially-themed garden.
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
The League for Animal Welfare is an excellent place to volunteer with animals. According to The League for Animal Welfare’s website, “Whether it’s an hour or most of a day, once a week or just once in a while – if you’ve got the time, we’ve got the place!” Volunteers contribute by walking dogs and socializing kittens to answering phones and weeding gardens. They currently need dog walkers, cat socializers, front desk help, graphic design help, maintenance repair help, and more. For those interested in volunteering, contact Volunteer Manager Carrie Leary at carrie@LFAW.org or call 513-735-2299 x205.
The “‘Nati in a Nutshell” Cincinnati Highlight Tour
Get a full tour of Cincinnati, including a streetcar ride, panoramic views, food tastings, and a visit to the local farmer’s market, with this special highlight tour. The 3-hour event costs $45, which covers streetcar fare, three food tastings, and entrance fees to Carew Tower. Go to tripadvisor.com to book a day for the tour.
See a Show at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
According to Cincyshakes.com, the “Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a resident ensemble theatre company bringing Shakespeare and the Classics to life for audiences of all ages.” They are showing Noises Off at the Otto M. Budig Theater May 18 – June 9, and The Complete Works of Wlliam Shakespeare (Abridged) July 20 – August 11. To book tickets, click here.
Visit Cincinnati’s Parks
For more information on each individual park please Milestone staffer Maggie Deller’s article: Hamilton county parks offer scenic spring destinations
The McNicholas Milestone 