At The Gardner School, we’re proud to partner with parents and offer additional support beyond the classroom. That’s why we’ve created this exclusive guide to Cincinnati’s free attractions, events, and activities designed for the preschool crowd. We’re bypassing the usual suspects like parks to highlight unique opportunities for fun and learning. Whether you’re a part of our TGS family or considering enrollment, let this guide be your starting point for countless adventures in our beautiful city!
Contemporary Arts Center
For an immersive and interactive experience, head to The Creativity Center inside the Contemporary Arts Center. The Creativity Center is located on the sixth floor, and visitors of all ages are invited to explore, play, and create art! The space includes a community gallery, a quiet room for nursing moms or visitors with sensory sensitivities, and a zero-waste art lab with recycled materials. There’s also free family programming throughout the year, including Thursday Art Play, a Family Festival, and tons of indoor and outdoor events to attend.
Cincinnati Nature Center
The Cincinnati Nature Center aims to enrich lives by inspiring a passion for nature through experience, education, and stewardship. Located just a few minutes away from downtown, this peaceful and charming destination is an excellent choice for a summer family outing to explore the great outdoors. Special programs for children are available on Saturdays, and admission is free for children ages three and under.
* This blog’s featured photo is courtesy of Cincinnati Nature Center.
Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (multiple locations)
Public libraries serve as great resources for families for various reasons, including their storytime hours. The following is a breakdown of all of the storytimes offered by different branches of the Cincinnati Public Library:
- Library Babies (birth – 18 months)
- Toddler Storytime (18 months – 36 months)
- Movers and Shakers (ages 1 – 4)
- Preschool Storytime (ages 3 – 6)
- KinderBridge (ages 4 – 6)
- Family Storytime (all ages welcome)
King Arthur’s Court
It’s always fun to take your little one to a toy store, and King Arthur’s Court is one of the best in town! Children are encouraged to play with the toys in this shop, and King Arthur’s provides demos of everything they sell. Your preschooler can try out a train table, build with Magformers, or put on a costume. While you’re there, be sure to make a visit to King Arthur’s Dungeon, the indoor play area. The shop also hosts a storytime hour every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. They even offer free coffee and popcorn if you need a boost while shopping!
ArtWorks Tour
ArtWorks is an award-winning nonprofit that has transformed the lives of thousands of professional artists and youth (ages 14 – 24). To date, the participants of this program have created over 230 murals in more than 36 Cincinnati neighborhoods and seven nearby cities! Download a map of locations where you can find these masterpieces, and take a self-guided tour with your little one!
Cincinnati Streetcar
Hop on the Cincinnati Streetcar to enjoy a 3.6-mile loop around the city. The streetcar stops at 18 stations, so you have plenty of opportunities to get off, explore, and then hop back on! The streetcar is its own adventure and offers a great opportunity to explore different parts of Cincinnati with your preschooler.
The Gardner School: Cincinnati’s Premier Preschool
The Gardner School has schools in six states across the country, including two in the Cincinnati area. Our knowledge of the city is just one of the reasons parents choose us when looking for a preschool in Cincinnati, OH. To learn more about The Gardner School locations in Cincinnati and Blue Ash or to schedule a tour, contact our team today.