Smale Riverfront Park — Attraction in Cincinnati

I have packed up picnic/photography/recreation supplies and driven my family here multiple times throughout the year to enjoy the park and have never been able to. Smale Riverfront Park is the most inaccessible park out of the dozens I've traveled to in the tri-state. The parking situation is abhorrent. It has no dedicated parking. No signs or clearly understandable link between any of the downtown parking lots and the park. Throughout the year, the sport-of-the-season fans and their cars swarm the streets around the park like plaque in clogged arteries, and all nearby parking lots cater to them. Despite the beautiful location and all the money put into its flora and landscaping, Smale Riverfront Park does NOT have the money for dedicated parking to combat this persistent and ongoing problem. The last time my family tried to come here, the nearest lot with open spots was charging $15 for a spot (reason: sports) even though most days it charges $6 for a full day; they said it still would be $15 even though we were there for the park. There is NO lot for the park only and this is a necessity.

After a handful of times trying to visit this well-lauded park, I am no longer going to try. Smale Riverfront Park was a wonderful idea shoved into a horrific location with the worst parking for a park I've ever seen. It is unattainable as a natural location to enjoy.

I hate leaving negative reviews but I hate having terrible experiences even more. Smale Riverfront Park has given me nothing but headaches, and I wish there had been just one review warning me of this before all the times I tried to come to it. I hope mine will suffice. If you are looking to come here to have a relaxing or fun time at a beautiful location, think twice. Most times throughout the year it is an expensive and cluttered mess that is not worth the...

To put it simply, it's the best park I've ever been to in my life.

Absolutely beautiful, clean, and spacious. Amazing views of the city and river as well.

We came here as tourists, and enjoyed every minute at this park.

The park is in close walking distance to a bridge that gives you even better views of the city and river. The bridge is currently under construction, and it looks closed however the pedestrian walkway of the bridge is still open currently. Only the portion for cars is under construction.

The park has public restrooms as well, which were clean, spacious, and actually quite modern.

All in all an amazing time at this park. If you're new in town as a tourist this is a must see destination to get some beautiful views of the city. If you're a local....then you already know just how amazing this place is probably LOL.

Side Note - They even have a playground here for kids. As a grown man watching the kids play on the structures I looked on with envy. The playground looked AMAZING. If you have children they will absolutely love it. Was tempted to come back at night and play when nobody could see...

My favorite park in the Downtown area! It's huge (considering) and there's something for each member of the family! Sprinklers during the warm seasons, "porch" swings, exercise equipment, waking/riding paths, a memorial, flowers, artwork, a musical keyboard you walk on to play, you can walk down to the river or under the bridge to hear it "sing", a maze made of grass, lots of play areas for the kids, a mist type of area too cool off at, giant chess & checkers, etc. The carousel is here along with various restaurants and a convenience store close by. There's usually something nice going on in this area all the time. You can go to the park after dark for a late night stroll/play if you want also. It's pretty at night because the colored lights are on at the waterfalls. Oh and there's a restroom under the bridge at the park and across the street by the carousel...