Winter weather is finally giving way to spring showers and warmer temperatures. For those interested in living well, it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature’s bounty. As the month comes to a close, you can join your neighbors for Take a Walk in the Park Day on March 30.

This unofficial holiday has become a tradition around Cincinnati, where numerous beautiful parks are available. Why not take the opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine? Recruit a friend—either human or canine—and take a walk!

Stretch your legs at one of these eight Cincinnati green spaces on Take a Walk in the Park Day— or any day you please!

1. John G. & Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park

This 45-acre park stretches along the riverfront in downtown Cincinnati, from Paul Brown Stadium to the Great American Ballpark. The park includes a number of activity opportunities, including an interactive fountain, the Walnut Street Steps, tree groves, a meditative labyrinth, a bike and visitor’s center and more.

2. Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park

Berry International Friendship Park is just east of downtown, on the Ohio River, and was completed a little more than a decade ago. The park features award-winning sculptures and plants representing five different continents. It also includes walking paths and a bike trail that runs along the river.

3. Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman's Cove

Bike rentals, tennis courts, beautiful landscaping, a performance area with concessions, a spectacular playground, volleyball courts and more make Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove a testament to living well. The park covers a stretch of about a mile running along the riverfront between Berry International Friendship Park and Smale Riverfront Park.

4. California Woods

With more than 50 species of trees and 200 species of plants, California Woods offers a little bit of wilderness just outside the city. It’s also home to Lick Run Creek, a habitat for snapping turtles, fish, invertebrates, kingfishers and the occasional beaver and mallard. Due to the variety of wildlife, dogs aren’t allowed in this scenic park, so make sure you leave your pooch at home if you take a ramble here.

5. Buttercup Valley

This gorgeous park is home to an old growth forest that boasts 200-year-old trees, untouched since the days of the pioneers. With such a wide variety of plants and trails, Buttercup Valley offers a challenging nature hike that will let you leave the city behind.

6. Hauck Botanical Gardens

This botanical garden on the former estate of avid horticulturist Cornelius J. Hauck— who served as a member of the Park Board for many years and donated his property to the city of Cincinnati upon his death— boasts hundreds of varieties of trees and other plants.

7. Fleischmann Gardens

Located on the site of the former home of Fleischmann Yeast Company’s founder Charles Fleischmann, this lovely four-acre park was donated to the city in 1925. The park was expanded in the ‘70s and today includes a stone path leading to an evergreen maze along with a memorable entrance from Washington Avenue marked with an old-timey gaslight fixture atop beautiful iron gates.

8. Owl's Nest Park

Bronzed doors—still adorned by the impressive original columns—mark the entrance to this park along Fairfax Avenue and Madison Road. In 1905, the city was gifted with the original 5.5-acre site. 

With so many parks to enjoy in Cincinnati, living well is easy in springtime. So lace up your walking shoes, get out there and enjoy some nature in honor of Take a Walk in the Park Day on March 30!