As part of my “see all the large Cincinnati parks” tour, we decided to visit Glenwood Gardens & Discovery Center. The gardens, while more than 30 minutes from us, were well worth the drive. It is probably the most beautiful and picturesque park we have visited so far. The boys and I went on a hike where we saw 5-6 different varieties of butterflies and which we identified using a handy “Butterflies of Ohio” pamphlet.
Unfortunately, I assumed that the hiking at the gardens would be covered by trees (ergo shaded) but it wasn’t. The views were beautiful and long ranging but the path was exposed to the sun. So it wasn’t far after we set off when Alan started complaining and wanted to stop for a snack. Luckily we found a bench and were having a snack when Lucas noticed that the tree behind us had orange-sized green fruit. A quick check in our “Trees of Ohio” book revealed which tree it was and we learned about the tree and its fruit together. I love being able to identify and learn about nature, which is not something I grew up with but that I have found in my later years really fulfills me.
The hike back was slow and painful. Alan whined a lot and walked even slower. I started playing around with them to get them motivated and then Lucas (without meaning to) ripped my nature bag. The bag had a nice big pocket where I carried all the nature materials and my phone. It was easy to reach and convenient – but alas! it is no more.
Once we were back, I unloaded lunch and we picnicked in the spot the boys picked out. Naively, I also packed study materials, which of course, we never got to. But in my enthusiasm for “getting it all done”, I ended up lugging two heavy packs plus Alan’s backpack.
After our picnicking we paid the entry fee to the Highfield Discovery Garden and went in. What a cool place! It has a fairy town, a huge tree (which is really a huge playground), trains that continuously run on tracks and a small building that gives classes. The day we were there, they were supposed to be giving “flower anatomy” where they were going to show kids the workings and parts of a flower. In addition, the had a tadpole pond and tons of vegetable and herb gardens. We didn’t stay long but I made a mental note to come back and bring Dennis. This was a really nice and well cared for place! What a great place it resulted being. Side note: I love you, Cincinnati parks.
Te amo!