Northern Kentucky is an urban area in the US Commonwealth of Kentucky. It is comprised of the Cincinnati metropolitan area’s southern part, with Campbell, Boone, and Kenton counties.
With stunning landscapes and a vibrant culture, this area is perfect for a vacation or a weekend trip. Adventure flows along the charming waterways of Northern Kentucky, which is why many parks surround the Ohio River.
These parks in Northern Kentucky also have something for everyone, whether kids or adults. They are perfect for an evening or a weekend getaway.
Here are the top parks in Northern Kentucky.
Best Parks in Northern Kentucky
1. Florence Nature Park
This nature park spans 15 acres and is encircled by towering trees and wildlife. Florence Park is a favorite among the kids.
Visitors can enjoy many activities in a unique nature setting, including event hosting, picnicking, strolling, and relaxing. It is a great place for families to hang out, where you can bring kids and let them enjoy great moments.
The towering trees along the walking paths provide a relaxing stroll, even with your leashed furry babies. Visitors can hunt acorns and enjoy beautiful blooms of spring flowers along these nature trails.
The trails are rated easy, and the asphalt surface makes it excellent for wheelchairs and bikes to roll smoothly. The Park’s event center offers an excellent venue for small weddings and gatherings.
Families can take captivating photos in this nature park with sculptures of animals like a hippo, rhino, an alligator, and a giant tortoise. These animals also provide a climbing opportunity for kids.
Address: 7200 Nature Park Dr, Florence, KY 41042, United States
2. Tower Park
This 86.6-acre lush greenery is a fantastic spot for several outdoor activities. It is home to the Fort Thomas Museum, providing an opportunity to learn about the area’s history over 155 years ago.
This Park allows diverse fun activities, from hiking to picnicking, biking, and sporting events. The lush forest offers a relaxing effect on bikers and strollers.
You will find four shaded areas around the Park to sit back and enjoy a meal. Grills in the corners are for cooking your food. For kids, the playgrounds in the Park, with many modern facilities, have helped kids from different locations create unforgettable memories.
For sports activities, there are numerous courts and fields for your favorite game, including six tennis and six pickleball courts. Grab a bite at the nearby restaurants or take an ice cream after you have exhausted your day.
Don’t forget to admire the 102-foot-stone tower at the Park’s entrance, from which the Park derives its name. Tower Park is undoubtedly one of the top parks in Northern Kentucky.
Address: 900 S Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas, KY 41075, United States
3. NaturePlay@BCM
Outside the Behringer-Crawford Museum is NaturePlay@BCM, a park for kids of all ages and abilities. It is an innovative play area open all year where kids are inspired to explore nature while learning more about the area’s natural and heritage past.
The landscaping is scenic, providing kids with the ability to engage with others through an array of activities. Thus, kids can traverse a rocky cave, navigate a flatboat, travel through time, and discover fossils.
Young archeologists can dig for fossilized bones or climb a vast trilobite. Swings, a slide, and a planet tunnel to crawl are provided for more expanded fun.
They can follow the pathway to explore the Kentucky Heritage Sculpture Garden, occupied with assortments of Ice Age animals, established by local middle and high school students.
In NaturePlay@BCM, there is ample space to dig in the dirt, run around gaily, and wonderfully experience nature. It is free to use and open from dawn to dusk. NaturePlay@BCM is undoubtedly one of the most fun parks in Northern Kentucky.
Parents with cars can park at Behringer-Crawford Museum, which offers free parking.
Address: 1600 Montague Rd, Covington, KY 41011, United States
4. Newport Aquarium
Newport Aquarium is more than just a park. It is home to thousands of aquatic animals. The Park will amaze you with all there is to see and do in this beautiful city. It is rated as the #1 US Aquarium by Readers’ Choice Travel Awards and the #1 Aquarium in the Midwest by Zagat Survey.
There are over 70 exhibits and 14 galleries. The five acrylic tunnels of the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit in the Park run over 200 ft long, providing another scenic view.
You can play with sharks, rare white alligators, penguins, and frogs when you visit. Make special connections with these animals as you touch them.
Crossing the Shark Bridge comes with adrenaline pumping; it is the world’s first rope bridge over a tank full of sharks. The Sharkey’s Café provides a fantastic place to grab a quick bite.
Not only is the aquarium home to a myriad of animals, but it also hosts many outreach programs focused on educating the public and promoting ocean conservation. Get tickets in advance and enjoy its eclectic programs, especially the Scuba Santa.
Newport Aquarium is the first of its kind. During the holidays, make a stopover here and enjoy the picturesque vistas it offers. It is just a short walk or drive from downtown Cincinnati.
Address: 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071, United States
5. Bellevue Beach Park
Bellevue Beach Park, tucked away along the banks of the Ohio River, is one of the best parks in Northern Kentucky. It is adjacent to Historic Fairfield Avenue and has excellent amenities, perfect for a fun getaway.
The incredible river views and nearby Cincinnati skyline add colorful landscaping to this community park. You will find basketball courts and other sporting facilities for sports buffs.
Bring your kids, let them run around the playground, and climb the structures fitting for children of all ages. There is also a picnic area for relaxation and having a quick lunch.
Moreover, the Park offers good seating spots, paved walking paths, and lush green spaces. There are a lot of places to sit and watch the paddleboat docks.
Address: 643-665 Frank Benke Way, Bellevue, KY 41073, United States
6. Garden of Hope
Garden of Hope
The Garden of Hope is not a usual place to escape the city’s noise. It is much more than that. The garden is off the beaten path and entirely peaceful and relaxing. Many religious people come to this spot for tours, as it points to the past in the time of Jesus.
The owners organize sightseeing for guests; it is best to call before a visit. You will have the opportunity to see the statue of the Sermon on the Mount, which has a huge cross overlooking the city.
The whole place offers a picturesque view that allows you to relax. It has a space where Jesus stood and preached to the crowd.
There is also the Carpenter’s Shop, Jesus’ Empty Tomb, stones from Jerusalem, and other historic Christian spots. The Garden of Hope offers Sunday service, even on holy days like Christmas and Easter.
Visit with your family and enjoy the serenity of the place. Pack your lunch and grab your camera as you leave the house.
Address: 699 Edgecliff Rd, Covington, KY 41014, United States
7. Doe Run Lake Park
This out-of-the-way park in Northern Kentucky is an excellent place to bring the family and a dog. Doe Run Lake Park, which extends around 180 acres, has great amenities to keep visitors comfortable while carrying out their activities.
Besides, it is located a few miles from the airport and has popular attraction spots. There is a restriction on gas motors, which has helped to reduce noise pollution. However, electric cars are allowed.
The Park has an artificial pond of about 30 acres with a moderate three-mile hiking trail. These trails can be muddy in spring; wear good shoes when coming. It is uncommon to see wildlife that made the Park their home, from foxes to raccoons and deer.
You can also kayak, canoe, paddleboat, or fish in this pond. Anglers are on all sides of the pond, while some use fish boats with trolling motors.
A soccer field is located at the corner. The Park also welcomes dogs, but you must adhere to the leash law. Folks can picnic here, and kids can be let out to play on the playground.
Doe Run Lake Park also makes an ideal spot to spend some hours in the afternoon or evening.
Address: 1501 Bullock Pen Rd, Covington, KY 41017, United States
8. Devou Park
Devou Park, encompassing 700 acres, is a city park and among the largest parks in Northern Kentucky. The Park offers the best view in town – the sprawling panorama of the Cincinnati skyline and the Ohio River valley.
So, bring your camera on your visit and capture spectacular sites and beautiful moments with your loved ones. A picnic or your favorite book will also make an incredible companion.
Devou Park has outstanding opportunities to engage your body, mind, and spirit. Throw a Frisbee with other excited faces or drag them to stroll along the stunning nature trails. Bring your dogs and enjoy a walk in the woods.
Perfect your golf skills on the golf course. Move to the patio and enjoy a drink. The museum gives a welcoming atmosphere to tour with friends. Occasionally, concerts are held in the Park.
Host an incredible event in this grand spot, including your wedding, corporate, or birthday parties. Whatever fun you are looking for, Devou has it all. The Park has been bringing people together for over 100 years while putting smiles on their faces.
Address: 1201 Park Dr, Covington, KY 41011, United States
9. Boone County Veterans Memorial Park
If you are a history buff, you will enjoy a stopover at Boone County Veterans Memorial Park. The Park offers many activities, including picnicking, live concerts, sports events, and leisure walks.
A Vietnam veteran established the Park in 1995 as a place where veterans in Boone County can heal from the wounds and memories of the war.
The Park provides the opportunity to teach children about the sacrifices of soldiers. But it is beyond this, as there are numerous other activities you can take pleasure in.
Dive into the water on a warm day. Let the kids slide through the tunnel tube and land in the fountain. The experience is usually refreshing.
Address: 8020 Veterans Memorial Dr, Florence, KY 41042, United States
10. George Rogers Clark Park
George Rogers Clark Park sits as a favorite spot for fun lovers. The Park offers an outdoorsy feeling with charming views of the Cincinnati skyline and Roebling Bridge.
This has made it a favorite location for photographers and those wanting to capture highlighting moments. There is a dense natural tree canopy with shades that provide relief for book reading or just soaking in the surroundings.
There are benches in every spot for eating lunch or watching the boats moving back and forth the river. The Park serves as a venue for the annual Duveneck Art Festival hosted by Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center. People also use it to host a small wedding of about 20 to 30 people.
Moreover, you will find diverse statues of historic people in the area, particularly those of George Rogers, who died over 200 years ago.
The scenic ambiance of George Rogers Clark Park is everything you want in a park. South of the Park are gorgeous houses facing the river.
Address: 301 Riverside Dr, Covington, KY 41011, USA
11. Defy Florence Kentucky
DEFY Florence, Kentucky, is a trampoline park where kids can explore a range of activities. The amusement park gives everyone a safe place to express their fun side.
Don’t worry; you can’t go out of what to do here. Explore the Ninja Course, Trapeze, Stunt Fall, Wall Tramp, and Aerial Skill. Celebrate your kid’s next birthday at DEFY if you register as a Flight Club member.
This place has high energy, which many kids will enjoy. Besides, there is something for kids of all ages. Couches are scattered around for parents to relax and watch over their kids.
Address: 4999 Houston Rd, Florence, KY 41042, United States
12. Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park, spanning 43 acres, is among the fun parks in Northern Kentucky. The Park is narrow and sits right alongside Madison Pike.
A creek runs through the Park. Guests can relax by the side and enjoy the environment. Some other amenities include two playgrounds, baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a picnic shelter, and an oasis for resting.
A mile-paved trail goes through the Park for those who prefer a leisurely walk, run, or bike ride. If you have a dog, note that the dog parks in this Park have been shut down. Everywhere is decently maintained but may need additional attention.
Address: 3952 Madison Pike, Covington, KY 41017, United States
13. Gunpowder Creek Nature Park
Another must-visit park in Northern Kentucky is Gunpowder Creek Nature Park. It is a unique park with activities for everyone.
There is a playground, and close to it is a covered shelter and grill where people can come as a group and celebrate their small wins. You will also find hiking trails, although they are not easy. Hence, if you are an amateur hiker, you may not enjoy it.
The play area has interesting activities to engage in. There is a lot of pleasant scenery around the Park, including a creek.
Sit by the picnic side and enjoy a small kid’s birthday party. The kids can also run off to the playground while you relax in the picnic area, keeping an eye on them.
Overall, Gunpowder Creek Nature Park is a great place to be if you are looking for a quiet place to rest your head or a challenging hiking trail to give a shot.
Address: 6750 Sperti Ln, Burlington, KY 41005, United States
14. Bark Park & Patio
This Park is a fun place with something for dogs and their owners. While your dogs are running around the Park, you can relax on the patio with a beer.
Before visiting, ensure you have vaccine records for your dog and that your dog is neutered to save other dogs that visit. The Bark Rangers ensure your dog is on its best behavior.
You will have no issues relaxing and sipping a beer once your four-legged friend is having fun. Visiting this Bark and Patio Park is lovely, offering dog owners the freedom to unwind.
Address: 7544 Burlington Pike, Florence, KY 41042, United States
15. Lincoln Woods Park
This charming 13-acre park in the heart of Florence is a unique natural setting, offering guests an escape from city noise. Lincoln Woods Park has a shaded area for picnics and lots of greeneries for play and relaxation.
The Park is located in a beautiful neighborhood that is easy to spot. It has a lovely playground, a walking trail, and other attractions.
You will enjoy their tennis, basketball, and baseball courts. The facilities are lovely and in good shape. Being here when you want somewhere outside the home to enjoy yourself is fun.
Address: 1 City Park Dr, Florence, KY 41042, United States
Have time in Kentucky?, take to exploring other Kentucky cities, here is our list of things to do in Somerset, things to do in Bardstown, and things to do in Owensboro.
Plan Your Trip to Northern Kentucky
The above scenic parks in Northern Kentucky are fantastic places to visit for exciting activities. Whether you want to go for leisurely strolling, swim in calm waters, hike on hiking trails, or soak in scenic views, you will not forget the beautiful experience the parks will offer you in a hurry.