What is it?
A city-wide initiative connecting people to wellness through outdoor activities and community classes in parks and recreation centers across Cincinnati. It’s a partnership between the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Cincinnati Parks, Cincinnati Recreation Commission, and the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Cincinnati to make wellness accessible, free or low-cost, and welcoming to all.
Who it’s for:
People of all ages and abilities — no experience required.
Cost:
✔️ Free or Low-Cost options (most classes and activities are free). Many programs just ask you to show up or sign a waiver before attending.
Schedule:
Ongoing throughout the year — seasonal schedules are updated and new sessions added. (Check calendar links below.)
Accessibility:
Includes inclusive programming designed to support individuals of all abilities.
🧘♂️ Types of Wellness Activities
🗓 Wellness Classes & Outdoor Movement
Free outdoor classes across neighborhood parks — all skill levels welcome:
- Yoga (community, family, sunset/sunrise yoga sessions)
- Dance & movement
- Roller skating sessions
- Zumba, cardio, hip-hop or Latin dance classes
- Breathwork & mindfulness gatherings
- Park-based fitness experiences
➡ Classes are hosted at parks such as Burnet Woods, Eden Park/Tom Jones Commons, Glenway Park, Inwood Park, Owl’s Nest Park, Sawyer Point Riverfront Rink, and Smale Riverfront Park among others.
📍 Many are free and ongoing during spring–fall seasons; schedules vary by location.
🚶 Free Guided Hiking Series
- Weekly, volunteer-led hikes in parks across Cincinnati (e.g., Caldwell Nature Preserve, Mt. Airy Forest, French Park).
- Seasonal schedules with hikes year-round (dates vary by season).
- Free and open to all.
🧘♀️ Mindfulness & Special Wellness Events
Examples of no-cost classes connected to the program include:
- Tai Chi in nature (e.g., at Owl’s Nest Park)
- Nature as Medicine forest bathing meets
- Bird watching + mindful outdoor walks
🎯 Links & Resources
📍 Program Information
- 🌐 Program overview + current event info (classes, hikes, waiver info): cincinnatiparksfoundation.org/programs/parks-rec-for-wellness
- 📅 Full calendar of park events across Cincinnati: Our Calendar (linked from the program page) — ongoing updates on free events.
📜 Waiver Forms
Some activities ask participants to complete a waiver before attending linked on the main wellness page (scroll to the waiver section).
🧩 Accessibility & Inclusive Programs
There’s also accessible/inclusive programming tailored to support individuals of all abilities, including partners like the be well program focused on children and families with disabilities.
🆓 Cost Summary
| Activity Type | Cost | Ongoing? |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor classes (yoga, dance, etc.) | Free / Low-cost | Seasonal / annual |
| Guided hikes | Free | Year-round (check calendar) |
| Special workshops (Tai Chi, mindfulness) | Free | Periodic / scheduled |
| Inclusive / accessible programs | Free | Ongoing (year-round) |
🧠 Tips for Participation
- Wear comfortable clothing and bring water for outdoor activities.
- Most outdoor classes do not require registration — just show up and sign a waiver if asked.
- Check back often for updated schedules — new offerings are added throughout the year.
