About Fountain Square
Fountain Square is a vibrant urban hub in Cincinnati, particularly cherished for its iconic Tyler Davidson Fountain and its transformation into a winter wonderland with a seasonal ice skating rink and giant Christmas tree. It offers a cozy atmosphere, a variety of dining options, and serves as a popular spot for multi-generational family traditions and seasonal entertainment.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Winter/holiday family outings and traditions.Ice skating experiences for families with children and adults.Multi-generational gatherings during the festive season.Casual family meals or treats, with options like Graeters Ice Cream.Parents looking for a downtown destination with easy parking and entertainment.
Why families love it
- Outdoor ice skating rink (seasonal, especially winter) with 'things to assist children on the ice' making it beginner-friendly.
- A giant, beautifully lit Christmas tree during the holidays, ideal for family photo opportunities and creating traditions.
- The iconic Tyler Davidson Fountain, praised for its beauty and intricate sculptures, serving as a stunning centerpiece year-round.
- Cozy atmosphere in the heart of Cincinnati, especially noted during winter.
- Big screen theater showing events like college bowl games, providing communal entertainment.
- Concession stand offering items like spiked hot cocoa, water, and soda, described as 'not over priced'.
Insider tips
- Plan your visit during the winter/holiday season (November-January) to experience the ice skating rink and the giant Christmas tree.
- Consider Fountain Square for establishing multi-generational family traditions, especially around the holidays for the tree.
- Take advantage of the 'things to assist children on the ice' if you have young or beginner skaters.
- Don't miss the opportunity for family photos with the beautifully lit Christmas tree and the Tyler Davidson Fountain.
- Check for public event schedules (like bowl games on the big screen) if you're looking for additional entertainment.
- Crowds
- Can be lively and 'jam packed with restaurants and entertainment,' especially during holidays or public events like college bowl games, but no negative reports of overcrowding.
- Value
- Concession stand items, such as spiked hot cocoa, water, and soda, are explicitly mentioned as 'not over priced,' suggesting good value for on-site refreshments. No other specific pricing is mentioned, but the overall experience is highly rated as worth visiting.
- Food
- A variety of dining options are available in the area, including highly-rated City Bird chicken sandwiches and Graeters Ice Cream.
- Accessibility
- An underground parking garage offers 'easy parking to get in and out of the downtown area,' which can aid accessibility for those with mobility challenges.
- Safety
- Ice skating rink provides 'things to assist children on the ice,' which can enhance safety for new skaters.
What parents say
"We enjoy visiting Fountain Square whenever we travel to Cincinnati, especially in the wintertime as the ice skating rink is open for season. They have a wonderful atmosphere here that is nice and cozy in the heart of Cincinnati. They had the college bowl games playing on a big screen theater which was nice to enjoy with the crowd. There are a few food choices in the area as well, and of course it is next to the amazing Graeters Ice Cream! There is a parking garage underneath which offers easy parking to get in and out of the downtown area. Stop by and enjoy this great family event next time yo"
4 months ago
"Always love it, especially during the holidays. I've been bringing my kids down to see the giant Christmas tree since they were toddlers, and now they are graduating, have kids of their own, etc. Even outside of the holidays, it's great.. The fountain is absolutely beautiful and it's jam packed with restaurants and entertainment. A fun place."
4 months ago
"Ice skating on the square is a wonderful experience!!! They have things to assist children on the ice as well as adults!! There is a concession stand too that has the BEST spiked hot coco or just a bottle of water or soda, and it's not over priced either!!! I would definitely recommend this experience and will also be returning again before the rink is closed!!"
4 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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