Green Umbrella encourages everyone to get outside and choose from over 100 free, family-friendly events during Great Outdoor Weekend on September 24-25. Now in its 19th year, the two-day event will take place at locations across Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana. Featuring activities hosted by partnering organizations across the Greater Cincinnati region, Great Outdoor Weekend is the region’s largest outdoor events sampler.
“Every year we try to expand the event to reach more communities and increase participation across all 10 counties in our region with a wide variety of activities for people of all ages and backgrounds,” says Green Umbrella Event Manager Charlie Gonzalez. “The goal is to get tens of thousands of residents outside to celebrate nature and learn about all the great organizations that host outdoor programs throughout the year.”
Throughout the weekend, kids and adults of all ages can sample a wide range of the best outdoor recreation and nature awareness programs available across the region. Canoe the Little Miami River, install an orchard, stargaze, or venture out on a nature scavenger hunt. From hiking and paddling to butterfly tagging, birding, and fishing, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Great Outdoor Weekend.
Want to enjoy beautiful natural settings at your own pace? Bike, hike, or explore the region’s 570+ miles of trails with the help of Tri-State Trails’ trail finder, or visit one of Green Umbrella’s Greenspace Gems, a collection of 40 natural areas picked by a team of conservation experts that help tell the story of the region’s biodiversity, including a special focus on geology, plant life, and history.
Researchers continue to find that spending more time outdoors provides countless benefits to our mental and physical health. From reducing stress and anxiety to increasing vitamin D, outdoor activities help improve self-esteem, ability to focus, and quality of sleep.
“Great Outdoor Weekend is a wonderful reason to explore our region’s 353 miles of hiking trails, 410 miles of multi-use trails, and 44 miles of mountain biking trails,” says Wade Johnston, director of Tri-State Trails.
This free event is made possible thanks to the generous support of Cincinnati Wild Flower Preservation Society, Cincinnati Metro, University of Cincinnati Office of Research, Cincinnati Magazine, Great Parks of Hamilton County, MetroParks of Butler County, Southwest Ohio Parent Magazine, and others.
Learn more and find your adventure at reatoutdoorweekend.org.
Green Umbrella
