Light in the Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center

Preregistration with a timed ticket is required for adults and children age 3+; tickets go on sale November 1, 2026, are nonrefundable and are expected to sell out. Arrive in your slot (5:30–6, 6:30–7, or close to 7:30 pm). The trail is unpaved with a slight incline and is accessible with help; strollers are fine; an accessible restroom is near the Nature PlayScape. No pets (identified service dogs welcome). Free parking. Weather cancellations are posted by 3 pm.

About this adventure

Light in the Forest is Cincinnati Nature Center's winter walking tour at Rowe Woods: an illuminated, roughly one-mile trail past ponds, woodlands and fields, with new installations by eight regional light artists (six of them BLINK artists) and a decorated historic home. For children there is an interactive light installation, a scavenger hunt on the center's mobile guide and craft activities, all included in the ticket. Live music, a campfire, a food truck and a coffee-and-cocoa truck round out the evening, and the loop passes Abner Hollow Cabin, Rowe Visitor Center and Krippendorf Lodge, where visitors can warm up. Plan on about an hour, dress for the weather and wear boots, since the trails can be muddy. Opening Weekend (December 4–6) adds friendly woodland animal characters and a 6 pm tree lighting with caroling at Krippendorf Lodge each night.