Fountain Square
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
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.
Key Highlights
- ✓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'.
Standout Features
- ⭐Seasonal outdoor ice skating rink.
- ⭐Tyler Davidson Fountain as a beautiful and iconic centerpiece.
- ⭐Giant, beautifully lit Christmas tree (seasonal, during holidays).
- ⭐Availability of 'things to assist children on the ice' (likely skating aids/walkers).
- ⭐On-site concession stand with reasonably priced drinks (including spiked hot cocoa for adults).
- ⭐Multiple dining options in the immediate area, including highly-rated Graeters Ice Cream and City Bird chicken sandwiches.
- ⭐Big screen for public viewing of events like college bowl games.
- ⭐Underground parking garage providing easy access to downtown.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →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.
Price & 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.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •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.
- •The availability of 'things to assist children on the ice' can help make ice skating more accessible for beginners or those needing extra support.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •A variety of dining options are available in the area, including highly-rated City Bird chicken sandwiches and Graeters Ice Cream.
- •An on-site concession stand near the ice rink offers drinks (water, soda) and specialty items like spiked hot cocoa.
🚗Parking Info
- •An underground parking garage is available directly beneath Fountain Square, providing 'easy parking to get in and out of the downtown area.'
👥Crowd Levels
- •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.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Ice skating rink provides 'things to assist children on the ice,' which can enhance safety for new skaters.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
UC Health Ice Rink presented by Fifth Third Bank
Mid-November onwards
Not specified
Moving to Elm Street Plaza, offering a bigger and better experience with more skating space, an upgraded warming tent, cozy igloos, and firepits.
Winterhaus
November through February
Not specified (full bar and private event space suggests potential costs)
A new holiday tradition on the Square: a cozy, glass-enclosed retreat with daily programming, a full bar, and space for co-working to private events.
Halloweek happenings
All Fall season long
Not specified (part of Fall festivities, implies free events)
Part of Fall festivities at Fountain Square.
🍎Food Policy
- • Fountain Bar is a full-service bar, perfect for soft drinks with lunch, Happy Hour, or gathering during events.
- • Winterhaus will be complete with a full bar.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Fountain Square North underground garage is monitored 24/7.
- • Security cameras are located throughout the garage, monitored in the garage office and soon by the Cincinnati Police Department's Emergency Operations Center.
📅Booking Policy
- • To arrange parking (monthly/daily) for individuals, companies, parties, or events, an online form must be filled out.
- • Winterhaus offers space for private events (booking process not detailed).
🚗Parking Information
- • Location: Fountain Square North Garage, directly beneath Fountain Square.
- • Entrances/Exits: Northbound Vine Street (between Fifth & Sixth Streets) and southbound Walnut Street (between Sixth & Fifth Streets).
- • Operation: Open and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- • Usage: Available to monthly and daily parkers.
- • Payment: Take a ticket upon entry, pay at pay station machines (cash or credit card) near elevators on Plaza level and Level 1 of the Garage before exiting. Insert paid ticket into machine upon exit.
- • Note: Be aware of other nearby garages with similar names (e.g., Fountain Square South Garage) not managed by 3CDC.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Jacob Gillen
4 months agoWe 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 you are in Cincinnati!
Elizabeth (Nikki)
4 months agoAlways 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.
Shelly Hackett
4 months agoIce 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!!
Holland Howe
3 months agoGreat place to take family or friends or both! The tree is beautifully lit and great to take photos with. The fountain is so pretty and a great centerpiece of the square!
James Remley
5 months agoThe square itself is a beautiful urban oasis, with the iconic Tyler Davidson Fountain as its centerpiece. The intricate details of the sculptures are truly awe-inspiring. Beyond the stunning architecture, the square offers a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of dining options to suit every taste. We were particularly impressed by the City Bird chicken sandwiches and the Graeters Ice Cream which both also get a five star review! This is a can't miss location with a wonderful outdoor ice skating rink (seasonal dependent) to top it off!