Rules & Policies

Suzie Salupo

Our trail rules are supported by scientific research and based on a respect for nature and other visitors. We preserve the ecology of this unique place for you and the next generation. We hope you enjoy your time outdoors with minimal impact to our land and wildlife.

Professional Photographers

Rowe Woods provides a beautiful backdrop for wedding parties, senior pictures, or family portraits. We do not require a permit or charge a fee for these kinds of photo shoots. However, you and your clients must pay daily admission.

To purchase one-day admission in advance for your clients, contact Visitor Services Manager Anne Robinson at (513) 831-1711, ext. 151 or arobinson@cincynature.org.

Larry Miller Photography

General Programs Policy

Please note program and cancellation policies vary. By completing registration for a program, you agree to the following program policies.

Program Policy: Cincinnati Nature Center may update the status or format of programs based on conditions at the time of the program. 

Pet Policy for Programs: For the comfort and safety of all guests, no pets are allowed at programs or events. Service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome. Therapy animals, whose function is to provide comfort or emotional support, do not qualify as service animals. Click here for more information about pets on our grounds.

Cancellation Policy: Please note that cancellations must be made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. All programs continue, rain or shine. In the event that Cincinnati Nature Center cancels a program, full refunds will be issued. 

Accessibility: We do our best to make our programs accessible to everyone when possible. If you have an accessibility question or need, please feel free to reach out to our front desk staff at (513) 831-1711 or contact cnc@cincynature.org before registering.

Media Release: All participants (18 and older) associated with this transaction grant permission to Cincinnati Nature Center to utilize images, likenesses, actions, or statements in any form taken during a visit to the Nature Center, Nature Center sponsored event, or virtual presentation for the purpose of promoting the Nature Center in perpetuity. 

Proof of Registration: We ask all guests to please retain the order number or save an electronic copy of the email acknowledgement as a receipt. You may be asked for your order number from your transaction to gain entry at the gate/to attend your program.

Fundraising Programs Policy

Program Policy: Cincinnati Nature Center may update the status or format of programs based on conditions at the time of the program.

Pet Policy for Programs: For the comfort and safety of all guests, no pets are allowed at programs. Service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome. Therapy animals, whose function is to provide comfort or emotional support, do not qualify as service animals.

Cancellation Policy: Events are fundraisers for Cincinnati Nature Center. All proceeds help support Cincinnati Nature Center’s conservation initiatives. Tickets are nonrefundable after purchase; all sales are final. This event will be held rain or shine. In the event that Cincinnati Nature Center cancels a program, full refunds will be issued. 

Accessibility: We do our best to make our programs accessible to everyone when possible. If you have an accessibility question or need, please feel free to reach out to our front desk staff at (513) 831-1711 or contact cnc@cincynature.org before registering.

Media Release: All participants (18 and older) associated with this transaction grant permission to Cincinnati Nature Center to utilize images, likenesses, actions, or statements in any form taken during a visit to the Nature Center, Nature Center sponsored event, or virtual presentation for the purpose of promoting the Nature Center in perpetuity. 

Proof of Registration: We ask all guests to please retain the order number or save an electronic copy of the email acknowledgement as a receipt. You may be asked for your order number from your transaction to gain entry at the gate/to attend your program.

Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Policy

Program Policy: Cincinnati Nature Center may update the status or format of programs based on conditions at the time of the program.

Pet Policy for Programs: For the comfort and safety of all guests, no pets are allowed at programs. Service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome. Therapy animals, whose function is to provide comfort or emotional support, do not qualify as service animals.

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations or transfers must be made two weeks in advance of the first class and are subject to a $50 administrative fee per request. Cancellations or transfer requests made with less than two weeks’ notice will not be refunded.

Accessibility: We do our best to make our programs accessible whenever possible. If you have an accessibility question or need, reach out to Connie O’Connor at (513) 831-1711, ext.127 or contact coconnor@cincynature.org before registering. When emailing, please include the program name so we can get your question to the person who’s planning the program.

Media Release: All participants (18 and older) associated with this transaction grant permission to Cincinnati Nature Center to utilize images, likenesses, actions, or statements in any form taken during a visit to the Nature Center, a Nature Center-sponsored event, or virtual presentation for the purpose of promoting the Nature Center in perpetuity.

Children's Programs & Camp Policy

Click below to review our CincyNature Camp, Children's Saturday Programs, and Scout Programs Policies:

Group Visits Policy

What is the Nature Center’s Definition of a Group?

Cincinnati Nature Center defines a “group” as 12 or more people planning to visit together. There are several options for groups who’d like to visit the Nature Center’s Rowe Woods location in Milford, Ohio.

Group Rates and Self-Led Visits

Groups of 12 or more paying guests (children and/or adults) may enjoy a group discount when the group registers at least two weeks in advance. Current group prices are: $8 for adults (13 and up), $5 for children (ages 4-12), no charge for children 3 and under. Fees must be paid in advance to the Registrar by the group leader except when an organization is registering online for a summer group reservation. Organizations/groups with a confirmed online Children’s Summer Group Reservation should note payment details on the online registration form. Due to space limitations, bus parking is only available for preregistered groups. The Nature Center does not charge for parking.

Group Information

The group leader must preregister at least two weeks in advance with a $25 nonrefundable deposit by contacting the Registrar at registrar@cincynature.org or (513) 831-1711, ext. 129.

• Groups with children are limited to a total of 60 visitors. Please ensure that you have one or more adults per group of 11 children, and all adults leading a group have read the Nature Center's Group Policy and rules for our Nature PlayScape and trails.

• All children’s groups visiting the Nature PlayScape must preregister.

• Large groups must divide into smaller groups of no more than 12 people, including at least one adult leader per small group.

• Upon registration, you will receive an email confirmation with information which outlines the rules for the property, suggestions for group management, and making the most of your visit.

• Upon arrival, all summer children’s groups will receive a brief orientation with suggested activities.

Programs for Scout Groups

Our website lists specific dates for scout programs throughout the year. If these dates or topics are not relevant to your group, we encourage you to consult the self-led section on our website for other useful ideas. We do not offer private hikes for scout groups.

Programs for Homeschool Groups

Our website lists specific dates for homeschool programs throughout the year. If these dates or topics are not relevant to your group, we encourage you to consult the self-led section on our website for other useful ideas. We do not offer private hikes for homeschool groups.

School Groups

School groups (preschool-grade 6) are encouraged to review the school program brochure available on the website, or contact School Program Manager Melissa Sabo at msabo@cincynature.org or (513) 831-1711, ext. 138 to schedule your class trip. If a school group (less than 50 in total) prefers to schedule a self-led group visit, they should contact the Registrar with preferred dates by emailing registrar@cincynature.org or calling (513) 831-1711, ext. 129. Self-led visits for school groups must be approved in advance along with the visit destination at Cincinnati Nature Center (specific trails and/or the Nature PlayScape).

Groups in the Nature PlayScape

Admission fees include access to the Nature Center's 1.6-acre Nature PlayScape, a special area designed for children, ages 2-11 years. As on the rest of the property, children are required to have adult supervision while in the Nature PlayScape; adults in your group are responsible for the supervision and safety of the children at all times. Unregistered groups with children may be denied access to the Nature Playscape. The Krehbiel Family Pavilion (outside the Nature PlayScape) and Fernwood Shelter can be rented Monday through Friday by visiting school groups, childcare centers, and children's groups. For more information contact cnc@cincynature.org.

To provide a quality experience and protect the land, the maximum group size for a preregistered group in the Nature PlayScape scheduling a self-led visit is limited to 60 or less.

Picnic Areas

Cincinnati Nature Center offers two areas to picnic on a first-come, first-served basis. There are uncovered picnic tables outside the Nature PlayScape, near the Krehbiel Pavilion, and at the base of Rowe Visitor Center parking lot. We ask that groups respect others using the picnic areas and rented shelters. You’re responsible for your belongings and we ask you to take all garbage with you when you leave. Please limit your use of the picnic areas for eating purposes only.

Please note that the Krehbiel Pavilion, outside the Nature PlayScape, and Fernwood Shelter can be rented at an additional charge (see below).

Presentations and Walks for Groups, Clubs, and Businesses (Adults Only)

Cincinnati Nature Center offers engaging programs for adult audiences. Themed outdoor walks and indoor lectures are available at our Rowe Woods location. Presentations are also available online via the Zoom platform. For information on topics and pricing, click here to view our options for adult groups.

Facility Rentals

We have the perfect location for your next gathering! Facility rental fees include admission for your group to Cincinnati Nature Center and the Nature PlayScape. Group size is limited by occupancy rates for each facility. Our rental locations include Fernwood Shelter, Krehbiel Pavilion, Groesbeck Estate, and Krippendorf Lodge. Additional information on our rentals may be found on our website. Contact our rental department at events@cincynature.org or 513-965-3346 for more information or to reserve your space today.

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Questions?

Please contact our Registrar at (513) 831-1711 or email registrar@cincynature.org.

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