– Kathrine Nero
Lots of people way smarter than I am have been throwing around words like obscuration and totality as we prepare for the solar eclipse on April 8. Sure, you can hop in the car and drive to a spot with totality, but experts say most Cincinnatians will experience 99.7% obscuration just by walking out their front door. That sounds like a solid A+ to me.
You’ll want to plan around total (or partial) darkness happening somewhere between 3:05–3:09 p.m. in the Cincinnati area, depending on where you’re viewing. And remember, traffic will be a nightmare, so plan ahead.
Whether you check out the eclipse from your backyard, a rooftop, or with thousands of others in an area experiencing totality, here are some spots to try.
Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Miami Whitewater Forest, 9001 Mt. Hope Road, Harrison
Miami Whitewater, just a quick drive from downtown, is one of the spots in the path of totality. As such, it will fill up quickly. The Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party starts at 11 a.m. and the eclipse will happen at 3:08 p.m.. Great Parks of Hamilton County will be handing out eclipse glasses while they last. Watching an eclipse is whole lot of waiting around, so animal ambassadors, games and more will keep kids entertained. Great Parks is also hosting watch events at Parky’s Farm and Sharon Woods.
Eclipse and Sips
119 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky.
Head to NKY for Eclipse and Sips, hosted on the upper deck of the MRBL parking lot on Fairfield Ave. Kids will enjoy the space-themed fun and activities and mixologist Molly Wellman will be serving up themed mocktails from 1-3pm.
Dark Side of the Park
Washington Park, 1230 Elm. St.
Washington Park has lots of space to check out the eclipse from noon-4pm during Dark Side of the Park. In addition to a wide-open view, there are tons of fun activities to get in the celestial spirit, from music to food trucks, plus some stellar games to play for the whole family. And yes, parents, the Porch will be serving up drinks of the adult variety.
Howl at the Moon
Great Wolf Lodge, 2501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason
Great Wolf Lodge is hosting an outdoor watch party all day long on April 8. Everyone in attendance gets eclipse viewing glasses and kids get eclipse wolf ears. While you wait for darkness, eclipse-themed crafts and games will pass the time, along with a family dance party and complimentary snacks.
Solarbration
IKEA
9500 Ikea Way, West Chester
For indoor and outdoor fun, head to IKEA in West Chester for Solarbration. The store is hosting an outdoor parking lot party with games, music, and more. Inside the restaurant, check out a livestream, space crafts, and snacks. Both run 2–3:30 p.m. on April 8.
Jungle Jim's Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Oscar Event Center, 8871 N. Gilmore Road, Fairfield
Have fun before and after totality begins with this family-friendly gathering on April 8, from 2–4 p.m. Bring a chair, pick up snacks and drinks from Jungle Jim’s, and enjoy music and games. Tickets are $5 and include a clipse glasses to watch the full eclipse safely.
No matter where you are, grab those glasses, look to the sky and say hello, darkness – if only for a little while.