2025 Community Days at Great Parks
A Motor Vehicle Permit is not required on the following dates:
- Monday, Jan. 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Monday, Feb. 17 – Random Acts of Kindness Day
- Tuesday, April 22 – Earth Day
- Saturday, May 17 – Kids to Parks Day
- Saturday, June 7 – National Trails Day
- Thursday, June 19 – Juneteenth
- Thursday, July 17 – GPHC Birthday
- Saturday, Sept. 27 – National Public Lands Day
- Tuesday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
- Friday, Nov. 28 – Opt Outside Day
Free Motor Vehicle Permit
Armed Forces
Current Hamilton County residents, who have a 100% service-related disability as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, or are a former prisoner of war, or are a Medal of Honor recipient, may apply for free Motor Vehicle Permits.
Eligible veterans will receive two annual Motor Vehicle Permits by mail for a two-year period. Veterans are encouraged to reapply every two years. To apply, complete this application form.
Applications last two years; eligible veterans will receive a new Motor Vehicle Permit per calendar year during that two-year period.
Library Pass Program
Hamilton County residents ages 18+ with a valid library card may reserve a free parking pass through the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Library’s Discovery Pass program. Passes can be downloaded and printed from the library system’s website, and are valid only for the date on which they are reserved.
Ohio Direction Card Program
Hamilton County residents with a valid food assistance card (Ohio Direction Card or Ohio EBT card) can receive a free annual Motor Vehicle Permit. Stop by any location listed below and show your valid food assistance card to a Great Parks team member. One Motor Vehicle Permit per card.
Welcome Booths Located at park entrances and staffed at peak visitation times
Visitor Centers Click the following links for hours and locations
Glenwood Gardens – Cotswold Visitor Centre
Miami Whitewater Forest Visitor Center
Nature Center at The Summit
Sharon Woods – Sharon Centre
Winton Woods – Winton Centre
Woodland Mound – Seasongood Nature Center
Free Highfield Discovery Garden Admission
Great Parks recognizes the cost of admission to Highfield Discovery Garden can be a barrier for some guests. To let all families enjoy this children’s garden, guests with a valid food assistance card (Ohio Direction Card or Ohio EBT card) can receive free admission to Highfield Discovery Garden on regular operating days. Stop into Cotswold Visitor Centre and show your valid food assistance card and state-issued photo ID for entry. Guests receive admission for four individuals per card, per visit. Guests can visit Highfield Discovery Garden as many times as they would like; there are no limits on daily visits throughout the year.