Five Rivers MetroParks is nothing short of amazing! You can take the kids up the 81 steps to the tippy-top of the Cox Arboretum Tree Tower. Of course, that is if you can handle the view from that height.
The wood tower was built thanks to the donations of over 400 donors via the James M. Cox Jr. Arboretum Foundation membership. It took ten years of collaboration and planning, the project is valued at approximately $500,000.
When you are on the tower on a windy day, the tower sings. I don’t know if this was intentional or just fortunate. It was delightful listening to the forlorn tunes while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape including the forest and gardens.
Watch out if you are not into heights, the tower is 46 feet high and has “sides” that are about waist high.
As far as the rules, use your common sense–don’t hang anything off of it; if it is wet out the steps are likely to be slippery; and if there is a thunderstorm…err…it is the tallest thing around i.e. enormous lightening rod…you should make an fast exit.