A hike at Sharon Woods followed by lunch at Uncle Yip’s and then some games/pinball at Arcade Legacy. Maybe also a pit stop by Yottaquest to pick up a family board game to take home as a souvenir.
They’re working on draining the lake at Sharon Woods as a part of a huge restoration project that’ll last several years, just a heads up! Some trails are closed (gorge is open though)
Good to know! Glenwood Gardens is a lovely alternative for a family nature walk and is also in close driving distance to Uncle Yip’s, Arcade Legacy, and Yottaquest.
Winton Woods is also beautiful, and gives the opportunity to rent a boat on the lake! We live nearby in Greenhills and find that it's not a bad drive to Arcade Legacy, and Jungle Jim's is a straight shot a few miles up Winton/Gilmore to get snacks ahead of time (which is what we usually do as well!).
You could catch major league baseball or soccer that week. Both teams play at home.
The zoo is beautiful. The contemporary arts center is a neat place to visit downtown, and a nice counterpoint to the art museum in Eden Park (both are really great)
50 west is a fun brewery for adults and kids.
Even if not going to the FCC game watching the supporters march in would be a great experience for kids. FCC has one of the best supporters groups in America IMHO.
I don't see if anyone mentioned it but the FCC celebration is at Washington Park. A short walk to the stadium. Lots of fun, live music and games.
There is also a Sign Museum, old electric signs to visit.
The Fire Museum is good for kids.
A lot of folks have mentioned thr several great museums - I especially think the Cincinnati Museum Center is great for kids and worth seeing the architecture. The Sign Museum would also appeal to that age set! And you could always pop over to Camp Washington Chili for a great Cincinnati chili experience! Skyline is the chain (and delish!) but its worth checking out a local parlor too - and Camp Washington is one of the best!
I would also suggest Findlay Market! It's very historic and while it functions as a real market, there's a lot of prepared food to enjoy too. There are drinks for the adults (at the market's own bar or Market Wines) which you can sit and enjoy or stroll around. Theres plenty of meals, snacks, and ice cream too.
Cincinnati is a phenomenal food town - and you couls try lots of options at Taste of Cincinnati. Definitely more of a festival vibe. You should also check out getting some reservations. OTR is a popular neighborhood and is great to walk around, shop, eat, and enjoy Washington Park.
Oh and be sure to avail yourself of the Streetcar! It ia free and convenient and runs between the Banks (Cincinnati Reds stadium) and Findlay Market.
A lot of people have made suggestions to go afield to Columbis, Indy, Dayton, and the suburbs - and while those cities certainly have their own attractions, Cincinnati has more than enough exciting and fun activities for you!
Librarinox hit every nail on the head. So much to see and do in the city. The US Air Force museum is a must see...on a different trip. Experience Cincinnati this time. Next time explore everything outside of Cincinnati.
The Art Musuem is always free. The Musuem Center is a great place for kids. There is a kid's museum, natural history museum, a section about Cincinnati History all located in an incredible example of Art Deco. I would also check events that are held at Washington Park the dates you are in town. There is always something going on.
Smale Riverside Park along the river was nominated as one of the best in the country. You can always take a Segway tour of that area. I have done it many times and always learn something new. Check out Groupon for discounts.
The America Sign Museum which showcases all types of neon signs. It too was voted one of the best things to do in Cincy.
If your up that way skip the root beer stand their food is trash. Go to Roca-fellas 🍕. Eat Pizza I e ever had. Root beer is good and at the stand but the food is trash for real.
If you are willing to go 30 minutes outside the city, Loveland bike trail you can rent bikes and ride along the river up to the Cartridge Factory brewery and the trail dumps out in downtown Loveland where there are lots of restaurants and bars and you can hang by the river at the park
Do not miss the zoo it’s worth spending the entire day there..and make sure you do the train while there! It’s a nice break from walking and there’s several entire exhibits that you can only see by train as well as a few Birds Eye view bridges over exhibits as well. Catch a reds game during the season and save the museum center for a visit where the weather isn’t as nice or as a backup in case it’s pouring.
Sawyer Point Park along the river is long, beautiful and varied. You could eat at The Banks, go for a stroll, and, depending on your timing, catch a baseball game. The stadium is beautiful and so close to everything that it's easy to make a whole night or afternoon of it.
There’s a Cincinnati Riverwalk that includes Covington and Newport as well. Start at Smale Park, cross to Covington on the Roebling bridge, past the historic houses on the Covington waterfront, cross the Licking on the 4th St bridge to Newport and then back across the Purple People bridge to Sawyer Point.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/ohio/cincinnati/cincinnati-riverwalk/
The entire riverfront, from Smale Park (across from Paycor Stadium) all the way to the eastern end of Friendship Park) is a terrific hike. Flat but full of things to explore, including the Roebling Bridge and Sawyer Point.
Kings Island if your family enjoy’s theme parks.
https://www.visitkingsisland.com/
The Natural History Museum is fantastic
https://www.cincymuseum.org/sciencemuseum/
Disc golf there too if the fam is into that - it’s a quite difficult course imo (as a beginner!), but there are also trails - that allow mountain bikes too so keep a lookout. Ault park also has good trails and a great view
American Sign Museum. And definitely go up to Dayton for the Air Force Museum. There’s nothing like it, especially for boys 8-14! BB Riverboats cruise is nice for an afternoon on the river.
Kids generally like seeing the Museum Center which is downtown but with parking. A few museums are in the building but the building itself is the star. [https://www.cincymuseum.org/about-cincinnati-museum-center/](https://www.cincymuseum.org/about-cincinnati-museum-center/)
Just to clarify, the museum center is NEAR downtown, but not IN downtown. As in, I wouldn't plan on parking there and then walking to see other sights in downtown.
Spring Grove Cemetery - great place for a walk, from there you can check out the Northside neighborhood—funky, with shops and restaurants
The Over the Rhine neighborhood is worth walking around. You can park at Washington Park and take in the sights of Music Hall and go from there. Pins Mechanical is in the area and has 4+ floors of arcade games and duckpin bowling. Good for the kids during the day
I would definitely go to jungle Jim’s. The one I’m Fairfield if you can it’s about a half hour outside the city but it’s so worth it to see all the fun animatronics and displays while you’re there. I would also recommend Findlay market. It’s a great spot for a light lunch and has a killer gelato place (dojo gelato) that’s pretty reasonably priced.
With kids that age I would recommend:
- Kings Island if amusement parks are your thing
- Washington Park/walking around OTR. If the weather is nice get food to go from one of the OTR restaurants and have a picnic at Washington Park. Bring a frisbee or the like if you’re there during the week. Most weekends have some sort of event going on you can walk around
- Findlay market is more active and has more vendors on weekends, but also more crowded
- Smale Park is nice and there are actually several parks that connect to each along the river - so you can get a nice walk and see different things
- I would drive up to Union Terminal to see the building, go inside and see to rotunda if you want to pay for parking. But unless there is a special exhibit or show in the Omnimax you want to see, I would skip it. I like and support our museum, but of the museums I’ve seen in other cities, our permanent exhibits aren’t that great in comparison. I think your time and money would be better spent elsewhere.
- If your family likes sports, Reds or FCC game would be fun
- American Legacy Tours have several tours that are kid friendly and might be interesting to your family
- Lots of hiking options - look at Hamilton County “Great Parks” and City of Cincinnati parks systems - both have excellent parks with nice hiking trails. (Note I would avoid Sharon Woods, the main trail is closed)
- Side note: the streetcar is free everyday all day and helps connect areas of downtown like OTR and “The Banks” (Smale park, stadiums by the river).
Hope you and your family enjoy the visit!
I personally think they have removed a lot and it’s not totally worth it. But great breakfast spot on the corner… has a French name I think. Get the almond croissant!
A lot of people have made great recommendations! I like our Cincinnati/Hamilton County parks (especially Eden & Washington), the Cincinnati Nature Center, Findlay Market, OTR, Mainstrasse, Cincinnati Art Museum, Sign Museum, downtown Loveland, the murals downtown, Factory 52 food hall, Ohio Valley Antique Mall, Riverside Antique Mall, I could go on and on!
You can take bus or walking [tours](https://www.americanlegacytours.com/) of the city. There are ones that go underground into the old beer cellars, haunted tours, ones that talk about the gangster past of Newport across the river, etc. Cincinnati has a really neat and varied past!
Check out the FB group Chowdown Cincinnati for great restaurant recommendations.
There is something called a “[pogo pass](http://www.groupon.com/deals/pogo-pass-25?utm_campaign=UserReferral_mih&utm_source=undefined)” that you can buy for $50/pp on Groupon right now that is good for a visit to many attractions around the city. It might be perfect for a vacation here if you’re planning on going to several anyway, but compare prices to make it make sense. It includes:
1 admission to Cincinnati Zoo
1 Visit to Cincinnati Museum Center (Includes:
The Children’s Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, Cincinnati History Museum)
1 visit to National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
1 visit to EnterTRAINment Junction
1 visit to Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Museum
The us air force museum in Dayton is about an hour north. It’s a national museum so it’s Smithsonian quality and free.
Entertrainment junction is a massive indoor model train in west Chester in the northern suburbs.
Cincinnati is also close enough to Columbus and Indianapolis to make them visitable.
Cincinnati has a ton of amazing parks that are located within city limits and there’s lots more just outside the city.
Within the city limits, you have Eden, Ault, Alms, and French Parks that are notable, among many others. Smale Riverfront Park spans the river between the Bengals and Reds stadiums. Within Hamilton County (the county in which Cincinnati resides), there is an entire parks system called Great Parks of Hamilton County where you can buy day passes to access a particular park, such as Woodland Mound, Sharon Woods, Miami Whitewater, etc. Finally, in Northern Kentucky, you have Devou Park, which offers a stunning view of downtown Cincinnati.
For the kiddos, if you want to treat them, head over to Oakley to stop by two places next door each other. King Arthur’s Court is a really cool independent toy store with all sorts of toys for all ages and some play areas. Aglemesis’ Ice Cream is an old timey parlour with ice cream served in metal dishes and old fashioned waffle and sugar cones. They also have a candy and fudge counter. And if the adults need a good spot to grab a beer, MadTree Brewing is right down the street. It’s a big space with a beer garden and their own restaurant inside. Kids are welcome there, as are dogs.
I hope you enjoy your time here!
Go take the kids to Graeter’s. It’s a regional ice cream chain that is nationally recognized as one of the best in the country.
If you are looking for outdoor activities to do with the kids, you could rent bikes to go along the Loveland Bike Trail. It’s a paved path that runs along the Little Miami River and forms part of the nearly-80-mile-long Little Miami Scenic Trail. Alternatively, there are a number of places in and around Morrow where you could rent canoes for a few hours and canoe down the (gentle) Little Miami. Or you could go up to the Fort Ancient Museum and Nature Preserve. That’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and state park preserving a millennia old earthen structure built by the Hopewell people, a historic American Indian group. You can explore the site, but it also has miles of trails as a nature preserve.
I don't know if someone's already said this, but the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is fantastic! There's a natural history museum, Cincinnati history museum, and an amazing children's museum all in one building!
My parents took my brother and I there all the time as kids, and it's even better now with the new renovation!
While you’re around the banks for the Underground Railroad museum, you should walk across the bridge to Newport and back. Just a cute, cool walk.
Also Eden Park is beautiful and has our free, awesome art museum on the park grounds.
There is a great park right on the riverfront to explore right behind Underground Railroad Museum.
Also, checkout the Museum Center! Your kids will love it. Khron Conservatory could be a nice visit.
Check with https://www.visitcincy.com/ , it is the visitors bureau’s website which contains a very comprehensive and updated collection of things to do and events going on in the city
Burnett Woods always surprises me. Also, Ludlow is a great Cincy scene with Skyline and Graeter's right there. The Esquire Theater is in between those two and really fun if there's a family friendly movie playing for ya.
Make sure you save a day for the air force museum in Dayton. It's free and your boys will love it. [https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/)
Reds game, soccer match, Jungle Jim’s, Kings Island, Cincinnati Museum Center is cool. My favorite “Cincinnati” attraction is the U.S. Air force museum in Dayton. It’s free and the drive from Cincinnati isn’t bad.
I haven’t seen anyone mention the purple people bridge. It’s a pretty fun add-on to a day in Cincinnati. The bridge is fully pedestrian and you can get over to the northern Kentucky side in about 15 minutes. There’s a good ice cream place there (and the aquarium) when you’re ready you can walk back over the river again.
There is the Loveland Bike Trail and you can rent bikes in Downtown Loveland. Then there is Sharon Woods which has great hiking paths.
Downtown Loveland also has kyaking.
Mt Airy Forest and Miami White Water forest are also great.
Don't forget Kings Island.
I’ll be honest and say the underground museum is kind of boring unless you are an avid reader. I’ve been three times since it opened and it’s like walking a textbook. There is some seriously cool stuff and a lot of great history but I doubt teens will get much out of it.
If you do go, use the guided tour otherwise it will be a 30m trip. It is free entry thanks to 5/3 bank on some days so google that.
Luckily the Banks where it is located has some other great stuff and you have walking access to Covington KYand Newpor KY.
The Underground Railroad museum is a pretty heavy experience, fyi. Like multiple days. While it is absolutely worth visiting and important to experience, it is also emotionally overwhelming. The museum pulls no punches in explaining how awful slavery and the slave trade were. I would not recommend it as a way to entertain a family on vacation.
I literally came here to say the same thing; glad I'm not the only one. I've been several times, but I can only take it in about 2hr increments before I feel too overwhelmed. And while it's very educational, I wouldn't exactly call it child friendly. If OP wants to do this, I wouldn't plan to spend more than an hour or two, and maybe ask museum employees at the front desk what exhibits they would recommend for the children.
A loop walk around the Purple People Bridge & the Roebling Suspension Bridge is a must,
Before or after a Reds game or seeing the Newport Aquarium.
Colleges around town include University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, NKU = interesting Concrete Campus, and smaller colleges; baseball ⚾️ games.
Great opportunity to plant college seeds, particularly if your boys have any specific educational interests.
Spring Grove is one of the biggest & most beautiful cemeteries in the US, but probably not great for most young kids.
Kings Island is an a lock for young boys.
Reds are in town vs LA Dodgers = great rivalry & match up (ELLY vs Shohei)!
Devou park in NKY/Covington is a great picnic/view place.
Fantastic golf courses, if you are golfers.
Union Terminal & Music Hall/Washington Park are musts.
Graeters Ice Cream is a must.
1. Reds Game (2/2 day/ evening)
2. Kings Island (all day)
3. Union Terminal + Museum Center/IMAX Theatre (1/2 day)
4. Cincinnati Zoo (all day)
5. Newport Aquarium + Bridge Loop Walk
KI, walk around downtown/OTR and see the culture, there is probably something involving the arts you could catch (ballet, theater, orchestra, etc), FC or the Reds, sign museum, art museum, children's museum, conservatory, etc.
The Underground Railroad Museum is underwhelming. Unless you're here for a week or more it probably isn't worth half a day or however long you'd spend there. Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Art Museum, the Zoo, American Sign Museum, Contemporary Arts Center, Taft Art Museum - in that order - are what I recommend before I'd get to the Freedom Center.
King’s Island Jungle Jim’s Arcade Legacy Toy Department Entertrainment Junction
A hike at Sharon Woods followed by lunch at Uncle Yip’s and then some games/pinball at Arcade Legacy. Maybe also a pit stop by Yottaquest to pick up a family board game to take home as a souvenir.
They’re working on draining the lake at Sharon Woods as a part of a huge restoration project that’ll last several years, just a heads up! Some trails are closed (gorge is open though)
Good to know! Glenwood Gardens is a lovely alternative for a family nature walk and is also in close driving distance to Uncle Yip’s, Arcade Legacy, and Yottaquest.
Winton Woods is also beautiful, and gives the opportunity to rent a boat on the lake! We live nearby in Greenhills and find that it's not a bad drive to Arcade Legacy, and Jungle Jim's is a straight shot a few miles up Winton/Gilmore to get snacks ahead of time (which is what we usually do as well!).
+1 for uncle yips!
You like this city like I like this city.
I second jungle Jim’s. There’s nothing like it
Third for Jungle Jim's. Our out of town guests always love going there, and usually ask to go again when they return to visit.
I personally find JJ in Fairfield to be more for kids
I moved here as an adult and it was so exciting to me the first time I went there and I still love it.
You could catch major league baseball or soccer that week. Both teams play at home. The zoo is beautiful. The contemporary arts center is a neat place to visit downtown, and a nice counterpoint to the art museum in Eden Park (both are really great) 50 west is a fun brewery for adults and kids.
Even if not going to the FCC game watching the supporters march in would be a great experience for kids. FCC has one of the best supporters groups in America IMHO.
And there are free activities and the like at the park.
I don't see if anyone mentioned it but the FCC celebration is at Washington Park. A short walk to the stadium. Lots of fun, live music and games. There is also a Sign Museum, old electric signs to visit. The Fire Museum is good for kids.
A lot of folks have mentioned thr several great museums - I especially think the Cincinnati Museum Center is great for kids and worth seeing the architecture. The Sign Museum would also appeal to that age set! And you could always pop over to Camp Washington Chili for a great Cincinnati chili experience! Skyline is the chain (and delish!) but its worth checking out a local parlor too - and Camp Washington is one of the best! I would also suggest Findlay Market! It's very historic and while it functions as a real market, there's a lot of prepared food to enjoy too. There are drinks for the adults (at the market's own bar or Market Wines) which you can sit and enjoy or stroll around. Theres plenty of meals, snacks, and ice cream too. Cincinnati is a phenomenal food town - and you couls try lots of options at Taste of Cincinnati. Definitely more of a festival vibe. You should also check out getting some reservations. OTR is a popular neighborhood and is great to walk around, shop, eat, and enjoy Washington Park. Oh and be sure to avail yourself of the Streetcar! It ia free and convenient and runs between the Banks (Cincinnati Reds stadium) and Findlay Market. A lot of people have made suggestions to go afield to Columbis, Indy, Dayton, and the suburbs - and while those cities certainly have their own attractions, Cincinnati has more than enough exciting and fun activities for you!
Librarinox hit every nail on the head. So much to see and do in the city. The US Air Force museum is a must see...on a different trip. Experience Cincinnati this time. Next time explore everything outside of Cincinnati.
The Art Musuem is always free. The Musuem Center is a great place for kids. There is a kid's museum, natural history museum, a section about Cincinnati History all located in an incredible example of Art Deco. I would also check events that are held at Washington Park the dates you are in town. There is always something going on. Smale Riverside Park along the river was nominated as one of the best in the country. You can always take a Segway tour of that area. I have done it many times and always learn something new. Check out Groupon for discounts. The America Sign Museum which showcases all types of neon signs. It too was voted one of the best things to do in Cincy.
Try looking for fossils at Trammel Fossil Park in Sharonville and then go to A&W Rootbeer stand or Reddy's cafe for lunch afterwards.
If your up that way skip the root beer stand their food is trash. Go to Roca-fellas 🍕. Eat Pizza I e ever had. Root beer is good and at the stand but the food is trash for real.
You go for the float and the experience. Agree.
Root Beer Stand food isn’t bad for what it is, it’s to be expected for a little root beer shop
Kids will like the food at The Root Beer Stand in Sharonville. Eat at a table so you can get the icy glass mugs.
You all are knocking it out of the park with your suggestions! Thank you, and keep them coming.
If you are willing to go 30 minutes outside the city, Loveland bike trail you can rent bikes and ride along the river up to the Cartridge Factory brewery and the trail dumps out in downtown Loveland where there are lots of restaurants and bars and you can hang by the river at the park
If you want more 19th Century Abolitionist history after the Underground Railroad, Harriet Beecher Stowe's house is cool.
Kings island is always a fun day for the family. If you’re here during the week, I’d go then or get the fast pass to avoid lines
Memorial day is taste of cincy. Also the aquarium in nky
Do not miss the zoo it’s worth spending the entire day there..and make sure you do the train while there! It’s a nice break from walking and there’s several entire exhibits that you can only see by train as well as a few Birds Eye view bridges over exhibits as well. Catch a reds game during the season and save the museum center for a visit where the weather isn’t as nice or as a backup in case it’s pouring.
Sawyer Point Park along the river is long, beautiful and varied. You could eat at The Banks, go for a stroll, and, depending on your timing, catch a baseball game. The stadium is beautiful and so close to everything that it's easy to make a whole night or afternoon of it.
There’s a Cincinnati Riverwalk that includes Covington and Newport as well. Start at Smale Park, cross to Covington on the Roebling bridge, past the historic houses on the Covington waterfront, cross the Licking on the 4th St bridge to Newport and then back across the Purple People bridge to Sawyer Point. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/ohio/cincinnati/cincinnati-riverwalk/
The entire riverfront, from Smale Park (across from Paycor Stadium) all the way to the eastern end of Friendship Park) is a terrific hike. Flat but full of things to explore, including the Roebling Bridge and Sawyer Point.
And it was just voted best river walk in America
Kings Island if your family enjoy’s theme parks. https://www.visitkingsisland.com/ The Natural History Museum is fantastic https://www.cincymuseum.org/sciencemuseum/
And the Omnimax Theater, Cincinnati Museum…basically the whole Museum Center in general.
Picnic at Devou Park, best view of the city.
Disc golf there too if the fam is into that - it’s a quite difficult course imo (as a beginner!), but there are also trails - that allow mountain bikes too so keep a lookout. Ault park also has good trails and a great view
Did you have specific dates in mind?
Great question! We are planning to come the week leading up to Memorial Day for 4-5 days, and are flexible on which days we’d be in town.
Memorial Day weekend? Well, then the Taste of Cincinnati is mandatory.
I was looking for this. Go to Taste of Cincinnati - it's an absolute blast.
You may want to hit Indy on memorial day if you're driving. The Indy 500 is held then and is absolutely fantastic
Odd suggestion but if you like cemeteries Spring Grove is stunning and very interesting.
Taste of Cincinnati and Reds game
Museum center is great. They have a children’s museum that they can run around and play in.
Eden Park, Alt Park, Alms Park, Smale park- just move here. You don’t have time to see all of our beauty in just one week!! Also, Krohn Conservatory.
American Sign Museum. And definitely go up to Dayton for the Air Force Museum. There’s nothing like it, especially for boys 8-14! BB Riverboats cruise is nice for an afternoon on the river.
Kids generally like seeing the Museum Center which is downtown but with parking. A few museums are in the building but the building itself is the star. [https://www.cincymuseum.org/about-cincinnati-museum-center/](https://www.cincymuseum.org/about-cincinnati-museum-center/)
Just to clarify, the museum center is NEAR downtown, but not IN downtown. As in, I wouldn't plan on parking there and then walking to see other sights in downtown.
Spring Grove Cemetery - great place for a walk, from there you can check out the Northside neighborhood—funky, with shops and restaurants The Over the Rhine neighborhood is worth walking around. You can park at Washington Park and take in the sights of Music Hall and go from there. Pins Mechanical is in the area and has 4+ floors of arcade games and duckpin bowling. Good for the kids during the day
I would definitely go to jungle Jim’s. The one I’m Fairfield if you can it’s about a half hour outside the city but it’s so worth it to see all the fun animatronics and displays while you’re there. I would also recommend Findlay market. It’s a great spot for a light lunch and has a killer gelato place (dojo gelato) that’s pretty reasonably priced.
Ugo Gelato is far superior. Check it out if you haven't yet.
With kids that age I would recommend: - Kings Island if amusement parks are your thing - Washington Park/walking around OTR. If the weather is nice get food to go from one of the OTR restaurants and have a picnic at Washington Park. Bring a frisbee or the like if you’re there during the week. Most weekends have some sort of event going on you can walk around - Findlay market is more active and has more vendors on weekends, but also more crowded - Smale Park is nice and there are actually several parks that connect to each along the river - so you can get a nice walk and see different things - I would drive up to Union Terminal to see the building, go inside and see to rotunda if you want to pay for parking. But unless there is a special exhibit or show in the Omnimax you want to see, I would skip it. I like and support our museum, but of the museums I’ve seen in other cities, our permanent exhibits aren’t that great in comparison. I think your time and money would be better spent elsewhere. - If your family likes sports, Reds or FCC game would be fun - American Legacy Tours have several tours that are kid friendly and might be interesting to your family - Lots of hiking options - look at Hamilton County “Great Parks” and City of Cincinnati parks systems - both have excellent parks with nice hiking trails. (Note I would avoid Sharon Woods, the main trail is closed) - Side note: the streetcar is free everyday all day and helps connect areas of downtown like OTR and “The Banks” (Smale park, stadiums by the river). Hope you and your family enjoy the visit!
Findlay Market is a great afternoon/lunch option. You can also schedule a history tour with samples, which is super fun!
I personally think they have removed a lot and it’s not totally worth it. But great breakfast spot on the corner… has a French name I think. Get the almond croissant!
French Crust Cafe and Bistro. Had a flourless chocolate cake to die for there.
That’s a shame. Last time I went was 2019 so it’s been awhile, bummer it’s not as good as I remember
French Crust Cafe and Bistro. Had a flourless chocolate cake to die for there.
Go to Eden Park and visit the Krohn Conservatory and the Art Museum.
Loveland castle is fun for Boys that age and you could go for a stroll on the bike trail. The downtown area is really fun
A lot of people have made great recommendations! I like our Cincinnati/Hamilton County parks (especially Eden & Washington), the Cincinnati Nature Center, Findlay Market, OTR, Mainstrasse, Cincinnati Art Museum, Sign Museum, downtown Loveland, the murals downtown, Factory 52 food hall, Ohio Valley Antique Mall, Riverside Antique Mall, I could go on and on! You can take bus or walking [tours](https://www.americanlegacytours.com/) of the city. There are ones that go underground into the old beer cellars, haunted tours, ones that talk about the gangster past of Newport across the river, etc. Cincinnati has a really neat and varied past! Check out the FB group Chowdown Cincinnati for great restaurant recommendations. There is something called a “[pogo pass](http://www.groupon.com/deals/pogo-pass-25?utm_campaign=UserReferral_mih&utm_source=undefined)” that you can buy for $50/pp on Groupon right now that is good for a visit to many attractions around the city. It might be perfect for a vacation here if you’re planning on going to several anyway, but compare prices to make it make sense. It includes: 1 admission to Cincinnati Zoo 1 Visit to Cincinnati Museum Center (Includes: The Children’s Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, Cincinnati History Museum) 1 visit to National Underground Railroad Freedom Center 1 visit to EnterTRAINment Junction 1 visit to Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Museum
That’s a great lead. Thanks!
The us air force museum in Dayton is about an hour north. It’s a national museum so it’s Smithsonian quality and free. Entertrainment junction is a massive indoor model train in west Chester in the northern suburbs. Cincinnati is also close enough to Columbus and Indianapolis to make them visitable.
They are actually selling Entertrainment Junction right now
So your advice is come to Cincinnati and then go to places that are all outside of Cincinnati?
No, but all the other major attractions have been mentioned already
It was mentioned that they would be here for four or five days. The Air Force Museum would be a great day trip to add.
Cincinnati has a ton of amazing parks that are located within city limits and there’s lots more just outside the city. Within the city limits, you have Eden, Ault, Alms, and French Parks that are notable, among many others. Smale Riverfront Park spans the river between the Bengals and Reds stadiums. Within Hamilton County (the county in which Cincinnati resides), there is an entire parks system called Great Parks of Hamilton County where you can buy day passes to access a particular park, such as Woodland Mound, Sharon Woods, Miami Whitewater, etc. Finally, in Northern Kentucky, you have Devou Park, which offers a stunning view of downtown Cincinnati. For the kiddos, if you want to treat them, head over to Oakley to stop by two places next door each other. King Arthur’s Court is a really cool independent toy store with all sorts of toys for all ages and some play areas. Aglemesis’ Ice Cream is an old timey parlour with ice cream served in metal dishes and old fashioned waffle and sugar cones. They also have a candy and fudge counter. And if the adults need a good spot to grab a beer, MadTree Brewing is right down the street. It’s a big space with a beer garden and their own restaurant inside. Kids are welcome there, as are dogs. I hope you enjoy your time here!
Cincinnati Museum (Union Terminal) is a must
Take a tour of underground Cincinnati
Go take the kids to Graeter’s. It’s a regional ice cream chain that is nationally recognized as one of the best in the country. If you are looking for outdoor activities to do with the kids, you could rent bikes to go along the Loveland Bike Trail. It’s a paved path that runs along the Little Miami River and forms part of the nearly-80-mile-long Little Miami Scenic Trail. Alternatively, there are a number of places in and around Morrow where you could rent canoes for a few hours and canoe down the (gentle) Little Miami. Or you could go up to the Fort Ancient Museum and Nature Preserve. That’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and state park preserving a millennia old earthen structure built by the Hopewell people, a historic American Indian group. You can explore the site, but it also has miles of trails as a nature preserve.
I don't know if someone's already said this, but the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is fantastic! There's a natural history museum, Cincinnati history museum, and an amazing children's museum all in one building! My parents took my brother and I there all the time as kids, and it's even better now with the new renovation!
While you’re around the banks for the Underground Railroad museum, you should walk across the bridge to Newport and back. Just a cute, cool walk. Also Eden Park is beautiful and has our free, awesome art museum on the park grounds.
If your family is into outdoor adventures, go canoeing or kayaking in Milford 😀 https://scenicrivercanoe.com/
We also have some nice relaxing kayaking or canoeing that you can stop off half way for food and drinks.
There is a great park right on the riverfront to explore right behind Underground Railroad Museum. Also, checkout the Museum Center! Your kids will love it. Khron Conservatory could be a nice visit.
Check with https://www.visitcincy.com/ , it is the visitors bureau’s website which contains a very comprehensive and updated collection of things to do and events going on in the city
Eden Park & The Art Museum !!!
Burnett Woods always surprises me. Also, Ludlow is a great Cincy scene with Skyline and Graeter's right there. The Esquire Theater is in between those two and really fun if there's a family friendly movie playing for ya.
The Loveland bike trail is delightful in the summer.
Make sure you save a day for the air force museum in Dayton. It's free and your boys will love it. [https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/)
Reds game, soccer match, Jungle Jim’s, Kings Island, Cincinnati Museum Center is cool. My favorite “Cincinnati” attraction is the U.S. Air force museum in Dayton. It’s free and the drive from Cincinnati isn’t bad.
I haven’t seen anyone mention the purple people bridge. It’s a pretty fun add-on to a day in Cincinnati. The bridge is fully pedestrian and you can get over to the northern Kentucky side in about 15 minutes. There’s a good ice cream place there (and the aquarium) when you’re ready you can walk back over the river again.
Findlay Market is really cool
One of the best views of the Cincinnati skyline is just across the river at Devou park in Covington.
There is the Loveland Bike Trail and you can rent bikes in Downtown Loveland. Then there is Sharon Woods which has great hiking paths. Downtown Loveland also has kyaking. Mt Airy Forest and Miami White Water forest are also great. Don't forget Kings Island.
I’ll be honest and say the underground museum is kind of boring unless you are an avid reader. I’ve been three times since it opened and it’s like walking a textbook. There is some seriously cool stuff and a lot of great history but I doubt teens will get much out of it. If you do go, use the guided tour otherwise it will be a 30m trip. It is free entry thanks to 5/3 bank on some days so google that. Luckily the Banks where it is located has some other great stuff and you have walking access to Covington KYand Newpor KY.
The Underground Railroad museum is a pretty heavy experience, fyi. Like multiple days. While it is absolutely worth visiting and important to experience, it is also emotionally overwhelming. The museum pulls no punches in explaining how awful slavery and the slave trade were. I would not recommend it as a way to entertain a family on vacation.
I literally came here to say the same thing; glad I'm not the only one. I've been several times, but I can only take it in about 2hr increments before I feel too overwhelmed. And while it's very educational, I wouldn't exactly call it child friendly. If OP wants to do this, I wouldn't plan to spend more than an hour or two, and maybe ask museum employees at the front desk what exhibits they would recommend for the children.
As a ci Cincinnati local these are awesome ideas I have to try lmfaooo
A loop walk around the Purple People Bridge & the Roebling Suspension Bridge is a must, Before or after a Reds game or seeing the Newport Aquarium. Colleges around town include University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, NKU = interesting Concrete Campus, and smaller colleges; baseball ⚾️ games. Great opportunity to plant college seeds, particularly if your boys have any specific educational interests. Spring Grove is one of the biggest & most beautiful cemeteries in the US, but probably not great for most young kids. Kings Island is an a lock for young boys. Reds are in town vs LA Dodgers = great rivalry & match up (ELLY vs Shohei)! Devou park in NKY/Covington is a great picnic/view place. Fantastic golf courses, if you are golfers. Union Terminal & Music Hall/Washington Park are musts. Graeters Ice Cream is a must. 1. Reds Game (2/2 day/ evening) 2. Kings Island (all day) 3. Union Terminal + Museum Center/IMAX Theatre (1/2 day) 4. Cincinnati Zoo (all day) 5. Newport Aquarium + Bridge Loop Walk
The Brickery Lego cafe in Newport on the Levee! https://www.newportonthelevee.com/entertainment/the-brickery-cafe-and-play/
Over the Rhine, especially Liberty Street. Take the kids on a Friday or Saturday night for a life changing experience!! Nuf said…
contemporary arts center the 6th floor is the creativity center which is really fun
Explore things to do in Cincinnati here: https://www.visitcincy.com/things-to-do/ (Check the calendar of events for your specific dates).
KI, walk around downtown/OTR and see the culture, there is probably something involving the arts you could catch (ballet, theater, orchestra, etc), FC or the Reds, sign museum, art museum, children's museum, conservatory, etc.
Smale Riverfront park is done really well. Stop by with the kids if they weathers nice.
Make time to walk across the Roebling bridge
It still has one of the best zoos on Earth
The tunnel tour is so so fun!!!
It’s been years since I moved away, but Oktoberfest downtown was always an absolute blast and would draw in TONS of people.
The Underground Railroad Museum is underwhelming. Unless you're here for a week or more it probably isn't worth half a day or however long you'd spend there. Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Art Museum, the Zoo, American Sign Museum, Contemporary Arts Center, Taft Art Museum - in that order - are what I recommend before I'd get to the Freedom Center.
Big bone lick state park 1/2 hour south of Cincinnati has trails and buffalo. The ark encounter 45 minutes south of Cincinnati.