Cincinnati is a city full of fun for families. It has many activities for all ages and interests. Kids and parents can make great memories together.
There are museums, live shows, outdoor fun, and sports. You can visit the Cincinnati Zoo, the Children’s Museum, or go on a river cruise. There’s something for everyone in this lively city.
Key Takeaways
- Cincinnati has over 40 fun activities for summer 2024.
- There are 9 great bike trails for families.
- Free movies for kids are shown at parks and theaters.
- Many bowling alleys offer the Kids Bowl Free program.
- There are over 25 places for families to enjoy creamy treats.
Explore the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Discover the wonders of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. They are a must-see for families. The Cincinnati Zoo, the second oldest in the United States, is a National Historic Landmark. It has nearly 2,000 animals from over 500 species and more than 3,000 plant species.
There are many exhibits to see, like the P&G Discovery Forest, Reptile House, and Cat Canyon. You can see a wide variety of animals, from hippos and rhinos to flamingos and wild dogs. The zoo is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm, giving you plenty of time to explore.
Home to Nearly 2,000 Animals and 3,000 Plant Species
The Cincinnati Zoo has nearly 2,000 animals from over 500 species and more than 3,000 plant species. It offers a diverse and immersive experience. You can see everything from African elephants to polar bears.
Notable Exhibits: P&G Discovery Forest, Reptile House, Cat Canyon
- P&G Discovery Forest: This exhibit brings the rainforest to life with tropical plants and fun activities for visitors.
- Reptile House: See a wide variety of snakes, lizards, and frogs in this reptile and amphibian exhibit.
- Cat Canyon: Learn about majestic felines like lions, tigers, and cougars in their natural habitat.
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens has a rich history and a wide variety of animals and plants. It offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. Explore the natural world and make lasting memories at this special place.
Unleash Creativity at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
In the heart of Cincinnati, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is a place for young artists and performers. It’s the oldest professional theater for young audiences in the city. For over five decades, it has won the hearts and minds of children.
The theater offers live shows, classes, and camps for kids to be creative and grow their talents. Kids can enjoy musicals that take them to magical worlds and workshops that improve their skills. It’s a place where young people have a memorable experience.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is a top spot for families in the area. It helps the next generation of performers grow. If your child loves theater, music, or just live shows, there’s something here for them.
They offer Theatre Summer Camp with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and MainStage productions all year. The theater is all about kids theater Cincinnati and performing arts for kids Cincinnati. It aims to inspire, teach, and entertain kids. With its long history and love for the arts, it’s a key place for children’s theater Cincinnati.
- Over the last 53 years, the theater has fallen into disrepair.
- More than $47 million has been raised for the project to date.
- The annual operating expenses for the Emery will be essentially the same as the current 40 days rental of the Taft Theatre.
- TCT plans to impact over 100,000 children and families who come to their MainStage productions in downtown Cincinnati each year.
- There are more parking spaces within walking distance to the Emery Theatre than to the Taft Theatre.
- TCT will bring new technology like projection mapping and stage lift to the Emery Theatre.
Things to do in Cincinnati with Kids
Cincinnati is full of fun activities for kids of all ages. Kids love the Cincinnati Zoo and the Children’s Theatre. But there’s more, like live shows, classes, and summer camps that help kids be creative and artistic.
Live Performances, Classes, and Camps for Young Artists
Cincinnati is great for young artists who want to be creative. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has shows that are fun and inspiring. Kids can also take art classes and join summer camps in dance, music, visual arts, and drama.
- Discover the magic of live theater at the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
- Enroll in art classes for kids to nurture their creative talents
- Immerse in the excitement of summer camps focused on the arts
The UnMuseum at the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center is interactive and fun. Kids also love the hands-on exhibits at the Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati. These places make learning fun and keep kids’ imaginations running wild.
Adventure Awaits at Mt. Airy Forest
Families looking for outdoor fun will love Mt. Airy Forest in Cincinnati. It covers 1,475 acres of greenery. Kids can play, be active, and have adventures here.
Hiking Trails, Playgrounds, and Treehouses Galore
Mt. Airy Forest has many hiking trails for little explorers. They can walk through beautiful woods or tackle tough paths. There are trails for everyone, no matter their age or skill.
The park also has adventure playgrounds. Kids can climb, swing, and slide all day. And there’s a special treehouse for them to play in the treetops.
At Mt. Airy Forest, kids can explore, play, or just enjoy nature. It’s the perfect place for an adventure in Cincinnati.
Ignite Curiosity at the Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum in Cincinnati is a place that makes kids curious and eager to learn. It has eight themed play areas. These areas let kids learn by doing things hands-on and using their imagination.
Eight Themed Educational Play Areas for Interactive Learning
The museum has spaces for toddlers and big kids alike. It’s a place where kids can grow and love learning. They can check out:
- The Woods – an interactive forest setting where children can climb, crawl, and play
- Kinetics – a space dedicated to the study of motion and energy
- Teller – a miniature town where kids can role-play as community members
- CincyTown – a life-size replica of the city’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods
- PowerTown – an exhibit focused on electricity, energy, and renewable power sources
- Infant Toddler Gallery – a nurturing space designed for the youngest visitors
- Art Studio – a creative hub where children can explore various artistic mediums
- Health and Human Body – an educational space that delves into the human body and wellness
The Children’s Museum of Cincinnati is a place that makes kids curious and helps them learn. It has interactive learning and themed play areas. Kids in Cincinnati get to have fun and learn a lot here.
Cruise the Ohio River with Queen City Riverboats
For a fun and relaxing time in Cincinnati, families should try a riverboat tour with Queen City Riverboats. These cruises on the Ohio River have many options. You can choose from public lunch and dinner cruises or game-day shuttles. This lets visitors see the city’s beautiful skyline and green riverside from the water.
Queen City Riverboats let families see Cincinnati from a new view. You can see famous spots like the Roebling Suspension Bridge and the Cincinnati skyline. These riverboat rides in Cincinnati are great for a calm afternoon or evening. They make memories that last forever with your loved ones.
The family boat tours by Queen City Riverboats are for all ages. They’re perfect for families in Cincinnati. Whether it’s a scenic river views cruise or a special event cruise, these Ohio River cruises are fun and entertaining for everyone.
Queen City Riverboats have many cruise options and times. This makes it easy for families to find the perfect riverboat rides in Cincinnati. From calm afternoon trips to evening dinner cruises, these Ohio River cruises are a special way to see the city and make memories together.
Tee Off at Gardner Park’s Disc Golf Course
Gardner Park in Cincinnati has a 9-hole disc golf course for families. It’s great for all skill levels. It’s a fun way for kids and parents to be active and have fun together.
The course is only 2,361 feet long. It’s the shortest in Cincinnati. This makes it perfect for beginners or for a quick game.
Disc golf mixes golf and frisbee for fun outdoor play. At Gardner Park, it welcomes players of all ages and skills. Everyone can enjoy the game here.
Whether you’re a pro or new to disc golf, Gardner Park is great for families. It’s a chance to enjoy outdoor activities Cincinnati and spend time with loved ones. So, grab your discs and come to Gardner Park for a fun disc golf outing.
Discover the Firefighting History at The Fire Museum
The Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati is perfect for families wanting to learn about firefighting history. It has interactive exhibits that let visitors explore the past. Kids can learn about how firefighting in Cincinnati has changed over time.
Hands-On Exhibits and Fire Escape Planning
Kids can try being a firefighter by sliding down a pole at the museum. They can also see old firefighting gear up close. The museum teaches kids how to plan for fire escapes, which is a very useful skill.
The museum has over 6,000 artifacts from the early 1800s to today. It shows how firefighting has changed over the years. The Fire Museum’s Modern Era Collection covers from 1913 to now. It shows how firefighting technology and methods have improved.
The museum is also a place of fun. It hosts the Gold Star ChiliFest every year. This event has games, firefighting shows, a chili cook-off, and food trucks. It’s a great day out for the family.
If you’re interested in Cincinnati’s firefighting history or want fun, interactive learning for your kids, visit the Fire Museum. It has hands-on exhibits and activities on fire escape planning. It’s a place where kids can learn and have fun at the same time.
Race Around the Go-Kart Tracks
Cincinnati is perfect for families who love a good thrill. It has many go-karts Cincinnati spots. Here, kids and parents can race together. Places like Full Throttle Adrenaline Park, Motorsports Country Club, and Scene75 Entertainment Center have tracks for everyone.
At Full Throttle Adrenaline Park, you can show off your racing skills. Pro Karts go up to 40mph, and Junior Karts up to 25mph. For the little ones, Mini Karts are ready for drivers who are 3 years old and 36 inches tall.
There’s also a 2-Seater kart for drivers 18 and older, who are at least 55 inches tall. And they can bring a passenger who’s at least 42 inches tall.
- Hand-controlled kart #99 can reach speeds up to 40mph.
- Reservations are strongly encouraged for karting.
- An annual membership fee of $8.00 is required for participation.
- Off-peak days and hours, usually Monday through Thursday before 6:00 PM, offer more activity opportunities.
- One Free Adrenaline Pass can be used during the birth month, excluding Saturdays, with ID required.
- Karting Liability Coverage limits the driver’s exposure to a $200 deductible, with Full Throttle covering costs up to $1,000 thereafter.
Motorsports Country Club and Scene75 Entertainment Center also have go-kart racing. They have tracks for adults and kids. Whether you want a fun family day or an exciting adventure, Cincinnati’s go-kart places will make it memorable for everyone.
Explore the Sights and Sounds of Findlay Market
Findlay Market in Cincinnati is more than just a place to shop. It’s in the heart of the city’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Here, you’ll find the sights, sounds, and tastes that make Cincinnati great for families.
Walk through the market’s busy aisles. You’ll see stalls with everything from fresh veggies and cheeses to crafts and special foods. The farmer’s market on weekends is a big draw, letting families check out the season’s best and support local farmers.
For a deeper dive, take a guided tour of the market. These tours tell the stories of the market’s history and its unique sellers. Choose from the Basic Tour, Tour & Treat, or Corporate and Specialty Group Tours. They’re great for learning about shopping in Cincinnati and finding family-friendly activities Cincinnati.
At Findlay Market, you can shop, taste local foods, or go on a tour. It’s a top family-friendly activities Cincinnati spot. The lively vibe, wide range of items, and chance to meet locals make it unforgettable for everyone.
Experience the Cincinnati Reds Ballpark Tour
Baseball fans, young and old, can dive into the world of the Cincinnati Reds ballpark with a special tour. This tour takes you to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. You’ll see behind-the-scenes areas, sit in the dugout, and go behind home plate. It’s a chance to learn about the Cincinnati Reds franchise’s history and how it works.
The tour lasts about 75-90 minutes. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $20 for kids 5-12, and $20 for military with ID. Kids 4 and under get in free. For groups of 15 or more, there are special tours.
On Saturdays from late October to mid-March, you can book the two-hour VIP Major League Clubhouse Tour. This gives you a closer look at the ballpark. On home game days with a 4:10 PM start, the Premier Game Day Experience adds more fun to your tour.
For a personal touch, private guided tours are available for 2-10 people. These tours need a deposit to book. You can also get a private tour guide to make it even better.
The Cincinnati Reds ballpark tour welcomes everyone. It’s easy to get around with wheelchair and stroller access. No matter which tour you pick, you’ll get to see the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. It’s a great way to learn about the team’s history and tradition.
Thrill Seekers’ Paradise: King’s Island
King’s Island is perfect for families who love thrills and excitement. It’s a top theme park in Cincinnati with lots of rides, games, and attractions. There’s something for everyone, from the famous The Beast roller coaster to fun rides for the whole family.
The Beast: Longest Wooden Roller Coaster in the World
The Beast stands tall over the park and opened in 1979. It’s a famous ride that’s the longest wooden roller coaster globally. Riders go up high and down steep drops, making for an amazing experience.
King’s Island has more than just The Beast. It has the Banshee, the longest steel inverted coaster, and Mystic Timbers, a top-rated coaster. With so many rides, it’s a great place for families to have fun together.
Conclusion
Cincinnati is a great place for families. It has lots of activities for everyone. You can visit the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden for fun with animals.
Or, you can go to the Children’s Theatre for creative fun. This city has many ways for families to make memories together.
There are historic places like the Carew Tower and the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge to see. You can also try the city’s famous beer or go on outdoor adventures at Mt. Airy Forest. Cincinnati has many family-friendly activities and kid-friendly attractions for all ages.
The city works hard to make sure there’s always something fun for kids to do. You can visit interactive museums, watch live shows, or enjoy sports activities. Cincinnati is a top choice for families looking for fun and adventure.
