Roadtrippin’: 20+ things to do with kids in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is less than 2 hours from Columbus and is FULL of things to do with kids. If a bigger vacation isn’t in the budget this year, head to Cincinnati for a weekend and check out a few of these fun attractions.

You’ll find fun activities in Cincinnati for the whole family at a variety of price points. 

Leave time to stop at Jungle Jim’s International Market on your way in or out of town – you could spend a whole day browsing this store!

36th Midwest Black Family Reunion Celebration

August 15-18, 2024

The 36th Midwest Black Family Reunion (BFR) is August 15-18, 2024. The four-day celebration will feature a job fair, breakfast, a historical tour of Black Cincinnati, a parade and free concerts on Saturday and Sunday at Sawyer Point.

This family-friendly event will feature food, entertainment, community resources, giveaways and more! Visit myblackfamilyreunion.org for a complete list of events.

Cincinnati Museum Center and Union Terminal

One of the last great train stations, built in 1933.  Includes 3 museums (Children’s Museum, Cincinnati History Museum, and the Museum of Natural History), The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, OmniMax Theater, Terminal tours, art exhibits, original control tower, whispering fountains, and ice cream parlor.

Some experiences are free (excluding museums, OmniMax Theater, and a few others).

COSI members may get free admission; verify current benefits before you go, and make sure to bring your card.

Discovery tickets include admission to the Children’s Museum, Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science, and The Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery. 

Duke Energy Children’s Museum: Hands on fun, 8 educational and themed play areas.

Museum of Natural History and Science: Experience a world of science, history and nature through interactive exhibits and amazing artifacts.  Hands’ on experiments, spelunking, mummies, spacesuits, caves, Ice Age, dinosaurs and more.

Cincinnati History Museum: Step back in time and experience the history of our city, from our earliest settlers to those actively shaping the Queen City today. 

Discounts include AAA members; active, retired, and veteran military and families, and Museums for All: Eligible recipients with EBT card and photo ID.

Newport on the Levee

There’s lots to do in the Newport Levee area, with the Newport Aquarium, Hamster Balls, Newport Express Train Rides, and the Thrill Zone bungee bounce, plus tons of places to eat and shop.

Newport Aquarium

Experience the ocean without the sand, sunburns, and shark attacks.  Touch turtles and sharks, encounter animals, and explore exhibits and sea life from all over the world in a million gallons of water.

Admission is $22.99-$34.99 (if you intend to go more than twice a year, buy a membership -you’ll also receive discounts at other attractions including the Columbus Zoo).  Columbus Zoo members may get a discount.

Other discount options here. Additional experiences are available for purchase, including Penguin Encounters and Backstage Animal Experiences.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Rated one of the top Zoo’s in the country, you’ll find lots to explore at this Zoo with over 500 animal and 3000 plant species. 

Kroger, military, and AAA discounts are available. Columbus Zoo members should receive 50% off; verify with Zoo before your visit. 

Khron’s Conservatory

You’ll find over 3,500 plant species from around the world at Khron’s Conservatory, plus special exhibits. Admission prices vary according to the seasonal show. General admission is $5-$7.

Sawyer Point Park and Yeatsman’s Cove

Beautiful downtown parks featuring the Serpentine Wall, fountains and splash pads, playgrounds, and lots of festivals and events in warmer seasons at Sawyer Point Park and Yeatsman’s Cove.

Cincinnati’s Smale Riverfront Park

Located along Cincinnati’s downtown riverfront, Smale Riverfront Park features include splash grounds and water play areas, playground, picnic area, Carol Ann’s Carousel, Moerlein Lager House and more. West Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Carol Ann’s Carousel: Take a ride on one of 44 whimsical Cincinnati-centric characters that make up Carol Ann’s Carousel. The carousel is an amazing work of art featuring original artwork by Jonathan Queen with panels with animal characters playing in Cincinnati parks. Additional panels celebrate historic landmarks of Cincinnati.

The carousel is housed inside a glass building so it can operate year-round. Check hours before you go. 

Located at 8 East Mehring Way, just across the street from the P&G GoVibrant Playscape next to the Roebling Bridge and immediately west of the new Pichler Fountain off of Rosa Parks Drive

Heekin Family/PNC Grow up Great Adventure Playground: This playground next to the Roebling Suspension Bridge contains a rock climbing canyon, log climbers, twin racing slides, a rope bridge and a mist feature.

Labyrinth (Inspired by Barr Foundation): This serene path is a place to walk in peace and meditation.

P&G go Vibrantscape: Talking tubes, exercise pipes, a giant foot piano, a flying pig, and water pumps and channels that can be activated to flood a granite relief map of the park.

River Play: Fountains for children and families to enjoy and play in, and meandering rocks for hopping across the water.

Rosenberg Swings: A series of shade pergolas, each containing two porch-size swings, are positioned along the upper river walk with great views of the river. Sets of swings are found on the east side of the park at the Duke Energy Garden and above the great lawn on the west side of the park.

Pichler Fountains & Plaza: The steps aligning with Vine Street are flanked by water cascades, and a plaza containing a fountain, a reflecting pool, water curtains, and glass balconies.

Highfield Discovery Gardens

Themed gardens within Highfield Discovery Gardens on 12 acres.  Lots of educational programs. $6 admission ($3 in winter), 2 and under free. Themed gardens appeal to kids of all ages!
10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215

• Frog & Toads Garden – Look closely between those lily pads and you’ll see they are surrounded by frogs.
• Wizard’s Garden – Pass the purple hat, don’t wake the dragon and take the bouncy bridge to the fairy garden.
• Trolley Garden – Four small scale trains run on tracks surrounding some of your favorite storybook characters.
• Vegetable Garden – Raised beds will put you eye level with common and not-so-common vegetables.
• Grandma’s Scent Garden – You’ll be surrounded by smelly plants for your pretend tea party in this garden.
• Morph Garden – The caterpillars in this garden are huge!
• Butterfly Garden – This garden is shaped like its favorite resident.

EnterTRAINment Junction

EnterTRAINment Junction is home of the world’s largest indoor train display and A-Maze-N Funhouse: The Greatest Funhouse on Earth, you’ll find lots of fun with the Imagination Junction children’s play area, and imaginative railroading museum.

From Memorial Day thru Labor Day you can engineer your own locomotive around a track in a hand-cranked railroad car or ride the narrow gauge train ride. Admission is $14.95-$16.95; Funhouse is an additional $9.95.

The Escape Game

From uncovering hidden gold to saving the day – The Escape Game offers a uniquely premium experience. Unplug and connect with your friends and family as you team up, follow clues, and solve puzzles to complete your mission. You might escape…you WILL have fun!

Cincinnati Reds

Catch a Major League Baseball game with the Cincinnati Reds at the beautiful Great American Ball Park from late March through the beginning of October. Tickets start at less than $10. Check out the game promotions here.

Archery Arena

Archery Arena offers two unique action-packed activity options at their indoor arena in West Chester.

Nerf Wars (Ages 6+ subject to size) allows players to battle it out with Nerf Rival blasters with unique game modes including Capture the Flag and Kick the Can. 

Archery Dodgeball (ages 7+) combines the rules and gameplay of dodgeball with custom foam-tipped archery arrows. Each session is led by a game host and includes a mix of game modes including Zombies, Guardian Angel, and Tribute.

4950 Provident Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45246

Options a short drive from Cincinnati

Loveland Castle

The Historic Loveland Castle & Museum Chateau Laroche dates back to 1929 when Boy Scout troop leader, World War I veteran, and medievalist Harry D. Andrews began building a folly of a historical European castle for over 50 years.