Cincinnati is sometimes considered an up-and-coming city for young professionals, but this Midwestern has a lot to offer for people of all ages, especially for kids. With more than a quarter of the city’s population being children, there are a ton of options for fun activities in Cincinnati for kids.
While I no longer live there, when people ask me what it’s like to live in Cincinnati for kids, I tell them it was wonderful. Many of these activities below are ones that I remember loving when I was younger.
Whether you’re planning a family trip or looking to keep the kids busy on the weekend, check out these 19 kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati for families.
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1. Go wild at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Lions, tigers, and…a charismatic hippo?
Fiona the Hippo is the star of the Cincinnati Zoo’s menagerie and the official unofficial mascot of the city. Born dangerously premature in 2017, Fiona made a miraculous recovery and has ever since loved the fame the city has showered on her.
But there’s so much more to see at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, which consistently ranks among the best in the United States. You can spend all day with elephants, giraffes, nocturnal hunters, and more at this destination in Cincinnati for kids.
2. Lunch at The Root Beer Stand
Although located on the outskirts of Cincinnati, The Root Beer Stand is a culinary cornerstone. This family-run roadside diner specializes in hot dogs and homemade root beer.
The Root Beer Stand has been in operation since 1957 and is a great place to stop if passing through Cincinnati on a north-to-south (or vice versa) road trip.
3. Frolic at Krohn Conservatory
Located in the idyllic Mount Adams neighborhood, Krohn Conservatory is a beautiful greenhouse with thousands of different plant species. It’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon exploring fascinating flora from around the world with your children.
If you’re lucky, your trip might coincide with the annual butterfly show, where the conservatory flutters with thousands of these beautiful, transformative creatures.
4. Dive into the Newport Aquarium
Across the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky, the Newport Aquarium brings you to a marine world with 1,000,000 gallons of water. Here, you can walk through tunnels where fish swim above and all around you, watch penguins dive through deep, frigid pools, and even pet sharks. Don’t worry, these small sharks (probably) won’t bite.
The Newport Aquarium also features the only breeding pair of shark rays in the Western Hemisphere, letting your kids learn about these beautiful, critically endangered creatures.
5. Playhouse in the Park
A regional theatre that cultivates a passion for the arts in children, Playhouse in the Park stages productions for ten months a year. Catch one of the theatre’s shows, which in the past have included ‘In the Heights,’ ‘Treasure Island,’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’.
Located in Mount Adams, Playhouse in the Park is a great place in Cincinnati for kids to enjoy the arts.
6. Catch the sunset on the river
The Ohio River winds its way along the southern edge of Cincinnati, defining the landscape and the city culture. To experience it, there’s no better thing to do with kids in Cincinnati than hop on a sunset river cruise.
Cincinnati has some dazzling sunsets and seen from the river, they’re truly impressive. There are also river cruise tours that include dinner, lunch, and historical sightseeing.
7. Follow the Underground Railroad
One of the things Cincinnati is famous for is its significant role in the Underground Railroad, the complex, secret network of safehouses, and routes that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center downtown is a great educational and indoor activity for kids in Cincinnati.
8. Kayak down the Little Miami River
Whether you’re an adventurous family or not, kayaking down the Little Miami River is a great thing to do with kids in Cincinnati. This gentle river winds its way through the forests of southeastern Ohio and makes for a great day of outdoor activity in Cincinnati.
Rent your kayaks from local businesses like Little Miami Canoe Rental and Morgan’s Canoe and Livery.
9. Discover Cincinnati’s subterranean
Like any good city, Cincinnati has some secrets held underground in tunnels and crypts. This Queen City underground tour will take you to some of the city’s spots hidden below the streets.
The tour focuses on the historic neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine, where the family can explore Cincinnati’s diverse culinary scene before or after the tour.
10. Savor some Cincinnati chili
But before you try any other restaurant in Cincinnati, you have to take the family to get some Cincinnati chili. In the Queen City, we eat a spiced chili with Mediterranean roots served as a sauce over hot dogs and spaghetti, topped with heaps of cheddar cheese.
It sounds strange, but I can promise it’ll be a hit with the kids. Head to independent chili restaurants like Price Hill Chili and Camp Washington Chili, or stick to the many locations of trusty, iconic Skyline Chili.
Consider grabbing some merch from one of these chili joints as a great souvenir from Cincinnati.
11. Skate over ice at Fountain Square
Cincinnati might not always be the picture-perfect winter wonderland, but you can hit the ice rink in Fountain Square from November to February. Ice skating is a great kid-friendly thing to do in Cincinnati for families to put you in the seasonal spirit in the city’s central plaza.
12. Enjoy America’s greatest pastime
When it comes to baseball heritage, Cincinnati is unbeatable.
The Cincinnati Reds was the first professional baseball team in the country and have a rich history inseparable from the city. Hop on a baseball-focused walking tour of Cincinnati to learn more about the sport’s history.
While you’re at it, head to Great American Ballpark for a game. Kids especially love Fireworks Friday, the post-home game pyrotechnic shows that light up the Queen City night.
Other professional sports include the Cincinnati Bengals, FC Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati Cyclones, whose games are great family-friendly activities in Cincinnati.
13. Face the heat at the Fire Museum
In 1853, Cincinnati created the first professional fire department in the United States. You can step back in history at the Cincinnati Fire Museum, the hottest (ha-ha) museum in the city. Your kids can even slide down a firepole!
The museum is located in an old firehouse. There, the kids (and the adults — it’s always good to review) will learn about the history of professional firefighting, but also some great fire safety tips that could their lives.
14. Visit Serpent Mound
One Cincinnati family activity is a visit to Serpent Mound. This 1,348-foot-long effigy mound was built by Native American people about one thousand years ago and depicts a great snake.
Serpent Mound, the most iconic of all effigy mounds, is National Historic Landmark and considered a holy place by the Shawnee Tribe, whose oral histories tell of its story. Visiting Serpent Mound is a great historic adventure near Cincinnati for kids.
15. Break free from an escape room
There’s nothing like an escape room to bring a family together, because you literally can’t leave until you solve the puzzle (or until time runs out).
This one-hour escape room downtown is great for some Cincinnati family fun and easily pairs with getting a bite to eat in Over-the-Rhine or celebrating with a bowl of chili.
16. Get smarter at the Cincinnati Museum Center
When it comes to things to do with kids in Cincinnati, is there anything more obvious than The Children’s Museum at the Cincinnati Museum Center?
This museum, one of multiple housed in the magnificent, Art-Deco Cincinnati Union Terminal, has plenty of hands-on activities for children to learn and play. Your kids will love The Woods as much as I did — what kid doesn’t want to adventure through a woodland wilderness?
The Museum Center also includes a local history museum, a natural history and science museum, a state-of-the-art OMNIMAX theater, and more — endless options for family fun in Cincinnati. It’s worth visiting for its architectural beauty alone.
17. Beat the heat with some ice cream
Cincinnati is an ice cream paradise. In the summer, check out the seasonal roadside soft serve joints known as creamy whips like Zip Dip in Westwood, the Creamy Whip in Norwood, or the Dairy Corner in Newtown.
Year-round, Graeter’s Ice Cream makes what I believe to be the best ice cream in the world with its signature French pot method. Swing by Aglamesis’ Bros in Oakley for another local ice cream parlor and confectionary with an elegant twist.
18. Haunt the Queen City
Wondering what to do with your kids at night in Cincinnati? If you’re in town during the Halloween season, I say you all head to a haunted riverboat.
Yes, that’s right, the haunted USS Nightmare, a historic riverboat, comes to the Ohio River every year to provide some seasonal fright. Or head to Halloween Haunt at Kings Island amusement park, which is generally a great Cincinnati attraction for families.
For non-Halloween season spooks, check out the Queen City is Haunted tour to learn the harrowing history of Cincinnati.
19. Explore Cincinnati parks
One thing I love about Cincinnati is its extensive park system. There is so much green space to explore in the Queen City and a trip to one or two parks is a failsafe Cincinnati family activity.
My personal favorites are Ault Park, Eden Park, and Smale Riverfront, but there are dozens of parks all across the city to choose from. Each one has its own value and merit, and many of these offer amazing views of this hilly city.
Conclusion
The list could go on and on, but I’ve put together a variety of options for good family fun in Cincinnati, from museums and dining to excursions and escapes.
These 19 things to do with kids in Cincinnati will keep you and your family entertained all while you learn more about this lovely Midwestern city. Are you, or were you once, a kid in Cincinnati, or a parent or guardian? Let us know your favorite activities in Cincinnati for kids in the comments.
