15 Fun Things to Do in Cincinnati with Kids: Family Activities
Ideally situated on the Ohio River, Cincinnati is the epitome of family enjoyment.
Whatever your group’s interests—museums or theme parks—there are many highly rewarding and enjoyable activities to do in Cincinnati with kids.
Additionally, it is the location of Cincinnati Zoo and Coney Island, two of Ohio’s most recognizable family-friendly attractions.
Additionally, we’ve highlighted Cincinnati’s must-see family sites to aid your travel planning.
- Cincinnati Zoo — Avondale
The second-oldest zoological park in the nation, founded in 1874, entices families with various endearing creatures, including the famous hippo Fiona.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Cincinnati Zoo is a must-visit destination for families.
More than 500 beautiful animals and 2,500 plant types can be found as you explore this National Historic Landmark.
Spend time observing the polar bears that swim and feeding the enormous giraffes.
Don’t forget to take a picture of Fiona, too.
For the little ones, there are also train and carousel rides.
Recommended Ages
This well-liked zoological park has no shortage of sights, attractions, and activities for visitors of all ages.
- Cincinnati Fire Museum — East End
With so many interesting and instructive exhibits, this museum is unquestionably one of the best family-friendly activities in Cincinnati.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The best way to start your family’s visit to Cincinnati is by taking them to this fascinating museum.
It is not only immensely amusing but also instructive, illustrating the development and background of firefighting.
The museum also provides various vintage tools and fun activities like sliding down a fire pole.
Children can also climb an actual fire engine that has lights and sirens.
Recommended Ages
Children ages three and up can participate in exhibitions and activities at the Cincinnati Fire Museum.
- Duke Energy Children’s Museum — Downtown
The Duke Energy Children’s Museum ignites your child’s curiosity and love of learning through play and exploration.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Best place for kids when it rains in Cincinnati.
Please bring your children to the Duke Energy Children’s Museum.
This museum provides kids with a tonne of interactive, hands-on excitement with its educational play zones and displays.
Recommended Ages
Displays and lessons at the Duke Energy Children’s Museum are for children aged 12 and under.
It’s frequently cited as among Cincinnati’s top toddler activities and the most instructive ones.
- Mt. Airy Forest — Cumminsville
Families that yearn to take in the splendor of Mother Nature will find Mt. Airy Forest a gorgeous haven.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Mt. Airy Forest is brimming with outdoor recreation for teenagers, children, and adults.
This beautiful 700-acre forest offers a variety of exciting kid’s activities, including hiking paths and disc golf.
It has a charming treehouse with picture-perfect details and breathtaking views.
Recommended Ages
Mt. Airy Forest provides nonstop excitement and adventure for guests of all ages.
- Taft Museum of Art — Downtown
This art gallery is one of the top family attractions in Cincinnati since it offers something for everyone.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Taft Museum, housed in a lavish historical estate, has an exceptional art collection that includes Chinese porcelains and American paintings.
The museum also offers great kid-friendly activities and has a fantastic cafe with a reasonable kid’s menu.
Recommended Ages
The Taft Museum’s programs are excellent for children aged 3 to 12.
The art exhibits are more appropriate for tweens, adolescents, and adults.
- Smale Riverfront Park — Downtown
Cincinnati’s Smale Riverfront Park is a local favorite since it is the location of many wonderful attractions and family-friendly activities.
Why We Recommend This Activity
For families, Smale Riverfront Park is a paradise.
You can count on the park to keep your gang entertained and happy all day long.
The park also boasts a fountain and an environmentally friendly playground in addition to its lovely plants and kid-friendly swings.
Not to mention that it has a charming, vintage carousel for the little members of your tribe.
Recommended Ages
There are numerous games and activities available at Smale Riverfront Park for guests of all ages.
You’ll love visiting this family-friendly park, even if you’re traveling with a baby.
- Krohn Conservatory — Uptown
The tranquil cascade, art deco building, fragrant orchids, and exotic plants at Krohn Conservatory are breathtaking.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Krohn Conservatory showcases more than 3,000 plant varieties worldwide and is renowned for its art deco architecture.
The conservatory undergoes seasonal changes with unique events and exhibitions, including the renowned Butterfly Show.
Additionally, it includes ongoing exhibitions with exotic flora and a waterfall from a jungle.
Recommended Ages
Programs and activities at the Krohn Conservatory are suitable for adults and kids ages three and up.
- California Woods Nature Preserve — California
You may satisfy your hunger for nature excursions and outdoor adventures at California Woods Nature Preserve.
Why We Recommend This Activity
With its 113-acre forest and year-round educational programs, California Woods is undoubtedly a blessing for families who love the outdoors.
Spend hours here exploring the picturesque pathways and taking in the relaxed atmosphere.
You might also see various species on this natural reserve, like beavers, wood ducks, and snapping turtles.
Recommended Ages
Children ages three and older will enjoy the events and activities at California Woods Nature Preserve.
- Newport Aquarium — Newport
It’s simple to understand why it’s frequently referred to as one of the nation’s best aquariums, given its interactive activities and exhibits.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Take a fast 5-minute drive from Cincinnati to Newport Aquarium to see the nation’s most engaging marine horse exhibit.
This aquarium museum also provides a variety of family-friendly activities.
On a suspended rope bridge, you may cross over a school of sharks and even get up close to stingrays.
- Fountain Square — Downtown
Are you looking for free family activities this weekend in Cincinnati?
Fountain Square is undoubtedly one of the best places to take kids in Cincinnati for free entertainment, with great activities occurring all year.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Fountain Square, located in the center of Cincinnati’s downtown, is a hive of activity.
Guess what else?
Most attractions, events, and activities can be enjoyed for the universally popular price of nothing.
The area is a hive of inexpensive, family-friendly activities, especially in the summer, with anything from concerts to age-appropriate salsa dance groups.
Recommended Ages
Most of the events and programs in this space are appropriate for kids ages six and up.
- Highfield Discovery Garden — Cincinnati
Numerous magnificent sculptures and thrilling kid-friendly attractions may be found in the Highfield Discovery Garden.
Why We Recommend This Activity
In the city, Highfield Discovery Garden is undoubtedly the most enchanted and captivating location for families with children.
This unique outdoor playground resembles a scene from a fantasy film because of its surreal sculptures, elaborate features, and gardens.
Recommended Ages
Visits to the Highfield Discovery Garden are advised for families with children three years old and above.
- Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum — Downtown
Visit the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum to learn about the club’s unique history and to get some baseball expertise.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Families with baseball enthusiasts should not miss the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum.
This museum does an amazing job of showcasing the history of the first professional baseball team in America through various items.
Additionally, it provides the entire tribe with a tonne of participatory activities.
For example, you could sit in a broadcast booth and work with Joe Nuxhall to call a play while you practice your pitching speed.
Recommended Ages
This museum is a utopia for sports-loving adults, teens, and children ages six and older.
- Loveland Castle — Loveland
Stop by Loveland Castle, better known as Château Laroche, for a delightful taste of Europe while in Cincinnati.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Check out Château Laroche if you’ve always wanted to go to a European castle but don’t want to leave the US.
This castle’s striking style, which showcases a medieval influence, gives it a great background for some pictures of the kids.
The castle also features a garden, picnic areas, and games and holds events all year round.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages will enjoy the views and activities at Loveland Castle.
- Cincinnati Nature Center — Milford
At the Cincinnati Nature Center, you can get away from the city life’s hustle and bustle and participate in several outdoor activities.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This environment center is ideal for parents who want to expose their children to outdoor excursions because it has miles of clearly delineated trails.
It’s also a great place for kids to learn more about the natural world and engage in some bird watching, thanks to its family-friendly programming.
Recommended Ages
The Cincinnati Nature Center provides trails and activities for older kids, teens, and adults.
- Coney Island — California
Family-friendly thrill rides abound at the renowned and amazing theme park Coney Island.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Coney Island is a must-have for any list of the best family activities in Cincinnati.
Families have been enthralled by Coney Island’s classic amusement park rides for many years.
Even better, it has a water park with the biggest recirculating pool on the planet.
Recommended Ages
For adults, teenagers, and children of all ages, there are countless entertainment alternatives at Coney Island.
