Located along the Ohio River in southwestern Ohio, Cincinnati is a big city that is perfect for a fun family getaway. Explore the beautiful parks, walk along the bridges over the Ohio River, visit historic Union Terminal and the museums inside, see animals at the Cincinnati zoo and Newport Aquarium and so much more! Between the restaurants, attractions and events, there are so many great things to do in Cincinnati that your family will love.
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Carew Tower Observation Deck
While it’s technically the second tallest building in the city, it feels like the tallest because it’s the highest elevated building in Cincinnati. And the views are breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction!
Fun Fact: The tower was used as the model for NY City's Empire State Building.
When you arrive at Carew Tower, look for the information desk on the main floor. Then take the nearby elevators up to the 45th floor. From there you can either take another small elevator or walk the stairs up to the 49th floor. That's where you will purchase your tickets to the Observation Deck. Be prepared, because they only accept cash.
While you're on the Observation Deck, see if you can spot Union Terminal, Roebling Suspension Bridge, Fountain Square and the hotel you are staying in.
Carew Tower Observation Deck
41 W. 5th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Simply put, the historic Union Terminal is stunning. The history and Art Deco architecture are reason enough to visit, but the recent renovation and additional attractions make it one of the top places to visit in Cincinnati. Built in 1933, it was once a bustling train station, now guests who visit will enjoy the Cincinnati Museum Center (3 different museums), an OMNIMAX Theater and the Cincinnati History Library and Archives.
We chose the Discovery Pass which granted us entry into all three museums, the Cincinnati History Center, Museum of Natural History and Science and the Children’s Museum. All three of the museums were excellent. Each offered a unique experience with interactive and hands-on exhibits. Perfect to keep the attention of kids and adults.
The Cincinnati History Center gave us a fun peek into the fascinating history of the city. The Museum of Natural History and Science has dinosaur fossils, caves to explore and so many different hand-on STEM activities. While the Children's Museum had many different exhibits designed especially for kids. Encouraging them to learn through exploration and play.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
1301 Western Ave Cincinnati, OH 45203
Website
Cincinnati Zoo
There are so many unique animals at the Cincinnati Zoo, including gorillas, manatees, ostriches, giraffes, lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, polar bears and hippopotamuses. We were very impressed with how active the animals were and how close we were able to get to them. In addition to the animals, you can also ride around the zoo on the Safari Train, enjoy the beautiful Conservation Carousel, watch a show on the 4-D Theater or play on the playground near the petting zoo.
Insider Tip: When you arrive, make note of the times and locations of the special keeper chats and demonstrations. Then plan your route around the zoo accordingly. While the demonstrations are free, you can also sign up for special behind the scene animal encounters.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45220
Website
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Museum
Did you know that the Cincinnati Reds are the oldest professional baseball team? They also had many other firsts, including the first no-hitter of the 20th century, the first to host a night game in Major League history, and the first to participate in a televised baseball game in Major League history.
Learn all about these first and more at the Museum. The history of the team was fascinating, and the museum layout was great. We especially liked the section where we could make our own baseball cards and try out being a professional sports announcer and television reporter.
Insider Tip: Located a short walk from Smale park. Plan your trip so you can explore the park before or after visiting the museum.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Museum
100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website
Cincinnati Art Museum
Located in the beautiful Eden Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum has a large collection of artworks and several kid friendly touches. Make the experience even more fun by creating your own art scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt is completely customizable and provides a fun activity to complete while walking around the museum. Just use the computer to choose the items you want to include, print out the details and create the scavenger hunt booklet to carry with you around the museum.
Families with young children will also enjoy the education center located on the first floor of the museums. There kids can take part in various hands-on art activities and crafts.
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website
Newport Aquarium
Located just across the bridge in Newport, KY the award willing aquarium has a lot to offer including 60+ exhibits, multiple touch tanks, play areas and even a rope bridge that crosses over top the shark tank. We most enjoyed the various touch tanks where we got up close to starfish, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, anemones and cleaner shrimp. Another highlight was the octopus which was extremely active, moving all around the tank and treating us to quite a show.
When you arrive, make note of the times and locations of the special shows and feed schedule. That way you can enjoy some of the special animal encounters.
Insider Tip: The overlook next to the aquarium provides a great view of the downtown Cincinnati skyline. Take advantage of this fun photo opportunity.
Newport Aquarium
1 Aquarium Way Newport, KY 41071
Website
Cincinnati is home to many beautiful parks with are conveniently located throughout the city. We recommend spending a little time in each park as you explore the various attractions and restaurants.
Smale Riverfront Park
This riverfront park has something for all ages. Walk the boardwalk along the river’s edge, take in the beautiful scenic views of Cincinnati and Newport, enjoy the fragrant flowers and green space, splash in the water fountains, experience the “flying” pig in the playground, try out the giant foot piano and walk across the Roebling Suspension Bridge. Pack some snacks, a water bottle and spend a few hours enjoying all the park has to offer.
Washington Park
Washington Park is located in the center of the historic Over the Rhine neighborhood. The park features lots of green space, water fountains to cool off in, a fenced in dog park a playground for the kids. The park host many free events throughout the year and is a great place to spend the afternoon.
Eden Park
The Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Playhouse and the Krohn Conservatory are all located in this park. If you are planning a trip to any of those locations make sure to allocate time to enjoy the park while you are there.
Krohn Conservatory
Located in Eden park, the Krohn Conservatory offers a unique experience for butterfly lovers. In the butterfly house, watch 12,000 butterflies fly around you and if you are lucky, one may even land on you. In addition to the butterflies, walk through the three different areas with various plants and flowers from around the world.
Americano Burger Bar
One of our top restaurant choices when visiting Cincy. The portions are large (even the kids meals), the burgers and fries were delicious and the salad was excellent. The atmosphere was fun, and they have table games and shuffleboard to play while you wait for your food.
Revolution Rotisserie
If you like chicken you must eat at Revolution Rotisserie. They are known for delicious rotisserie-style chicken. It’s served whole, shredded and even fried. Our favorites dishes included the Marie Curie Chicken Pitas (Chitas) and the Lightning Fried Chicken. Do yourself a favor and order the crispy brussels sprouts as a side dish. They are delicious! Bonus, the restaurant is located within walking distance of Washington park so head there after your meal.
Cincinnati Style Chilli
If you are visiting Cincinnati, you must try Cincinnati style chili and be sure to order it 5 way. You may be thinking “why is this different than the chili I make at home?” well, for one Cincy Chili has a soupy consistency and depending on the restaurant it includes creative add ins like spaghetti, hot dogs, tons of shredded cheese. It often flavored with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and sometimes even chocolate! As you can expect, it will be different than any chili you've ever eaten.
Eli’s BBQ
Located in a small neighborhood on Riverside Drive, this award-winning BBQ restaurant is simple and oh so delicious. The ribs and pulled pork were outstanding and some of the best BBQ we’ve ever tasted. The outside seating area is spacious with music playing in the background creating a fun dinning atmosphere. If you are feeding a large group, consider ordering from the picnic family style menu.
Moerlein Lager House
Conveniently located overlooking Smale Park the location and views are great. For appetizers, we thoroughly enjoyed the wings and delicious meat and cheeseboard. The burgers were great and kids meals had large portions. In addition to great food, the Moerlein Lager House is a working microbrewery that produces a full line of craft brews.
Graeter’s Ice Cream
Offering some of Cincinnati’s finest ice creams. Graeter’s has been making delicious homemade ice cream since 1870. The variety of flavors are sure to please, and the portion sizes are just right. Some of our favorite flavors include: Buckeye Blitz, Maple Cinnamon Crunch and Black Raspberry. Be sure to check out their seasonal limited-release flavors when you visit.
Hello Honey Ice Cream
Another great homemade ice cream option in the city. The flavors are creative and unique and the cones are made fresh to order. You can also add a marshmallow to the top of your cone, which they toast right before serving it to you. Do note that this ice cream shop isn’t open late, so check the hours before you visit.
Now it’s time for you to plan a fun getaway to Cincinnati. Head over to Cincinnati USA to find out more about the upcoming events, places to stay and other things to do in Cincinnati.
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