If you are looking for kid-friendly activities in the greater Cincinnati area, see below for several dozen options regarding Where to Play, Discover, Eat, Shop, and Get Moving.
Please note that events and activities are always subject to change. Click on their respective links or contact the business or organization directly for more information and up-to-date details.
WHERE TO PLAY (For Free!)
Cincinnati Art Museum Baby Tours (Mt. Adams)
Third Fridays at 11a, 2p, and 3p
(Need to make a reservation pretty far in advance, which you can do here.)
For more events and programs, view the Calendar page.
Admission: FREE (reservations required)
Coffee Shops
Some local coffee shops include an onsite play area or mobile book and toy carts knowing that sometimes the kids have to come along. A few I recommend are:
Fable Cafe (Westwood): mobile play cart with toys and books
Fort Thomas Coffee (Fort Thomas, KY): dedicated play space
Luminary by La Terza (College Hill): dedicated play space
The Connector
Sure, the streetcar itself isn’t a play space, nor should it be, but it is fare free and a wonderful, accessible way to navigate downtown. Its 3.6-mile loop easily transports you from Findlay Market to The Banks and everywhere in between, from restaurants and breweries to museums and parks.
Contemporary Arts Center Creativity Center and UnMusem (downtown)
Interactive and experiential environment building creativity and curiosity for generations, featuring a community gallery, quiet room, skyline perch viewing area, overlook, and common space.
Click here to download the FREE Printable Kid-Friendly Activity Checklist!
CVG Airplane Viewing Area (Hebron)
Open from 8a–10p, featuring picnic tables, a play area, and excellent views of the airfield.
To view a flight tracker to plan what time to go, click here.
Everybody’s Treehouse (Mt. Airy Forest) ***currently closed for repairs***
Ohio’s only wheelchair accessible public treehouse located in Cincinnati’s largest park, a man-made forest with miles of hiking trails, several picnic areas, a disc golf course, and a multi-use mountain biking trail.
Fifty West Burger Bar (Columbia Twp/Mariemont)
A massive space created for families. To be able to enjoy your time as a parent or caregiver while your little(s) get to play at the same time is a game changer. 50W Burger Bar features several volleyball courts that double as giant sandboxes on the weekends. Plus they have a kids menu with all items being $6.
Happen, Inc. (Northside)
Art classes, outreach programs, and creative activities (check out this calendar for more information).
Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Rookwood)
Kids’ storytime Monday through Saturday at 10:30a
For more kid-friendly events, click here.
King Arthur’s Court Toys (Oakley)
The Dungeon at King Arthur’s Court, a medieval-themed play area, as well as Storytime with Rob every Tuesday at 11a. Sign up for Artie’s Birthday Castle here.
Little Village – Stay & Play (Westwood)
Play space designed for fun, early learning, and community connection for families of children from birth to age 5. Play areas include art room, science center, tumble area, construction zone, dramatic play and games, reading room, and infant space.
Ludlow Railfan Tower (Ludlow, KY)
Train viewing platform mere minutes across the river from downtown on Rt 8/Elm Street in Ludlow, Kentucky. The trackside view is of the Norfolk Souther’s Cincinnati, New Orleans, and Texas Pacific line, which hosts up to 60 trains every 24 hours. Stroller and wheelchair accessible by elevator or by stairs.
Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (multiple locations)
Library Babies (birth–18 months)
Toddler Storytime (18 months–36 months)
Movers and Shakers (ages 1–4)
Preschool Storytime (ages 3–6)
KinderBridge (ages 4–6)
Family Storytime
Click here to find a storytime near you.
Smale Riverfront Park (downtown, Cincinnati Parks) – FREE
Play fountains, riverwalk, Carol Ann’s Carousel, and adventure playground, as well as ongoing events, rentable spaces, and more.
Admission: park admission is FREE (parking is available nearby at a cost), and Carol Ann’s Carousel is $2 per ride.
Greater Cincinnati’s park systems are excellent and, between Great Parks of Hamilton County, Cincinnati Parks, and several more independent nature centers, there are plenty of options—many with FREE admission.
Story Times – FREE
The Bookery (Columbia Tusculum), Thursdays at 10:30a
Joseph-Beth (Norwood), Monday through Friday at 10:30a
King Arthur’s Court Toys (Oakley), Tuesdays at 11a
Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library (CHPL) (multiple times and locations)
Summit Park (Blue Ash) – FREE
130-acre park with year-round events, activities, 360-degree views from the free Observation Tower (***temporarily closed for improvements***), Naturescape playground, discover trails, dog park, several on-site restaurants.
Washington Park (OTR, Cincinnati Parks) – FREE)
6-acre park in the heart of Over-the-Rhine, featuring regular events, The Porch concessions, children’s playground, interactive water park in warm months, dog park, and bandstand with live music.
Admission: park admission is FREE (parking is available nearby at a cost), and and there are two stations for the fare free Cincinnati Connector on either side of the park.
West Fork Park Playland (Green Township) – FREE
Inclusive playground that is accessible and usable by children of all ages and abilities, and includes eight play zones, from spaces for sensory, a zipline, mega tower, and more.
WHERE TO DISCOVER (For $10 or less)
Behringer-Crawford Museum (Devou Park)
Collection, presentation, study and enjoyment of our natural, cultural and visual and performing arts heritage of Northern Kentucky.
Admission for nonmembers: $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 60+, $5 for children ages 3–17.
Cincinnati Fire Museum (downtown)
As the birthplace of firefighting, Cincinnati wants to share its significant contributions to the firefighting profession.
Admission: $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (65+), $8 for youth ages 7–17, and $5 for youth ages 2–6
Cincinnati Nature Center (Milford)
Specifically the Cincinnati Nature Center PlayScape, where natural features are designed for open-ended creative play.
Admission for nonmembers: $10 (adults), $8 for seniors and active military, $6 for children 4–12, FREE for children 3 and under, and $3 for pets.
Happy Hangout (Covedale)
One-of-a-kind play space featuring a toddler play area, larger-than-life indoor playground, miniature city for pretend play, and party rooms.
Admission: Each session is $10 (walking–age 12), adults and pre-walking babies free. Two-hour play passes available online.
Memberships and gift cards are available for purchase.
Highfield Discovery Center at Glenwood Gardens (Woodlawn, Hamilton County Parks)
Designed to encourage exploration, this 12-acre discovery garden features the 25-foot Discovery Tree as well as seven smaller gardens, and even plays host to children’s birthday parties and education programs.
Admission: $6 per person and FREE for kids under 2. A vehicle permit is required for every vehicle entering a Great Park of Hamilton County ($10 for residents, $16 for nonresidents).
Krohn Conservatory (Mt. Adams, Cincinnati Parks)
Cincinnati Parks’ nationally recognized showcase of more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. Click here for more event information.
General admission: adults $10, youth (5–17) $7, and children (4 and under) FREE
LilyPad play space (O’Bryonville, Crescent Springs)
Classes (calendar), parties, and other events. Play space(s) include an open play area with art studio, sensory activities, imaginative games, dramatic play area, a small climbing structure, as well as a pre-walkers area.
Admission: $10 for single visit pass (add a sibling for $8); multi-visit and unlimited play are also available (Click here for more info.)
The Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati (Latonia)
Displayed collection in a self-guided tour format. Open first Saturday of the month, May through October, from 10a to 4p.
Admission: $7 for adults, $2 for children under 10. Cash only.
WHERE TO DISCOVER (For Over $10)
American Sign Museum (Camp Washington)
No matter their age, children love all the lights and movement at the Sign Museum—even from the stroller. Tip: guided tours are free with museum admission and highly recommended for a first visit. Tous are Saturdays at 12p and 2p and Sundays at 2p.
Admission for nonmembers: $15 admission for adults; $10 for ages 13–18, seniors, and military/first responder; children under 12 are FREE with paying adult. Masks are appreciated but not required.
BB Riverboats Kids Cruises (Newport)
Ice cream social and specialty cruises, such as Pirates of the Ohio and Princess Cruises.
For future kid-friendly events and cost information, click here.
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Visit the Duke Energy Children’s Museum and OMNIMAX Theater in a multi-museum complex housed in Union Terminal, a historic Art Deco train station and National Historic Landmark.
Admission: information can be found here.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum (downtown)
Preserving and promoting the rich history and traditions of the Cincinnati Reds, while honoring on-field accomplishments and achievements, as well as creating an everlasting memorial to baseball and the Cincinnati Reds.
Admission: for prices and to purchase tickets, click here.
EnterTRAINment Junction (Mason)
The world’s largest indoor train display, featuring a play area, railroading museum, and other seasonal and special events.
Save $2 by buying online and Get It All here (children under 2 are free).
Great Wolf Lodge (Mason)
Indoor water park with 13 slides and eight pools, kept at 84 degrees year round.
Plan your visit here (day passes are also available); children under 2 are free.
Immersive Gamebox (Newport on the Levee)
Interactive cinema adventure with user-friendly games designed for players of all ages. Great for birthday parties, family game nights, and more.
Click here to book and for for all game and pricing information.
Kings Island (Mason)
Award-winning Planet Snoopy, roller coasters, attractions, amusement, and water park. Camp Snoopy coming late spring 2024.
Click here for information about daily tickets and season passes.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (downtown)
Revealing stories of freedom’s heroes from the era of the Underground Railroad to present.
General admission: $16.50 for adults, $11.50 for children ages 3–12, $14 for seniors (60+), FREE for children under 3. Fifth Third Community Days are every fifth and third Sunday of the month and admission is free.
Newport Aquarium (Newport on the Levee)
General admission for adults (ages 13+) starting at $22.99 and starting at $14.99 for children (ages 2–12). Tickets must be purchased in advance.
General admission information can be found here.
The Play Library (OTR)
Like a regular library, but instead of books they lend toys and games.
“Play & Borrow” membership costs $15/month or $150/year and it allows you to take toys and games home with you. (Cancel at any time.)
Spanish Play Dates
Clubs, play school, and after school classes for ages 7 months to 10 years.
Wonderland Playground (Anderson Twp)
Several indoor play areas for ages 1–10.
Tickets, $14 for a two-hour session, can be purchased here.
PERFORMING ARTS
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Classes, workshops, camps, and performances.
For a complete lineup of productions and to buy tickets, click here.
Madcap Puppets and Education Center (Westwood)
Classes, workshops, summer camps, and live productions.
View the class and workshop schedule here.
View the event calendar here.
SPORTING EVENTS
Cincinnati Cyclones
Professional hockey team and member of the ECHL. Promotions include $2 beer nights, theme nights, and more!
Click here for single game and season ticket information.
Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati’s MLB team and baseball’s first professional team, featuring promotions, giveaways, Hall of Fame and Museum, fan clubs for kids, and so much more. Plus first game certificates are available for first-time attendees. They can be ordered in advance or at any TriHealth Fan Accommodation location on game days.
Ticket information, including packages and single games, click here.
FC Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s family-friendly professional soccer team, featuring a Kids Club, Kids Zone, promotions throughout the season, and more. First game certificates are available at Guest Experience Center on the main concourse (behind Section E6/220—also includes a sensory room and Mother’s room) and Washington Park hosts Pre-Match at the Park every matchday.
Season ticket, half-season and mini plans, and single-match ticket information can be found here.
Florence Y’alls
Professional baseball team that plays in the Frontier League. For Sunday home games you can bring the whole family and get 4 tickets for $56. The package includes a 16-ounce soda, small popcorn, and a hot dog and is only available on Sundays.
WHERE TO EAT
Menus are linked—kids menus where applicable. This information is as accurate as possible but is always subject to change, so it is always worth double checking with each establishment to be sure.
Frisch’s Big Boy (multiple locations)
Mondays: One FREE Kids Mini Meal (12 & under) per adult purchase of $6.98 or more (dine-in only).
Gold Star (multiple locations)
Tuesdays: Children 12 and under eat FREE with an adult purchase of $8 or more.
Dead Low Brewing (California)
Tuesdays: Kids 10 and under eat FREE with an adult meal purchase.
Hofbräuhaus (Newport)
Second Tuesday of each month: “Family Night” where kids eat FREE from 6–8p with each adult entree purchase.
LaRosa’s (multiple locations)
Mondays and Tuesdays: Spaghetti-A-Plenty for $3.69 (dine-in only).
Phat Banh Mi (The Gatherall, Factory 52)
Wednesdays: Kids 12 and under eat free with a purchase of an entree.
Skyline (multiple locations)
Kids Eat Free Nights vary (check with your Skyline for details): Children 12 and under eat FREE with the purchase of an adult entrée
Wings and Rings (Beckett Ridge, Finneytown, and more)
Mondays: Kids eat FREE with each paying adult entree. For more locations and information, click here.
Zip’s Cafe (Mt. Lookout)
Kid-friendly restaurant in Mt. Lookout Square featuring a train that circles the restaurant.
WHERE TO SHOP
Gumdrop Tots (Covington)
Shop for tots bringing energy, affection, and a sense of discovery to little ones and their grown-ups through beautiful and thoughtful goods—clothes, accessories, toys and games, books, and stationery.
Hutch Baby (OTR)
Upscale kids clothing boutique featuring sizes newborn to 14–16 in youth (and even Mommy & Me styles), as well as accessories and shoes.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Rookwood)
Independent bookseller featuring daily storytime and other kid-friendly events.
King Arthur’s Court (Oakley)
Local toy store with a play space (The Dungeon at King Arthur’s Court) and storytimes each week. You can even host a birthday party in The Dungeon!
Learning Express Toys and Gifts of Crestview Hills (Crestview Hills)
Art classes, character meet-and-greets, story and craft times, and more!
The Spotted Goose (Oakley)
Children and baby clothing store featuring playful, fun and comfortable clothing and accessories.
WHERE TO GET MOVING
FIT4MOM® Cincinnati (locations vary)
Pre and postnatal fitness program featuring stroller strides, stroller barre, and more! A great way to get out of the house while on maternity leave, especially.
First class is FREE. View the schedule here.
FIT4MOM® Northern Kentucky (locations vary)
Pre and postnatal fitness program featuring stroller strides, stroller barre, and more! A great way to get out of the house while on maternity leave, especially.
First class is FREE. View the schedule here.
Queen City Zumbini (multiple locations)
The Zumbini program combines music, dance, and educational tools for 45 minutes of bonding, learning, and fun, for kids ages 0–4. Classes take place at LilyPad (O’Bryonville), Dance Concepts (Montgomery), Learning Through Play Cafe (West Chester), and Madcap Education Center (Westwood).
Click here for pricing and more information.
Looking for a custom recommendation based on your personal preferences (likes, budget, location)? Just ask!