It seems as though, as the chill approaches, the more likely we all are to take refuge in whatever shelter we are able. And, while that is understandable and the overwhelming ideal, it’s as though we’re finished being outdoors for the cold months; to reemerge only once spring arrives.
Places like Minneapolis and Scandinavia have events throughout the cold season, so why shouldn’t we? [Spoiler: it has a lot to do with The Winter Mindset.] Below are several ideas for great winter activities to keep us socially active despite the cold and resources to be protected from the elements when needed.
Igloo Rentals
Beer Garden Domes
Narrow Path Brewing (Loveland)
Heated igloos with space for up to 8 people. $25 reservation fee for 45 minutes (will be applied toward your tab).
Bubble Tent
Sunday Afternoon Picnics
Add on a bubble tent to your Sunday Afternoon Picnic for an extra cost during the cold season.
IGLOOBAR
Braxton Brewing Company
Each heated igloo can accommodate up to 8 people comfortably and features cushioned seating and a dedicated Bluetooth speaker (upon request). Can be reserved for 2.5 hours (drink serve for two hours). Enjoy food from Dewey’s and beverages from Braxton. $340 non-refundable reservation fee required.
21+; reservations here
Igloos & Pergolas
Elm Street Plaza
Rentals include two-hour time slot, ice rink admission and skate rental (good for up to 8 guests), and one free drink per guest (up to 8 per rental).
Rooftop Greenhouse Experience
Shires’ Rooftop
Views of the riverfront from their 10th-floor terrace. Heated greenhouses provide the perfect private setting for groups of 2 to 8. Elevate your evening with their carefully curated menu and an extensive cocktail and wine list.
$25 per person; reservations here
Alpen Globes
Vista @ The Lytle Park Hotel
Private, heated two-hour dining experience with panoramic city views for up to 8 guests.
Reservations here
Outdoor Events and Dining
The Blind Lemon
Cocktail bar with winter-themed cocktails, live music six days a week, and a cozy, wood-burning fireplace on the patio.
Fifty West Brewing Company
Bonfires, heated tents, hot chocolate bar, and ice skating at Wooster Pike. Book your skating session here.
Little Miami Brewing Company
Milford
Fire pits with views of the Little Miami River.
MadTree Brewing
Oakley
Covered, heating seating as well as fire pits outside.
Pins Mechanical
OTR
Fire pits on the rooftop patio.
The Porch
Washington Park
Standing heaters to enjoy beer, seltzers, and drinks from local breweries and distilleries.
Hike for Your Health
Cincinnati Nature Center
Pick up a Hike for Your Health passport at Rowe Visitor Center for $4. Enjoy the many health benefits of hiking and, after completing each trail, get an official boot stamp at the Visitor Center on your passport. After hiking all 17 trails at Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm & Trails, bring your passport back to the Rowe Visitor Center to receive a Trailblazer prize. (There are incentive prizes along the way, too!)
January 5–March 1
Winter Discount Days
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Discounted admission courtesy of US Bank, with tickets for as little as $9 for adults and $6 for children on select days. Learn more about the winter-hardy animals at the Zoo and the natural adaptations that prepare them for the cold.
January 10, 17, 24, 31, and February 7
Great Parks Winter Hike Series
Great Parks Locations, 10a–12:30p
January 10: Winton Woods (Harbor)
January 17: Sharon Woods (Sharon Center)
January 24: Woodland Mound (Seasongood Nature Center)
January 31: Shawnee Lookout (Eagle’s Landing)
February 7: Miami Whitewater Forest (Visitor’s Center)
Select your hike based on difficulty, group, or theme. Hikes are educational or challenging, ranging from four to 5.5 miles. All hikes conclude with soup, cookies, and camaraderie.
$10 per hike; registration required
January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22
Sunday Soundbath at Winterhaus
Fountain Square, 10a
Full-body meditative experience with Wild Garden Wellness. Your body temperature will drop during the sound bath, so dress in layers. Bring a mat and you are welcome to bring a blanket for additional comfort.
Free
January 23–24, 30–31, February 6–7
Fire & Ice Returns
Moerlein Lager House
Ice bars, fire performers, themed dinners, igloos, and ice sculptures.
March 1–2
Mittenfest
Washington Park
Craft beers from local tri-state area breweries, a DJ, tented food vendors, and other surprises.
March 6–8
34th Annual Bockfest
Celebration of the coming spring. Bockfest returns to its roots in the neighborhood with four partners hosting events as their official Bockfest Halls: Moerlein Lager House, Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, Rhinegeist Brewery, and new for 2025, Rosedale OTR. Parade is on Friday and 5K on Saturday.
February 21
Music and Skyline Sightseeing Cruise
BB Riverboats, 7–9p (boarding 6p)
Two-hour river cruise with special entertainment without the dinner. This sunset cruise will have a cash bar and snacks available for purchase≥
March 4
High Noon Sightseeing Cruise
BB Riverboats, 12–2p (boarding 11a)
Two-hour cruise featuring entertainment (banjo player) and sightseeing. The banjo player will provide interesting facts, tales, and river lore about Cincinnati/NKY.
Ice Skating and Skiing
November 15–January 4
Warm 98.5 Ice Rink
Summit Park
Skate sessions are only $7 per person with skates included. Children 3 and under free. Open daily except for holidays.
November 22–February 16
UC Health Ice Rink
Elm Street Plaza
Open Skate is $10 and includes admission and skate rental.
November 28–
Ice Skating & Curling
Fifty West Brewing Co and Fifty West Deerfield
$10 per person includes includes ice time and skate rentals. Children 4 and under free.
Ski and Snow Tubing
Perfect North Slopes
Five chairlifts, 23 trails, two terrain parks, and 25 tubing lanes, as well as a lodge with food and drink, loft shop, and more.
Lift tickets; snow tubing tickets
Protection From the Elements
Part of being able to enjoy the cold season is a result of having the resources and clothing to protect from the elements. Some places to look for clothing—items for layering, coats, hats, gloves, and boots—and winter supplies include:
Once Upon a Child Locations
Gently used children’s clothing, toys, and accessories.
Clothes Mentor Anderson, Fields Ertel, Florence, Hyde Park, West Chester
Gently used women’s clothes and accessories.
Plato’s Closet Anderson, Colerain, Florence
Gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Play it Again Sports Colerain, Deerfield Twp, Florence, Madisonville, Springdale, West Chester
Buy, sell, and trade quality used sports and fitness gear, such as skiing, camping, and more.
Secondhand and Thrift Stores
- St. Vincent de Paul [8 area locations]
- Valley Thrift [Evendale]
- Greater Cincinnati Goodwill [20 area locations]
Being able to enjoy the cold is a privilege. There are many people in our city who are experiencing homelessness, including over 8000 children in Greater Cincinnati, who make up 39% of the unhoused population in Cincinnati.
If you or someone you know is put out this cold season, here are several resources to find respite from the extreme cold:
Cincinnati Recreation Commission
In the event of extreme cold events, several CRC recreation centers serve as warming centers during regular business hours. Check their social for information.
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
CHPL locations are open to residents and visitors who need to avoid the cold. CHPL also offers free weatherization kits and has partnered with organizations to offer free winter coats and free health screenings.
[Follow @linsinnati on Instagram for real time shares and information about warming centers on extremely cold days.]
UpSpring
UpSpring is the region’s only nonprofit exclusively serving the needs of children experiencing homelessness and offers a resource collaborative to impacted children. Items include bus passes, gas cards, coats, school supplies, book bags, personal hygiene items, and more.
Interested in donating items? Click here for more information.
Interested in attending or contributing to the UpSpring Benefit Bash, UpSpring’s largest annual event that raises funds for after school programs, summer programs, and other opportunities for education and enrichment? Click here.
More Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness
Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition
Lighthouse Youth & Family Services
Shelterhouse Cincinnati
Strategies to End Homelessness
YWCA Cincinnati
There are many other events going on not mentioned here that will appear in the Weekend Rundown. If you have not yet already, sign up to have the Weekend Rundown weekly newsletter, featuring detailed events, delivered directly to your inbox every week. Simply go to tourdecincinnati.com where you will be prompted to subscribe.
Have any questions or want specific recommendations about things to do? Just ask!
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