Things are about to get hot, Cincinnati, because summer here is never boring. Ready to ditch the cabin fever?  From cooling off in the pool to diving into the arts and getting out in nature, here’s your can’t-miss guide to summer in Cincy.

Photo: Paige Deglow
Meet Fritz and the Other Babies at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 3400 Vine St., Avondale A stroll through the zoo grounds may be the perfect thing to do this summer in Cincinnati. Kids, teens and adults alike can enjoy viewing all the many animals and botanicals throughout the facility. You can see some of the newest additions to the zoo, like Fiona’s baby brother Fritz, Larkin the penguin chick and a pair of adorable bat-eared fox kits. Plus, see if you can spot the baby bumps on Lightning the sloth and Stevie the bongo. Photo: Provided by the Cincinnati Zoo
Hit a Beach Within Driving Distance of Cincinnati Ohio may not be on a coast, but don’t let that fool you — we have plenty of breezy beach options for when the water is calling your name. Yes, they may be on a lake or riverfront, but they check most of our boxes when we’re in need of a little sand between our toes, sunshine on our skin and a cool, refreshing dip in the water. Follow the link to find some beachy inspiration. Photo: fairportharbor.org
Catch a Reds Game and Chow Down on the New Eats 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks Great American Ball Park debuted a slate of new snacks for the 2023 season, including a Cheeseburger Frybox (hamburger topped with nacho cheese, iceberg lettuce, grilled onions, pickles and Thousand Island dressing served on French fries) and the vegetarian-friendly Curve Ball (veggie burger topped with iceberg lettuce, grilled onions, pickles and Thousand Island dressing served on a brioche bun). And that’s only some of the many new menu items you’ll find throughout the ball park. Eat up because if the Reds are losing, you’ll at least leave the ball park with a full stomach. Photo: Allison Babka
Take a Journey Downriver in a Kayak or Canoe The Queen City boasts many canoeing and kayaking spots, plus some road trip-worthy locations within a few hour’s drive – all perfect for floating a weekend away. Check with each business about reservations, specific rental fees and what you can and can’t bring with you. (We’re looking at you, ca-brewers). If you’re searching for a little more of an aquatic adventure, the 22nd annual Paddlefest on the Ohio River is happening Aug. 5. Paddlefest is open to kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards, as well as participants of all paddling experience levels. Motorized boat traffic will be prohibited on the river during this time, making for smooth paddling, and you can choose between the full 9-mile route or a 4.5-mile route. Photo: Facebook.com/adventurecrewcincinnati
Mecca OTR 1429 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine This hip OTR hideaway is a welcoming hangout for those interested in no-frills drinking, L.A. vibes, vinyl tunes and free popcorn. Find the main courtyard entrance tucked away down 15th Street, and cross the big-ass gravel patio, past colorful street-art murals, a panoply of rainbow lighting and a plethora of communal seating to enter a world of hanging plants (in summer the patio is decked out in greenery as well) and the most creatively decorated — dare we say selfie-ready — bar bathrooms in the city. Dogs are always welcome, as long as it’s not too crowded; nobody wants to see stressed-out doggos. Mecca has water bowls, poop bags and sometimes treats on hands for furry guests. Photo: Brittany Thornton Photo: Brittany Thornton
Watch a Dazzling Display of Fireworks on the Fourth of July or Camp Out for the WEBN / Western & Southern’s Fireworks It wouldn’t be summer if you didn’t take the time to watch at least one fireworks show. Cincinnati’s skies will be decked out in all kinds of colors as Fourth of July celebrations take place. Some of the most popular include Red, White & Blue Ash (also featuring concert headliner Collective Soul); Coney Island’s Balloon Glow; Fourth of July at Kings Island; Red, White and BOOM with Cincinnati Pops at Riverbend and numerous community events. And if you just can’t get enough fireworks, don’t forget about Cincinnati’s big end-of-summer bash Riverfest and the WEBN / Western & Southern Fireworks. Just make sure you grab your spot early and respect the blanket-claiming process. Photo: purplepeoplebridge.com/boomregistration
Sip, Bite and Stroll at Findlay Market 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine At more than 150 years old, Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continually operated public market. Go for the farmers market, butcher shops, flower stalls, OTR Biergarten and eclectic eats. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Road Trip to a Nearby Town When you’re in need of a little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, a weekend getaway to a charming small town is just what the doctor ordered. There are several destinations within driving distance of the Queen City to explore, like Yellow Springs, Ohio, for nature and arts and culture; Nashville, Indiana, for outdoor activities and live music; Frankenmuth, Michigan, for a Bavarian-esque good time or Christmas in July shopping; and Maysville, Kentucky, for a little art and history. Visit the link for some road trip inspiration. Photo: Facebook.com/ILoveBrownCounty
Eat to Your Heart’s Content at Taste of Cincinnati, Goettafest and All the Other Amazing Food Festivals Cincinnati’s food festivals are top-notch in any season, but there’s just something about having a goetta burger in July that really slaps. Kicking off the summer food festival scene is Taste of Cincinnati over Memorial Day weekend where you’ll be able to try menu items from nearly 80 vendors across the Tri-State. Then in June, you can take a bite out of Italy at Newport’s Italianfest where you can sample pizza, pasta, cannolis and gelato. Then over the course of two weekends in July and August, it’s all about Goettafest and the wacky concoctions vendors whip up (goetta brownie, anyone?). But don’t sleep on the smaller festivals: Cincy Soul: The Black Taste; Inland Seafood Festival, Rockin’ Taco Festival, Panegyri and more all offer delicious menus to keep you full all summer. Photo: goettafest.com
Take Part in Cincinnati Pride’s Festival and Parade Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, you can have a great time and support inclusion and acceptance at Cincinnati’s annual Pride Parade and Festival on June 24. Don your rainbow colors and line the parade route between Seventh and Plum streets and Sawyer Point, starting at 11 a.m. After that, check out all the family-friendly fun from noon to 9 p.m. at Sawyer Point for the festival, including shopping, plenty of food and drinks and live music and entertainment. Photo: CityBeat Staff
Cool Off With Some Frozen Treats To say Cincinnati is a mecca of creamy whips would be an understatement. From neighborhood staples that have been serving ice cream and smiles for generations to the newer shops inspired by their memories made at the nostalgic awnings and picnic tables of the OG whips, there are plenty of places across the city for the young and young-at-heart to grab a shake, sundae or just a classic cone. Try Bellevue’s Schneider’s Sweet Shop’s quintessential summer treat the Ice Balls, a combination of finely ground ice with rich, flavored syrup generously poured on top, the orange vanilla twist from Zip Dip on the West Side, an adorable animal cone from the Mason Whippy Dip or just anything in general from The Cone in West Chester. Photo: Jesse Fox
Salsa on the Square Photo: Ty Wesselkamper
Go Beyond the Glass in Newport Aquarium’s Hatchling Harbor Exhibit 1 Levee Way, Newport Oh, baby! The Newport Aquarium’s newest exhibit introduces you to some of its youngest residents. At 25 feet long, Hatchling Harbor is among the longest tanks in the aquarium and serves as a new ecosystem for hundreds of colorful animals, many of them babies. This Caribbean seagrass habitat is set in an immersive environment to allow visitors the chance to explore this area between the shore and the reef. Guests can see marine life like the scrawled filefish, lobsters, crabs, urchins and conchs, as well as the beach-building parrotfish, which creates sand when it uses its beak to crunch on coral in search of food. And because the animals are so young, Hatchling Harbor offers a new experience every day as the babies grow and change. Photo: Provided by Newport Aquarium
The City Flea Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Lace Up Your Hiking Boots at These Greater Cincinnati Trails Greater Cincinnati is home to a myriad of parks offering diverse hiking trails perfect for every sort of hiker. As the temperatures climb, Cincinnatians should take advantage of the many benefits the outdoors offers. The outdoors increases serotonin levels and gives your immune system a boost — it’s a natural energizer. Got a dog? Walk it. Have kids? Tire them out. An old friend? Reconnect with them. Or, go Walden-style and wander alone to your heart’s content. The link above contains a sampling of the best hiking spots in the Cincinnati area. Photo: facebook.com/ArcofAppalachia
Lounge Poolside at Ziegler 1322 Sycamore St., Pendleton Located in Ziegler Park, this renovated Over-the-Rhine pool is not only a community hot spot, but also a hip place to see and be seen. A project of 3CDC, helmed by outside pool managers SwimSafe, Ziegler features three distinct sections: a zero-depth wheelchair-accessible area, an area with lap lanes and another with a diving board and rock-climbing wall. There is also space on the deck around the pool for lounging. Entry is open to the public and is $4 per day (no cash). Reservations are required Friday through Sunday. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Go on a Cincinnati Mural Scavenger Hunt Since its inception in 2007, the ArtWorks mural program has been a boon to public art along the streets of Cincinnati. The nonprofit organization — dedicated to employing and training local youth and other creative individuals to achieve community impact through art — has created nearly 200 of them. Download or print a map from online and build your own tour, or purchase a ticket for an ArtWorks-guided tour. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Soak Up Culture at Shakespeare in the Park This summer, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is bringing its popular free Shakespeare in the Park series to public spots across the Tri-State. This summer’s production is The Comedy of Errors, the tale of a family separated in a shipwreck reuniting when two sets of identical twins find themselves in the same place at the same time years later: “What follows is a series of mistaken identity, love triangles, and misadventure. Have a laugh at the errors of comedy in The Comedy of Errors, this farcical and fun story perfect for the whole family!” says CSC. The season runs from July 14 to Sept. 3. Photo: facebook.com/cincyshakes
Have a Beer and Meet Some Feathered Friends at Birds & Brews West Side domestic duck rescue Longbottom Bird Ranch is hosting a series of meet-and-greets with its feathered residents at breweries across the region this summer. This “retirement home” for abandoned ducks says its mission with Birds & Brews is to raise awareness and educate the community on the problems these animals face. Apart from a lot of quacks and duck pets, Longbottom Bird Ranch will also have stickers, pins, eggs and original duck art for sale, as well as free rubber ducks for kids. You may even get to meet Kiwi, the famous duck artist. You can see Birds & Brews’ full schedule here. Photo: facebook.com/Longbottom Bird Ranch
Catch a Concert at Riverbend 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township With the addition of the festival stage at downtown’s Andrew J Brady Music Center and Newport’s indoor/outdoor PromoWest Pavilion at OVATION to the existing Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati is now a prime spot to catch a concert under the stars. Some big-name acts heading to Riverbend this summer include Dave Matthews Band (May 27); James Taylor (June 21); Fall Out Boy (July 15); the Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson, John Fogerty and Gov’t Mule (Aug 13); and The Offspring with Sum 41 and Simple Plan (Aug 30). Photo: Mark Byron
Spread Your Wings at the Krohn Conservatory’s Butterfly Show 1501 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills The Krohn Conservatory’s annual butterfly show “Butterflies of the Meadow” is running daily from now until June 28. Wander leisurely through the Krohn Conservatory’s “meadow” and watch butterflies like monarchs and blue morphos take flight over wildflowers and the showroom’s flowing waterfall. You can also learn more about wild butterflies’ habitats and see what Krohn is doing to protect them. Photo: facebook.com/CincyParks
Get Fit at Free Outdoor Workout Classes Looking to change up your workout routine? Want to get a good workout in while enjoying the beautiful weather? Parks across Greater Cincinnati are offering plenty of free weekly pop-up programs, ranging from yoga to Zumba, all led by different studios and instructors. Classes are available all over the city, from Washington Park to Summit Park in Blue Ash. Photo: facebook.com/WashingtonParkOTR
Visit Sharonville’s The Root Beer Stand 11566 Reading Road, Sharonville Opened as an A&W Root Beer Stand in 1957, the now-family-owned restaurant makes secret recipe root beer (available by the jug) using water from the property’s 280-foot-deep well. But don’t miss out on the food — the secret recipe chili for the eatery’s famous foot-long coney dogs is to die for. Open seasonally. Photo: Danielle Schuster
Show Off Your Moves at Frisch’s Mobile Roller Rink Court Street Plaza: E. Court Street, Downtown Roll into summer on Frisch’s Mobile Roller Rink. The nearly 9,000-square-foot rink is returning to Court Street Plaza Wednesday-Sunday, June 14-18 and Wednesday-Sunday, July 19-23 from 6-10 p.m. Bring your own skates or rent a pair for a small fee. Court Street Plaza is also home to a blossoming dining scene, with new restaurants like Onolicious Hawaii and Court Street Kitchen prepping to open their doors. Photo: Facebook.com/mobilerollerrink
Traverse the Art Climb Gilbert Avenue & Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills Starting near the intersection of Eden Park Drive and Gilbert Avenue, the expansive Art Climb is a flight of 164 steps that ascends from the sidewalk and zig-zags its way up to the Cincinnati Art Museum. At nine stories high, the stairway includes 16 landings and is flanked on either side by greenery and modern light beam structures. If the climb seems daunting, don’t fret: not only are benches placed throughout, but visitors can also check out the three outdoor sculptures – two of which are from Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum – along the climb. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Wander Through Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum Being alone with nature or art offers some excellent time to reflect and focus on yourself, and Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum offers both those things. The park spans over 300 acres of meadows, lakes and hiking trails and features more than 80 permanent sculptures to view. Also on the grounds is an 1820s pioneer house and an indoor ancient artifacts museum with objects dating back to 1550 B.C. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton. Photo: facebook.com/Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
Get Weird at the Cincy Fringe Festival The Cincinnati Fringe Festival is produced by the Know Theatre and is heading into its 20th year giving independent artists a place to showcase their work. This weird-in-the-best-way summer theater party features over 30 performances spanning plays, musicals, dance and even a puppet show. The festival will post over 170 performances across six stages from June 2-17 (except on Mondays). Photo: Provided by Cincinnati Fringe Festival
Travel Back in Time at a Drive-In Movie Theater Greater Cincinnati has two drive-in theaters — Holiday Auto Theatre in Oxford and Starlite Drive-In in Amelia. Sporting vintage vibes and fully-stocked concession stands, the theaters offer an opportunity to hang in your car while you watch first-run films and classic cinema. Starlite, open since 1947, and Holiday, open for more than 60 years, both offer double features for the price of one (and an option to pay an additional charge to bring in your own food). Photo: facebook.com/Starlite Drive-In (Amelia, Oh)