Summer’s just getting started, and there is plenty of budget- and family-friendly fun to be had around Greater Cincinnati over the next few months. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat at a neighborhood pool, meet some animal friends, chill in the air conditioning or eat as much ice cream as you can, here are some inexpensive, foolproof ways to have summer fun while making memories and bonding with your kids.
(And don’t forget, you can visit a lot of local attractions, including the Cincinnati Museum Center, Heritage Village Museum and Gorman Heritage Farm, for free, thanks to Cincinnati Public Library’s Discover Pass.)
Study Science and History at the Cincinnati Museum Center
Science, history and fun abound at the Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC). Not only does CMC contain world-class museums, like the Cincinnati History Museum and the Museum of Natural History & Science, it’s also home to the Cincinnati Children’s Museum, which is consistently voted as a top 10 children’s museum in USA Today’s 10Best poll. At the Children’s Museum, kids can climb, crawl, explore and discover the world around them through eight educational and themed play areas, including two made especially for younger children. The museum center also hosts national traveling exhibits that delight both children and adults with their interactive learning elements and expansive collections, like the current exhibit, Barbie™: A Cultural Icon, which shares the history and legacy of the world’s favorite doll as a source of inspiration and creativity for millions of children. You can also catch a film highlighting the wonders of the world in the immersive Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater. Films currently being shown that your kids will love include The Blue Angels, about the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron, and Space: The New Frontier. Call of the Dolphins, which takes a closer look at the underwater world of these sea mammals, will also soon be shown. 1301 Western Ave., West End.
Splash Around at a Public Pool or Sprayground
When the mercury rises, it’s time for the whole family to hit the pool. Luckily, the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) has plenty of affordable public pools you can splash around in to beat the heat, with daily passes priced at $2 for kids, $6 for adults and $4 for seniors. And you won’t have to go far for some quality poolside lounging, as CRC offers 24 swimming pools and six spraygrounds located throughout the city. You can also visit the 3CDC-managed Ziegler Park Pool in Over-the-Rhine, which 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. Entry is open to the public and is $4 per day (no cash), and reservations are required Friday through Sunday.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side at the Cincinnati Zoo
See the world-famous Fiona, her baby brother, Fritz, and all their animal friends at the Cincinnati Zoo. At the zoo, you can wander through Roo Valley where you can see the kangaroos up close, explore the brand-new Elephant Trek exhibit, feed the giraffes, watch the penguins’ antics, ride the carousel and much more. And daily events like the Cheetah Encounter and Elephant Chat allow you to learn more about the animals that call the zoo their home. 3400 Vine St., Avondale.
Take a Spin on Carol Ann’s Carousel
Nestled between Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium, Smale Riverfront Park is dotted with fountains, gardens, an event lawn, a labyrinth, a playground and Carol Ann’s glass-enclosed, year-round carousel. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, it features 44 whimsical, Cincinnati-centric creatures for you to ride, delighting your kids and bringing out the inner kid in yourself. Each ride is $2 a person, but you get discounts if you buy multiple rides. 8 E. Mehring Way, The Banks.
Enjoy an Ice Cream Together
There’s no better, kid-approved way to beat the summer heat than with some ice cream. And to say Cincinnati is packed with 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 and rich, flavored syrup generously poured on top. There’s also the orange vanilla twist from Zip Dip on the West Side, or an adorable animal cone from the Mason Whippy Dip. Anything from The Cone in West Chester is sure to scream summer.
Take in a Ball Game With the Florence Y’alls
If you’re [base]balling on a budget, the Florence Y’alls offer all the thrill of the sport without the headache of parking near GABP and the need for a wealthy benefactor to bankroll your concession stand hot dog. Part of the independent Frontier League, the Y’alls also bring a different kind of energy to America’s pastime. The seating allows for a good view no matter where you are, and their creative promotional nights (Star Wars Night, Circus Day, Bark in the Park) are rolled out once or twice a week. Plus, the Y’alls offer other daily promotions like Firework Fridays and Family Sundays. Games feature a Kids Zone with free-access playscapes, trampolines and basketball hoops. There are also two inflatables your kids can play on for an additional $5. As for the fun zone for adults, Y’alls games offer $2 beers on Thirsty Thursdays and live music on Rockin’ Saturdays. Thomas More Stadium: 7950 Freedom Way, Florence.
Live Like You’re at Summer Camp at Fifty West
Fifty West has tons of activities for kids to enjoy, like sand volleyball courts, cornhole and pickleball. The brewery hub also has a Burger Bar serving up a menu of bread-and-butter diner specialties like classic cheeseburgers, flat-top hot dogs and loaded crinkle-cut fries. Don’t miss the 12 specialty burgers named for the 12 states that US Route 50 runs through. Grab a house-made root beer or orange soda to wash it all down, or choose from a wide range of Fifty West canned, bottled or draft beers. 7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township; 5224 District Park Drive, Deerfield Township.
Peruse Art From All Over the World at the Cincinnati Art Museum
There’s no shortage of wonders to behold at the Cincinnati Art Museum, and you can spend days there exploring the entirety of their collection of more than 67,000 works spanning the ancient world to modern times — all for free. The museum also offers a variety of family-friendly programming, including art workshops, storytime in the Rosenthal Education Center and museum tours for babies that are designed to introduce them to art and stimulate their minds. 953 Eden Park Drive, Mt. Adams.
Hit the Trails
Greater Cincinnati is home to a myriad of parks offering diverse walking, hiking and biking trails perfect for every age. 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. Plus, if you’re bringing your kids, fresh air and steep hills are great at tiring them out. If hiking’s not your thing, break out the bikes to traverse the Loveland Bike Trail. Ride for miles on a flat-paved trail next to the Little Miami River or walk it and enjoy the cool shade of the trees. You can also visit the many restaurants and businesses along the trail, including a pit stop at the Loveland Dairy Whip for ice cream — a timeless, kid-approved activity.
Catch a Flick at Ziegler Park Pool’s “Dive-In” Movie Nights
Pool days are essential to any summer bucket list, but Ziegler Park Pool is extending those pool days into pool nights with its “Dive-In Movies.” Sure, drive-in movies are fun, but there’s something magical about floating in the water while enjoying a classic movie. Once a month, Ziegler will open late to screen a fan-favorite movie. In June, you can catch Barbie, Finding Nemo in July, Mama Mia! in August and Shark Tales in September. 216 Woodward St., Over-the-Rhine.
Pick Your Own Berries at Blooms & Berries Farm
Berries taste best when fresh from the garden, and Blooms & Berries Farm offers you the chance to do that without the frustration of growing your own if you lack a green thumb. Throughout the summer, the farm offers U-Pick days where you can purchase a $2-$3 field pass and collect buckets of blueberries and blackberries, depending on the part of the season and how the crop has responded that year. While the strawberry crop was skipped over U-Pick this year due to a shortage of healthy crops, according to the farm, pickers can still prepare for blueberry and blackberry season, as well as the U-Dig potato season in July. 9669 OH-48, Loveland.
Play and Relax at Smale Riverfront Park
Cincinnati is home to tons of amazing parks and playgrounds, but Smale Riverfront has to be the crown jewel. Its riverfront and Roebling Bridge views pop off with the park’s close proximity to even more attractions, like Carol Ann’s Carousel, Great American Ball Park, Andrew J Brady Music Center and The Banks’ restaurants. At the park, your kids can play with the interactive foot piano; climb, jump and slide on the whimsical playground; or run through the in-ground splash pad. You can also rent a Red Bike, or bring your own, to pedal along the riverfront trail from downtown to Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park in the East End, stopping for a picnic and more adventures at Sawyer Point. Or, head up to the Purple People Bridge and cross the river into Kentucky for even more family fun at Newport on the Levee. 100 W. Mehring Way, The Banks.
Stargaze at the Cincinnati Observatory
Founded in 1842, the Cincinnati Observatory houses the oldest fully operational telescope in the nation. Now that summer is upon us, the Observatory is offering some out-of-this-world programming full of space-themed adventures for all ages. “Space is for Everyone!” includes dinner, a tour of the telescopes with viewing of the sun if weather permits and STEAM activities for the whole family. The best part is, it’s free. You can get tickets through the Cincinnati Public Library’s Discovery Pass program. Ticketed programs your kids would love include a Guided Planet Walk Tour, Pride Night in June and Sights Before Sunrise. 3489 Observatory Place, Hyde Park.
Bend Your Imagination at the Highfield Discovery Garden
Highfield Discovery Garden is the kind of place that makes adults wish they were kids again with its storybook gardens and magical Discovery Tree — it’s really somewhere you can let your imagination run wild, no matter your age. Located in Great Parks’ Glenwood Gardens, Highfield is a playground-meets-secret-garden, offering seven different garden areas, including a butterfly garden and the interactive music garden, which features a treble clef-shaped path and playable percussive instruments. 10397 Springfield Pike, Woodlawn.
Spread Your Wings at the Krohn Conservatory’s Butterfly Show
Located in historic Eden Park, the Krohn Conservatory is an aluminum-and-glass Art Deco destination (in the shape of an upside-down heart) filled with more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. Permanent displays include a rare orchid house, a steamy tropical room, a succulent-filled desert space and a fun walk-through rainforest featuring a serene waterfall. The Krohn is also currently hosting its seasonal butterfly show, “Gothica Botanica.” The show runs daily from now until Aug. 10. At Gothica Botanica, guests can step into the world of mystery and enchantment of the conservatory’s gothic-themed butterfly garden, replete with shadowy black foliage and deep-hued plants. Watch and marvel as the iridescent butterflies float amongst gothic architecture in a show that is almost as much about the fusion of light and shadow as it is about the butterflies themselves. 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mt. Auburn.
Make Creativity Happen at Happen Inc.
Happen Inc. in Northside is a nonprofit that helps parents and kids create, bond and make memories through art. Art activities are free, and Happen also offers a variety of outreach programs, like its community garden. You can also get extra crafty and even create a new toy with your kid through Happen’s Toy Lab. For $23 per child (with a limit of three kids per booking), your kid can select seven recycled toy pieces and then tell the Toy Lab professors how they want it constructed. While you wait for the toy, your kid can think up the name and superpowers their new creation will have. 4201 Hamilton Ave., Northside.
Take Your Kids Bowling (for Free)
When you register for the Kids Free Bowling program, your kids get two free games a day at participating bowling alleys during the summer. Participating spots include Batavia Bowl, Crossgate Lanes, Eastgate Lanes, Madison Bowl, Stone Lanes and Western Bowl. You may still need to pay for shoe rentals and snacks, but the program makes for a fun, affordable day out, especially when you want to escape the heat and humidity. Lace up a pair of those questionable, borrowed shoes, grab a ball and knock down some pins in the sweet, sweet air conditioning.
Level Up at an Arcade
You’ve probably told your kids they can’t spend their whole summer playing video games, but old-school arcades merit an exception. The arcade is the perfect place to introduce your kids to the games of your youth — the hours guiding Pac-Man through mazes and Frogger across the road. You can put your old-school video gaming skills to the test at places like Westwood’s Wondercade and Sharonville’s Arcade Legacy.
Make a New Feline Friend at Purrfect Day and Kitty Brew Cafes
Greater Cincinnati is home to two cat cafes where you can reserve a time to get in some kitty cuddles for a fee. Purrfect Day Cafe usually has about 15-20 cats you can pet and play with, including a lot of kittens in the summer, and at Kitty Brew, you can usually find up to 25 cats. Children must be supervised at all times in both cat lounges. If (and when) you fall in love with one of the feline residents, you can fill out an adoption application to bring home your new furry family member. Also, both Purrfect Day and Kitty Brew Cafe have their cafe portions separated from the cat lounge, so you can just stop by for a coffee and pastry while admiring the cats from afar. Purrfect Day Cafe: 25 W. Eighth St., Covington; Kitty Brew Cafe: 6011 Tylersville Road, Mason.
Explore Northern Kentucky History at the Behringer-Crawford Museum
Take a trip to the beautiful hills of Devou Park to visit the Behringer-Crawford Museum (BCM), which is dedicated to preserving Northern Kentucky’s culture and history. Specifically for the kids, the BCM offers Nature Play, an outdoor playspace for children to learn, grow and play. If you have preschool-age kiddos, Chippie’s Sensational Kids club is a monthly program for ages 3-5 to take part in seasonal-based books, crafts and experiments that incorporate S.T.R.E.A.M. topics (science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math). Also, on Thursdays throughout the summer, BCM will host concerts on its terrace with food, a cash bar and split-the-pot. Concerts are $7 for adults and $5 for kids and BCM members. 1600 Montague Road, Covington.
Meet Some Animal Friends at Winton Woods’ Farm & Equestrian Center
10073 Daly Road, Springfield Township
This Great Parks educational farm in Winton Woods is home to all kinds of traditional barnyard animals, like goats and ponies, as well as smaller creatures like bees. The farm is open daily, and kids can watch the animals between playing on the playgrounds or exploring the garden and orchard, or you can register for the various programs for more interaction with the animals.
Explore Cincinnati’s Public Art on a 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 stunning murals. Your kids will be sure to love the Cincinnati Toy Heritage mural, featuring beloved classics from Kenner Toys like a Care Bear, Mr. Potato Head and Star Wars action figures, and the storybook-esque mural of the Cincinnati Zoo’s hippo Fiona. Download or print a map from online and build your own tour, or purchase a ticket for an ArtWorks-guided tour, once they resume.
Explore the Past at Trammel Fossil Park
Uncover the past at this unique park with literally millions of fossils dating to the Ordovician Period, over 440 million years ago. Trammel Fossil Park is free to enter and you can keep whatever you find – typically a lot of fossilized coral, brachiopods, crinoids and trilobites. There are 10 acres to explore, with the park sectioned off in different formations. There’s not much shade here, as you’re basically digging on the side of an uncovered hill, so make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat for those hot summer days of refining your archaeology skills. 11935 Tramway Drive, Sharonville.
Learn More About Farm Life at Gorman Heritage Farm
Nonprofit Gorman Heritage Farm offers a glimpse into the world of a working farm on its 122-acre property in Evendale, where guests can explore the scenic trails, visit friendly farm animals and take community education classes to learn more about sustainable agriculture, nature conservation and healthy living. Programs include hands-on gardening workshops, the art of composting and seasonal cooking demonstrations using fresh, locally-grown produce. And you’ll have to wait until early October, but Gorman Heritage Farm’s annual Sunflower Festival is also always a big hit. 10052 Reading Road, Evendale.
Get a Glimpse of History at the Heritage Village Museum
This living history museum in Sharon Woods offers a look at life in Southwestern Ohio in the 1800s. It features homes, outbuildings and equipment that were moved to the grounds to be preserved and help tell the story of Ohio’s past, as well as interpreters who can offer stories and facts that will bring the village to life. The museum also offers demonstrations on 19th-century activities like spinning, weaving and carpentry; historical exhibits; and special events like period dinners, historical-themed escape rooms and ghost tours. 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville.
Get Lost in the Pages of a Book at the Cincinnati Library
A summer adventure doesn’t have to be IRL; sometimes getting lost in a story can be a great adventure on its own. If you’re looking for some reads to enjoy with your kid, you don’t have to look far. The Cincinnati Public Library’s collection of books — both physical and electronic for the Kindle folks — is extensive and diverse, whether you’re looking for a cozy mystery or a high-flying fantasy, for kids and adults alike. The library has also launched its annual summer reading program for kids and teens that offers fun prizes the more you read. And when you’re done with your book and ready for a real-life adventure, the library also has its Discovery Pass, which offers free admission to some of Cincinnati’s most beloved cultural attractions to library cardholders.