25 Cute Cincinnati Date Ideas Under $25 That Are Actually Good

See the Latest Exhibit at the Contemporary Arts Center

Free admission
The CAC is open late — until 9 p.m. — Wednesday through Sunday for pre- or post-dinner artful exploration. Check the calendar for CAC@21c guided tours, during which docents take guests on a half-hour tour of both the museum and neighboring boutique hotel/museum galleries for free. 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown.
Photo: Kaitlyn Handel

Check Out the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Art After Dark Cocktail Party

Free admission
Head to the Cincinnati Art Museum to check out its final Friday series, Art After Dark — an after-hours party where guests are invited to dress and dance around a theme while exploring both the permanent collection and current exhibits for free. In addition to live music and guided tours, there are drinks and snacks for purchase from Cincy vendors. The CAM's encyclopedic permanent displays include collections of art, sculpture and artifacts from various periods and cultures from the past 6,000 years, including Contemporary and Folk art. 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams.
Photo: Provided by the Cincinnati Art Museum

Hop on Cincinnati’s Brewing Heritage Trail

Free
Cincinnati’s Brewing Heritage Trail explores, preserves and celebrates the city’s storied past as a beer-producing capital with a series of guided tours and a free walking trail. “Hop on” the trail, which stretches about three-fourths of a mile between Findlay Market (1801 Race St.) and Grant Park (73 E. McMillan Ave.) in Over-the-Rhine, at either terminus and follow embedded medallions in the sidewalk to discover historic buildings, brewing sites, public art and more. Currently, about two dozen signs or so are available to peruse anytime — for free. The trail will eventually stretch two miles and include an app with audio tours and augmented reality experiences that will let users look inside underground lagering cellars and former brewing spaces. 1801 Race St. to 73 E. McMillan Ave., Over-the-Rhine.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Take Your Date to the Next Level — and Take in Views of the City From the Top of Carew Tower

$3-$6
Take an elevator ride up 49 floors to stand on the top of the city’s second-tallest building (the tallest is the Great American Tower) and get a bird’s-eye view of the skyline, Ohio River and Northern Kentucky from the Observation Deck. 441 Vine St., Downtown.
Photo: Jesse Fox

Take a Romantic Walk at Smale Riverfront Park and Ride Carol Ann’s Carousel

$2 per person per ride
Nestled between Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium, Smale Riverfront Park features fountains, gardens, an event lawn, a labyrinth, a playground and Carol Ann’s glass-enclosed, year-round carousel. Open select days and hours depending on the season, it features 44 whimsical Cincinnati-centric creatures for you to ride. If spinning around in circles works up a thirst, nearby Taste of Belgium at The Banks offers 58 beers on tap — including rare Belgian brews. West Mehring Way, Downtown.
Photo: Jesse Fox