32 Greater Cincinnati Activities to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

Dine and Drink Al Fresco at a Bar or Restaurant

Sweet, sweet summertime is upon us, which means it's time to figure out which local rooftop bars and restaurant patios you should plan to visit for all your breezy sunshine and noshing needs. And this year, we're taking the guesswork out of the equation. Visit the link above to see some of the best places to dine and drink al fresco in the Cincinnati area.

Check Out the New Adventure Port at Kings Island

6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
Kings Island in the summer is always a good idea: blue ice cream, screaming your head off on The Beast and speeding down a water slide in Soak City. But this year, Kings Island’s also opening up Adventure Port, a brand new themed area of the park. Opening at the end of May, Adventure Port features a tropical-rainforest-expedition theme, complete with explorers and an ancient curse. There’s also two new family rides: Sol Spin, a Ferris wheel-esque ride that sends riders flying 60 feet through the air at 25 mph, and Cargo Loco, a barrel-spinning ride. You can also check out new shopping, dining and drinking options at The Mercado, or grab a quick bite at Enrique's.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stroll Through Findlay Market

1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
A stop at the historic Findlay Market makes for the perfect Cincinnati summer morning. More than 50 full-time merchants at the 19th-century landmark sell everything from meat, cheese and fresh-baked bread to produce, flowers and international eats. Stop by for a pint at Jane's bar or browse a local farmers market and a wide array of arts and crafts vendors. And when you need to cool off, make sure to swing by uGOgelato for gelato made by a second-generation gelatiere.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Put on Your Dancing Shoes for Salsa on the Square

520 Vine St., Downtown
Bust out your best moves or learn how to salsa every Thursday night at Fountain Square during the summer. Salsa on the Square is free and features live local and regional Latin bands that specialize in salsa, merengue, cumbia and Latin jazz. There are also two large dance classes to help you get the moves down, and Mazunte is there to serve up tacos, tostados and guacamole. For a refreshing drink after all the dancing, grab a margarita at Fountain Square’s full-service bar.

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.

Shop Local at City Flea and Art on Vine

City Flea: Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine; Art on Vine: Court Street Plaza, E. Court Street, Downtown
City Flea is a “curated urban flea market” that pops up monthly from May to October — with a special winter holiday market — in Washington Park. Expect to find everything from plants and screen-printed t-shirts to vintage treasures, pet products and apothecary items from local and indie vendors. Food and drink vendors and food trucks will be parked on-site. And the monthly Art on Vine moves to Court Street Plaza for the summer months. This local art show features everything from fine art to handcrafted goods from over 80 artists throughout the Ohio region.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.