Cheap Kid-Friendly Activities To Do Around Greater Cincinnati This Summer

Explore the Past at Trammel Fossil Park

11935 Tramway Drive, Sharonville
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 and sunscreen and a hat for those hot summer days of refining your archaeology skills.

Stargaze at the Cincinnati Observatory

3489 Observatory Place, Hyde Park
Founded in 1842, the Cincinnati Observatory houses the oldest fully operational telescope in the nation. On many Friday nights — and some Saturday nights — it hosts public viewings where anyone and everyone (who RSVPs) is welcome to come explore the cosmos with a local astronomer. Listen to a presentation and then partake in a guided stargaze through “a 16-foot long wood and brass refractor first used in 1845.” Weather permitting, you’ll see the moon, planets and stars. If it’s cloudy, you’ll get a tour of the cool historic building. The observatory also occasionally offers interactive Family Astronomy Nights geared toward kids 5-12 years old. Family nights include a tour of the Observatory, a hands-on space-themed activity or craft and a solar viewing if the weather cooperates. And on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, you can also take part in a daytime history tour, which includes the observatory’s two buildings and two main telescopes, as well as a stop at their out-of-this-world gift shop.

Meet Some Animal Friends at Parky’s Farm

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 in between playing on the playgrounds or exploring the garden and orchard, or you can register for the various programs at Parky’s for more interaction with the animals.

Enjoy a Free Outdoor Movie or Concert

Grab some snacks, blankets and chairs and head to a local park for some free entertainment all summer long. Whether film or music is your medium, you can find places hosting free movies and concerts throughout Cincinnati during the warmer months. Ziegler Park in Over-the-Rhine offers Summer Cinema every Wednesday starting at 9 p.m. through September and plays family favorites like Jumanji, Black Panther and Jurassic Park. Colerain Township also has its Movie in the Park series on select days through August at the Colerain Park amphitheater. Popular free, outdoor concert series include Rockin’ the Roebling at Smale Riverfront Park every Thursday from 6-10 p.m.; Washington Park’s Friday Flow R&B series; and the Kentucky Symphony’s Summer Park series at Devou and Tower parks.

Climb Aboard a Canoe or Kayak

The Queen City boasts many canoeing and kayaking spots, plus some road trip-worthy locations within a few hours' drive – all perfect for floating a weekend away with your family. Check with each business about reservations, specific rental fees and what you can and can’t bring with you.

Make a New Feline Friend at Purrfect Day and Kitty Brew Cafes

Purrfect Day Cafe: 25 W. Eighth St., Covington; Kitty Brew Cafe: 6011 Tylersville Road, Mason
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. And, if 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.

Load Up on Snacks and Watch a Movie at a Drive-In Theater

Starlite Drive-In: 2255 State Route OH-125, Amelia; Holiday Auto Theatre: 1816 Old Oxford Road, Hamilton
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).