What to See in Cincinnati
So, it may not be the first city you think of for a fun family getaway, but Cincinnati has become one of our family favorites in the past few years. That’s where we spent last weekend with our friends, and since they’re from Michigan and we’re here in Tennessee, it’s the perfect place for us to meet. This was actually our 3rd time to meet them there in the past several years, so we’ve come up with a few must-see’s we like to do when we’re there and I thought I’d share them with you.
Another big attraction we love is the Creation Museum, which is actually in Kentucky,about a 30 minute drive from Cincinnati. This is very nice property with exhibits, theaters, gardens, and a planetarium. There’s a great exhibit on Noah and the ark that really brings the Bible to life. Each ticket is good for 2 days, so you can be sure to see everything. They do offer discounts to active duty military, certain homeschool groups, and AAA. You can also receive $5 off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Click here to visit their site and find out more.
Besides attractions, the girls in the group always love the shopping. Of course, we love Ikea, but there are also some of my favorite stores like Anthropologie, Restoration Hardware, and Crate and Barrel which are always on my list when I visit bigger cities. Newport on the Levee is a fun place to go to eat, shop, and get a good view of Cincinnati across the Ohio River.
Another fun thing the kids liked this time was Monster Mini Golf, which is a glow-in-the-dark mini golf place in West Chester, just north of the city. Although I wouldn’t consider this a gory, haunted house type of scary, it’s probably better for older kids due to the darkness and “monster” theme. We found buy-one-get-one-free tickets through Valpak, so keep that in mind if you visit.
Our kids also recommend Bad Frog Frozen Yogurt, also in West Chester, for a great frozen yogurt bar.
Last year, we were able to see Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on stage at the Arnoff Center for the Arts, which was a big hit with the kids as well. Click here to see an event calendar to see what shows may be showing during your stay.
I don’t have time to list all the great restaurants we’ve visited in Cincinnati, but you’ll find your choice of your favorite chains or local hot spots.
These are just a few of our favorites you might like to consider if you’re heading to Cincinnati. One of these days when we visit, we’ll finally go to a Reds game or visit the Aquarium as well.
What are your favorite things to do Cincinnati?
Anna
September 6, 2012 @ 3:06 pm
I went to Miami University, which is just 45 min from Cinci. I always loved the aquarium in Newport; you should definitely squeeze that in!
marty (A Stroll Thru Life)
September 6, 2012 @ 3:10 pm
Sounds like a fun trip and lots of things to do and see. Hugs, Marty
Peggy
September 6, 2012 @ 3:18 pm
We live in northern central Indiana so Cincinnati is only a 3 hour drive. We've only been 3 times and twice was to go to Ikea, truly an all day experience for us. Otherwise we love the Creation Museum but are looking forward to a trip to zoo and aquarium next summer. I've been told there are some great museums in the area as well. Food??? We always seem to hit Famous Dave's BBQ because it is the guys' favorite. my favorite so far… the cafe at Ikea! đŸ™‚
NanaDiana
September 6, 2012 @ 9:39 pm
Isn't it amazing what you can find to do in places that are not considered to be an area of "attractions". Love that zoo and all the fun things you did with your family. Blessings-xo Diana
Chessa @ Antsi-Pants
September 7, 2012 @ 1:49 am
I lived in Cincinnati for 6 years and loved it there! My family and I had fun canoeing on the Little Miami River. Morgan Canoe Rental & Loveland Canoe Rental are good places. Also the bike trail is great fun for families. We like stopping in downtown Loveland for lunch at Paxton's and icecream or snowcones! Graeters Ice cream is a Cincinnati favorite (several locations around Cincinnati and in KY too!)
jennibell
September 7, 2012 @ 3:03 am
I agree with everything you highlighted. The Children's museum is great too. . .and not just for kids đŸ™‚
Dayton isn't that far of a drive and the Air Force Museum (which is free!) is a family favorite for us. Not sure how "into" children's museums you are but Boonshoft in Dayton is terrific. When we lived there we always had season passes and one year did a birthday party there too. And in Dayton there is Carrilon (sp?) Park too — home of the Wright Brothers. Extremely well-done. We too live in TN but try to get up for a Bengals game each year. And everyone should go to a Red's game for sure! Nada is definitely our favorite grown-up restaurant in Cinci. Have you ever done the Great Wolf lodge? Or Kings Island? Thanks for highlighting an area that not everyone would consider a "destination"…but it can be!
Tiffany Gremmert
September 7, 2012 @ 12:18 pm
Cincinnati has great shopping, the gap clearance center is awesome! It's right by the airport in heron. Also there is charming charlies the Nordstrom rack and an outlet mall just past Ikea. Our favorite restaraunt is Maggianos.
Carrielynne.k
September 7, 2012 @ 12:51 pm
I am a Cincinnatian and those are great places to visit along with others' suggestions. I don't think you can forget Kings Island and the Museum Center. I always love Sawyer Point along the Ohio River downtown and Hamilton County has lots of great parks. I am looking forward to trying out the Segway tours sometime too. I've heard good things about them. Our favorite date restaurant is Wildflower Cafe in Mason, but you HAVE to call ahead for a reservation (creative, delicious, mostly organic and locally grown food at a pretty good price). Also the Hyde Park neighborhood has a great little square with fun shops and many good places to eat. I'm sure the commenter Tiffany has auto-correct, but the Gap Clearace Outlet, which is awesome, is in Hebron, KY:)
Steph
September 7, 2012 @ 9:14 pm
We moved here in June and quickly learned that Coney Island is wonderful for small children. Our 2- and 3-year-old kids could ride nearly every ride. So much fun!
Debra Kapellakis
September 24, 2012 @ 6:36 pm
Looks like great fun.
Cheryl
November 28, 2012 @ 9:41 pm
I hope you and your friend were able to visit the Ballards/Frontgate outlet, which is about two minutes from Ikea. Great bargains!
Scott and Emily Stewart
January 11, 2013 @ 5:50 pm
We are meeting up with family from Alabama in Cincinnati in June. There will be 6 adults and 5 children. Can you recommend a reasonable, family friendly hotel? Btw…we are planning to visit the zoo and the museum, by looking at your photos, I can see we made a great choice in Cincinnati! Thanks!!
Julie
January 11, 2013 @ 11:54 pm
We stayed here on our last trip:
http://www.wingatehotels.com/hotels/ohio/west-chester/wingate-by-wyndham-cincinnati-west-chester/hotel-overview
It was nice and had 2-room suites. We have also stayed at Residence Inns in Cincinnati in the past and enjoyed those, too.
Have a great trip!