Fun for all ages
Bars with a fun twist
Head to a movie-themed bar like The Overlook Lodge in Pleasant Ridge or their sister bar The Video Archive in Walnut Hills. The Overlook is themed around The Shining and offers live music every Friday and Saturday night, plus trivia every Tuesday. They also host special movie showings and live recording sessions for local podcasts. The Video Archive is a Quentin Tarantino-themed speakeasy that offers plenty of fun surprises. They often show movies and have the bartenders come up with creative cocktails to enjoy while you watch. Join the Mug Club and you can enjoy cheap beer every Thursday!
Take a stab at reliving your childhood with some more unique bars. The Rook OTR has an entire wall of board games including classics like Battleship and Mouse Trap, plus new favorites like Cards Against Humanity. The childhood faves don't stop with the games, their menu will take you down memory lane, as well. There's a Pixie Stick Martini on the cocktail menu and the food menu includes after-school favorites like pizza rolls and mini corn dogs. If video games are more your style, check out 16-Bit Bar+Arcade, located a few blocks from The Rook. This place is an 80s and 90s nostalgia overload! Bask in the soft glow of over 50 classic video games and enjoy creative cocktails like the Hulk Hogan and the Carrie Fisher. The best part? You play for FREE as long as you buy a drink! For more video game fun, drive to Northside and hit up Arcade Legacy: Bar Edition. This "barcade" is very similar to 16-Bit, but they serve hot dogs and nachos in addition to drinks. There's another Arcade Legacy location for the under 21 crowd located in Forest Park, but this location is strictly about the games, so no food or drinks are served.
Fine art for free
Take in some fine art at the Cincinnati Art Museum. The museum is FREE and open every day except Monday, and even has extended hours on Thursday. You can enjoy a free public tour that highlights the museum's permanent collection on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Make a whole day at the museum and have lunch at the Terrace Cafe located inside. The menu offers soups, salads, and sandwiches, and you can even sit and eat on the outdoor terrace during the warmer months. The art museum is not just for adults, there's plenty for kids to do, too! Every Saturday and Sunday kids can participate in family ARTventures, which are tours that allow kids to interact with art in the collection. Kids will also love the Rosenthal Education Center, where they can make their own art in a hands-on and safe manner.
Another great art museum dedicated to modern art is the quirky Contemporary Arts Center located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. There you will find three floors of ever-changing world-class art exhibitions, including the UnMuseum, which is an entire floor dedicated to family-friendly interactive art. The CAC has more than just art, they also host performances, films, conferences, and workshops that are open to the public. When you're finished exploring all three floors, check out Melt Eclectic Cafe located inside. They serve a fresh menu offering both meaty and vegan options. The CAC is open every day except Tuesday.
Fun off the beaten path
Take a walk on the wild side at Jungle Jim's International Market and enjoy a shopping experience like no other! Jungle Jim's carries all of the typical items on your shopping list plus quirky items like kangaroo jerky and a collection of 1,500 different hot sauces. The store also offers tours, food demonstrations, and fun attractions for both adults and kids. Pick up a map so you don't get lost in the jungle (yes, the store is that huge). Don't miss their yearly festivals like the International Wine Festival and the Big Cheese Festival. The original Jungle Jim's is located in Fairfield and they have an additional location in Eastgate.
