We all know how much fun can be had when the weather is lovely, and there's no shortage of outdoor fun for families in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky during the warmer months. But what some folks don't realize is that there's so much fun to be had INDOORS during the colder months! I'm always looking for ways to entertain my four kids during the winter and often we have to find indoor activities because of my son's asthma. Luckily, there's quite a bit to do around here. Let this list of five ideas for kid-friendly indoor fun in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky inspire you to find new things to do!
The Greater Cincinnati area has no shortage of awesome museums, and any of them are a perfect place to spend a cold winter’s day. On the Kentucky side of the river is the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Devou Park where you can learn all about the history of Northern Kentucky and life on the Ohio River. It’s a great hands-on place for kids to explore.
On the Cincinnati side of the river, the most popular museum destination for families seems to be the Cincinnati Museum Center, where you can visit the Cincinnati History Museum, the Natural History Museum or the Duke Energy Children’s Museum. All three offer great hands-on fun for families. (*Note: The Museum of Natural History & Science, the Cincinnati History Museum and the OMNIMAX Theater are temporarily closed for renovations. Please visit cincymuseum.org or call (513) 287-7000 for complete details regarding the closing of certain parts of the venue for renovation and construction.)
If you are looking for arts and culture, visit the Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati Art Museum or Contemporary Arts Center. The Contemporary Arts Center is located downtown with an UnMuseum where kids can explore art with their senses. If you’d like to learn more about our region’s role in the Underground Railroad, be sure to visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Or if you want to know more about Cincinnati’s rich baseball history, visit the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum.
Totter’s Otterville
Do you have toddlers or preschoolers that need a place to expel some energy this winter? Totter’s Otterville in Latonia, Ky., is my favorite place to take young ones for some interactive fun. They can go grocery shopping, splash in water, play dress up, paint their faces, and much much more! There’s even a special section for babies to crawl and explore away from the bigger kids. I love watching my kids using their imaginations and getting creative while having hands-on fun! Totter’s Otterville often has events going on, and they sell food so you can make a day of it and have lunch while the kids play.
Newport Aquarium
Winter is a great time to visit the Newport Aquarium because it’s so cozy and warm, and there’s so much to see and do when you visit. Walk under swimming sharks in the shark tunnel; pet a turtle, anemone, sea star, crab or shark; play in the children’s area, and more.
Sports
Is your family into sports? Cincinnati is a great city for sports during the colder months. We have a top-notch hockey team, the Cincinnati Cyclones. The games are always a blast because not only is there action on the ice but also entertainment throughout the evening. And if you check the Cyclones website, you can often find games where they are offering giveaway items or discounted food or drinks. If college hoops are your thing, then you have your pick of colleges to visit for a game. Our area is home to Northern Kentucky University, Xavier University, University of Cincinnati and the Mount Saint Joseph University. Check out their websites for schedules and ticket information.
And last but not least, there’s Roller Derby. We are lucky to have two great Roller Derby teams in our area, and the bouts are always exciting for the whole family! In Cincinnati there’s the Cincinnati Rollergirls and on the Kentucky side of the river there’s the Black-n-Bluegrass Roller Girls. These activities should keep your sports enthusiasts happy during the winter months!
