Free
Find Free Things To Do in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
You'll never be able to say there's nothing to do in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky! Even if you’re on a budget, with these free activities there's always more to explore, new adventures to be had and memories to be made in Cincinnati USA!
Cardboard Boat Museum
East
Cardboard Boat Museum
East
The Cardboard Boat Museum exists because of the annual Cardboard Boat Race on the Ohio River in New Richmond. The race draws thousands of spectators and well over 50 boats... Read more
The Cardboard Boat Museum exists because of the annual Cardboard Boat Race on the Ohio River in New Richmond. The race draws thousands of spectators and well over 50 boats each year. The Museum is located inside of an old gas station and features a wide variety of boats.
Hauck Botanical Gardens
Uptown
Hauck Botanical Gardens
Uptown
The Botanical Garden is home to 900 types of trees, shrubs, and plants for you to enjoy. Spend your day exploring the varieties of flowers and flora the gardens have to... Read more
The Botanical Garden is home to 900 types of trees, shrubs, and plants for you to enjoy. Spend your day exploring the varieties of flowers and flora the gardens have to offer. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Fitton Center for Creative Arts
North
Fitton Center for Creative Arts
North
Expect the unexpected at the Fitton Center - Experience artistic, musical, educational and social opportunities designed with the community in mind. With rotating... Read more
Expect the unexpected at the Fitton Center - Experience artistic, musical, educational and social opportunities designed with the community in mind. With rotating galleries, a variety of class offerings, performances and other special events, there truly is something for everyone at the Fitton Center.
Boone Cliffs Nature Preserve
South > Southwest
Boone Cliffs Nature Preserve
South > Southwest
Boone Cliffs contains 74 acres of old growth forest and unique cliff formations. There are 2.4 miles of unpaved trails that are rated moderate to difficult for hiking.
Boone Cliffs contains 74 acres of old growth forest and unique cliff formations. There are 2.4 miles of unpaved trails that are rated moderate to difficult for hiking.
Landen Deerfield Park
North
Landen Deerfield Park
North
95 acres of open space with ball fields, sports courts, hiking & biking trails & a lake for fishing. The bike trail is 2.6 miles and is best used from March until... Read more
95 acres of open space with ball fields, sports courts, hiking & biking trails & a lake for fishing. The bike trail is 2.6 miles and is best used from March until November.
Pioneer Cemetery
East
Pioneer Cemetery
East
A memorial cemetery of the pioneer settlement of Columbia. The 2.2 acre park is the resting place of veterans and pioneers dating all the way back to 1797. Part... Read more
A memorial cemetery of the pioneer settlement of Columbia. The 2.2 acre park is the resting place of veterans and pioneers dating all the way back to 1797. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Campbell County Log Cabin Museum
South > Southeast
Campbell County Log Cabin Museum
South > Southeast
This museum is a privately built and owned non-profit museum. The mission of this museum is "to educate today's generation about yesterday's rural Campbell County; 1845... Read more
This museum is a privately built and owned non-profit museum. The mission of this museum is "to educate today's generation about yesterday's rural Campbell County; 1845 through about 1965." The museum consists of two re-constructed log cabins, which were built before the Civil War. From 1982 to 1996, both cabins were rebuilt by... Read More
Piatt Park
Downtown
Piatt Park
Downtown
A two block park with plenty of picnic tables located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A two block park with plenty of picnic tables located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Union Terminal Rotunda Tours
Downtown
Union Terminal Rotunda Tours
Downtown
Celebrate Union Terminal’s restoration and learn about the building’s significant history with a 50-minute free Rotunda tour led by our Cincinnati Heritage Program docents... Read more
Celebrate Union Terminal’s restoration and learn about the building’s significant history with a 50-minute free Rotunda tour led by our Cincinnati Heritage Program docents. You’ll discover more about the construction, architecture and artwork of one of the world’s finest examples of art deco style. Hear details about the world-... Read More
England Idlewild Park
South
England Idlewild Park
South
This 290 acre park offers three fishing ponds that are regularly stocked with bluegill and catfish. It features wooded and open areas as well as wetlands, and a 6... Read more
This 290 acre park offers three fishing ponds that are regularly stocked with bluegill and catfish. It features wooded and open areas as well as wetlands, and a 6 miles of unpaved mountain bike trails.
Shawnee Lookout
West
Shawnee Lookout
West
Shawnee Lookout is well known for its historical Springhouse School and Log Cabin and Native American archaeological earthworks. The park's nature trails, including the 1.... Read more
Shawnee Lookout is well known for its historical Springhouse School and Log Cabin and Native American archaeological earthworks. The park's nature trails, including the 1.3-mile Blue Jacket, 2.0-mile Little Turtle and the 1.4-mile Miami Fort trail, offer spectacular views of the Ohio River and Great Miami River valleys. The... Read More
Florence/Boone County Skate Park
South > Southwest
Florence/Boone County Skate Park
South > Southwest
This 20,000 sq. ft. park is designed for in-line skates, roller blades and skateboards and has beginner, intermediate and advanced areas with various challenging elements... Read more
This 20,000 sq. ft. park is designed for in-line skates, roller blades and skateboards and has beginner, intermediate and advanced areas with various challenging elements. Included are a shelter, spectator area, emergency telephone and parking lot. There is no fee to enter. Park hours are from dawn to dusk. Safety equipment... Read More
Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati
Uptown
Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati
Uptown
The Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati is a gardening resource dedicated to enriching lives through education and community beautification. It's delightfully... Read more
The Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati is a gardening resource dedicated to enriching lives through education and community beautification. It's delightfully landscaped eight acres located on Reading Road two-and-a-half miles from downtown Cincinnati. The grounds are maintained by volunteers who donate their time and... Read More
Sawyer Point & Yeatman's Cove
Downtown
Sawyer Point & Yeatman's Cove
Downtown
Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove make up a mile long stretch of park along Cincinnati's riverfront between Smale Riverfront Park and Berry International Friendship Park.... Read more
Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove make up a mile long stretch of park along Cincinnati's riverfront between Smale Riverfront Park and Berry International Friendship Park. Featuring award winning landscaping, a performance pavilion, concessions, 8 outdoor tennis courts, 3 sand volleyball courts, a world class playground, the... Read More
ArtWorks Public Art and Murals
Downtown
ArtWorks Public Art and Murals
Downtown
ArtWorks' Public Art program creates innovative works that enrich the Cincinnati region while providing job opportunities to youth apprentices and professional artists. To... Read more
ArtWorks' Public Art program creates innovative works that enrich the Cincinnati region while providing job opportunities to youth apprentices and professional artists. To date, ArtWorks has created over 180 murals, more than a dozen artist-designed public bike racks, and more throughout the region. Explore all of ArtWorks... Read More
McEvoy Park
North
McEvoy Park
North
A large park with rolling hills and beautiful meadows as well as a play area and shelter. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A large park with rolling hills and beautiful meadows as well as a play area and shelter. Part of Cincinnati Parks
French Park
North
French Park
North
French Park is home of the beautiful French House which can be rented out for private parties and events. The house is surrounded by beautiful greenery and floral scenes... Read more
French Park is home of the beautiful French House which can be rented out for private parties and events. The house is surrounded by beautiful greenery and floral scenes along with multiple walking and hiking paths, creeks, and a beautiful view of Cincinnati. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra
North
Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra
North
Founded in 1987, the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (BAMSO) is the only professional orchestra in greater Cincinnati offering a complete season of concerts, free... Read more
Founded in 1987, the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (BAMSO) is the only professional orchestra in greater Cincinnati offering a complete season of concerts, free to the general public. BAMSO works to promote the next generation of musicians through its Young Artist Competition concert, Young Artist recital, and our... Read More
Owl's Nest Park
North
Owl's Nest Park
North
Donated in memory of a homestead known as "Owl's Nest". The park boasts of beautiful entryway columns, wrought iron fences and a beautiful pavilion. Part of... Read more
Donated in memory of a homestead known as "Owl's Nest". The park boasts of beautiful entryway columns, wrought iron fences and a beautiful pavilion. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Buttercup Valley
Uptown
Buttercup Valley
Uptown
Located in Northside, this park is a favorite of locals due to its many hiking trails and beautiful scenery. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Located in Northside, this park is a favorite of locals due to its many hiking trails and beautiful scenery. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Glenwood Gardens
North
Glenwood Gardens
North
This beautifully landscaped 335-acre park includes a 1.0-mile paved trail and the 1.6-mile Wetland Loop nature trail (skates, scooters and bikes prohibited) and formal... Read more
This beautifully landscaped 335-acre park includes a 1.0-mile paved trail and the 1.6-mile Wetland Loop nature trail (skates, scooters and bikes prohibited) and formal gardens, prairies, forests and wetlands plus Highfield Discovery Garden for children (fee applies). The gift shop offers a variety of nature-related merchandise... Read More
Hard Rock Cincinnati Casino
Downtown
Hard Rock Cincinnati Casino
Downtown
No matter what you want to play, we’ve got your game. From the newest Slots and Table Games to live Poker, we’ve got 100,000 square feet of exciting, action-packed... Read more
No matter what you want to play, we’ve got your game. From the newest Slots and Table Games to live Poker, we’ve got 100,000 square feet of exciting, action-packed choices. With so many thrilling ways to win, it’s no wonder we’re consistently voted the best casino and best Slots in town. With more than 1,600 slot... Read More
Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society & Museum
East
Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society & Museum
East
Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society & Museum is a 501c3 organization focused on the history of General Aviation and Air Transport. Visitors to the... Read more
Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society & Museum is a 501c3 organization focused on the history of General Aviation and Air Transport. Visitors to the museum will learn about the history of Lunken Airport and other airports in the area dating back to the 1920’s. They will also learn about aircraft built in Cincinnati such... Read More
Larz Anderson Park
Uptown
Larz Anderson Park
Uptown
A hillside park with a view of the Ohio River located conveniently above Columbia Parkway. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A hillside park with a view of the Ohio River located conveniently above Columbia Parkway. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Magrish Preserve
East
Magrish Preserve
East
A river bottom habitat located on the Little Miami River. It is home to wildlife such as ducks, frogs, fox, deer, and beavers. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A river bottom habitat located on the Little Miami River. It is home to wildlife such as ducks, frogs, fox, deer, and beavers. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Annwood Park
Uptown
Annwood Park
Uptown
A small, well kept park located in the East Walnut Hills area. It was donated to Cincinnati in 1966 and expanded in 1969. It was created as an effort to preserve greenery... Read more
A small, well kept park located in the East Walnut Hills area. It was donated to Cincinnati in 1966 and expanded in 1969. It was created as an effort to preserve greenery and wildlife in the area. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Inwood Park
Uptown
Inwood Park
Uptown
A small park located on Vine Street with green spaces, meadows, and a small lake. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A small park located on Vine Street with green spaces, meadows, and a small lake. Part of Cincinnati Parks
City of Sculpture
North
City of Sculpture
North
The mission of Hamilton, Ohio City of Sculpture is to promote the recognition of Hamilton as a cultural community through obtaining sculptures to be placed in public... Read more
The mission of Hamilton, Ohio City of Sculpture is to promote the recognition of Hamilton as a cultural community through obtaining sculptures to be placed in public spaces for the enjoyment of citizens and visitors. Embark on a self-guided tour to locate all of the unique sculptures.Downtown Sculpture Map Citywide Sculpture... Read More
Cincinnati Art Museum
Uptown
Cincinnati Art Museum
Uptown
Located in scenic Eden Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum features an unparalleled art collection of more than 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years. In addition to displaying... Read more
Located in scenic Eden Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum features an unparalleled art collection of more than 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years. In addition to displaying its own broad collection, the Art Museum also hosts several national and international traveling exhibitions each year. The Rosenthal Education Center offers an... Read More
Francis RecreAcres
North
Francis RecreAcres
North
Park offers soccer fields that are available for lease, volleyball courts (with spring and summer leagues), snack bar and a 1.0-mile paved trail. A universally accessible... Read more
Park offers soccer fields that are available for lease, volleyball courts (with spring and summer leagues), snack bar and a 1.0-mile paved trail. A universally accessible playground features wide ramps, rubber safety surface and physical fitness elements. Part of Great Parks of Hamilton County
Boone County Arboretum at Central Park
South > Southwest
Boone County Arboretum at Central Park
South > Southwest
Boone County Arboretum at Central Park is the nation's first arboretum within an active recreation park setting. It is located just outside Union, Ky. A short, 25-minute... Read more
Boone County Arboretum at Central Park is the nation's first arboretum within an active recreation park setting. It is located just outside Union, Ky. A short, 25-minute drive southwest from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, will put you in Northern Kentucky's only arboretum. There is no charge for admission or parking. The arboretum... Read More
Fountain Square
Downtown
Fountain Square
Downtown
Eat lunch under the sun, check out what’s playing on the video board, or take part in the multitudes of free programming including music, movies and special events.... Read more
Eat lunch under the sun, check out what’s playing on the video board, or take part in the multitudes of free programming including music, movies and special events. Presiding over the Square is the historic Tyler Davidson Fountain, dedicated in 1871 to the people of Cincinnati.
Devou Park
South > Riverfront
Devou Park
South > Riverfront
Located in the hills overlooking Covington, Kentucky and downtown Cincinnati, Devou Park offers a range of entertainment and recreational activities including theater,... Read more
Located in the hills overlooking Covington, Kentucky and downtown Cincinnati, Devou Park offers a range of entertainment and recreational activities including theater, symphony, walking and biking trails, golf, tennis, scenic overlook area, picnic facilities, fishing, Behringer-Crawford Museum, Devou Golf & Event Center,... Read More
Mt. Storm Park
Uptown
Mt. Storm Park
Uptown
Located in Clifton, this park has picnic areas, green spaces, and a beautiful gazebo. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Located in Clifton, this park has picnic areas, green spaces, and a beautiful gazebo. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Mt. Airy Arboretum
West
Mt. Airy Arboretum
West
An arboretum featuring hundreds of different types of trees as well as garden areas and walking paths. Part of Cincinnati Parks
An arboretum featuring hundreds of different types of trees as well as garden areas and walking paths. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Lloyd Library and Museum
Downtown
Lloyd Library and Museum
Downtown
A collection covering medical botany, pharmacy, eclectic medicine, and horticulture.
A collection covering medical botany, pharmacy, eclectic medicine, and horticulture.
Miller-Leuser Log House
East
Miller-Leuser Log House
East
Tour this 1796 historic log house furnished with 18th and 19th century antiques, the barn, outhouse and corn crib. Oldest log cabin in Hamilton County remaining on its... Read more
Tour this 1796 historic log house furnished with 18th and 19th century antiques, the barn, outhouse and corn crib. Oldest log cabin in Hamilton County remaining on its original site. Members of historical society will answer any questions. Appointments available. Closed November-May.
Great Miami Riverway
North
Great Miami Riverway
North
The Great Miami Riverway is 99 miles of river, paved trails, and connected communities. Find your way to Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park or try an art class at the Fitton... Read more
The Great Miami Riverway is 99 miles of river, paved trails, and connected communities. Find your way to Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park or try an art class at the Fitton Center in Hamilton. Whether you stay in the “City of Sculpture” or drive to Franklin to take the Great Miami River Recreation Trail all the way up to Sidney, you’... Read More
Tenement Life South of Liberty
Downtown
Tenement Life South of Liberty
Downtown
Have you ever wondered what changed when Cincinnatians stepped over the canal and into Over-the-Rhine? Our South of Liberty tour weaves visitors through the stories of... Read more
Have you ever wondered what changed when Cincinnatians stepped over the canal and into Over-the-Rhine? Our South of Liberty tour weaves visitors through the stories of Over-the-Rhine's earliest residents between the Miami-Ohio Canal (now Central Parkway) and Liberty Street. Starting in the early 1800s with stories of German... Read More
Hoffner Park
Uptown
Hoffner Park
Uptown
Formerly known as Northside playground, this park has been restored to be the perfect locations for gatherings, fun, and family reunions. Part of ... Read more
Formerly known as Northside playground, this park has been restored to be the perfect locations for gatherings, fun, and family reunions. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Goebel Park
South > Riverfront
Goebel Park
South > Riverfront
When you see the historic German-style Carroll Chimes Clock Tower, you’ll know you’re at Goebel Park. The park offers walking trails, picnic shelters, a gazebo and... Read more
When you see the historic German-style Carroll Chimes Clock Tower, you’ll know you’re at Goebel Park. The park offers walking trails, picnic shelters, a gazebo and playground.
Fairview Park
Uptown
Fairview Park
Uptown
Established in 1931, Fairview Park offers a beautiful view of downtown Cincinnati, the Ohio River, and Union Terminal. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Established in 1931, Fairview Park offers a beautiful view of downtown Cincinnati, the Ohio River, and Union Terminal. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Geier Esplanade
Uptown
Geier Esplanade
Uptown
A small stretch of land formerly known as Oakley Square, annually decorated with beautiful flowers and greenery. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A small stretch of land formerly known as Oakley Square, annually decorated with beautiful flowers and greenery. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Kennedy Heights Park
North
Kennedy Heights Park
North
Kennedy Heights Park provides a pleasant neighborhood retreat. The park has picnic tables, play equipment, and a soccer field, as well as walking trails. Part of... Read more
Kennedy Heights Park provides a pleasant neighborhood retreat. The park has picnic tables, play equipment, and a soccer field, as well as walking trails. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Black Lives Matter Cincinnati Mural
Downtown
Black Lives Matter Cincinnati Mural
Downtown
This vibrant new street mural created by 17 local artists and a team of helpers was ceremoniously unveiled on Juneteenth 2020. The privately funded mural spans an entire... Read more
This vibrant new street mural created by 17 local artists and a team of helpers was ceremoniously unveiled on Juneteenth 2020. The privately funded mural spans an entire block of Plum St. directly in front of Cincinnati City Hall. Click here to read more about each of the 17 lead artists and the meaning behind each of their... Read More
Glenway Woods
West
Glenway Woods
West
A nature preserve located in historic Price Hill. This preserve was founded in order to save the area from indiscriminate physical development. Part of ... Read more
A nature preserve located in historic Price Hill. This preserve was founded in order to save the area from indiscriminate physical development. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Washington Park
Downtown
Washington Park
Downtown
This park located across from historic Music Hall includes a playground for kids with a play castle, climbing wall, sandbox and slides; interactive water features with... Read more
This park located across from historic Music Hall includes a playground for kids with a play castle, climbing wall, sandbox and slides; interactive water features with more than 130 pop-up jets to provide cool relief on hot days; historic restored bandstand gazebo for weekly live music; a fenced-in dog area with 12,000 square... Read More
Cincinnati Skirball Museum
Uptown
Cincinnati Skirball Museum
Uptown
The Skirball Museum in Cincinnati has a long history as one of the oldest repositories of Jewish cultural artifacts in America. The first stage in the museum's development... Read more
The Skirball Museum in Cincinnati has a long history as one of the oldest repositories of Jewish cultural artifacts in America. The first stage in the museum's development lasted for nearly a century, beginning when Hebrew Union College (HUC) opened in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1875 and over time began accepting donations of Judaic... Read More
Fernbank Park
West
Fernbank Park
West
The 58-acre park located right along the Ohio River offers a 1.2-mile paved trail, the 1.0-mile Sycamore nature trail, a playground and access to bank fishing on the Ohio... Read more
The 58-acre park located right along the Ohio River offers a 1.2-mile paved trail, the 1.0-mile Sycamore nature trail, a playground and access to bank fishing on the Ohio River. Two shelters and Fernbank Lodge are reservable. Part of Cincinnati Parks and Great Parks of Hamilton County
Olden View Park
West
Olden View Park
West
A beautiful hideaway located at the top of the former Price Hill Incline. The park features plaques that explain the history of the Incline. Part of ... Read more
A beautiful hideaway located at the top of the former Price Hill Incline. The park features plaques that explain the history of the Incline. Part of Cincinnati Parks
