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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!
Featured
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 recently opened Rosenthal Education... Read More
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
Riverside Drive Statue Tour
South > Riverfront
Riverside Drive Statue Tour
South > Riverfront
Located in Covington’s Historic Licking Riverside Neighborhood, the tour is comprised of seven life-like bronze statues of historical figures. Chief Little Turtle led a... Read more
Located in Covington’s Historic Licking Riverside Neighborhood, the tour is comprised of seven life-like bronze statues of historical figures. Chief Little Turtle led a confederation of Miami, Delaware, and Shawnee. Simon Kenton was an early explorer. John James Audubon spent time here drawing and painting. Brought to America... Read More
Hyde Park Square
Uptown
Hyde Park Square
Uptown
Acquired in 1903 when Hyde Park was annexed to Cincinnati, this .25 acre parcel, located at Erie Avenue and Edwards Road, was maintained by the city until it was... Read more
Acquired in 1903 when Hyde Park was annexed to Cincinnati, this .25 acre parcel, located at Erie Avenue and Edwards Road, was maintained by the city until it was transferred to the park board in 1917. The fountain on the square was donated by the Kilgour family on Nov. 6, 1900. Following a complete restoration and revamping,... 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
Findlay Market
Downtown
Findlay Market
Downtown
Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati's most cherished institutions. The Market is located just blocks from downtown in... Read more
Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati's most cherished institutions. The Market is located just blocks from downtown in Over-the-Rhine, a dense historic neighborhood rich in 19th century architecture. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Findlay Market is open year-around with three... Read More
Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve
North
Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve
North
This is a 23-acre park offers a 0.6-mile accessible Pin Oak Trail featuring a butterfly and wildflower garden (bikes and skates not permitted) as well as a large gift shop... Read more
This is a 23-acre park offers a 0.6-mile accessible Pin Oak Trail featuring a butterfly and wildflower garden (bikes and skates not permitted) as well as a large gift shop with unique nature-related merchandise. A two-story barn offers nature programs, a variety of exhibits and special events. Part of Great Parks of Hamilton... Read More
Summit Park
North
Summit Park
North
Located at the corner of Glendale-Milford and Plainfield Roads, a 130-acre regional park in the heart of Blue Ash where visitors will enjoy interactive programming, unique... Read more
Located at the corner of Glendale-Milford and Plainfield Roads, a 130-acre regional park in the heart of Blue Ash where visitors will enjoy interactive programming, unique learning opportunities and year-round experiences in one of the region's most beautiful settings. This park is full of fun for the young and young at heart... 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
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
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum
Uptown
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum
Uptown
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, a National Historic Landmark, was chartered in 1845 and is the second largest cemetery in the United States, and the most beautiful... Read more
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, a National Historic Landmark, was chartered in 1845 and is the second largest cemetery in the United States, and the most beautiful according to thousands of visitors every year. Its 733 acres offer the public a magnificent arboretum, open air museum and tranquil sanctuary just minutes away... Read More
Licking River Greenway and Trails
South > Riverfront
Licking River Greenway and Trails
South > Riverfront
Gravel and paved trails (biking, walking, running) along the Licking River in Covington spanning approximately two miles from the corner of Levassor and Eastern Ave. (... Read more
Gravel and paved trails (biking, walking, running) along the Licking River in Covington spanning approximately two miles from the corner of Levassor and Eastern Ave. (behind Holmes High School – 2500 Madison Ave.) to Randolph Park. The paved portion can be accessed at Clayton Meyer Park at the corner of Glenway and Thomas St.... Read More
Gunpowder Creek Nature Park
South > Southwest
Gunpowder Creek Nature Park
South > Southwest
Explore 1.25 miles of unpaved walking and hiking trains, let the kids burn off steam on the playground, or reserve the shelter for a private event. The park has 122 wooded... Read more
Explore 1.25 miles of unpaved walking and hiking trains, let the kids burn off steam on the playground, or reserve the shelter for a private event. The park has 122 wooded acres complete with an 1800s logging trail that ends near the creek.
Second Sight Spirits
South > Riverfront
Second Sight Spirits
South > Riverfront
An artisan distillery located in Ludlow KY, focused on bringing the art of hand crafted distilling back to Northern Kentucky. Free tours and tastings.
An artisan distillery located in Ludlow KY, focused on bringing the art of hand crafted distilling back to Northern Kentucky. Free tours and tastings.
Ault Park
Uptown
Ault Park
Uptown
Ault Park is one of Cincinnati's largest and most scenic parks, with a variety of gardens, benches and plenty of playground equipment. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Ault Park is one of Cincinnati's largest and most scenic parks, with a variety of gardens, benches and plenty of playground equipment. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Riverfront Floodwall Mural Tour
South > Riverfront
Riverfront Floodwall Mural Tour
South > Riverfront
Led by artist Robert Dafford, a team of artists created a magnificent illustration of the history of Covington. Depicting a variety of scenes from the meeting of General... Read more
Led by artist Robert Dafford, a team of artists created a magnificent illustration of the history of Covington. Depicting a variety of scenes from the meeting of General George Rogers Clark, Simon Kenton, and Daniel Boone on the mouth of the Licking River to Jacob Price, a local African American leader of the late 1800s, the... Read More
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.
Bettman Nature Preserve
Uptown
Bettman Nature Preserve
Uptown
A collection of wooded acres donated in 1977 by Mrs. Arthur M. Bettman to preserve nature and provide a place for wildlife to flourish. The park is home to walking and... Read more
A collection of wooded acres donated in 1977 by Mrs. Arthur M. Bettman to preserve nature and provide a place for wildlife to flourish. The park is home to walking and biking trails as well as a wheelchair accessible nature center. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Labor History in Over the Rhine
Downtown
Labor History in Over the Rhine
Downtown
Think going to work is a drag today? Come take a deep dive into working conditions and labor organizing efforts in Over-the-Rhine around the turn of the 20th century.... Read more
Think going to work is a drag today? Come take a deep dive into working conditions and labor organizing efforts in Over-the-Rhine around the turn of the 20th century. Participants will visit workplaces including breweries, a woodworking shop, a tailor shop, and a cigar-making factory. They will experience how diverse and... Read More
German Heritage Museum
North
German Heritage Museum
North
The German Heritage Museum serves as the focal point in presenting and displaying German-American culture. This museum is the first of its kind in the region, and a... Read more
The German Heritage Museum serves as the focal point in presenting and displaying German-American culture. This museum is the first of its kind in the region, and a testament to the many contributions German immigrants and their descendants have made toward the building of the Ohio Valley and America. The museum focuses... Read More
Miami Valley Gaming
North
Miami Valley Gaming
North
Enjoy over 1800 exciting gaming machines, harness horse racing, four restaurants, classy bars, and constantly changing entertainment all under one roof. Voted Best Casino/... Read more
Enjoy over 1800 exciting gaming machines, harness horse racing, four restaurants, classy bars, and constantly changing entertainment all under one roof. Voted Best Casino/Racino three years straight! Great fun awaits 24 hours a day. Enjoy soup and salad at the Acres Seasonal Buffet, grab a burger at Trifecta Eatery, dig into... Read More
Weston Art Gallery
Downtown
Weston Art Gallery
Downtown
Located inside Aronoff Center for the Arts, Weston Art Gallery is acclaimed for its eclectic mix of emerging and professional artists presented in museum-quality environs... Read more
Located inside Aronoff Center for the Arts, Weston Art Gallery is acclaimed for its eclectic mix of emerging and professional artists presented in museum-quality environs in the heart of downtown Cincinnati’s restaurant and theater district. With galleries on two levels and 3,500 square feet of exhibition space, the Weston... Read More
Belterra Park Gaming and Entertainment Center
East
Belterra Park Gaming and Entertainment Center
East
Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center, an entertainment destination located in a park-like setting on the banks of the Ohio River, features live racing, pari-... Read more
Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center, an entertainment destination located in a park-like setting on the banks of the Ohio River, features live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, 1,500 video lottery games and six dynamic restaurants that include relaxed dining options, live and simulcast race viewing from the River Downs... Read More
Loveland Bike Trail
East
Loveland Bike Trail
East
The Loveland Bike Trail is a section of the over 70 flat paved miles of the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail. Loveland and other towns offer charming places to stop and... Read more
The Loveland Bike Trail is a section of the over 70 flat paved miles of the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail. Loveland and other towns offer charming places to stop and relax, get a bite to eat or explore. The trail in the vicinity of Loveland is particularly popular because of its easy access, historic downtown, ice cream,... Read More
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
Veterans Memorial of Boone County
South > Southwest
Veterans Memorial of Boone County
South > Southwest
The Veterans Memorial of Boone County was conceived in 1995 when H.B. Deatherage, a Viet Nam veteran, was deeply moved by the fact that veterans in Boone County had no... Read more
The Veterans Memorial of Boone County was conceived in 1995 when H.B. Deatherage, a Viet Nam veteran, was deeply moved by the fact that veterans in Boone County had no place to heal wounds and memories of war. The names and etchings were brought to the forefront with beautiful black granite, making up the memorial honoring WWI... Read More
Christ Church Cathedral
Downtown
Christ Church Cathedral
Downtown
While the parish was founded in 1817, the current cathedral is post-modern in design and was consecrated in 1957.
While the parish was founded in 1817, the current cathedral is post-modern in design and was consecrated in 1957.
Highland Cemetery Hiking Trails
South > Southwest
Highland Cemetery Hiking Trails
South > Southwest
Explore 6 color-coded trails covering 4 miles on 150 acres of undeveloped cemetery property. Witness something unique with each season. Spring and summer are ideal for... Read more
Explore 6 color-coded trails covering 4 miles on 150 acres of undeveloped cemetery property. Witness something unique with each season. Spring and summer are ideal for bird watching and getting to see both native species and neotropical migrants. Fall boasts gorgeous colors from the maple trees, and winter is great for... Read More
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.
Winton Woods
North
Winton Woods
North
Winton Centre is headquarters to Great Parks of Hamilton County guest services, administrative offices, rangers and naturalists. The auditorium features nature-related... Read more
Winton Centre is headquarters to Great Parks of Hamilton County guest services, administrative offices, rangers and naturalists. The auditorium features nature-related educational exhibits. The park has reservable picnic areas and shelters with Great Parks Catering available. Winton Woods also offers an 18-hole disc golf course... Read More
Willamstown Lake
South
Willamstown Lake
South
In 1957, Williamstown Lake became accessible for all to enjoy fishing. Today, it's still a popular place to cast a line. At 300 acres, the city's reservoir produces a... Read more
In 1957, Williamstown Lake became accessible for all to enjoy fishing. Today, it's still a popular place to cast a line. At 300 acres, the city's reservoir produces a variety of fish. The lake also offers several launch ramps in addition to the dock which stocks bait, tackle and other supplies.
Tenement LIfe in North of Liberty
Downtown
Tenement LIfe in North of Liberty
Downtown
Do you know what a tenement is or how people lived in them? Our North of Liberty tour takes participants through Over-the-Rhine, north of Liberty Street, paying special... Read more
Do you know what a tenement is or how people lived in them? Our North of Liberty tour takes participants through Over-the-Rhine, north of Liberty Street, paying special attention to how people lived in this neighborhood in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The tour focuses on the built environment including outdoor toilets,... 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
Rapid Run Park
West
Rapid Run Park
West
A 50 acre park with paved sidewalks, a shelter for picnics, and a view of a shallow lake. Also includes kid's play areas. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A 50 acre park with paved sidewalks, a shelter for picnics, and a view of a shallow lake. Also includes kid's play areas. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Cincinnati Heritage Programs Tours
Downtown
Cincinnati Heritage Programs Tours
Downtown
Cincinnati Museum Center Heritage Programs presents historical, cultural and architectural tours both inside Cincinnati Museum Center and seasonally outdoors in the... Read more
Cincinnati Museum Center Heritage Programs presents historical, cultural and architectural tours both inside Cincinnati Museum Center and seasonally outdoors in the surrounding communities. Rotunda Tours are FREE and are offered Saturdays at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Celebrate Union Terminal’s... Read More
Cincinnati History Library and Archives
Downtown
Cincinnati History Library and Archives
Downtown
Since its founding in 1831 as the library of the Historical and Philosophical Society of Ohio, the library has been collecting and preserving materials relating to the... Read more
Since its founding in 1831 as the library of the Historical and Philosophical Society of Ohio, the library has been collecting and preserving materials relating to the greater Cincinnati area, the state of Ohio and the Old Northwest Territory. Today, it houses one of the most significant regional history collections in the... Read More
Embshoff Woods
West
Embshoff Woods
West
This 333 acre park features a 1.0-mile Parcours fitness trail, 9-hole disc golf course, playground and reservable picnic shelters. Part of Great Parks of Hamilton County
This 333 acre park features a 1.0-mile Parcours fitness trail, 9-hole disc golf course, playground and reservable picnic shelters. Part of Great Parks of Hamilton County
Tower Park
South > Southeast
Tower Park
South > Southeast
86.6 acres of hilly trails and picnic areas for families and kids to enjoy. Located close to the Ohio River and given its name from the 102 foot stone tower at the park... Read more
86.6 acres of hilly trails and picnic areas for families and kids to enjoy. Located close to the Ohio River and given its name from the 102 foot stone tower at the park entrance. The park is also home to a 4-mile mountain bike trail.
Terrell Park
East
Terrell Park
East
Jim Terrell Park is located near Longworth Street and Ferry Street on 27.3 acres. The amenities include, grills, picnic tables, trash receptacles, canoe access, small... Read more
Jim Terrell Park is located near Longworth Street and Ferry Street on 27.3 acres. The amenities include, grills, picnic tables, trash receptacles, canoe access, small sleeping shelter, multi-use trail and access to th Milford Urban Trail System. Camping is permitted at Terrell Park, with a $5 permit fee per night.
Bellevue Hill Park
Uptown
Bellevue Hill Park
Uptown
This park used to be the end point for the Cincinnati incline. Today, the beautiful view remains and, as an example of organic architecture, the park’s pavilion was... Read more
This park used to be the end point for the Cincinnati incline. Today, the beautiful view remains and, as an example of organic architecture, the park’s pavilion was designed by architect R. Carl Freund in 1955 to serve as an outdoor dancing venue. It features a cantilever roof, bandstand and three pergolas that form the... Read More
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
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.
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
Sharon Woods
North
Sharon Woods
North
Sharon Woods is a popular 730-acre park that features a visitor center with exhibits, gift shop and an accessible two-story indoor play area for children ages 2-12. The... Read more
Sharon Woods is a popular 730-acre park that features a visitor center with exhibits, gift shop and an accessible two-story indoor play area for children ages 2-12. The park is a popular spot to exercise outdoors with a 2.6-mile paved trail around the lake, a 1.0-mile fitness trail and the 0.7-mile Gorge nature trail. The... Read More
Sayler Park
West
Sayler Park
West
Known as Cincinnati's western gateway, this park spans much of the area below the Delhi area of Cincinnati. It offers play spaces and relaxing picnic areas. ... Read more
Known as Cincinnati's western gateway, this park spans much of the area below the Delhi area of Cincinnati. It offers play spaces and relaxing picnic areas. Part of Cincinnati Parks
JACK Cincinnati Casino
Downtown
JACK 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 choices... 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. Dining options include: Seven Chefs Buffet Prism Bobby's Burger Palace Starbucks Noodle 8
Kenton County Public Library – Erlanger
South > Southwest
Kenton County Public Library – Erlanger
South > Southwest
The Erlanger location opened in October 2002. It has 34,300 square feet, features 15 station computer lab, meeting room to accommodate 200, children’s area, reading... Read more
The Erlanger location opened in October 2002. It has 34,300 square feet, features 15 station computer lab, meeting room to accommodate 200, children’s area, reading garden, outdoor council ring, and drive-through window. It is the busiest library in Kentucky. Library computers include Microsoft Office, Internet access and... Read More
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
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
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
