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!
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 Rosenthal Education Center offers an... 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
The Carnegie
South > Riverfront
The Carnegie
South > Riverfront
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue hosting theater and concert events, children’s arts programs and art exhibitions. With five art... Read more
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue hosting theater and concert events, children’s arts programs and art exhibitions. With five art galleries, a magnificent turn-of-the-century theater, and a brand new education center, the Carnegie is one of the most prominent arts institutions in Northern... Read More
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.
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
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
Stanbery Park
East
Stanbery Park
East
This park features some of the longest and best hiking trails in the area. Because of its extensive space and large hills, it is also a favorite sledding hill for locals.... Read more
This park features some of the longest and best hiking trails in the area. Because of its extensive space and large hills, it is also a favorite sledding hill for locals. Its green spaces are also ideal for picnics, meetings, gatherings, and more. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Barn Quilt Trail of Boone County
South > Southwest
Barn Quilt Trail of Boone County
South > Southwest
Travel Boone County's scenic back roads and view more than 60 barn quilt boards. The Florence Woman's Club took on this project to delight travelers, provide public... Read more
Travel Boone County's scenic back roads and view more than 60 barn quilt boards. The Florence Woman's Club took on this project to delight travelers, provide public art, preserve local heritage, and to help our farmers with their agri-tourism projects. Visit www.BooneBarnQuilts.com for GPS coordinates of barn quilt locations... 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.
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
Triple Creek
North
Triple Creek
North
This 177 acre park offers four manicured softball fields, a fishing pond, fitness trail, playground and snack bar. Part of Great Parks of Hamilton County
This 177 acre park offers four manicured softball fields, a fishing pond, fitness trail, playground and snack bar. Part of Great Parks of Hamilton County
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
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.
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
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
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
South > Southwest
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
South > Southwest
Big Bone Lick is a unique state park where the prehistoric past is enshrined, containing the remains of some of America’s early animal inhabitants. Once covered with... Read more
Big Bone Lick is a unique state park where the prehistoric past is enshrined, containing the remains of some of America’s early animal inhabitants. Once covered with swamps, the land that makes up Big Bone Lick had a combination of minerals and water that animals found difficult to resist. For centuries great beasts of the... Read More
Alms Park
Uptown
Alms Park
Uptown
This hilltop 94-acre park was given to the Park Board in 1916 as a memorial to Frederick H. Alms by his wife. The land was once owned by Nicholas Longworth, who produced... Read more
This hilltop 94-acre park was given to the Park Board in 1916 as a memorial to Frederick H. Alms by his wife. The land was once owned by Nicholas Longworth, who produced his Catawba wine there before the Civil War. From its heights, one can see the juncture of the Little Miami River with the gigantic bend of the Ohio, the hills... Read More
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.
Miami Whitewater Forest
West
Miami Whitewater Forest
West
The sprawling 4,438 acre park includes wetlands with a wildlife viewing shelter located along the Shaker Trace Trail, disc golf course, three nature trails, two fitness... Read more
The sprawling 4,438 acre park includes wetlands with a wildlife viewing shelter located along the Shaker Trace Trail, disc golf course, three nature trails, two fitness trails, 18-hole golf facility with driving range, campground, soccer complex, 85-acre lake with fishing, bike, boat rental, and snack bar, an 11-acre dog park,... Read More
Mt. Airy Forest
West
Mt. Airy Forest
West
Accessible from Mt. Airy and Westwood, Mt. Airy Forest's 1,459 acres includes miles of hiking trails and bridle trails (located off Diehl Road) for horseback riders. Mt.... Read more
Accessible from Mt. Airy and Westwood, Mt. Airy Forest's 1,459 acres includes miles of hiking trails and bridle trails (located off Diehl Road) for horseback riders. Mt. Airy has Ohio's only wheelchair accessible public treehouse, an enclosed dog park, and disc golf. Mt. Airy Arboretum's specialty gardens, gazebos and... Read More
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
Daniel Drake Park
North
Daniel Drake Park
North
A 66 acre park named for the founder of Cincinnati's first medical college. The park offers beautiful views, trails, and play areas for children. Part of ... Read more
A 66 acre park named for the founder of Cincinnati's first medical college. The park offers beautiful views, trails, and play areas for children. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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.
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
Fort Thomas Landmark Tree Trail
South > Riverfront
Fort Thomas Landmark Tree Trail
South > Riverfront
This relatively short 1.1 mile trail features 14 landmark trees and various plant life. A great trail for kids although some of the hills are a bit steep and might be... Read more
This relatively short 1.1 mile trail features 14 landmark trees and various plant life. A great trail for kids although some of the hills are a bit steep and might be mildly challenging.
Middle Creek Park
South > Southwest
Middle Creek Park
South > Southwest
The park contains 230 acres of forest full of wildflowers, wildlife and 8.5 miles of unpaved trails that range from moderate to difficult for hiking and horseback riding.
The park contains 230 acres of forest full of wildflowers, wildlife and 8.5 miles of unpaved trails that range from moderate to difficult for hiking and horseback riding.
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
World Peace Bell
South > Riverfront
World Peace Bell
South > Riverfront
You'll want to swing by Newport to visit the World Peace Bell: the largest, free-swinging bell in the world. Weighing in at 66,000 pounds and measuring 12 feet high and 12... Read more
You'll want to swing by Newport to visit the World Peace Bell: the largest, free-swinging bell in the world. Weighing in at 66,000 pounds and measuring 12 feet high and 12 feet wide, the bell was designed and cast by Cincinnati's own Verdin Bell Company, one of the largest bell-making companies in the world. Installed in 1999,... Read More
Caldwell Nature Preserve
North
Caldwell Nature Preserve
North
Caldwell Nature Preserve hosts a variety of old and new trees and flora. It also is home to many different types of animals and wildlife as well as a wheelchair accessible... Read more
Caldwell Nature Preserve hosts a variety of old and new trees and flora. It also is home to many different types of animals and wildlife as well as a wheelchair accessible paved trail. Part of Cincinnati Parks
George Rogers Clark Park
South > Riverfront
George Rogers Clark Park
South > Riverfront
This charming urban park in Northern Kentucky is a favorite spot for photographers and riverwalkers. Situated on Riverside Drive and on the Covington Riverfront, the park... Read more
This charming urban park in Northern Kentucky is a favorite spot for photographers and riverwalkers. Situated on Riverside Drive and on the Covington Riverfront, the park provides a shaded respite to read a book, eat lunch on a bench or watch barges travel down the Ohio River.
Turfway Park
South > Southwest
Turfway Park
South > Southwest
Catch the fun and excitement of Thoroughbred racing all year long at Turfway Park. Live racing held each winter. You can experience simulcast action the rest of the year... Read more
Catch the fun and excitement of Thoroughbred racing all year long at Turfway Park. Live racing held each winter. You can experience simulcast action the rest of the year Wednesday thru Sunday. The vintage charm of historical Turfway Park will be sure to create a memorable experience for the young and old alike. Check out the... Read More
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
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
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.
Wash Park Art
Downtown
Wash Park Art
Downtown
An intimate art gallery celebrating Cincinnati's creativity, located 3 doors south of Music Hall on Washington Park in historic Over-The-Rhine.
An intimate art gallery celebrating Cincinnati's creativity, located 3 doors south of Music Hall on Washington Park in historic Over-The-Rhine.
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
Parkers Woods
Uptown
Parkers Woods
Uptown
Located in Northside, this park offers plenty of green spaces and picnic areas as well as a playground for children. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Located in Northside, this park offers plenty of green spaces and picnic areas as well as a playground for children. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
National Steamboat Monument
Downtown
National Steamboat Monument
Downtown
Rising above the concrete slopes of Cincinnati’s Public Landing at Sawyer Point is a three-story, 60 ton, exact replica of the original red paddle wheel from the American... Read more
Rising above the concrete slopes of Cincinnati’s Public Landing at Sawyer Point is a three-story, 60 ton, exact replica of the original red paddle wheel from the American Queen riverboat. It is positioned about 40 feet off the ground, above a series of 24 metal smokestacks in what is known as the Dan and Susan Pfau Whistle... 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
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
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.
Chrisholm Historic Farmstead
North
Chrisholm Historic Farmstead
North
The Friends of Chrisholm was founded in 1995 to collaborate with MetroParks of Butler County to preserve and share the Amish Mennonite story and the farming history of the... Read more
The Friends of Chrisholm was founded in 1995 to collaborate with MetroParks of Butler County to preserve and share the Amish Mennonite story and the farming history of the region.
Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Main Library
Downtown
Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Main Library
Downtown
The Main Library serves as the hub of the entire Library system as well as the “neighborhood library” for thousands of downtown workers and residents. With one of the... Read more
The Main Library serves as the hub of the entire Library system as well as the “neighborhood library” for thousands of downtown workers and residents. With one of the finest collections of materials among public libraries in the U.S., the Main Library attracts more than one million users annually. In addition to the standard... Read More
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
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
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
La Boiteaux Woods
North
La Boiteaux Woods
North
A nature preserve with a nature center and plenty of diverse wildlife. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A nature preserve with a nature center and plenty of diverse wildlife. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
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
