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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
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.
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
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
Art Beyond Boundaries
Downtown
Art Beyond Boundaries
Downtown
The Art Beyond Boundaries Gallery is a professional, main-stream fine art gallery where local and regional artists with disabilities display, market, and sell their... Read more
The Art Beyond Boundaries Gallery is a professional, main-stream fine art gallery where local and regional artists with disabilities display, market, and sell their artwork. The mission of the gallery is to promote awareness and understanding of artists with disabilities. The gallery strives to demonstrate to both the artists... 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
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
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
Avon Woods
Uptown
Avon Woods
Uptown
Located four miles from Downtown, this park boasts of extensive hiking trails, hills, and streams. They also offer nature day camps for children during the summer months.... Read more
Located four miles from Downtown, this park boasts of extensive hiking trails, hills, and streams. They also offer nature day camps for children during the summer months. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Rawson Woods Nature Preserve
Uptown
Rawson Woods Nature Preserve
Uptown
A nature preserve that was founded in 1923 by the Rawson family in order to preserve the nature and beautiful trees in this area. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A nature preserve that was founded in 1923 by the Rawson family in order to preserve the nature and beautiful trees in this area. 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.
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
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
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
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: Market District Buffet Prism Bobby's Burger Palace Starbucks Noodle 8
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
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
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
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
Contemporary Arts Center
Downtown
Contemporary Arts Center
Downtown
Founded in Cincinnati in 1939 as the Modern Art Society by three visionary local women, the Contemporary Arts Center was one of the first institutions in the United States... Read more
Founded in Cincinnati in 1939 as the Modern Art Society by three visionary local women, the Contemporary Arts Center was one of the first institutions in the United States dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art. The CAC provides the opportunity for all people to discover the dynamic relationship between art and life by... Read More
Covington Central Business District Tour
South > Riverfront
Covington Central Business District Tour
South > Riverfront
From art galleries to hand-crafted signage to murals to statues new and old, take a closer look at all the public art on display throughout Covington’s vibrant Central... Read more
From art galleries to hand-crafted signage to murals to statues new and old, take a closer look at all the public art on display throughout Covington’s vibrant Central Business District. Visit website to plan your self-guided walking tour.
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
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
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
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
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
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 still developing more but the following... Read More
ArtWorks Public Art and Murals
Downtown
![ArtWorks Mural "Mr. Dynamite"](https://cincinnatiusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/grid_photo/public/artworks_jamesbrown_jmwolf-6325.jpg?itok=wjHplClf "ArtWorks Mural "Mr. Dynamite"")
ArtWorks Public Art and Murals
Downtown
ArtWorks' Public Art program creates innovative works that enrich Greater Cincinnati while providing job opportunities to youth Apprentices and professional artists. To... Read more
ArtWorks' Public Art program creates innovative works that enrich Greater Cincinnati while providing job opportunities to youth Apprentices and professional artists. To date, ArtWorks has created over 120 murals, more than a dozen artist-designed public bike racks, and more. Explore all of ArtWorks public art with this map or... Read More
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
American Classical Music Walk Of Fame
Downtown
American Classical Music Walk Of Fame
Downtown
The American Classical Music Walk of Fame in Washington Park, a project of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame, is the only project in existence that combines... Read more
The American Classical Music Walk of Fame in Washington Park, a project of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame, is the only project in existence that combines classical music, mobile technology, public spaces, and a dancing fountain. An interactive classical music application that is integrated into a major urban park... Read More
Woodland Mound
East
Woodland Mound
East
The visitor center at the park features wildlife exhibits and a gift shop. Breezy Point Pavilion is home to Parky’s Wetland Adventure playground and snack bar (which... Read more
The visitor center at the park features wildlife exhibits and a gift shop. Breezy Point Pavilion is home to Parky’s Wetland Adventure playground and snack bar (which offers children’s celebration packages), a regular playground and picnic areas. Woodland Mound also has an 18-hole disc golf course and boat launch ramp to the... Read More
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
Fleischmann Gardens
Uptown
Fleischmann Gardens
Uptown
Fleischmann Gardens is an elegantly landscaped hideaway on the former site of the home of Charles Fleischmann. It offers beautiful gardens, ornamental entrance gates, and... Read more
Fleischmann Gardens is an elegantly landscaped hideaway on the former site of the home of Charles Fleischmann. It offers beautiful gardens, ornamental entrance gates, and an evergreen maze. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
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.
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
Laurel Park
Downtown
Laurel Park
Downtown
A park created as a result of the construction on Union Terminal. It has multiple picnic tables and towering trees. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A park created as a result of the construction on Union Terminal. It has multiple picnic tables and towering trees. Part of Cincinnati Parks
California Woods
East
California Woods
East
With its 113 acres of forest, California Woods Nature Preserve offers something for all nature lovers. The park features 53 species of trees, more than 200 species of... Read more
With its 113 acres of forest, California Woods Nature Preserve offers something for all nature lovers. The park features 53 species of trees, more than 200 species of herbaceous plants, and Lick Run Creek, home to kingfishers, snapping turtles, small fish, myriad invertebrates and the occasional visit from grebes, mallards,... Read More
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
21c Museum Hotel
Downtown
21c Museum Hotel
Downtown
Located in the center of the action in downtown Cincinnati - adjacent to the Contemporary Arts Center and across the street from the Aronoff Center for the Arts – 21c... Read more
Located in the center of the action in downtown Cincinnati - adjacent to the Contemporary Arts Center and across the street from the Aronoff Center for the Arts – 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati is a 156-room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum and cultural civic center. The museum and hotel is located in the 100-year-old... Read More
Burnet Woods
Uptown
Burnet Woods
Uptown
Located near the University of Cincinnati, Burnet Woods has everything you could want from hiking trails to a historic bandstand to picnic areas to playgrounds and more.... Read more
Located near the University of Cincinnati, Burnet Woods has everything you could want from hiking trails to a historic bandstand to picnic areas to playgrounds and more. They also have a full disc golf course for your enjoyment. Part of Cincinnati Parks
