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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
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
The Mini Microcinema
Downtown
The Mini Microcinema
Downtown
The Mini Microcinema is dedicated to showing film/video/media that breaks from standard cinematic convention. It is part of a community that celebrates the art of the... Read more
The Mini Microcinema is dedicated to showing film/video/media that breaks from standard cinematic convention. It is part of a community that celebrates the art of the moving image, both contemporary and historical, from both near and far. Programming consists of work created outside of mainstream production and distribution... 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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mitchell Memorial Forest
West
Mitchell Memorial Forest
West
This park offers over eight miles of challenging mountain bike trail, a 1.0-mile Wood Duck nature trail, the River Hill “catch and release” fishing pond, playground,... Read more
This park offers over eight miles of challenging mountain bike trail, a 1.0-mile Wood Duck nature trail, the River Hill “catch and release” fishing pond, playground, picnic areas and the reservable Pine Meadow Youth Camp. Part of Great Parks of Hamilton County
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
Kenton County Public Library – William E. Durr
South > Southeast
Kenton County Public Library – William E. Durr
South > Southeast
The William E. Durr location of the Kenton County Public Library opened in January 2007. It is a 39,000 square-foot library, with 25,283 sq. ft. of public space. Features... Read more
The William E. Durr location of the Kenton County Public Library opened in January 2007. It is a 39,000 square-foot library, with 25,283 sq. ft. of public space. Features include a drive-through window, 2,000 sq. ft. meeting room, two study rooms, 15 station computer lab, 32 public access computers and a reading garden. The... Read More
Withrow Nature Preserve
East
Withrow Nature Preserve
East
The preserve includes 270 acres and features the Trout Lily Trail, mature hardwood forests, a variety of native wildflowers, and is a popular outdoor wedding venue.... Read more
The preserve includes 270 acres and features the Trout Lily Trail, mature hardwood forests, a variety of native wildflowers, and is a popular outdoor wedding venue. Part of Great Parks of Hamilton County
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
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
The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary's Seminary of the West
East
The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary's Seminary of the West
East
Founded in the early 1800s, Mount St. Mary's of the West is the third oldest Catholic seminary in the United States and the oldest Catholic seminary west of the... Read more
Founded in the early 1800s, Mount St. Mary's of the West is the third oldest Catholic seminary in the United States and the oldest Catholic seminary west of the Appalachian Mountains. The present day campus is made up of 76 acres surrounding an impressive granite stone building constructed in 1929. Inside the building you will... 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
Purple People Bridge
South > Riverfront
Purple People Bridge
South > Riverfront
First opened in 1872 as Cincinnati's first railroad bridge spanning the Ohio River, the L&N Railroad Bridge evolved through the years to accommodate streetcar,... Read more
First opened in 1872 as Cincinnati's first railroad bridge spanning the Ohio River, the L&N Railroad Bridge evolved through the years to accommodate streetcar, pedestrian and automobile traffic before becoming a pedestrian-only bridge in May 2003 and was given the nickname Purple People Bridge. At 2,670 feet in length, it... Read More
Play Library
Downtown
Play Library
Downtown
The Play Library is just like a regular library but instead of books, we lend toys and games! Designed for kids and adults ages 3 to 103, the Play Library's goal is to... Read more
The Play Library is just like a regular library but instead of books, we lend toys and games! Designed for kids and adults ages 3 to 103, the Play Library's goal is to connect families, friends, and communities through play.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Bellevue Beach Park
South > Riverfront
Bellevue Beach Park
South > Riverfront
The Thomas J. Wiethorn Memorial Beach Park is located down the street from Newport Aquarium and Newport on the Levee on the banks of the Ohio River. The park is the home... Read more
The Thomas J. Wiethorn Memorial Beach Park is located down the street from Newport Aquarium and Newport on the Levee on the banks of the Ohio River. The park is the home of Bellevue, Kentucky’s summer concert series and also includes a walking track, gazebo, picnic tables, playground, basketball hoops and benches for gazing out... Read More
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.
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
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, nature trails, golf, tennis, scenic overlook area, picnic facilities, fishing, Behringer-Crawford Museum, Devou Golf & Event Center, and the Drees... 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
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
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
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
South > Riverfront
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
South > Riverfront
Originally opened as St. Mary's Church in 1837, the first Roman Catholic Church in Covington, by 1895 the St. Mary's Cathedral was nearly complete: the interior being... Read more
Originally opened as St. Mary's Church in 1837, the first Roman Catholic Church in Covington, by 1895 the St. Mary's Cathedral was nearly complete: the interior being modeled after the Abbey Church of St. Denis in Paris while the facade would mirror Notre Dame de Paris. Built in the 13th Century French-Gothic style, and... Read More
Otto Armleder Memorial Park & Recreation Complex
East
Otto Armleder Memorial Park & Recreation Complex
East
This park features a 10-acre dog park with areas for large and small breeds, a canine shower and drinking fountains. It also features a new 1.0-mile paved trail that... Read more
This park features a 10-acre dog park with areas for large and small breeds, a canine shower and drinking fountains. It also features a new 1.0-mile paved trail that connects the park's existing 1.9-mile trail to the 5-mile Lunken Airfield loop, as well as a playground, reservable soccer fields, river outlook and access to the... 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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
Manifest Gallery
Uptown
Manifest Gallery
Uptown
Manifest stands for the quality presentation, experience, and documentation of the visual arts, engaging students, professionals, and the public from around the world... Read more
Manifest stands for the quality presentation, experience, and documentation of the visual arts, engaging students, professionals, and the public from around the world through accessible world-class exhibits, studio programs, and publications. Manifest Gallery serves as a venue for the display and experience of insightful,... 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
