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
Black Lives Matter Cincinnati Mural
Downtown
Black Lives Matter Cincinnati Mural
Downtown
This vibrant new street mural created by 17 local artists and a team of helpers was ceremoniously unveiled on Juneteenth 2020. The privately funded mural spans an entire... Read more
This vibrant new street mural created by 17 local artists and a team of helpers was ceremoniously unveiled on Juneteenth 2020. The privately funded mural spans an entire block of Plum St. directly in front of Cincinnati City Hall. Click here to read more about each of the 17 lead artists and the meaning behind each of their... Read More
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
Eden Park
Uptown
Eden Park
Uptown
Home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and the Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park is one of the most popular of the Cincinnati Parks. Landmarks... Read more
Home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and the Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park is one of the most popular of the Cincinnati Parks. Landmarks within the park include Hinkle Magnolia Garden, which features a picturesque gazebo, memorial tree groves and paths, Mirror Lake, and the Bettman Fountain. Twin... 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
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
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
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
Annwood Park
Uptown
Annwood Park
Uptown
A small, well kept park located in the East Walnut Hills area. It was donated to Cincinnati in 1966 and expanded in 1969. It was created as an effort to preserve greenery... Read more
A small, well kept park located in the East Walnut Hills area. It was donated to Cincinnati in 1966 and expanded in 1969. It was created as an effort to preserve greenery and wildlife in the area. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
Roebling Suspension Bridge
South
Roebling Suspension Bridge
South
When the Roebling Suspension Bridge opened to traffic in 1867 connecting Covington, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, its span of 1057 feet was the longest in the world. John... Read more
When the Roebling Suspension Bridge opened to traffic in 1867 connecting Covington, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, its span of 1057 feet was the longest in the world. John A. Roebling, whose next project was the Brooklyn Bridge, is the engineer responsible for creating this iconic feature of our region's skyline which is now a... 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
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.
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
Peddler's Flea Market
East
Peddler's Flea Market
East
Year-round indoor/outdoor flea market offering 110 indoor vendors, 300 outdoor vendors (weather permitting) and delicious food served all day. An oasis for treasure... Read more
Year-round indoor/outdoor flea market offering 110 indoor vendors, 300 outdoor vendors (weather permitting) and delicious food served all day. An oasis for treasure hunters.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Washington Park
Downtown
Washington Park
Downtown
This park located across from historic Music Hall includes a playground for kids with a play castle, climbing wall, sandbox and slides; interactive water features with... Read more
This park located across from historic Music Hall includes a playground for kids with a play castle, climbing wall, sandbox and slides; interactive water features with more than 130 pop-up jets to provide cool relief on hot days; historic restored bandstand gazebo for weekly live music; a fenced-in dog area with 12,000 square... Read More
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
Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park
Uptown
Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park
Uptown
Located along the Ohio River just east of downtown, is a sumptuous and award-winning display of sculpture and flora representing five continents and also featuring a... Read more
Located along the Ohio River just east of downtown, is a sumptuous and award-winning display of sculpture and flora representing five continents and also featuring a riverside bike trail and walking paths. Named for Cincinnati’s first African-American mayor, it serves as a lasting tribute to world unity and global understanding... Read More
Shawnee Lookout
West
Shawnee Lookout
West
Shawnee Lookout is well known for its historical Springhouse School and Log Cabin and Native American archaeological earthworks. The park's nature trails, including the 1.... Read more
Shawnee Lookout is well known for its historical Springhouse School and Log Cabin and Native American archaeological earthworks. The park's nature trails, including the 1.3-mile Blue Jacket, 2.0-mile Little Turtle and the 1.4-mile Miami Fort trail, offer spectacular views of the Ohio River and Great Miami River valleys. The... Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
