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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
Glenway Woods
West
Glenway Woods
West
A nature preserve located in historic Price Hill. This preserve was founded in order to save the area from indiscriminate physical development. Part of ... Read more
A nature preserve located in historic Price Hill. This preserve was founded in order to save the area from indiscriminate physical development. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
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.
Hauck Botanical Gardens
Uptown
Hauck Botanical Gardens
Uptown
The Botanical Garden is home to 900 types of trees, shrubs, and plants for you to enjoy. Spend your day exploring the varieties of flowers and flora the gardens have to... Read more
The Botanical Garden is home to 900 types of trees, shrubs, and plants for you to enjoy. Spend your day exploring the varieties of flowers and flora the gardens have to offer. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
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
JACK Cincinnati Casino
Downtown
JACK Cincinnati Casino
Downtown
No matter what you want to play, we’ve got your game. From the newest slots and table games to live poker, we’ve got 100,000 square feet of exciting, action-packed choices... Read more
No matter what you want to play, we’ve got your game. From the newest slots and table games to live poker, we’ve got 100,000 square feet of exciting, action-packed choices. Dining options include: Seven Chefs Buffet Prism Bobby's Burger Palace Starbucks Noodle 8
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
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
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.
Weston Art Gallery
Downtown
Weston Art Gallery
Downtown
Located inside Aronoff Center for the Arts, Weston Art Gallery is acclaimed for its eclectic mix of emerging and professional artists presented in museum-quality environs... Read more
Located inside Aronoff Center for the Arts, Weston Art Gallery is acclaimed for its eclectic mix of emerging and professional artists presented in museum-quality environs in the heart of downtown Cincinnati’s restaurant and theater district. With galleries on two levels and 3,500 square feet of exhibition space, the Weston... Read More
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
NKU Art Galleries
South > Southeast
NKU Art Galleries
South > Southeast
It is the mission of the NKU Gallery to be a premiere venue for the exhibition of high quality art works from regional, national, and international artists. The gallery... Read more
It is the mission of the NKU Gallery to be a premiere venue for the exhibition of high quality art works from regional, national, and international artists. The gallery will serve as an exhibition forum for the community and region to view the work of traditionally under represented groups and individuals who have contributed... Read More
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 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
Tenement LIfe in North of Liberty
Downtown
Tenement LIfe in North of Liberty
Downtown
Do you know what a tenement is or how people lived in them? Our North of Liberty tour takes participants through Over-the-Rhine, north of Liberty Street, paying special... Read more
Do you know what a tenement is or how people lived in them? Our North of Liberty tour takes participants through Over-the-Rhine, north of Liberty Street, paying special attention to how people lived in this neighborhood in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The tour focuses on the built environment including outdoor toilets,... Read More
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
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
Kenton County Public Library – Erlanger
South > Southwest
Kenton County Public Library – Erlanger
South > Southwest
The Erlanger location opened in October 2002. It has 34,300 square feet, features 15 station computer lab, meeting room to accommodate 200, children’s area, reading... Read more
The Erlanger location opened in October 2002. It has 34,300 square feet, features 15 station computer lab, meeting room to accommodate 200, children’s area, reading garden, outdoor council ring, and drive-through window. It is the busiest library in Kentucky. Library computers include Microsoft Office, Internet access and... Read More
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
Women's History in Over the Rhine
Downtown
Women's History in Over the Rhine
Downtown
Do you know the stories of the women of Over-the-Rhine? This tour explores women’s lives and work in Over-the-Rhine, from German-speaking immigrants in the mid-1800s up to... Read more
Do you know the stories of the women of Over-the-Rhine? This tour explores women’s lives and work in Over-the-Rhine, from German-speaking immigrants in the mid-1800s up to African American women who moved to Over-the-Rhine in the 1960s. It explores topics important to women's history—work for women, childbirth and motherhood,... Read More
Lytle Park
Downtown
Lytle Park
Downtown
A park nestled in the middle of Downtown Cincinnati as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. PARTS OF THE PARK MAY BE CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION UNTIL LATE... Read more
A park nestled in the middle of Downtown Cincinnati as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. PARTS OF THE PARK MAY BE CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION UNTIL LATE 2018 Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
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.
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
Tri-State Chamber Players
North
Tri-State Chamber Players
North
The mission of the Tri-State Chamber Players is dedicated to providing free concerts for the public with an emphasis on senior adults, children, and their families. Our... Read more
The mission of the Tri-State Chamber Players is dedicated to providing free concerts for the public with an emphasis on senior adults, children, and their families. Our concerts have reached over 16,000 individuals over the past 25 years. We desire to enrich the cultural environment of the Greater Cincinnati area. Our concerts... Read More
Cardboard Boat Museum
East
Cardboard Boat Museum
East
The Cardboard Boat Museum exists because of the annual Cardboard Boat Race on the Ohio River in New Richmond. The race draws thousands of spectators and well over 50 boats... Read more
The Cardboard Boat Museum exists because of the annual Cardboard Boat Race on the Ohio River in New Richmond. The race draws thousands of spectators and well over 50 boats each year. The Museum is located inside of an old gas station and features a wide variety of boats.
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
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
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
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
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
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Uptown
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Uptown
The William Howard Taft National Historic Site commemorates the only man to serve as President and Chief Justice of the United States. The house that Taft was born in has... Read more
The William Howard Taft National Historic Site commemorates the only man to serve as President and Chief Justice of the United States. The house that Taft was born in has been restored to its original appearance. A visit to the site includes a tour of the restored birthplace and four period rooms that reflect the family life... 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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
Ohio to Erie Trail
Downtown
Ohio to Erie Trail
Downtown
A primarily off-street recreational trail from the Ohio River to Lake Erie, the Ohio to Erie Trail spans the state of Ohio from Cincinnati to Cleveland for the most part... Read more
A primarily off-street recreational trail from the Ohio River to Lake Erie, the Ohio to Erie Trail spans the state of Ohio from Cincinnati to Cleveland for the most part following lands formerly occupied by railroads and canals. The collection of regional trails connects four of Ohio’s metropolitan cities, a dozen large towns... 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
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
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
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
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
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
