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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
Pioneer Cemetery
East
Pioneer Cemetery
East
A memorial cemetery of the pioneer settlement of Columbia. The 2.2 acre park is the resting place of veterans and pioneers dating all the way back to 1797. Part... Read more
A memorial cemetery of the pioneer settlement of Columbia. The 2.2 acre park is the resting place of veterans and pioneers dating all the way back to 1797. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Willamstown Lake
South
Willamstown Lake
South
In 1957, Williamstown Lake became accessible for all to enjoy fishing. Today, it's still a popular place to cast a line. At 300 acres, the city's reservoir produces a... Read more
In 1957, Williamstown Lake became accessible for all to enjoy fishing. Today, it's still a popular place to cast a line. At 300 acres, the city's reservoir produces a variety of fish. The lake also offers several launch ramps in addition to the dock which stocks bait, tackle and other supplies.
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
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.
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
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
Hopkins Park
Uptown
Hopkins Park
Uptown
A small neighborhood park with beautiful green areas, basketball courts, and a playground. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A small neighborhood park with beautiful green areas, basketball courts, and a playground. Part of Cincinnati Parks
George Rogers Clark Park
South > Riverfront
George Rogers Clark Park
South > Riverfront
This charming urban park in Northern Kentucky is a favorite spot for photographers and riverwalkers. Situated on Riverside Drive and on the Covington Riverfront, the park... Read more
This charming urban park in Northern Kentucky is a favorite spot for photographers and riverwalkers. Situated on Riverside Drive and on the Covington Riverfront, the park provides a shaded respite to read a book, eat lunch on a bench or watch barges travel down the Ohio River.
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
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
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
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
Fort Thomas Landmark Tree Trail
South > Riverfront
Fort Thomas Landmark Tree Trail
South > Riverfront
This relatively short 1.1 mile trail features 14 landmark trees and various plant life. A great trail for kids although some of the hills are a bit steep and might be... Read more
This relatively short 1.1 mile trail features 14 landmark trees and various plant life. A great trail for kids although some of the hills are a bit steep and might be mildly challenging.
Alms Park
Uptown
Alms Park
Uptown
This hilltop 94-acre park was given to the Park Board in 1916 as a memorial to Frederick H. Alms by his wife. The land was once owned by Nicholas Longworth, who produced... Read more
This hilltop 94-acre park was given to the Park Board in 1916 as a memorial to Frederick H. Alms by his wife. The land was once owned by Nicholas Longworth, who produced his Catawba wine there before the Civil War. From its heights, one can see the juncture of the Little Miami River with the gigantic bend of the Ohio, the hills... Read More
Middle Creek Park
South > Southwest
Middle Creek Park
South > Southwest
The park contains 230 acres of forest full of wildflowers, wildlife and 8.5 miles of unpaved trails that range from moderate to difficult for hiking and horseback riding.
The park contains 230 acres of forest full of wildflowers, wildlife and 8.5 miles of unpaved trails that range from moderate to difficult for hiking and horseback riding.
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.
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
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
Wilson Commons
West
Wilson Commons
West
Wilson Commons is known for it's beautiful view of downtown Cincinnati and the Kentucky hills. It has a small pond area (no swimming) and paved pathways. Part... Read more
Wilson Commons is known for it's beautiful view of downtown Cincinnati and the Kentucky hills. It has a small pond area (no swimming) and paved pathways. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
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
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
Larz Anderson Park
Uptown
Larz Anderson Park
Uptown
A hillside park with a view of the Ohio River located conveniently above Columbia Parkway. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A hillside park with a view of the Ohio River located conveniently above Columbia Parkway. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
Professor Lorenzo's Carnival of Mysteries
Downtown
Professor Lorenzo's Carnival of Mysteries
Downtown
Inspired by circuses of the early 20th Century, Professor Lorenzo’s Carnival of Mysteries is the brainchild of local writer and puzzle creator John Bromels. He imagined an... Read more
Inspired by circuses of the early 20th Century, Professor Lorenzo’s Carnival of Mysteries is the brainchild of local writer and puzzle creator John Bromels. He imagined an interactive art experience similar to an escape room but without the time pressure. Friends and families can solve puzzles and challenges on their own... Read More
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
