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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
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
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
World Peace Bell
South > Riverfront
World Peace Bell
South > Riverfront
You'll want to swing by Newport to visit the World Peace Bell: the largest, free-swinging bell in the world. Weighing in at 66,000 pounds and measuring 12 feet high and 12... Read more
You'll want to swing by Newport to visit the World Peace Bell: the largest, free-swinging bell in the world. Weighing in at 66,000 pounds and measuring 12 feet high and 12 feet wide, the bell was designed and cast by Cincinnati's own Verdin Bell Company, one of the largest bell-making companies in the world. Installed in 1999,... Read More
George Rogers Clark Park
South > Riverfront
George Rogers Clark Park
South > Riverfront
This charming urban park in Northern Kentucky is a favorite spot for photographers and riverwalkers. Situated on Riverside Drive and on the Covington Riverfront, the park... Read more
This charming urban park in Northern Kentucky is a favorite spot for photographers and riverwalkers. Situated on Riverside Drive and on the Covington Riverfront, the park provides a shaded respite to read a book, eat lunch on a bench or watch barges travel down the Ohio River.
Cincinnati Skirball Museum
Uptown
Cincinnati Skirball Museum
Uptown
The Skirball Museum in Cincinnati has a long history as one of the oldest repositories of Jewish cultural artifacts in America. The first stage in the museum's development... Read more
The Skirball Museum in Cincinnati has a long history as one of the oldest repositories of Jewish cultural artifacts in America. The first stage in the museum's development lasted for nearly a century, beginning when Hebrew Union College (HUC) opened in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1875 and over time began accepting donations of Judaic... 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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Florence/Boone County Skate Park
South > Southwest
Florence/Boone County Skate Park
South > Southwest
This 20,000 sq. ft. park is designed for in-line skates, roller blades and skateboards and has beginner, intermediate and advanced areas with various challenging elements... Read more
This 20,000 sq. ft. park is designed for in-line skates, roller blades and skateboards and has beginner, intermediate and advanced areas with various challenging elements. Included are a shelter, spectator area, emergency telephone and parking lot. There is no fee to enter. Park hours are from dawn to dusk. Safety equipment... 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
Winton Woods
North
Winton Woods
North
Winton Centre is headquarters to Great Parks of Hamilton County guest services, administrative offices, rangers and naturalists. The auditorium features nature-related... Read more
Winton Centre is headquarters to Great Parks of Hamilton County guest services, administrative offices, rangers and naturalists. The auditorium features nature-related educational exhibits. The park has reservable picnic areas and shelters with Great Parks Catering available. Winton Woods also offers an 18-hole disc golf course... Read More
Riverfront Floodwall Mural Tour
South > Riverfront
Riverfront Floodwall Mural Tour
South > Riverfront
Led by artist Robert Dafford, a team of artists created a magnificent illustration of the history of Covington. Depicting a variety of scenes from the meeting of General... Read more
Led by artist Robert Dafford, a team of artists created a magnificent illustration of the history of Covington. Depicting a variety of scenes from the meeting of General George Rogers Clark, Simon Kenton, and Daniel Boone on the mouth of the Licking River to Jacob Price, a local African American leader of the late 1800s, the... Read More
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
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
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
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
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.
Avon Woods
Uptown
Avon Woods
Uptown
Located four miles from Downtown, this park boasts of extensive hiking trails, hills, and streams. They also offer nature day camps for children during the summer months.... Read more
Located four miles from Downtown, this park boasts of extensive hiking trails, hills, and streams. They also offer nature day camps for children during the summer months. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
Fountain Square
Downtown
Fountain Square
Downtown
Eat lunch under the sun, check out what’s playing on the video board, or take part in the multitudes of free programming including music, movies and special events.... Read more
Eat lunch under the sun, check out what’s playing on the video board, or take part in the multitudes of free programming including music, movies and special events. Presiding over the Square is the historic Tyler Davidson Fountain, dedicated in 1871 to the people of Cincinnati.
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
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum
Uptown
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum
Uptown
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, a National Historic Landmark, was chartered in 1845 and is the second largest cemetery in the United States, and the most beautiful... Read more
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, a National Historic Landmark, was chartered in 1845 and is the second largest cemetery in the United States, and the most beautiful according to thousands of visitors every year. Its 733 acres offer the public a magnificent arboretum, open air museum and tranquil sanctuary just minutes away... 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Embshoff Woods
West
Embshoff Woods
West
This 333 acre park features a 1.0-mile Parcours fitness trail, 9-hole disc golf course, playground and reservable picnic shelters. Part of Great Parks of Hamilton County
This 333 acre park features a 1.0-mile Parcours fitness trail, 9-hole disc golf course, playground and reservable picnic shelters. Part of Great Parks of Hamilton County
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.
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
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.
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
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
