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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
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.
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: Market District Buffet Prism Bobby's Burger Palace Starbucks Noodle 8
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
South > Southwest
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
South > Southwest
Big Bone Lick is a unique state park where the prehistoric past is enshrined, containing the remains of some of America’s early animal inhabitants. Once covered with... Read more
Big Bone Lick is a unique state park where the prehistoric past is enshrined, containing the remains of some of America’s early animal inhabitants. Once covered with swamps, the land that makes up Big Bone Lick had a combination of minerals and water that animals found difficult to resist. For centuries great beasts of the... Read More
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
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
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.
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
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
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
Boone Cliffs Nature Preserve
South > Southwest
Boone Cliffs Nature Preserve
South > Southwest
Boone Cliffs contains 74 acres of old growth forest and unique cliff formations. There are 2.4 miles of unpaved trails that are rated moderate to difficult for hiking.
Boone Cliffs contains 74 acres of old growth forest and unique cliff formations. There are 2.4 miles of unpaved trails that are rated moderate to difficult for hiking.
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
Wasson Way Bike Trail
Uptown
Wasson Way Bike Trail
Uptown
Newly completed, phase 1 of the Wasson Bike Trail begins from Madison Road, near La Rosa's and Busken Bakery, to Tamarack Avenue near Dana Avenue and I-71. While a short... Read more
Newly completed, phase 1 of the Wasson Bike Trail begins from Madison Road, near La Rosa's and Busken Bakery, to Tamarack Avenue near Dana Avenue and I-71. While a short section, it connects to Withrow High School, Rookwood Commons and Rookwood Pavilion shopping areas, and many streets in the west Hyde Park area such as... Read More
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
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
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
City of Sculpture
North
City of Sculpture
North
The mission of Hamilton, Ohio City of Sculpture is to promote the recognition of Hamilton as a cultural community through obtaining sculptures to be placed in public... Read more
The mission of Hamilton, Ohio City of Sculpture is to promote the recognition of Hamilton as a cultural community through obtaining sculptures to be placed in public spaces for the enjoyment of citizens and visitors. Embark on a self-guided tour to locate all of the unique sculptures.Downtown Sculpture Map Citywide Sculpture... Read More
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
Fairview Park
Uptown
Fairview Park
Uptown
Established in 1931, Fairview Park offers a beautiful view of downtown Cincinnati, the Ohio River, and Union Terminal. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Established in 1931, Fairview Park offers a beautiful view of downtown Cincinnati, the Ohio River, and Union Terminal. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
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.
Glenwood Gardens
North
Glenwood Gardens
North
This beautifully landscaped 335-acre park includes a 1.0-mile paved trail and the 1.6-mile Wetland Loop nature trail (skates, scooters and bikes prohibited) and formal... Read more
This beautifully landscaped 335-acre park includes a 1.0-mile paved trail and the 1.6-mile Wetland Loop nature trail (skates, scooters and bikes prohibited) and formal gardens, prairies, forests and wetlands plus Highfield Discovery Garden for children (fee applies). The gift shop offers a variety of nature-related merchandise... 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
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.
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
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
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.
The Friendly Market
South > Southwest
The Friendly Market
South > Southwest
Inspired by historic Findlay Market, The Friendly Market is a year-round, indoor/outdoor market located in Florence, Ky., offering fresh produce, artisan goods and all... Read more
Inspired by historic Findlay Market, The Friendly Market is a year-round, indoor/outdoor market located in Florence, Ky., offering fresh produce, artisan goods and all things Kentucky. With a variety of indoor merchants and a cast of seasonal outdoor merchants, visitors will find an array of goods, merchandises and delicious... 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
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
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
Riverside Drive Statue Tour
South > Riverfront
Riverside Drive Statue Tour
South > Riverfront
Located in Covington’s Historic Licking Riverside Neighborhood, the tour is comprised of seven life-like bronze statues of historical figures. Chief Little Turtle led a... Read more
Located in Covington’s Historic Licking Riverside Neighborhood, the tour is comprised of seven life-like bronze statues of historical figures. Chief Little Turtle led a confederation of Miami, Delaware, and Shawnee. Simon Kenton was an early explorer. John James Audubon spent time here drawing and painting. Brought to America... Read More
Landen Deerfield Park
North
Landen Deerfield Park
North
95 acres of open space with ball fields, sports courts, hiking & biking trails & a lake for fishing. The bike trail is 2.6 miles and is best used from March until... Read more
95 acres of open space with ball fields, sports courts, hiking & biking trails & a lake for fishing. The bike trail is 2.6 miles and is best used from March until November.
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
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
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
Newport on the Levee
South > Riverfront
Newport on the Levee
South > Riverfront
Newport on the Levee is a multi-level urban retail entertainment center located on the south bank of the Ohio River in Newport, Kentucky directly across from Downtown... Read more
Newport on the Levee is a multi-level urban retail entertainment center located on the south bank of the Ohio River in Newport, Kentucky directly across from Downtown Cincinnati. Kick back, relax and enjoy the many experiences at Newport on the Levee. Take in an afternoon movie at AMC Newport, have arcade fun at GameWorks or... 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
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
Owl's Nest Park
North
Owl's Nest Park
North
Donated in memory of a homestead known as "Owl's Nest". The park boasts of beautiful entryway columns, wrought iron fences and a beautiful pavilion. Part of... Read more
Donated in memory of a homestead known as "Owl's Nest". The park boasts of beautiful entryway columns, wrought iron fences and a beautiful pavilion. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
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
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
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
Covington Historic Walking Tour
South > Riverfront
Covington Historic Walking Tour
South > Riverfront
Join Kenton County Public Library's Local History staff for the FREE Covington in 1915 historical walking tour to learn about Covington, Ky, 100 years ago. Walk is roughly... Read more
Join Kenton County Public Library's Local History staff for the FREE Covington in 1915 historical walking tour to learn about Covington, Ky, 100 years ago. Walk is roughly one mile in length and travels through neighborhoods surrounding Covington Library. Program is weather dependent.
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
Veterans Memorial of Boone County
South > Southwest
Veterans Memorial of Boone County
South > Southwest
The Veterans Memorial of Boone County was conceived in 1995 when H.B. Deatherage, a Viet Nam veteran, was deeply moved by the fact that veterans in Boone County had no... Read more
The Veterans Memorial of Boone County was conceived in 1995 when H.B. Deatherage, a Viet Nam veteran, was deeply moved by the fact that veterans in Boone County had no place to heal wounds and memories of war. The names and etchings were brought to the forefront with beautiful black granite, making up the memorial honoring WWI... Read More
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
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
