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
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
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
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.
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
Terrell Park
East
Terrell Park
East
Jim Terrell Park is located near Longworth Street and Ferry Street on 27.3 acres. The amenities include, grills, picnic tables, trash receptacles, canoe access, small... Read more
Jim Terrell Park is located near Longworth Street and Ferry Street on 27.3 acres. The amenities include, grills, picnic tables, trash receptacles, canoe access, small sleeping shelter, multi-use trail and access to th Milford Urban Trail System. Camping is permitted at Terrell Park, with a $5 permit fee per night.
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
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
Rapid Run Park
West
Rapid Run Park
West
A 50 acre park with paved sidewalks, a shelter for picnics, and a view of a shallow lake. Also includes kid's play areas. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A 50 acre park with paved sidewalks, a shelter for picnics, and a view of a shallow lake. Also includes kid's play areas. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
Mt. Airy Forest
West
Mt. Airy Forest
West
Accessible from Mt. Airy and Westwood, Mt. Airy Forest's 1,459 acres includes miles of hiking trails and bridle trails (located off Diehl Road) for horseback riders. Mt.... Read more
Accessible from Mt. Airy and Westwood, Mt. Airy Forest's 1,459 acres includes miles of hiking trails and bridle trails (located off Diehl Road) for horseback riders. Mt. Airy has Ohio's only wheelchair accessible public treehouse, an enclosed dog park, and disc golf. Mt. Airy Arboretum's specialty gardens, gazebos and... Read More
Loveland Bike Trail
East
Loveland Bike Trail
East
The Loveland Bike Trail is a section of the over 70 flat paved miles of the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail. Loveland and other towns offer charming places to stop and... Read more
The Loveland Bike Trail is a section of the over 70 flat paved miles of the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail. Loveland and other towns offer charming places to stop and relax, get a bite to eat or explore. The trail in the vicinity of Loveland is particularly popular because of its easy access, historic downtown, ice cream,... Read More
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
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
Wash Park Art
Downtown
Wash Park Art
Downtown
An intimate art gallery celebrating Cincinnati's creativity, located 3 doors south of Music Hall on Washington Park in historic Over-The-Rhine.
An intimate art gallery celebrating Cincinnati's creativity, located 3 doors south of Music Hall on Washington Park in historic Over-The-Rhine.
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 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
Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra
North
Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra
North
Founded in 1987, the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (BAMSO) is the only professional orchestra in greater Cincinnati offering a complete season of concerts, free... Read more
Founded in 1987, the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (BAMSO) is the only professional orchestra in greater Cincinnati offering a complete season of concerts, free to the general public. BAMSO works to promote the next generation of musicians through its Young Artist Competition concert, Young Artist recital, and our... Read More
Rawson Woods Nature Preserve
Uptown
Rawson Woods Nature Preserve
Uptown
A nature preserve that was founded in 1923 by the Rawson family in order to preserve the nature and beautiful trees in this area. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A nature preserve that was founded in 1923 by the Rawson family in order to preserve the nature and beautiful trees in this area. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Mt. Echo Park
West
Mt. Echo Park
West
This park's 84 acres include steep wooded hillsides, hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, a unique historic reservable picnic shelter and the 1928 Mt. Echo pavilion,... Read more
This park's 84 acres include steep wooded hillsides, hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, a unique historic reservable picnic shelter and the 1928 Mt. Echo pavilion, a popular spot for dances, community events and private functions. The park's overlook features one of the most dramatic views of any Cincinnati Park. Part... 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Washington Park
Downtown
Washington Park
Downtown
This newly renovated park located across from historic Music Hall includes a playground for kids with a play castle, climbing wall, sandbox and slides; interactive water... Read more
This newly renovated park located across from historic Music Hall includes a playground for kids with a play castle, climbing wall, sandbox and slides; interactive water features with more than 130 pop-up jets to provide cool relief on hot days; historic restored bandstand gazebo for weekly live music; a fenced-in dog area with... Read More
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
American Classical Music Walk Of Fame
Downtown
American Classical Music Walk Of Fame
Downtown
The American Classical Music Walk of Fame in Washington Park, a project of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame, is the only project in existence that combines... Read more
The American Classical Music Walk of Fame in Washington Park, a project of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame, is the only project in existence that combines classical music, mobile technology, public spaces, and a dancing fountain. An interactive classical music application that is integrated into a major urban park... 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
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
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.
Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park
Uptown
Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park
Uptown
Located along the Ohio River just east of downtown, is a sumptuous and award-winning display of sculpture and flora representing five continents and also featuring a... Read more
Located along the Ohio River just east of downtown, is a sumptuous and award-winning display of sculpture and flora representing five continents and also featuring a riverside bike trail and walking paths. Named for Cincinnati’s first African-American mayor, it serves as a lasting tribute to world unity and global understanding... Read More
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
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
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
Goebel Park
South > Riverfront
Goebel Park
South > Riverfront
When you see the historic German-style Carroll Chimes Clock Tower, you’ll know you’re at Goebel Park. The park offers walking trails, picnic shelters, a gazebo and... Read more
When you see the historic German-style Carroll Chimes Clock Tower, you’ll know you’re at Goebel Park. The park offers walking trails, picnic shelters, a gazebo and playground.
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
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
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
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
