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!
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
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
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
JACK Cincinnati Casino
Downtown
JACK Cincinnati Casino
Downtown
The Future Home of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati has reduced table game availability and seating capacity to avoid crowding. In most cases, Plexiglass shields have also been... Read more
The Future Home of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati has reduced table game availability and seating capacity to avoid crowding. In most cases, Plexiglass shields have also been installed between dealers and guests, as well as between chairs. Here are the new health and safety precautions for table games. Poker Tables: Not open... Read More
Washington Park
Downtown
Washington Park
Downtown
This 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... Read more
This 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 12,000 square... 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
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
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
ArtWorks Public Art and Murals
Downtown
ArtWorks Public Art and Murals
Downtown
ArtWorks' Public Art program creates innovative works that enrich the Cincinnati region while providing job opportunities to youth apprentices and professional artists. To... Read more
ArtWorks' Public Art program creates innovative works that enrich the Cincinnati region while providing job opportunities to youth apprentices and professional artists. To date, ArtWorks has created over 180 murals, more than a dozen artist-designed public bike racks, and more throughout the region. Explore all of ArtWorks... 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
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
Riverfront Commons
South > Riverfront
Riverfront Commons
South > Riverfront
Still under development, Riverfront Commons is an 11.5-mile uninterrupted walking, running, and biking trail that will ink Northern Kentucky’s six river cities – Ludlow,... Read more
Still under development, Riverfront Commons is an 11.5-mile uninterrupted walking, running, and biking trail that will ink Northern Kentucky’s six river cities – Ludlow, Covington, Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, and Fort Thomas – to the City of Cincinnati and other local trail systems. This trail is the signature project of... Read More
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
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
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
Laurel Park
Downtown
Laurel Park
Downtown
A park created as a result of the construction on Union Terminal. It has multiple picnic tables and towering trees. Part of Cincinnati Parks
A park created as a result of the construction on Union Terminal. It has multiple picnic tables and towering trees. Part of Cincinnati Parks
Smale Riverfront Park
Downtown
Smale Riverfront Park
Downtown
Located on 45-acres along Cincinnati's downtown riverfront, park features include splash grounds and water play areas, playground, picnic area, Carol Ann's Carousel,... Read more
Located on 45-acres along Cincinnati's downtown riverfront, park features include splash grounds and water play areas, playground, picnic area, Carol Ann's Carousel, Moerlein Lager House and more. See this map for all the features. 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
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
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
Union Terminal Rotunda Tours
Downtown
Union Terminal Rotunda Tours
Downtown
Celebrate Union Terminal’s restoration and learn about the building’s significant history with a 50-minute free Rotunda tour led by our Cincinnati Heritage Program docents... Read more
Celebrate Union Terminal’s restoration and learn about the building’s significant history with a 50-minute free Rotunda tour led by our Cincinnati Heritage Program docents. You’ll discover more about the construction, architecture and artwork of one of the world’s finest examples of art deco style. Hear details about the world-... Read More
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
Bettman Nature Preserve
Uptown
Bettman Nature Preserve
Uptown
A collection of wooded acres donated in 1977 by Mrs. Arthur M. Bettman to preserve nature and provide a place for wildlife to flourish. The park is home to walking and... Read more
A collection of wooded acres donated in 1977 by Mrs. Arthur M. Bettman to preserve nature and provide a place for wildlife to flourish. The park is home to walking and biking trails as well as a wheelchair accessible nature center. Part of Cincinnati Parks
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
German Heritage Museum
North
German Heritage Museum
North
The German Heritage Museum serves as the focal point in presenting and displaying German-American culture. This museum is the first of its kind in the region, and a... Read more
The German Heritage Museum serves as the focal point in presenting and displaying German-American culture. This museum is the first of its kind in the region, and a testament to the many contributions German immigrants and their descendants have made toward the building of the Ohio Valley and America. The museum focuses... 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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Second Sight Spirits
South > Riverfront
Second Sight Spirits
South > Riverfront
An artisan distillery located in Ludlow KY, focused on bringing the art of hand crafted distilling back to Northern Kentucky. Free tours and tastings.
An artisan distillery located in Ludlow KY, focused on bringing the art of hand crafted distilling back to Northern Kentucky. Free tours and tastings.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Rosenthal Education Center offers an... 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.
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
