Outdoors & Recreation
Find Outdoor & Recreation Activities in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
Don’t just sit there, get out and explore our vast river region! From the peace and quiet of the back roads of Kentucky to the urban oasis of downtown Cincinnati to water adventures both on the river and off, outdoor fun is all around. And when you want to escape indoors, there are plenty of indoor activity options for both kids and kids at heart.
Featured
Hidden Valley Lake Golf Club
West
Cincinnati Boat Rental
South
Cincinnati Boat Rental
South
Marina offering boat rentals as well as PWC rentals.
Marina offering boat rentals as well as PWC rentals.
Cincinnati Railway
North
Cincinnati Railway
North
If you like trains, Cincinnati Railway has a ride for you. Whether you’re seeking fun family entertainment on the LM&M Railroad, a unique... Read more
If you like trains, Cincinnati Railway has a ride for you. Whether you’re seeking fun family entertainment on the LM&M Railroad, a unique evening on the town on the Cincinnati Dinner Train or luxury travel aboard a private railcar, the railway has your speed!
Stringtown Park
South > Southwest
Stringtown Park
South > Southwest
Stringtown Park is located on Kentucky Route 18 (Burlington Pike) between Kathryn and Wallace Avenues on 8 acres in the eastern section of the City. The City purchased the... Read more
Stringtown Park is located on Kentucky Route 18 (Burlington Pike) between Kathryn and Wallace Avenues on 8 acres in the eastern section of the City. The City purchased the property in the spring of 2001 from the estate of Isabella Schmidt. It is the newest neighborhood park that was named in a city-wide contest. The playground... 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
Magic Realms VR
South
Magic Realms VR
South
Virtual Reality arcade in Fort Thomas Kentucky.
Virtual Reality arcade in Fort Thomas Kentucky.
Stonelick State Park
East
Stonelick State Park
East
Tucked away in the rolling highlands of southwest Ohio, 1,058-acre Stonelick State Park offers a quiet retreat for visitors. The still waters of the lake and stately... Read more
Tucked away in the rolling highlands of southwest Ohio, 1,058-acre Stonelick State Park offers a quiet retreat for visitors. The still waters of the lake and stately woodlands provide the setting for a host of outdoor recreational pursuits including camping. Options for camping include 108 electric campsites or cabins available... 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.
Reeves Golf Course (Par 3)
East
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
The Beach Waterpark
North
The Beach Waterpark
North
White sand, cool water, wild waves, and real palm trees... no, this isn’t Florida, this is Ohio, and it’s a blast! Go airborne on the five-story drop of “The Cliff”, lazy... Read more
White sand, cool water, wild waves, and real palm trees... no, this isn’t Florida, this is Ohio, and it’s a blast! Go airborne on the five-story drop of “The Cliff”, lazy the day away in the “Kokomo” river, or propel your body at 65-miles per hour on “The Banzai”. Mom and Dad can relax, toes in the sand, under the shade of a... Read More
Omni Funplex
North
Omni Funplex
North
A state of the art, 35,000 sq.ft. large sports themed Family Entertainment Center.
A state of the art, 35,000 sq.ft. large sports themed Family Entertainment Center.
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
Indian Ridge Golf Course
North
Twin Oaks Golf and Plantation Club
South > Southeast
Walden Ponds Golf Club
North
Chuck E. Cheese's
South
Chuck E. Cheese's
South
Family entertainment center and restaurant offering pizza, arcade games, and birthday parties.
Family entertainment center and restaurant offering pizza, arcade games, and birthday parties.
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
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
Glenview Golf Course
North
Glenview Golf Course
North
Glenview is Cincinnati’s premier public championship golf course, offering 27 beautiful golf holes with lush landscapes, panoramic views, and demanding hazard features.... Read more
Glenview is Cincinnati’s premier public championship golf course, offering 27 beautiful golf holes with lush landscapes, panoramic views, and demanding hazard features. Once ranked among Golf Digest’s Top 75 Public Courses and site of a U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship, Glenview’s challenge and allure are both remarkable.
Riverside Marina
South > Riverfront
Riverside Marina
South > Riverfront
Provides Boat Storage for both private and commercial boats plus overnight transient business just east of downton Cincinnati on the Ohio River. Enjoy Riverside Marina bar... Read more
Provides Boat Storage for both private and commercial boats plus overnight transient business just east of downton Cincinnati on the Ohio River. Enjoy Riverside Marina bar which has food, drinks, and live music on weekends.
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.
Meadow Links & Golf Academy
North
Meadow Links & Golf Academy
North
Meadow Links & Golf Academy is located in Winton Woods near The Mill Course in Forest Park. The facility offers a 9-hole mid-length course, a covered and heated... Read more
Meadow Links & Golf Academy is located in Winton Woods near The Mill Course in Forest Park. The facility offers a 9-hole mid-length course, a covered and heated practice tee and a natural turf practice area.
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.
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
RiversEdge Outfitters Canoe and Kayak Rental
North
RiversEdge Outfitters Canoe and Kayak Rental
North
RiversEdge Outfitters is located on 45 acres of riverfront property along one of the least crowded and most secluded sections of the Federal and State Designated Scenic... Read more
RiversEdge Outfitters is located on 45 acres of riverfront property along one of the least crowded and most secluded sections of the Federal and State Designated Scenic Little Miami River. RiversEdge Outfitters is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Dayton, 45 minutes from Cincinnati and a quick 1 hour drive from... Read More
OTR Escape
Downtown
OTR Escape
Downtown
Escape games are real life adventures where you and your fellow players have an hour to break out of a room by cracking codes, solving riddles, piecing together puzzles... Read more
Escape games are real life adventures where you and your fellow players have an hour to break out of a room by cracking codes, solving riddles, piecing together puzzles and finding clues. You have 1 hour to figure out the clues, and escape the room!
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
Holiday Auto Theatre Drive-In
North
Holiday Auto Theatre Drive-In
North
Enjoy a classic twist on seeing all the most recent movie releases at this drive-in movie theater in Hamilton. Holiday Auto Theatre is one of the last remaining drive-in... Read more
Enjoy a classic twist on seeing all the most recent movie releases at this drive-in movie theater in Hamilton. Holiday Auto Theatre is one of the last remaining drive-in theatre's in Ohio.
Loveland Canoe and Kayak
East
Loveland Canoe and Kayak
East
Enjoy the Little Miami River as you paddle through some of the most beautiful, natural surroundings in the region. With it's designation as a State and National Scenic... Read more
Enjoy the Little Miami River as you paddle through some of the most beautiful, natural surroundings in the region. With it's designation as a State and National Scenic River this section of the Little Miami looks much the way it did 200 years ago with rolling, majestic banks, pristine waters and natural vegetation. Paddle Happy...
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.
Boone County Arboretum at Central Park
South > Southwest
Boone County Arboretum at Central Park
South > Southwest
Boone County Arboretum at Central Park is the nation's first arboretum within an active recreation park setting. It is located just outside Union, Ky. A short, 25-minute... Read more
Boone County Arboretum at Central Park is the nation's first arboretum within an active recreation park setting. It is located just outside Union, Ky. A short, 25-minute drive southwest from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, will put you in Northern Kentucky's only arboretum. There is no charge for admission or parking. The arboretum... Read More
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
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
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.
Krohn Conservatory
Uptown
Krohn Conservatory
Uptown
Built in 1933 at the height of the Art Deco era, Krohn Conservatory showcases more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. The conservatory changes throughout... Read more
Built in 1933 at the height of the Art Deco era, Krohn Conservatory showcases more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. The conservatory changes throughout the year with special exhibits and programs, including the ever-popular Butterfly Show where thousands of butterflies are free to fly throughout the Krohn... Read More
Indian Springs Campground
West
Indian Springs Campground
West
60 campsites for big rigs or pop-ups (no tents permitted). Amenities include a playground, walking trail, fishing, canoes, paddle boats, laundry facilities, and a bath... Read more
60 campsites for big rigs or pop-ups (no tents permitted). Amenities include a playground, walking trail, fishing, canoes, paddle boats, laundry facilities, and a bath house.
Ohio River Trail
Uptown
Ohio River Trail
Uptown
A series of multi-use trails (biking, running & walking) along the Ohio River including Lunken Trail and Armleder Park Trail. The current trail spans more than 10... Read more
A series of multi-use trails (biking, running & walking) along the Ohio River including Lunken Trail and Armleder Park Trail. The current trail spans more than 10 miles. Once completed, the Ohio River Trail will span 23 miles along the north bank of the river from Coney Island through Downtown to Sayler Park. It will... Read More
Haspin Acres
West
Haspin Acres
West
Haspin Acres Off Road & Motocross Park in Laurel, Indiana has 750 scenic acres of wooded hills and trails, nestled in the heart of beautiful, rustic, rural Indiana!... Read more
Haspin Acres Off Road & Motocross Park in Laurel, Indiana has 750 scenic acres of wooded hills and trails, nestled in the heart of beautiful, rustic, rural Indiana! Relax and enjoy the great outdoors with us, doing the things you REALLY enjoy, like off road riding, racing, camping, fishing, and so much more!
Logan's Gap
East
Logan's Gap
East
Located in the Ohio Valley along Eagle Creek in Ripley, Ohio. Logan's Gap is a family-friendly camping destination.
Located in the Ohio Valley along Eagle Creek in Ripley, Ohio. Logan's Gap is a family-friendly camping destination.
Hickory Woods Golf Course
East
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
Urban Axes
Downtown
Urban Axes
Downtown
OTR has their very own axe throwing with full bar! Get help on your axe honing skills by a local in-house "axepert".
OTR has their very own axe throwing with full bar! Get help on your axe honing skills by a local in-house "axepert".
Trammel Fossil Park
North
Trammel Fossil Park
North
Dig for fossils dating back over 440 million years at this unique 10-acre park. The park also includes picnic tables, drinking fountains and a hiking trail. Portable... Read more
Dig for fossils dating back over 440 million years at this unique 10-acre park. The park also includes picnic tables, drinking fountains and a hiking trail. Portable toilets and hand washing stations are available April-October.
Blue Ash Golf Course
North
Blue Ash Golf Course
North
Golf Digest magazine has rated the award-winning Blue Ash Golf Course as one of its top 75 municipal golf courses in the United States – out of approximately 10,000... Read more
Golf Digest magazine has rated the award-winning Blue Ash Golf Course as one of its top 75 municipal golf courses in the United States – out of approximately 10,000 such courses! Recently, the course was proven again as a favorite public course within the Cincinnati area as it was chosen as the “reader’s pick” by the Cincinnati... Read More
Summit Park Ice Rink
North
Summit Park Ice Rink
North
Take an icy stroll on Summit Park's very own ice skating rink!
Take an icy stroll on Summit Park's very own ice skating rink!
Shelter Cove Marina
East
Shelter Cove Marina
East
Located on the Little Miami River with valet launch services and less than a mile trip to the Ohio River.
Located on the Little Miami River with valet launch services and less than a mile trip to the Ohio River.
Meadowood Golf Club
South > Southwest
Green Crest Golf Club
North
Green Crest Golf Club
North
Green Crest Golf Club offers group lessons, leagues, private instruction, on-course beverage service, practice green, pro shop, snack bar and dining room.
Green Crest Golf Club offers group lessons, leagues, private instruction, on-course beverage service, practice green, pro shop, snack bar and dining room.
