Visiting Cincinnati with Kids

Hannah Scott said:  Cincinnati was an important part of the Underground Railroad, and a gateway to freedom across the Ohio River for many slaves. This museum features permanent and traveling exhibits and programs about social injustice, both then and now. Kids who have learned about historical figures such as Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, and Nelson Mandela will love the interactive exhibits that bring those moments in history to life.

Note: Some exhibits could be disturbing to young children, so be prepared for lots of important discussions before, during, and after your visit.

Cost: $15 adults, $10.50 age 3-12

Hannah Scott said:  Just across the border in Northern Kentucky is Totter's Otterville, the perfect place for kids (up to age 10) to spend a day engaged in creative, interactive, and dramatic play. The Otterville "Village" consists of 30+ themed centers/stations both inside and out -- like a water table, vet's office, flower shop, grocery store, fishing pond, arts and crafts room, ball pit, slides, giant building blocks, post office, and more! Outside food is not permitted, but the food from their cafe is reasonably priced and tasty.

Age: 10 and under

Cost: $8.95 (children 1+), FREE for adults

Hannah Scott said:  Cincinnati’s ArtWorks program hires talented high school students to assist in mural projects each summer. The result is a downtown with pops of giant art everywhere you look. Get some exercise by taking a self-guided mural tour using this map.

Cost: free

Hannah Scott said:  Smale Riverfront Park is the perfect place to let the kiddos get some energy out while seeing the Cincinnati skyline and the boat activity on the Ohio River. Features include Carol Ann’s Carousel (each animal is decorated to represent a significant Cincinnati person, place, or historical event), porch-style swings overlooking the river, Ohio River Trail access, and multiple playground areas including a rock climbing canyon, log climbers, twin racing slides, a rope bridge, talking tubes, exercise pipes, a giant foot piano, seasonal water play, and more!

Cost: $2 for carousel rides

Hannah Scott said:  The Cincinnati Museum Center is home to three interactive museums: the Museum of Natural History and Science, Cincinnati History Museum, and the Duke Energy Children’s Museum as well as an Omnimax theater and operating Amtrak station. Be sure to take in the stunning murals inside the atrium of the building, and check the website for information on any current touring exhibits that may be taking place during your stay!

Cost: Tickets from $10.50 per museum (combo tickets available)

Hannah Scott said:  See the Bible come to life with the Ark Encounter, a life-sized replica of Noah’s ark! Interactive exhibits inside discuss the historical significance of and evidence for a world-wide flood. Ziplines, exotic animal viewing, and lush gardens are also on the grounds to round out your experience.

Cost: $70 (ages 18-59), $40 (ages 13-17), $25 (ages 5-12)

Hannah Scott said:  If you plan to travel to and from Cincinnati via CVG airport, consider checking out their Airplane Viewing area before you leave! Located south of the airport, kiddos can play on airplane-themed park equipment in a fenced-in area while enjoying an unrivaled view of the airport runways. If you're lucky enough to be there while an incoming flight is arriving from the east, you'll see it fly right over your head before it lands! Kids and adults alike will LOVE this hidden gem.

Cost: free