Kids of all ages will love these Cincinnati kid-friendly activities, from science to art and everything in between!
Cincinnati kid-friendly activities
Discounted movies, bowling, skating rinks, golf, trampoline parks, play areas, and more
Museums, zoos, and aquariums to visit with children
Fun things for kids to do
Cincinnatians always look for family-friendly activities with their children in the Queen City. Is it time to spice up play dates and birthday parties? Just looking for things to do with kids? Check out rides, museum exhibitions, and other indoor activities for children ages preschool to middle school accompanied by an adult.
Plenty of Cincinnati kid-friendly activities are available, but many don’t know about them or where to look for them. Below is a list of activities your child can participate in from toddlers to teens, and the family will love. This list features indoor places with attractions and fun outdoor activities for kids.
This article is as current as the publication date. Educators and readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.
Featured Events
Annie Oakley’s Wild West Show by the Madcap Puppets
November 11
Ages: All Ages
513-241-6550
Price: $10
(Westwood)
Have a rootin’ tootin’ shootin’ good time, telling stories with Ohio’s favorite gal, Annie Oakley! Hear Midwest classic tall tales like Johnny Appleseed, Giant Puppet Buffalo Bill, and Paul Bunyan.
Disney’s Aladdin
November 14-18
Ages: 4 and up
513-621-2787
Prices: Varies
650 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Discover a new world at Disney’s Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical. The timeless story of Aladdin is a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy, and breathtaking spectacle.
Madcap’s ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
December 23
Ages: All ages
513-241-6550
Price: $10
(Westwood)
It’s Christmas Eve in the home of the Snickerdoodles. This little mouse family is busily preparing for the arrival of Santypaws! A delightful family Christmas story filled with sing-a-long Christmas Carols!
Related Article: Good books for Black children
Fun Family Activities
There are many ongoing activities that families can enjoy together, some of which include indoor play areas, arcade games, trampolines, and slides. Check out these fun activities for the whole family.
Open Family Skating at the Place
All ages
513-522-2424
3211 Lina Place, Cincinnati, OH, 45239 (Colerain)
Open family skating occurs every Saturday at the Place.
Kids Crew
All ages
859-291-0550
One Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071 (Newport)
Bring your kid’s crew for playtime at the Levee. Weekly activities may include face painters, storytellers, magicians, arts and crafts, and more!
Movies in the Park
All ages
Village Green Park (Fairfield), Summit Park (Blue Ash), Ziegler Park (OTR), Colerain Park (Colerain), Deerfield Park (Mason)
Free movies for everyone at the park. Check each location for specific times and lineups!
$2 Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Regal Cinemas
All ages
844-462-7342
5500 Deerfield Blvd, Mason, OH 45040 (Mason)
During the first show of the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, enjoy $2 tickets as we bring family movies back!
$5 Bargain Tuesdays at the Movies
All ages
513-745-0154
Esquire Theatre, 45220 (Clifton); Mariemont Theatre, 45227 (Mariemont)
Please contact the theater before arriving to see which films are eligible for the bargain that day.
Fridays at the Web
All ages
513-860-2882
7172 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd., West Chester, Ohio 45069 (West Chester)
Unlimited attractions include go-karting, ValoJump, laser tag, mini bowling, golf, and a climbing wall.
Discount Bowling Weekends at Madison Bowl
All ages
513-271-2700
4761 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227 (Madeira)
Deals for three hours of play on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Half-price Tuesdays at Top Golf
All ages
513-342-6249
9568 Water Front Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45069 (West Chester)
Games are half-price all day at participating locations.
Afterschool Happy Hour at Altitude Trampoline Park
Ages: Elementary
513-815-3962
4870 Hunt Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242 (Blue, Ash)
Let your kids let off some steam on the trampolines.
Jump into Saturday Night at Rockin Jump
All ages
513-373-4260
8350 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45239 (Colerain)
Have fun with your family on the trampolines during Neon Nights Saturday.
Graeter’s Lil’ Pints Playroom
Ages: 9 and younger
513-474-5636
8533 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45255 (Anderson)
Check out this fun indoor play area at Anderson Graeter’s.
LilyPad Play
Ages: 6 and younger
513-321-1379
2008 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208 (Hyde Park)
LilyPad is an indoor play area geared towards kids ages six and under.
Related Article: Children’s shows and movies that are free to stream.
Play Library
Ages: All ages
513-407-7045
1306 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Over the Rhine)
Designed to connect families, friends, and communities through play.
Run Jump-n-Play
Ages: All ages
513-771-7529
897 Pfeiffer Rd Ste B, Blue Ash, OH 45242 (Blue Ash)
A great indoor play area with an indoor playground and inflatable open play.
Carol Ann’s Carousel
Ages: All Ages
513-381-3756
8 E Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Take a ride on one of 44 whimsical Cincinnati-centric characters.
Dave and Buster’s Half-Price Wednesdays
Ages: All ages
513-671-5501
11775 Commons Drive, Springdale, OH 45246 (Springdale)
Play half-priced arcade games from opening until closing.
Kids Bowl Free
Ages: 2-15
513-574-2222
6383 Glenway Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45211 (Westwood)
Register your kids to bowl for free at Strike & Spare Western Bowl.
Archery Arena Cincinnati
Ages: 6+
513-860-0874
4950 Provident Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45246 (West Chester)
Enjoy two fun game options- Archery Dodgeball and Nerfwars Dart Arena. Watch your kids through the viewing area, or join the fun!
Nature
Check out these places for time out in nature with the family. Many parks offer open green spaces for picnics, trails for hiking or biking, and playgrounds and play structures for kids. Some of these places also provide indoor fun with nature for kids.
Great Parks
All Ages
513-521-7275
Hamilton County
Enjoy the great outdoors with family. Remember, a valid Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter all parks. Many parks offer spaces for picnics, playgrounds, and open trails.
Cincinnati Nature Center
All ages
513-831-1711
4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150 (Milford)
The Rowe Woods venue has miles of hiking trails that meander through forests and fields, outdoor activities, and classes for kids.
Cincinnati Parks
All ages
513-357-2604
Hamilton County
Enjoy time outdoors with your family. Check websites for specific descriptions of each park, such as hours. Many parks offer spaces for picnics, playgrounds, and open trails.
The Wolff Planetarium
All ages
513-751-3679
3251 Brookline Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220 (Clifton)
Twenty adults can sit under the twelve-foot dome to view the stars in all seasons and all latitudes, something with live music.
Reading
Foster your child’s love for reading with these activities. Perfect for keeping your kids entertained indoors.
Library Storytimes
All ages
513-369-6900
Librarians (and occasional special guests) host bedtime story times at various library branches. Storytimes are a great way to get out of the house and show your kids how reading can be fun.
Imagination Library
Ages: Birth-5 years old
[email protected]
Every child in Hamilton County from birth to age five will receive a free book in the mail once a month. Using the Imagination Library program can foster your child’s love for reading.
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Museums
Perfect for Sunday amusement. Some museums include a play area for kids. Great for stimulating the body and the mind.
Cincinnati Art Museum
All ages
513-721-2787
953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Mt. Auburn)
Discover the visual arts in a new way through our full youth, family, and teen programs schedule. Become a member and save on exhibitions.
Cincinnati Observatory
All ages
513-321-5186
3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH 45208 (Oakley)
Love space, astronomy, and planets, or want to learn more about them? Learn to identify constellations and major stars.
Contemporary Art Center
All ages
513-345-8400
44 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
A wonderful way for parents to schedule creative playtime with little ones.
Duke Energy Children’s Museum
All ages
513-287-7000
1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203 (Queen City)
Children are encouraged to climb, crawl, explore, and learn about themselves and the world in this fun museum play area.
Cincinnati Fire Museum
All ages
513-621-5553
315 West Court Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
See the significant contributions that Cincinnati has made as the birthplace of professional firefighting and a leader in the firefighting profession.
Salty Dog Museum
All ages
513-738-7353
4995 Cincinnati Brookville Road, Hamilton, OH 45013 (Shandon)
See dozens of well-known classics, like Model As and Ts, where kids can touch and investigate.
Taft Museum of Art
All ages
513-241-0343
316 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
One of America’s finest small art museums.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame
All ages
513-765-7000
100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Fun for baseball fans of all ages.
Behringer-Crawford Museum
All Ages
859-491-4003
1600 Montague Road, Covington, Kentucky 41011 (Covington)
Dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique arts, heritage, and culture of Northern Kentucky.
Zoos and Aquariums
Perfect for all animal-loving families. Some include hands-on activities for kids. Great for all ages!
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens Access for All Program
All ages
513-281-4700
3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220 (Clifton)
Over 20 exhibits, including everyone’s favorite, Fiona the Hippo in the Hippo Cove. The zoo also offers activities such as the safari train, touching animals, and more!
Newport Aquarium
All ages
800-406-3474
1 Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071 (Newport)
Kids play and see thousands of aquatic creatures and explore the wonders of an underwater world. Some activities include touching sharks, walking over a shark tank, and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific time of the day.
Related Article: Cincinnati Summer Camps
If that wasn’t enough Cincinnati Kid-Friendly Activities, check the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County calendar for year-round extraordinary kid events. The Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) is also a great place to check for programs, events, and athletics for youth. Search the recreation center closest to you and view their calendar of attractions.
If there are Cincinnati Kid-Friendly Activities we have missed, please submit them to The Voice of Black Cincinnati Calendar. Check The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, CincySavers, and Groupon for discount events and activities. Let the family fun begin, and get tickets today!
Written by: Jaylyn Nurredin
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job posting, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-270-3880.
Cincinnati Kid-Friendly Activities images provided by Adobe Stock
This page is a wealth of information. My children, nieces nephews and cousins of all ages can find time to hang together with the wide range of activities right here in my hometown so I won’t have to travel far for family time, especially with Spring break coming for the kiddos. Thank you!