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Kids of all ages will love these Cincinnati family-friendly attractions, from science to art and everything in between!

Cincinnatians always look for family-friendly attractions with their little ones in the Queen City. Is it time to spice up play dates and birthday parties? Are you just looking for things to do with kids? Check out amusement parks, 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.  

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Check out these unique options for family entertainment. Perfect for fun-filled weekends for the entire family.

Fifth Third Community Days

Third and fifth Sunday of every month
Ages: All ages
513-333-7500
50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Enjoy free admission on the fifth and third Sunday of each month.

Whitfield Lovell: Passages Museum Exhibit

March 1– May 26
Ages: All ages
513-721-2787
Price: Starting at $5
953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Eden Park)
Whitfield Lovell: Passages urges viewers to contemplate the ordinary lives and extraordinary journeys of the African American experience while raising universal questions about identity, memory, and America’s collective heritage.

African Modernism in America

February 10- May 19
Ages: All ages
513-241-0343
Price: Starting at $12
316 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
African Modernism in America features nearly 80 dynamic and vivid works of art created in Africa during the 1950s and ’60s. The exhibition explores the relationships formed between African artists and American patrons, artists, and cultural organizations amid the interlocking histories of civil rights, decolonization, and the Cold War.

The Cincinnati Ballet presents The Little Mermaid

April 11-14
Ages: All ages
513-621-2787
Price: Starting at $20
650 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Join Cincinnati Ballet Second Company – CB2 Dancers and students from the Otto M. Budig Academy for a family adventure under the sea. Take a trip into Hans Christian Anderson’s watery world, complete with a brave mermaid, a price in search of true love, and a devious sea witch.

Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr

April 20-28
Ages: All ages
513-381-3300
Price: Starting at $10
317 E 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Explore the big blue world with this lively new stage musical based on the beloved Pixar Film. Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved Pixar movie Finding Nemo.

Related Article: Good books for Black children

Black family laying on a blanket in the park

Not a big fan of the outdoors? No problem! Below are some Cincinnati family-friendly attractions, such as obstacle courses, go-karts, and facilities that offer sensory play indoors.


Cincinnati Family-Friendly Attractions and Activities

Listed 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 roller 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!

Discount Tuesdays at the Movies

All ages
800-246-3627
Cinemark Theatres (Multiple locations)
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.

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.

Discount Play at Scallywag Tag

Ages: All ages
513-922-4999
5055 Glencrossing Way, Cincinnati, OH 45238 (Western Hills)
Scallywag Tag offers three mismatch games of mini-golf and laser tag each Wednesday and Thursday for $15.

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 center at Anderson Graeter’s.

LilyPad Play

Ages: 6 and younger
513-321-1379
2008 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208 (Hyde Park)
LilyPad Play is an indoor play space for children ages six and under.

Beechmont Rollearena Friday Pizza Deal

Ages: All ages
513-753-6868
3988 Commercial Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45245 (Anderson)
$40 includes four admissions, four skate rentals if needed, one large pizza, and one pitcher of fountain drink.

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 indoor activities for kids.

Over-the-Rhine Roller Rink

Ages: All ages
513-381-1893
1715 Republic St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Check out Cincinnati’s new roller rink with a CRC membership.

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 center with an indoor playground and inflatables such as bounce houses.

Ages: All Ages
513-381-3756
8 E Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Ride on the themed carousel with 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 at this family fun center.

Archery Arena Cincinnati 

Ages: 6+
513-860-0874
4950 Provident Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45246 (West Chester)
Enjoy two fun indoor game options- Archery Dodgeball and Nerfwars Dart Arena. Watch your kids through the viewing area, or play with them!

Saturday Afternoon Skate at Castle Skateland

Ages: 4+
513-683-6666
980 Loveland Madeira Rd, Loveland, OH 45140 (Loveland)
Skate from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. for $7! Skate rental is an additional cost.

Fairfield Fun Center

Ages: All ages
513-870-9057
6400 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH 45014 (Fairfield)
Enjoy mini golf, batting cages, and snacks at the Fairfield Fun Center!

Black family riding around in a car

The outdoors can be fun, too! Some of these nature centers offer fun attractions as well.


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

Ages: 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

Ages: 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

Ages: 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, play equipment, and open trails.

The Wolff Planetarium

Ages: All ages
513-751-3679
3251 Brookline Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220 (Clifton)
Indoor entertainment to view the stars in all seasons and all latitudes with live music.

Black mom with her Black daughter reading as a kids activity

Not all fun centers offer options for soft play areas for children. Check out these reading programs as a fun indoor and imaginative activity.


Reading

Foster your child’s love for reading with these activities. Perfect for keeping your kids entertained indoors.

Library Storytimes

Ages: 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.

Related Article: Cincinnati 3-, 4- and 5-star-rated preschools enrolling students

Black father with his Black daughter at the museum as a fun kids activity

Museums are some of the best Cincinnati family-friendly attractions. Families can have a fun educational experience at these museums, which have specific programs and fun centers available.


Museums

Perfect for Sunday amusement. Museums can be fun things to do too. Great for stimulating the body and the mind.

Cincinnati Art Museum

Ages: 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

Ages: All ages
513-321-5186
3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH 45208 (Oakley)
Do you love space, astronomy, and planets, or want to learn more about them? Learn to identify constellations and major stars.

Contemporary Art Center

Ages: All ages
513-345-8400
44 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
An excellent way for parents to schedule creative and imaginative play for toddlers.

Duke Energy Children’s Museum

Ages: 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. Located in the Cincinnati Museum Center, tots have many options for fun things and ways to play pretend.

Cincinnati Fire Museum

Ages: 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

Ages: 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

Ages: All ages
513-241-0343
316 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
One of America’s finest small art museums. Perfect for a rainy day.

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame

Ages: All ages
513-765-7000
100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Fun for baseball fans of all ages. This indoor kids’ activity is perfect for the upcoming baseball season.

Behringer-Crawford Museum

Ages: 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.

Loveland Castle

Ages: All ages
513-683-4686
12025 Shore Dr, Loveland, OH 45140 (Loveland)
Check out a historic castle, nature trails, games, and more!

The Lucky Cat Museum

Ages: All Ages
513-633-3923
2511 Essex Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Walnut Hills)
Reserve a 45-minute slot to check out the collection of lucky cats.

Black male child visiting the zoo as a kids activity

Don’t miss out; visit Cincinnati’s zoo and aquarium. Encourage children to explore the puzzles of life with beautiful animals and plants.


Zoos and Aquariums

Perfect for all animal-loving families. Some include hands-on activities and soft play areas for kids. Great for all ages!

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens Access for All Program

Ages: 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

Ages: 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

Cincinnati Kid-Friendly Activities

If that wasn’t enough Cincinnati family-friendly attractions, 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 Family-friendly Attractions 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 postings, 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 Family-friendly Attractions images provided by Adobe Stock

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1 comment

  1. 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!

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