Discover attractions, Black-owned restaurants, and more for the perfect family activities in Downtown Cincinnati.
Family activities in downtown Cincinnati include engaging attractions, restaurants, and vibrant community spaces at the heart of the city. With parks, museums, and local activities nearby, downtown Cincinnati has plenty for kids to explore for a fun family day.
Spending a day downtown gives families access to a variety of activities that highlight everything Cincinnati has to offer. Use these recommendations and have plenty of family fun downtown!
All information listed is as accurate as its posting date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information.
Free & Affordable Family Activities (Under $15) in Downtown Cincinnati
Have fun without breaking the bank!
| Attraction | Type | Price | Highlights |
| Smale Riverfront Park | Park | Free | Splash pads, swings, carousel, Black Brigade Monument, and the Marian Spencer Statue |
| Washington Park | Park | Free | Playground, fountains, concerts, stroller-friendly |
| Piatt Park | Park | Free | Shady picnic area, fountains, Wi-Fi |
| Ohio River Trail | Trail | Free | Bike or walk along the Ohio River with city views |
| Findlay Market | Market | Free Entry | Historic indoor/outdoor market, events, food vendors |
| Public Murals | Art Walk | Free | Colorful displays celebrating culture & history |
| Fountain Square | Plaza/ Event Space | Free Entry | Live music, festivals, and special holiday events |
| Red Bike Rideshare | Activity | $12 two-hour pass | Bike in the downtown area |
Museums & Indoor Attractions (Rainy-Day Favorites) in Downtown Cincinnati
Escape bad weather and enjoy the indoors!
| Attraction | Type | Price | Highlights |
| National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | Museum | $11.50+ | Interactive history about Cincinnati’s role in the fight for freedom & justice |
| Taft Museum of Art | Art Museum | $12 | Family Fundays, Duncanson murals |
| UnMuseum at CAC | Art Museum | $12+ | Hands-on art and creative play |
| Reds Hall of Fame and Museum | Sports Museum | $13+ | Baseball history & interactive exhibits |
| The Escape Game | Indoor Attraction | $36.99 | Immersive puzzles and games |
Black-Owned Dining in Downtown Cincinnati
Grab a hearty meal or a snack!
| Restaurant | Type | Average Price | Highlights |
| Soul Secrets | Soul Food | $9+ | Gumbo, shrimp & grits, homestyle meals |
| The Arepa Place | Latin American | $4.50+ | Venezuelan arepas & empanadas |
| Makers Bakers Co. | Bakery | $4+ | Cheesecakes, artisan crackers, cookies |
| Bouchard’s Bakery & Pasta | Deli / Bakery | $3.25+ | Fresh pasta & desserts |
| Sugar | Dessert Shop | $4+ | Gourmet cookies and dessert jars |
| Pata Roja Taqueria | Mexican | $4+ | Mexico City-inspired street food |
Downtown Cincinnati Landmarks
Check out Downtown staples!
| Attraction | Type | Price | Highlights |
| Fountain Square | Event Space | Free | Live music, festivals, and special holiday events |
| Smale Riverfront Park | Park | Free | Splash pads, swings, carousel, Black Brigade Monument, and the Marian Spencer Statue |
| Taft Museum of Art | Art Museum | $12 | Family Fundays, Duncanson murals |
Featured Family Activities in Downtown Cincinnati
Kids can enjoy these featured activities downtown!
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Ages: All ages
513-333-7500
Price: $11.50+
50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
This museum shares the stories of freedom’s heroes through permanent and traveling exhibits. From the era of the Underground Railroad to the present day, history has both challenged and inspired us all. Enjoy free admission on the fifth and third Sunday of each month.
See Public Art
Perfect for a walk with little ones.
Cincinnati Toy Heritage
23 W Court St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Price: Free
Hours: 24 hours
This mural documents the legacy of Kenner Toys, a Cincinnati-based toy company founded in 1947. It showcases some of the company’s most popular toys.
Little Nemo in Slumberland
917 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Price: Free
Hours: 24 hours
This mural features Winsor McCay’s famous comic strip, Little Nemo in Slumberland, which was created in his unique style linked to Cincinnati.
Fiona and Bibi at the Cincinnati Zoo
910 Race Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (Downtown)
Price: Free
Hours: 24 hours
This inaugural Paints-by-Numbers mural features Cincinnati’s beloved Fiona the hippo at her home in the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Connected Through the Generations
225 W Court St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Price: Free
Hours: 24 hours
This mural celebrates the YWCA’s mission and legacy of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
The Buzz Around Town
1010 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Price: Free
Hours: 24 hours
The mural connects viewers with a part of Cincinnati’s rich heritage that continues to support an incredible mission: “Inspire, Discover, Champion”.
Related Article: Cincinnati Family Friendly Attractions
Visit a Park
Visit the parks’ websites to find specific fun activities for kids.
Smale Riverfront Park
166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Price: Free
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Connects downtown Cincinnati to the Ohio River and the existing riverfront parks. Features multiple water play features, giant swings, an interactive foot piano, an imaginative play area for kids, expansive pollinator gardens, and Carol Ann’s Carousel. The park also features the Black Brigade Monument and the recently dedicated Marian Spencer Statue.
Piatt Park
100 Garfield Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Price: Free
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This two-block-long, shady park features fountains, ample seating for downtown picnics, and Wi-Fi access. Nearly 200 years old now, the park is still considered a treasured oasis in downtown Cincinnati.
Washington Park
Ages: All ages
513-621-4400
Price: Free
1230 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
A vibrant public space featuring a playground, a dog park, a porch, and a variety of events. Also, be sure to check out the state-of-the-art, 7,000-square-foot interactive water feature.
Visit a Museum
Stimulate the mind with the following museums.
The UnMuseum at the Contemporary Art Center
Ages: All ages
513-345-8400
Price: $12; Children under 18 are free
44 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Children can explore the sixth floor, which is dedicated to engaging participants with art through activities such as mixing beats, drawing, and more. Explore the exhibitions by Black artists Marcus Lee Singelton and Khalil Robert Irving. SNAP cardholders receive discounted admission, and Discovery Pass holders receive free admission to the arts center.
Taft Museum of Art
Ages: All ages
513-241-0343
Price: $12+
316 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Create memories together through interactive programs like Create & Plays, Family Fundays, and more. Check out the Duncanson murals, created by the first Black American artist to earn an international reputation. Discovery Pass holders receive free admission, and all visitors receive free admission on Sundays and Mondays to the art museum.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
100 Joe Nuxhall Wy, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Price: $13+
513-765-7923
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Explore the exhibit “Pursuit of a Dream.” The museum highlights the Negro Leagues, baseball’s integration, Reds baseball in the community, and the Big Red Machine’s powerful symbolism. SNAP cardholders receive free admission.
Do an Activity
Explore fun things to do with kids on the weekends.
The Escape Game
Ages: All ages
513-440-4332
Price: $36.99
28 West Freedom Way, Unit 300, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Solve puzzles and step into an experience where every detail pulls the family deeper into the story. From decoding ciphers to discovering hidden rooms, each puzzle is integrated into the environment and is part of a bigger picture.
American Legacy Tours
Ages: All ages
859-951-8560
Price: $32+
1332 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Check out the best walking & bus tours in Cincinnati, Newport, and Covington! Tours range from Food and Drink Tours and Underground Tours to Historic Tours and Haunted Tours. Explore the city and experience Cincinnati like never before with historically entertaining tours from American Legacy Tours.
Findlay Market
Ages: All ages
513-665-4839
Price: Free entry
1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Ohio’s oldest continuously operating public market and one of Cincinnati’s most cherished institutions, welcoming over one million visitors annually. Open Tuesday through Sunday year-round, the market is home to more than 50 full-time merchants selling a variety of products, including meat, produce, flowers, cheese, deli items, ethnic foods, and more.
Fountain Square
Ages: All ages
513-621-4400
Price: Free Entry
520 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Enjoy live music and activity pop-ups! Be sure to explore the entire district, which features signature restaurants on all four sides.
Cincinnati Public Library- Downtown Branch
Ages: All ages
513-369-6900
Price: Free Entry
800 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Check out the book club for kids and teens, family storytimes, and more! With incredible architecture, kids of all ages can enjoy this indoor activity.
Related Article: Free Cincinnati Activities
Explore the Area
Explore an activity suitable for parents and children of all ages.
Ohio River Trail
Ages: All ages
513-591-6000
Price: Free
W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
A planned shared-use path stretching from Clermont County in the eastern part of the metro Cincinnati area to Southeast Indiana in the west.
Red Bike Rideshare
Ages: All ages
513-621-2453
Price: $12+
600 Central Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Each bike can be checked out for up to two hours. Those on food, energy, or other eligible assistance will receive a pass with unlimited 2-hour bike rides for 30 days.
Eat at a Black Owned Restaurant
Dine in and explore menus that provide a culinary experience.
Soul Secrets
Ages: All ages
513-721-7685
Price: $9+
1434 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Soul food staples include gumbo, jambalaya, fried catfish, shrimp, and grits, all of which are perfect for lunch or dinner.
Bouchard’s Bakery and Pasta
Ages: All ages
513- 381-5838
Price: $3.25+
1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Fresh pasta, bread, meals, and desserts for the whole family.
Makers Bakers Co.
Ages: All ages
513-807-9748
Price: $4+
1801 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Specializes in artisan crackers, cheesecakes, custom cakes, cookies, and street food.
Pata Roja Taqueria
Ages: All ages
513-547-8226
Price: $4+
52 E Court St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
High-quality, Mexico-City-inspired street food inspired by the culture and traditions of central Mexico, including their signature dish, tacos al pastor, and other Mexican favorites.
Sugar
Ages: All ages
513-884-0787
Price: $4+
6 W 14th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Gourmet desserts such as cookies, cakes, dessert jars, and more. Each dessert item is hand-crafted in small batches using high-quality ingredients.
The Arepa Place
Ages: All ages
513-744-9500
Price: $4.50+
131 W Elder St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
A Black-owned Latin American restaurant specializing in a wide range of arepas, including chicken, steak, pork, vegetarian, and chorizo. The eatery also serves empanadas and sides, such as fried plantains and guacamole.
Related Article: Guide to Kids’ Black History Education in Cincinnati
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Activities in Downtown Cincinnati
Exploring downtown Cincinnati with kids creates lasting memories and helps children connect with the city’s culture. Families can discover safe and affordable spaces for all ages.
Choose from museums, parks, and more to design a day full of excitement. Enjoy activities that celebrate Cincinnati’s diverse spirit and bring the entire family together.
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Family Activities Downtown Cincinnati photo provided by © Katie
