Make the most out of summer with this kids’ bucket list!
This kids’ Cincinnati summer bucket list makes the most of warm days and long evenings. From splash pads to outdoor concerts, this list highlights summer activities Cincinnati families can enjoy together. Whether families seek free summer activities or places to simply let kids play, Cincinnati has plenty of options.
Cincinnati offers countless activities for kids that spark joy, build memories, and connect families to the community. This Cincinnati summer bucket list is low-cost or free, making summer fun accessible to all. Explore what makes this city a great place for children of all ages.
Featured Cincinnati Summer Bucket List Activities
The Children’s Museum at the Cincinnati Museum Center
Ages: All ages
513-287-7000
Price: $11.50+
1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203 (Queensgate)
Discover hands-on fun for children of all ages in our eight educational and themed play areas, including two specifically designed for preschool-aged children and younger. The Cincinnati Museum Center hosts five distinct museums that share Cincinnati’s history, natural history, and more. SNAP cardholders receive discounted admission, and Discovery Pass holders receive free admission.
Brady Block Parties
Ages: All Ages
513-381-3300
Price: Free
Various Locations
In partnership with local community organizations, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is pleased to present a FREE series of outdoor events across Greater Cincinnati. Enjoy an evening of food, activities, art, community, and the sounds of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra!
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 contemporary times, history has challenged and inspired us all. Enjoy free admission on the fifth and third Sunday of each month. This summer’s dates are July 20, August 17, and August 31. Be sure to explore the Faith & (in)Justice exhibit.
Music
To the Point: Sawyer Point Summer Concert Series
Ages: All ages
513-352-6180
Price: Free
705 E Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Enjoy free live music, food trucks, and a kids’ zone with face painters, bounce houses, and carnival games.
Wednesdays in the Woods at Burnet Woods
Ages: All ages
513-357-2604
Price: Free
3298 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220 (Clifton)
Enjoy live music, food trucks, beer sales, and family activities every week. See the Black artists: Vudu Chile and Sound the Alarm.
Related Article: Free Summer Food for Kids
Art and Museums
The Rosenthal Education Center at Cincinnati Art Museum
Ages: All ages
513-721-2787
Price: Free, exhibits may have additional costs
953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Mt. Auburn)
features an exhibition of interactive artwork by a local artist and five interactive wall stations geared towards children. Use the Discovery Pass or visit during extended hours every Thursday for free admission to all exhibitions. Make sure to visit the African Art Collection.
Taft Museum of Art
Ages: All ages
513-241-0343
Price: $12+
316 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
Make memories together through interactive programs such as 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 receive free admission on Sundays and Mondays.
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 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.
American Sign Museum
Ages: All ages
513-541-6366
Price: $10
1330 Monmouth Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225 (Camp Washington)
Signs in their simplest form are meant to inform. See a collection that explores both the innovation and ingenuity of the signs that shape culture. Discovery Pass holders receive free admission.
Sports
FC Cincinnati Pre-Match at the Park
Ages: All ages
513-621-4400
Price: Free
1230 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Stop by Washington Park before every FC Cincinnati home game! Festivities include music, many vendors to interact with, various food trucks, the inflatable FCC slide, and more.
Family Discount Days at the Cincinnati Reds
Ages: All ages
513-765-7000
Price: $19+
100 Joe Nuxhall Wy, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Throughout the season, enjoy discount tickets to baseball games! Families can save by purchasing up to three half-price tickets with the purchase of a full-price ticket in select areas of the ballpark.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Ages: All ages
513-455-4800
Price: Free
1 Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Starting Wednesday, July 23, the first eight Bengals practices are open to the public. On August 2, families can experience a Special Saturday night practice in Paycor Stadium. Fans can also experience a preseason game vs the Indianapolis Colts on August 23.
Related Article: Cincinnati Family-Friendly Attractions
Community
Rec @ Nite
Ages: 13 to 17 years old
513-721-6514
513-751-3393
Price: Free
1027 Linn St, Cincinnati, OH 45203 (OTR)
3630 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229 (Avondale)
CRC is focused on creating a safe, welcoming environment for teens. Both centers feature activities like silent disco nights, DJ sets, art creation, barbers and nail techs, sports, open swims, and more.
Pop-Up Play at Washington Park
Ages: All ages
513-621-4400
Price: Free
1230 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Add a bit of creative fun to the day at Pop Up Play! Stop by on Tuesdays for games, adventures, craft projects, and more. Also, check out the state-of-the-art, 7,000-square-foot interactive water feature.
Smale Park Family Fun Days
Ages: All ages
513-352-6180
Price: Free
124 E Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Bring the whole family down to a park for free, family-friendly fun! Check out food trucks, live music, bounce houses, face painters, balloon artists, games, and more.
Imagination Alley
Ages: All ages
513-621-4400
Price: Free
1317 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
Experience events throughout the year that unite the community and allow friends and neighbors to enjoy the space. Check out movie nights, pop-up play, and more!
Carol Ann’s Carousel
Ages: All Ages
513-381-3756
Price: $2+
8 E Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (The Banks)
Ride on the themed carousel with one of 44 whimsical Cincinnati-centric characters.
Arcade Legacy
Ages: All ages
513-874-8766
Price: $5+
2241 Crowne Point Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45241 (Sharonville)
Participants receive a wristband with admission to access everything in the arcade. That includes all the arcade machines, pinball, and console rooms.
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.
Related Article: Free Cincinnati Activities
Theater and Movies
Shakespeare in the Park
Ages: All ages
513-381-2273
Price: Free
Various Locations
Step into an enchanted woodland where mischievous fairies play, young lovers chase their heart’s desires, and magic sparkles under the summer moon! Bring the whole family and enjoy Shakespeare’s beloved comedy for free in the great outdoors.
Summer Movies for Kids
Ages: All ages
Price: Free
320 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220 (Clifton)
5901 E Galbraith Rd Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45236 (Kenwood)
6906 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227 (Mariemont)
During summer break, enjoy a series of great family movies returning to the big screen. Each week from June 10 to August 6, get discounted tickets to the first show on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Dive-In Movies at Ziegler Park
Ages: All ages
513-621-4400
Price: $10
216 Woodward St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
After the sun sets and the pool is closed to regular swimmers, the pool opens the gates for a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience! Get ready to float the night away while enjoying fan-favorite movies in the water.
Nature
Cincinnati Parks
Ages: All ages
513-357-2604
Price: Varies
Various Locations
Explore various programs for children, such as Play in the Park and Stroller Skating. These activities are perfect for the entire family.
Highfield Discovery Gardens
Ages: All ages
513-771-8733
Price: $7+
10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215 (Glendale)
The 12-acre park is a delight for any age. It is designed to encourage guests to explore the natural world in a fun, engaging environment. Along with the 25-foot Discovery Tree, there are seven smaller gardens to explore. Guests with a valid food assistance card can receive free admission.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Ages: All ages
513-281-4700
Price: $11+
3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220 (Clifton)
Check out over 20 exhibits, including everyone’s favorite, Fiona the Hippo, in the Hippo Cove. The zoo also offers activities such as riding the safari train, touching animals, and more! SNAP cardholders receive discounted ticket prices.
Newport Aquarium
Ages: All ages
800-406-3474
Price: $24.99+
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 day.
This kids’ Cincinnati summer bucket list offers something for every child to explore, learn, and enjoy without breaking the bank. With the right mix of planning and curiosity, these everyday moments can become lifelong memories. A meaningful summer in Cincinnati is within reach—one joyful activity at a time.
Is this Cincinnati summer bucket list missing something? Let us know in the comments below or at The Voice of Black Cincinnati.
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 513-966-3328.
Kids’ Cincinnati Summer Bucket List Photos provided by © J Mass/Adobe Stock and The Voice of Black Cincinnati
