25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Cincinnati (Ohio)

What is there to do in Cincinnati?

It’s been nicknamed the “Queen City” for both its historic importance and its glittering, jewel-like skyline, so it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Ohio.

But what should you actually put on your itinerary?

If you’re looking for amazing things to do in Cincinnati, here are just a few ideas.

1. Cincinnati Zoo

Home to hundreds of species, the Cincinnati Zoo has one of the most diverse animal collections in the entire state of Ohio.

It’s also known for its conservation efforts for endangered animals, so you can see rare, exotic creatures right there in Cincinnati without having to travel to the other side of the world.

There are thundering herds of elephants and silent caves of vampire bats; there are red pandas, white lions, gold parakeets and green tree pythons.

They even have giant tortoises straight from the Galapagos Islands!

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Cincinnati, consider the Cincinnati Zoo.

Address: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA

2. Findlay Market

As an indoor/outdoor market with dozens of stalls, Findlay Market offers the chance to shop ’til you drop with local vendors.

Food is the main allure, and you can find all sorts of meats, cheeses, wines, desserts and produce selections.

But there are other things to buy as well.

Artists sell crafts and jewelry pieces, and florists are always there with rose bouquets.

Cincinnati stone masons display their pots and pans.

Painters hang up their watercolors.

Not only does it offer a wide range of goodies, but it’s also a place where you can simply take in the atmosphere and enjoy the sights and sounds of a bustling market.

If you’re wondering what to do in Cincinnati on a weekend trip, you’ll want to stop by Findlay Market.

Address: 1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

3. Cincinnati History Museum

Built in an abandoned railroad terminal, the Cincinnati History Museum will take you back to the days of trains, steam engines and suspender-clad conductors shouting the day’s schedule.

It chronicles the entire rise of Cincinnati while examining its relevance to both Ohio and the American Midwest.

Costumed staffers will answer your questions as you browse the exhibits and galleries.

A 1/64-scale replica of Cincinnati will offer a fascinating look at its architecture and infrastructure.

Informative films will play at regular intervals.

The shining centerpiece of the Cincinnati History Museum, however, is something known as “the Queen of the West.”

It’s a life-sized model of an old-fashioned, side-wheel steamboat, and visitors can climb right in to feel like a captain of the seas.

If you’re looking for cool things to experience in Cincinnati, it doesn’t get more unique than a vintage steamboat in an abandoned railroad terminal!

Address: 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203, USA

4. BB Riverboats

You can’t visit Ohio without crossing the Ohio River, so why not enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the water instead of just flying over it?

BB Riverboats offers a variety of riverboat cruises near Cincinnati.

Each tour offered by BB Riverboats will move up and down the waters of the Ohio River, so you can marvel at panoramic views of Cincinnati while sipping on cocktails or feasting on seafood platters.

Taking a cruise is definitely one of the best things to do in Cincinnati, so enjoy your proximity to the water while you can!

Address: 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071, United States

5. MadTree Brewing

MadTree Brewing is just one of the breweries in Cincinnati, but it’s at the top of our list of cool places to visit in the city.

It offers beers and wood-fired pizzas; it hosts tours, tastings and keg sales.

It’s located in a converted Cincinnati warehouse that combines industrial chic with rustic charm, so you’ll admire the aesthetic even as you crack open a cold one.

The lights hang off iron grids that are centered over wooden bars and tables.

The brews of the day are scrawled on a chalkboard menu.

Visit MadTree Brewing if you want to have a laid-back afternoon at one of the best destinations in Cincinnati.

Whether you’re in Ohio for a day, a month or a weekend, you’ll want to say that you had some good beer while you were there.

Address: 3301 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209, USA

6. Downtown Cincinnati

Mixing old-fashioned charm with contemporary bustle, downtown Cincinnati is a perfect example of what makes the city so great.

It doesn’t forget its roots, but it’s also filled with fun attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.

Downtown Cincinnati is more of an experience than a destination.

It’s brimming with things to do, places to go and people to see.

No matter where you’re traveling in the Cincinnati area, make sure to stop by downtown.

7. Kings Island

Just a short drive from downtown Cincinnati, Kings Island is the single biggest amusement park in the Midwest.

It tops every other park in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

More than 3.5 million visitors flock to its roller coasters every year, and that’s only when the park is open during the spring and summer months!

Kings Island is also attached to a water park called Soak City where visitors of all ages can enjoy a splashing good time.

Whether you’re looking to relax in a wave pool or get your heart racing with a water plunge, Soak City has lots of activities for summertime fun.

Even though it isn’t technically located within the city limits, Kings Island is still a top 10 attraction in Cincinnati.

Address: 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45040, USA

8. Krohn Conservatory

Krohn Conservatory is basically a large-scale botanical garden, and it’s filled with everything from bonsai collections to man-made waterfalls surrounded by goldfish ponds.

There are cacao trees to produce chocolate and vanilla vines to harvest vanilla; there are oranges, lemons, grapefruits, kumquats and dwarf bananas.

The Krohn Conservatory also has all of the beautiful flowers that you’d expect to see in a botanical garden.

The “orchid display” showcases 75 orchids at all times, and the “desert garden” recreates a dry ecosystem with cacti and succulents.

The waterfall is located within the “palm house,” a 45-foot structure that’s overflowing with ferns and palm trees.

Address: 1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

9. Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove

Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove are side-by-side parks located in Cincinnati.

They offer wonderful waterfront views of the river, and they’re also decked out with things like tennis courts, volleyball courts, picnic areas, concession stands and performance pavilions.

They’re also home to the Serpentine Wall.

Curving like the coils of a snake, the Serpentine Wall descends down into the banks of the Ohio River, and there are some great photo ops to be had on its steps.

Address: 705 E Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

10. Carew Tower of Cincinnati

Enjoy a panoramic view of Cincinnati when you climb to the top of the Carew Tower of Cincinnati.

Towering more than 570 feet over the city, it offers breathtaking views of everything from the rushing waters of the Ohio River to the gleaming buildings of downtown Cincinnati.

Oh, and if you like travel tips, here’s a good one for you: The Carew Tower of Cincinnati only accepts cash for the observation deck, so make sure to pack some small bills before you go.

Address: 41 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

11. Eden Park

Located on the banks of the Ohio River, Eden Park is a green oasis within the steel of the city.

You can wander the trails, picnic under the pavilions or kick up your feet in the gazebos.

No matter where you spread out your blanket, you’ll never be far from the fragrances of fresh flowers and the sounds of babbling brooks.

Eden Park isn’t one of the crazier things to do in Cincinnati, but not every vacation needs to have non-stop action.

It’s okay to stop and smell the roses for a while.

Let Eden Park be a place where you can escape the grind of Cincinnati and simply breathe for awhile.

Address: 950 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

12. Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum

You might not think of a cemetery as a place for fun vacation activities, but the Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum defies all expectations.

It’s so old and majestic that it’s been officially recognized as a National Historic Landmark, and not only is it the largest cemetery in Ohio, but it’s the second-largest cemetery in the entire United States.

It covers more than 700 acres of hills, lakes, gardens, ponds and tree groves!

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Cincinnati, consider a trip to the Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum.

It’s a distinct feature of the city and an unforgettable place to make some vacation memories.

Address: 4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232, USA

13. Jack Cincinnati Casino

Jack Cincinnati Casino isn’t the largest casino in the state, but it offers more than enough fun for anyone seeking a jackpot in Cincinnati.

More than 2,000 slot machines line the corridors. Almost 100 game tables are devoted to things like roulette and blackjack.

There’s even a dedicated poker room for serious card players.

With the Jack Cincinnati Casino, for example, you can cocoon yourself in a world of dark walls, plush carpets, expensive cocktails and the constant chimes of successful slots.

It’ll be a great experience during your vacation in Cincinnati!

Address: 1000 Broadway St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

14. Eli’s BBQ

Eli’s BBQ is one of the most famous restaurants in Cincinnati.

Despite its fame, however, it doesn’t try to impress you.

It’s a low-key barbecue joint where people can pull apart chicken wings while listening to the strumming guitar of a live band, and that’s exactly why everyone loves it.

The menu at Eli’s BBQ offers a host of American classics.

Between hickory-smoked ribs and fully-loaded hot dogs with coleslaw and pork crispins, you’ll have your choice of hearty meals.

The side dishes are simple but delicious: baked beans, mashed potatoes, grits, cornbread and mac and cheese.

If you’ve worked up an appetite during your Cincinnati vacation, stop by Eli’s BBQ to fill your belly.

It’s finger-lickin’ good, and it’ll give you a gushing story to tell when you’re back at home and talking about the best barbecue that you had in Ohio.

Address: 3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA

15. Scene Ultra Lounge

The Scene Ultra Lounge is one of the premiere spots for Cincinnati nightlife.

It combines different elements of a bar, club, dance hall and cocktail lounge for a heady mixture of adult fun.

The best thing about the Scene Ultra Lounge is that you can choose the kind of atmosphere that you’d like for the evening.

If you’re looking to unwind after a long day, you can nurse a beer at the bar while catching the game on the plasma screens.

If you want to make some new friends, you can dress to kill and hit the dance floor where live DJs make sure that the music never stops.

Another great thing about the Scene Ultra Lounge is that it’s almost never closed.

You don’t have to be a big partier to enjoy its vibe, so stop by during your Cincinnati vacation and enjoy food, drink, music and dance.

Address: 637 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

16. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

As a sobering look into the past, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an uncomfortable but unforgettable destination in Cincinnati.

Offering stories, pictures, texts and relics from the days of slavery, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is something called a “museum of conscience.”

It’s meant to offer a stark and realistic look at history so that visitors can really contemplate what life was like for previous generations.

The centerpiece of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a real-world “slave pen” that was transferred to Ohio for the museum’s founding.

Built in the 1800s, it’s a small log structure that measures just 20 x 30 feet across, but it used to house dozens of slaves awaiting auction.

If you like history, however, or if you’re just interested in real history, this is definitely one of the biggest points of interest in Cincinnati.

Address: 50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

17. Newport Aquarium

Colorful fish dart between coral reefs. Sharks swim lazily around stingrays and jellyfish. Octopi cling to glass displays with sticky tentacles.

This is the Newport Aquarium, and it’s so gigantic that it houses thousands of sea creatures in millions of gallons of water.

If you like marine life, the Newport Aquarium will delight you in more ways than one.

Not only does it offer a wide range of species, but it showcases them in brilliant, breathtaking ways.

For example, it’s one of the only aquariums in Ohio to have a series of walkthrough tunnels where visitors can completely immerse themselves in the dark blue world under the sea.

Something to note: Newport Aquarium is technically located outside of Ohio state lines. Its mailing address is in Newport, Kentucky.

However, it’s just a 10-minute drive from Cincinnati when you cross the bridge over the Ohio River, so we consider it near enough to the city to still be called one of the top things to do in Cincinnati!

Address: 1, Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071, USA

18. Vent Haven Museum

Located five miles south of Cincinnati, the Vent Haven Museum is one of the quirkiest things to do during an Ohio vacation.

This is because it doesn’t house paintings or sculptures. It houses ventriloquist dummies.

Dummies line every inch of the shelves and tables. Dummy posters hang from the walls.

Dummy recordings play on the radio. Eyes will follow you everywhere that you go.

The Vent Haven Museum isn’t meant to be creepy, however.

It’s actually a celebration of the hobby and the ventriloquists that made it famous.

Today, more than 900 dummies are showcased by the museum, and they range from rosy-cheeked children to jaunty businessmen in snazzy suits.

As the only ventriloquist museum in the entire world, the Vent Haven Museum will be a one-of-a-kind experience while you’re in Cincinnati.

It’s the kind of place that you have to see to believe, so don’t hesitate to call and book a tour.

Address: 33 W Maple Ave, Fort Mitchell, KY 41011, USA

19. Devou Park

There are so many activities in Devou Park that you won’t know which way to turn.

Do you like scenic strolls through gorgeous landscapes? There are nature trails down every nook and cranny of the park.

Do you want to work up a sweat? There are playgrounds, ball fields and an 18-hole golf course where you can practice your swing while in Cincinnati.

An amphitheater is located within the park for festivals and concerts.

An on-site museum will teach you about local heritage.

There’s even a fishing lake near the park where you can cast your line and catch your own dinner.

The only downside of Devou Park is that it’s not really a Cincinnati park.

Like some of the other attractions on this list, it’s located across the Ohio River and into Kentucky territory, so you’ll need to be willing to take a short drive out of the city.

If you don’t mind a little trip-within-a-trip, however, spending time in Devou Park is one of the nicest things to do in the Cincinnati area.

Address: 1201 Park Dr, Covington, KY 41011, USA

20. Over-the-Rhine

Located near downtown Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine is a historic neighborhood that will give you a taste of the art and culture scene in Cincinnati.

Originally a poor, working-class neighborhood, Over-the-Rhine has morphed into an area where trendy bars jostle for space with art galleries and opera houses.

It’s home to many performance establishments, including Emery Theater and the Cincinnati Music Hall, and it’s also where you can find groups like the Cincinnati Ballet.

If you like art, culture and theater, Over-the-Rhine is one of the best vacation spots in Cincinnati.

21. Great American Ball Park

The Great American Ball Park lives up to its name by offering a classic stadium experience for America’s favorite pastime.

Home to the Cincinnati Reds, the Great American Ball Park is a throwback to simpler times.

You can sit in the stands, hail the popcorn sellers and cheer for your favorite players as they pop fly balls all around you.

You’ll even witness short bursts of fireworks whenever the Cincinnati Reds hit a home run!

There’s always a game going on, and there’s nothing more American than watching baseball and munching on peanuts and crackerjacks.

Address: 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

22. Mount Airy Forest

Covering almost 1,500 acres, Mount Airy Forest is one of the largest recreational parks in the entire state of Ohio.

You could get lost for an entire weekend among its trees, trails, hills, groves and ponds!

It’s no exaggeration to say that Mount Airy Forest is one of the most beautiful places in the US.

It’s filled with the kind of natural wonder that you can only get from a lush landscape, and its fresh air will be a welcome change from the congested streets of Cincinnati.

It’s also filled with exciting things to do.

If you’re ready to plan a trip to the area, make sure to put it on your shortlist of attractions.

Address: 5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223, USA

23. Cincinnati Art Museum

The Cincinnati Art Museum isn’t one of those stuffy museums where everyone tiptoes around and speaks only in hushed whispers.

It’s a place where art comes to life, and visitors can enjoy everything from pop culture exhibits to swing dancing demonstrations whenever the museum is having a special event.

Not only does it offer paintings, sculptures, carvings and murals from world-famous artists, but it also recognizes local talent from Ohio residents.

It’s no stranger to things like jewelry showcases or life-sized displays of movie monsters.

It offers a staggering 67,000 works that span more than 6,000 years of history, so you’ll never run out of things to admire.

Address: 953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

24. Cincinnati Observatory

You can find the Cincinnati Observatory on top of the aptly-named Mount Lookout.

Built in 1892, it’s the oldest professional observatory in Ohio, and not much has changed about its structure or architecture over the years.

Its gigantic telescope is still cushioned in an old-fashioned building that has been carefully preserved to retain its vintage look.

While its scientific equipment is kept up to date, everything else is maintained like a relic.

Visitors to the Cincinnati Observatory can take a tour, watch a presentation and explore the various displays of moon rocks and space suits.

There’s also telescope viewing available both night and day.

In the daytime, it’s called “solar viewing. At night, there are stargazing parties led by the staff.

Address: 3489 Observatory Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45208, USA

25. Cincinnati Riverwalk

Also called the Ohio River Trail, the Cincinnati Riverwalk winds for several miles around the water.

It’s so large that it stretches between both Ohio and Kentucky, and it offers beautifully scenic views for visitors to either state.

On the Cincinnati side, the Cincinnati Riverwalk serves as a “best of” trail that passes near and around all kinds of city landmarks.

From the Roebling Suspension Bridge to the Smale Riverfront Park, you can enjoy many different sights as you ramble along the river.

You’ll hate leaving Cincinnati, but at least you can say farewell with the awesome Cincinnati Riverwalk!

Address: W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

Start Planning Your Trip To Cincinnati

These are just a few attractions that can help you have a great time in Cincinnati.

If you’re looking for the top things to do in the city, let this list serve as a guide for future fun!