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The Most Iconic Attractions, Activities & Things to Do in Cincinnati

Known as the Queen City for over 200 years, Cincinnati was one of the first “frontier cities” and continues to act as a conduit to the future. While the origins of the nickname remain in doubt, there are some who believe the nickname symbolizes the city’s beauty and growth, which represents a queen’s reign. Others point to literature with a poem from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that referred to Cincinnati as the “Queen of the West” and noted its many vineyards amongst the surrounding hills. Alternatively, journalist Ed B. Cooke wrote about the city as “justly styled the fair Queen of the West” and as it distinguished itself by order, enterprise, and public spirit. Although the origins of the nickname vary, the beauty of the city remains strong. And, with a beautiful city that continues to grow and redefine itself, there are plenty of things to do in Cincinnati for people and families of all ages.

From its bustling downtown to its charming neighborhoods, Cincinnati offers a diverse array of activities that cater to all interests and ages. With a thriving culinary scene, Cincinnati’s dining options are worth a visit. Or, for art enthusiasts, the Queen City offers plenty of cultural offerings. Plus, with ample scenic parks, trails and more, there are great outdoor activities and attractions. Ultimately, Cincinnati is a city that seamlessly blends rich history with modern attractions, making it a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors alike.

Terrific Things to Do in Cincinnati with a Family

Whether you live in or near Cincinnati or are planning a visit, there are plenty of great family-friendly things to do. Unfortunately, one of the bigger family attractions was the iconic Coney Island Amusement Park, which closed at the end of 2023. Fortunately, families have plenty of things to do. While many people associate Skyline Chili with Cincinnati, the Queen City offers more culinary options and things to do than chili on spaghetti! For example, from the famous Cincinnati Zoo and Great American Ballpark to outdoor parks along the Ohio River, families have lots of options, attractions and activities.

• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: The world-famous Cincinnati Zoo is one of the more well-known things to do because the zoo features a wide range of animals. Plus, the zoo includes plenty of interactive exhibits to explore, along with the beautiful botanical gardens.
• Newport Aquarium: While technically located in Newport, KY, the Newport Aquarium features incredible marine life exhibits, including shark tunnels, touch tanks, and a penguin encounter. It’s an educational and entertaining experience for all ages that is very easy to visit while in Cincinnati.
• Kings Island: Although Coney Island Amusement Park is closed, the greater Cincinnati area still has one of the largest amusement parks in the Midwest, Kings Island. Opening in 1972, Kings Island is over 350 acres of family fun. Filled with over 36 water slides, thrilling roller coasters and an award-winning kids area (Peanuts-themed), families of all ages will enjoy this Cincinnati attraction.
• Smale Riverfront Park: A scenic and public park that connects downtown Cincinnati to the Ohio River is perfect for families. In addition to the great views of the city and river, the park features interactive fountains, playgrounds, a carousel, and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for outdoor fun and relaxation.
• Eden Park: One of the more popular parks in Cincinnati, Eden Park has something for everyone. Home to a museum, theater, conservatory and more, there is plenty to do. From walking trails to playgrounds, along with scenic views of the Ohio River, families have a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
• Cincinnati Children’s Theatre: Since 1919, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has been providing exceptional live performances for kids of all ages. From classic fairy tales to modern stories, the productions are designed to entertain and inspire children.
• Cincinnati Observatory: As the oldest professional observatory in the country, the Cincinnati Observatory has one foot anchored in history and one foot moving forward. The Observatory maintains the original telescope from the 1840s and focuses on stargazing events, educational programs, and guided tours to facilitate a fun and educational outing.

Amazing Cincinnati Attractions

Many of the best Cincinnati attractions offer tremendous things to do. For example, the Cincinnati Zoo is an outstanding attraction that sees visitors from near and from far. For residents and visitors alike, there are some amazing Cincinnati attractions that will create lasting memories of the Queen City.

• Fountain Square: Initially founded in 1871, Fountain Square is the “town square” that has acted as the center of downtown Cincinnati for over 100 years. With a few renovations over the years, Fountain Square currently features a plethora of shops, restaurants, hotels and more and hosts concerts, festivals, and events throughout the year.
• Cincinnati Art Museum: Incorporated in 1881, the Cincinnati Art Museum has been a main attraction for over 100 years and played an instrumental role in art and design in the Midwest during the 19th century. Located in Eden Park, the museum offers free general admission and continues to influence art goers with a vast array of pieces in its collection.
• Findlay Market: Since 1855, Findlay Market has been connecting farmers with customers in the same building. Not only is this the oldest continuously operated public market in Ohio, but it also connects uptown with downtown and remains a living landmark in the Queen City that is filled with local vendors, fresh produce, artisanal foods, and unique crafts.
• Over-the-Rhine (OTR) Historic District: Originally settled by Germans and known for its beer brewing, this downtown Cincinnati neighborhood has it all. From its stunning 19th-century architecture to trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques, OTR is a hub of activity that attracts mainstays and tourists alike.
• Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal: Housed in an iconic Art Deco building, the Cincinnati Museum Center is home to a history museum, children’s museum, natural history and science museum and more. With over 1.4 million visitors per year, this is a marquee attraction that offers a range of exhibits and attractions for everyone.
• Krohn Conservatory: Another wonderful Cincinnati park, is located in Eden Park, Krohn Conservatory is a beautiful greenhouse featuring a diverse collection of plants from around the world. With various educational programs, there is always something to learn about nature and the environment, along with stunningly beautiful seasonal flower shows.
• Cincinnati Music Hall: Another building from the 1800s, the Cincinnati Music Hall is one of the city’s most recognized places with its Victorian-gothic architecture. Home to the Cincinnati Opera, which is the 2nd oldest opera company in the country, along with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Ballet and May Festival, this gem draws visitors and artists from around the world.
• Great American Ball Park: On the banks of the Ohio River is one of the most entertaining ballparks in professional baseball. Home to the Cincinnati Reds, Great American Ballpark not only provides a quintessential Cincinnati experience, offers family-friendly seating sections, kids’ activities, and a lively atmosphere that makes for a great day out.
• Paycor Stadium: Built in 2000 and previously known as Paul Brown Stadium, Paycor Stadium is home to the Cincinnati Bengals. With the popularity of the NFL and the momentum of a young team, residents and visitors alike trek to this attraction to watch some of their favorite athletes and sports.

From sports and entertainment to science and dining, the Queen City has some of the oldest, yet modern, buildings and venues in the country. The historical charm provides a unique experience as visitors and tourists can think about previous generations that used the same venues. While these Cincinnati attractions highlight the various things to do and places to see, they only scratch the surface of what the city has to offer.

Must Do Cincinnati Activities

For a mid-size city, Cincinnati outkicks the competition in regional (and national) attractions. With some of the most historic buildings in the midwest (and country), tourists have their hands full squeezing in all of the fabulous activities in and around the city. As residents, some things are taken for granted but provide just as much fun and entertainment.

For visitors and residents alike, then here are some of the most iconic Cincinnati experiences and activities.

• Enjoy the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: A trip to Cincinnati is not complete without visiting the zoo. As one of the top-rated zoos in the country, the Cincinnati Zoo is a regular destination for families and animal lovers. Plus, with the zoo’s special events, like Zoo Lights during the holidays, residents will always find something new to see.
• Watch a Show at Cincinnati Music Hall: For music lovers, not trip to Cincinnati is complete with a visit to the historic music hall. While the acts and performances will change, watching a show at the Cincinnati Music Hall is a bucket list item that is a cherished activity for residents who appreciate the arts.
• Explore the Cincinnati Art Museum: As one of the main cultural hubs, the Cincinnati Art Museum, continually offers an extensive art collection and special exhibitions provide endless opportunities for exploration and inspiration.
• Attend Reds or Bengals Game: For sports lovers, then Cincinnati has two options to take in a game. Sit back and enjoy one of the best baseball stadiums in the country while watching the Red or find tickets for an action-packed football game watching the Bengals in action.
• Walk and/or Bike the Loveland Bike Trail: More of a local activity, the Loveland Bike Trial (also known as The Little Miami Scenic Trail) this 70 mile-long trail (with over 100 miles of connections) takes riders and walkers through 5 nearby towns. Filled with picnic tables, coffee shops, ice cream, and more, it is the perfect place for a walk, run, jog, or even a casual stroll taking in the sights and scenes.
• Visit Smale Riverfront Park: For a relaxing experience, visit Smale Riverfront Park to unwind (or find a more peaceful scene) with scenic views, interactive fountains, and playgrounds, which make it a popular destination for all ages.
• Visit Findlay Market: More than a novel attraction, Findlay Market is just your average farmer’s market. It continues to be a beloved spot for locals to shop for fresh produce, artisanal foods, and local crafts. Plan a visit for lunch while touring the city and take a moment to soak up the lively atmosphere.
• Explore Local Cuisine: While the OTR neighborhood hosts many of the trendiest restaurants in the city, Cincinnati’s food scene is diverse and thriving. From classic Cincinnati chili to upscale dining experiences, explore each city neighborhood to find your favorite new restaurants, food trucks and timeless dishes.

Not every city has something for everyone, but Cincinnati does. For visitors and residents alike, the mix of historical architecture to unrivaled city parks and trails to modern cuisine, each and every day brings something different. Exploring Cincinnati is the best way to find unique activities that reflect the vibrant culture of the city.

Why Live In (or Visit) Cincinnati?

Cincinnati is a wonderful city to live in and an equally great place to visit. With an array of world-class museums, the Queen City offers an incredible amount of cultural attractions. Additionally, with growing and diverse entertainment options, Cincinnati offers things to do for everyone. From music venues and local breweries to large shopping malls and retail outlets, dining, shopping, and eating options are numerous.

As a mid-sized city (65th largest in the US and 2nd biggest in Ohio), Cincinnati blends a mix of big-city feel with its local roots. With professional football and baseball teams, the market supports large events. Conversely, with the Ohio River running through the city, there are plenty of outdoor recreational activities to escape that big-city feel. Plus, with a range of neighborhoods, the general cost of living in Cincinnati provides more value than larger cities in the region (and country), while offering plenty of professional and personal opportunities.

Finally, Cincinnati resonates with visitors and residents for a simple mid-western reason. It is an authentic city. While there are plenty of things to do for lifelong residents to long weekend visitors, the experiences are genuine. For large events and activities, such as a Reds or Bengals game to the zoo, visitors know to expect crowds. However, the local shopping and dining options offer a popular destination that showcases Cincinnati’s core without huge crowds.

For those looking for a Cincinnati apartment to call home, then look no further. At NAP, we offer a range of apartments in a variety of Cincinnati neighborhoods. Our team is well-versed in all areas of Cincinnati living, so we can provide the pros and cons of each area based on where you work or go to school and your interests. Plus, with our central St. Xavier Park hub that offers multiple apartment buildings with available studios to townhouses in different areas of the city, you’ll be in good hands. Additionally, St. Xavier Park’s Black Card program allows residents to receive exclusive specials and deals at neighborhood businesses, including yoga and barre studios, restaurants, and even hardware stores.

Interested in learning more about our luxury apartments in Cincinnati? Contact us today and let us help you find your happy place!