We’ve been to a lot of games over the years but had never been to the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum as a family.
After attending a Reds game, I would always think that we should go there as we walked by, but at that point it was always closed for the evening. The museum is only steps away from the Great America Ballpark.
We decided to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon exploring the museum to get us excited about the upcoming Reds season.
The museum has a lot to take in.
The first floor currently has an exhibit that showcase autographs of all but 15 of the Cincinnati Reds players from the early 1900’s until present. It’s quite an impressive collection.
While we were checking out the exhibits, we met Douglas Row, who actually built a large number of display cases throughout the museum.
There were also several exhibits on display that I did not expect to see there.
The museum has a movie that tells the history of the Reds over the years.
As you climb the stairs to the exhibits on the third floor, there is a wall of baseballs to represent Pete Rose’s record of 4,256 hits.
The third floor has a lot of opportunities for kids and adults to interact with the exhibits.
You can act like you are catching the pitch from the pitcher by glancing through the mask,
or attempt to catch the ball yourself in the outfield, or make a pitch to the catcher from the pitcher’s mound.
I have way more grace for Mayor Mark Mallory after trying to throw the distance of the pitcher’s mound. It’s harder than it looks!
You also have several places for great photo opps.
Kids can try on uniforms, test out video games and play in the play structure.
You can also try your hand at being a play by play announcer. It’s harder than it looks. Just so you know, the sounds going into the microphone do not just stay in that room, they are projected into the surrounding area of the museum. This mom of boys gave you a fair warning.
There is one room in the museum that feels like you are in a relative’s basement that will bring back a flood of memories from souvenirs and memorabilia over the years.
I even spotted a Cabbage Patch Doll that I had as a child.
The statues and exhibits really help capture the feel and heart of the Reds.
It’s really great to see the World Series Pennants and read about each player who made it into the Reds Hall of Fame.
I’m not as passionate about baseball as the rest of my family but I always associate great memories with friends and family at Reds games. Going through the museum was like looking into a time capsule of my own life and how baseball has been a part of it.
I think anyone can learn, appreciate and enjoy an adventure here.
You can learn more about planning your visit from the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum website.
