Cincinnati has lots of activities for the family to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Cincinnati has so much to offer and there is a lot you can do even if you have a smaller budget. Here are some Cincinnati staycation ideas that the whole family will enjoy.
FREE Things to Do in Cincinnati and NKY
There are lots of free things you can do in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Metro area.
Union Terminal Rotunda Tours at Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH
Union Terminal Rotunda Tours are free, first come, first served.
Fridays at 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM
Saturdays at 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM
Sundays at 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM
You can learn about the history of the museum center and go to areas of the museum that are not open to the general public.
You’ll learn what Union Terminal was like when the train was a huge part of transportation on this 45-minute tour.
Trammel Fossil Park
11935 Tramway Dr, Sharonville, OH
You can dig for fossils at this free park. Bring an old paintbrush and a bucket and see what you can unearth.
Ride the Streetcar
The Cincinnati Bell Connector is free to ride and connects several neighborhoods in downtown Cincinnati.
Spring Grover Cemetery and Arboretum
This historic cemetery is one of the oldest in Ohio.
Enjoy a Local Bike Trail
A few of my favorite local bike trails are the following
- Devou Park
- Loveland Bike Trail
- Little Miami Scenic Trail
- Lunken Airport Trail
- Wasson Way Trail
Lawn Bowling at Hamilton County Park
This is the only place that you can try this sport within a 150 mile radius. The first two times you try lawn bowling are free and it will remind you of a combo of bocce ball and bowling.
Taft Museum of Art
Free on Sundays! Ask for a guide that will show you popular paintings to look for in the museum.
Cincinnati Art Museum
This free museum has an incredible collection of art that spans the centuries. You can find pieces that range from ancient times to modern art.
There are even designated areas where kids can try hands-on activities.
Burnet Woods
Enjoy lots of outdoor activities with hiking trails and this awesome slide built into the side of a staircase!
William H. Taft Museum
You can learn about the interesting history of William Howard Taft at this National Historic Site.
Washington Park
One of my absolute favorite places in Cincinnati is Washington Park.
There is a parking garage underneath the park. There is also a great community element there with special events like Easter Egg hunts, City Flea (Urban Flea market), yoga, and movie nights.
Eden Park
There are walking trails and you can also visit the nearby Krohn Conservatory.
Sawyer Point
You can ride bikes along the riverfront and kids with love the two playgrounds.
Smale Park
There are fountains for kids to run through and swings along the riverfront that let you take in great views of the city.
Fountain Square
This area in the heart of downtown offers lots of activities from free concerts to movie nights on the giant big screen.
Art Walk
We have incredible murals all over the city. Our city boast the skills of international street artist from around the world on the sides of our buildings.
Our architecture is also a work of art as well. Our city has one of the largest collections of Italianate-style homes still in existence.
Low-Cost Things to Do in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
Krohn Conservatory
There are beautiful flowers and plants from around the world here.
The Root Beer Stand
This is a great stop that is located close to Trammel Fossil Park and Sharon Woods. You can get an incredible root beer float or order other classic diner items off the menu.
Loveland Castle
12025 Shore Dr, Loveland, OH
Cost- $5 per person – Ages 5 and under are FREE
You can take a self-guided tour of The Historic Loveland Castle & Museum Chateau Laroche and learn more about Harry Delos Andrews who brought his vision to life.
Discover one man’s labor of love as you explore the castle he built by hand.
Behind the Scenes Tour of Rookwood Pottery
Rookwood – OTR Flagship Store 1920 Race Street, Cincinnati, OH
Tour Time: 10:30 AM -11:30 AM and 1:00 PM -2 PM
Cost – $10
On a Behind the Scenes Tour you’ll learn more about Rookwood’s history dating back to 1880 as you walk through the 88,000-square-foot production facility.
You’ll have a new appreciation for the process of making handcrafted pottery and architectural tile after taking the tour.
I hope these ideas have helped you find adventures you can enjoy without spending a lot.
There is so much to do here (as you highlight)! Cincinnati has an incredible amount to offer and it is all very doable on a budget.
Thanks Adam. Let me know if you need any other ideas for your visit.
Love these ideas! We’ll be in Cincy soon and will check out a lot of these places. Really enjoy reading it from a local!
What a fun list! My kids would enjoy the slide built into the side of the stairs!!