First opened in 1925, Belterra Park Gaming remains the top thoroughbred horse racetrack attraction in Cincinnati. Located on the city’s outskirts, this 1-mile oval track has survived disastrous floods as well as the passage of time to become one of the best state-of-the-art racetracks in the country.
Children and children at heart will adore the Cincinnati Fire Museum, with its many fun, interactive exhibits. Learn about the history of firefighting in Cincinnati; see cool artifacts from some of America’s original firefighters; explore a modern day fire truck, complete with a siren; and much, much more!
Constructed in an old passenger railroad station, the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal now houses three museums, an OMNIMAX theater and a library in its massive facility. Learn about the history of the city at the Cincinnati History Museum; explore the entire world at the Museum of Natural History and Science; or let the little ones have a blast at the Duke Energy Children's Museum.
Hear some of the best American opera when you go to the Cincinnati Opera. The second-oldest opera in the US, this world-class opera showcases artists and conductors from across the country and the globe as they perform classical and contemporary pieces. Let the romantic, powerful music sweep you away!
Another major player in Cincy’s cultural scene is the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, or CSO. The fifth oldest orchestra in the US, the CSO is well known throughout the world for its recordings and tours. For over 200 years, the CSO has brought evolutionary music to Ohio and continues to do so with its year-round performances. Hear them play in the historic Music Hall!
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden may be one of the oldest zoos in America, but it still has its wild side! This National Historic Landmark attraction covers a little over 65 acres and is packed with packs of exotic and native animals. See the original Reptile House from 1875 or make time for a special Animal Encounter.
Play hard along the Ohio River when you visit the famous Coney Island! This popular Tri-State destination is the perfect place to escape from the monotony of everyday life. Take a break from work or school to relax with attractions like roller coasters, carnival rides and a Sunlite water park during the summertime.
View some of the most evolutionary and inspiring pieces of modern art at the Contemporary Arts Center. The CAC collects and displays a variety of paintings, sculptures, photographs, performance arts and new media in its stylish and architecturally impressive galleries. All works displayed in this center showcase styles that push the current boundaries of art.
If you only have time to visit one section of Union Terminal, make it Duke Energy Children’s Museum for some educational fun designed specifically for children ages one to twelve. With eight unique exhibits and attractions, and a large indoor play area where children can safely bounce off the walls to their hearts’ content, this museum is a children’s wonderland.
Like trains? Then you’ll love EnterTRAINment Junction! This pun-tacular place is great for the young and the young at heart. Learn everything you could possibly want to know about trains through the exhibits and attractions at the railroading museum, and see the world’s largest indoor train display. Visitors can also find their way through the funhouse maze, engineer a hand-cranked train car and many other fun activities.
Amuse yourself, your friends and your family at Kings Island, the second most visited seasonal amusement park on the North American continent. With over 80 permanent rides and attractions—including 14 roller coasters—an animatronic dinosaur park and a 15-acre water park attached, there are plenty of things to keep you busy all summer long!
Enter into a whole new world at the Krohn Conservatory, an architecturally impressive Art Deco greenhouse. Inside this immense glass and aluminum construction is a wide variety of constantly changing horticultural exhibits and attractions. See plants from all over the world up close, and plan your visit right to see the popular "Butterfly Show" in the spring.
Celebrate the history of the abolitionist movement at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Dedicated to the efforts of black and white Americans who fought to end slavery, this unique museum educates the public about the horrors of slavery and the struggle for civil rights while honoring those who found freedom and those who lost their lives searching for it.
Cross the state lines for a short trip to the Newport Aquarium in Kentucky. Immerse yourself in the aquatic realm when you explore the 14 individually themed galleries and attractions. Walk through five seamless acrylic tunnels that make you feel like you are swimming with the fishes; see dozens of endangered species; watch the penguins on parade; and much, much more!
There's plenty of fun to be had in Cincinnati but if you're a fan of the old adage, "the grass is greener on the other side" then consider taking a trip over the Ohio River and exploring the attractions at Newport on the Levee. This exciting destination offers something for everyone whether you're looking for retail therapy, a great place to have dinner and drinks, family fun or a night on the town. We recommend you check out the underwater attractions at the Newport Aquarium, knock down some pins at Star Lanes on the Levee Bowling, or walk on water at Hamsters Water Balls.
About half an hour away from the heart of Cincinnati, Trammel Fossil Park in Sharonville is a wonderfully underappreciated family attraction. At the far end of an industrial park road, this hidden treasure offers tons of family fun for those budding paleontologists or anyone with an interest in natural history. The Fossil Hunt allows visitors to explore the plethora of fossils hands-on.