The 10 Best Things To Do In Cincinnati, If You Were To Ask A Real Cincinnatian's Opinion
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The 10 Best Things To Do In Cincinnati, If You Were To Ask A Real Cincinnatian's Opinion

Don't listen to all those travel sites.

470
The 10 Best Things To Do In Cincinnati, If You Were To Ask A Real Cincinnatian's Opinion
Pixabay

Everyone does their research before going somewhere for vacation. And while Cincinnati doesn’t sound like the best place to go for a vacation, if you ever find yourself passing through that wonderful city by highway I-75, I-71, I-74, or taking the beltway I-275, there’s a few places you might want to stop to get a true Cincinnati experience.


1. Skyline Chili and Graeter's Ice Cream

Recommended Age: All Ages

Don’t let those Columbians fool you saying they have Skyline as well. There is something truly unique about Cincinnati Chili that just gets us Nasty-natians going. If you’re stopping to eat anywhere along the road, there’s sure to be a Skyline somewhere off the exit of the highway. And when you’re finished with your “3-Way,” (a delicious combination of spaghetti noodles, classic chili, and shredded cheese) head over to Graeter’s to finish off your meal with the most delicious homemade Ice Cream you’ll ever taste.

Allergy Warning: Skyline Chili has cocoa powder and spices (i.e. cinnamon) in it. But don’t let that ruin your taste buds. It’s great.

2. Rhinegeist and other breweries

Recommended Age: 21+

If there’s one thing Cincinnati is known for at almost the same level of our Chili is our brewery industry. Home of some the most famous adult beverages in the US, taking a trip to Mt. Adams or Mt. Carmel is certainly worth the drive and walk through the hills of Cincinnati. And while I know I cannot personally comment on the great taste of these craft beers, I know many who can’t get enough.

3. FC Cincinnati games and other sports

Recommended Age: All

If you’re lucky enough to visit Cincinnati in the Spring/Summer, be sure to get some tickets to a FC Cincinnati game. Our newest sports team has changed the typical colors Cincinnatian’s bleed from red and white (and embarrassingly orange, black, and white) to orange and blue. While some Cincinnatian’s are still jumping on the bandwagon for this new soccer team, there’s nothing like standing in “the Bailey” cheering on our beloved soccer team. #RiseTogether

If you want also you can go see the Red’s play at Great American Ball Park, and the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. All great teams, but none with a winning streak like FC Cincinnati’s.

4. Coney Island and Kings Island

Recommended Age: All

More commonly known for Kings Island, Cincinnati wouldn’t be Cincinnati without Coney Island (which happens to be the reason why Kings Island exists today because Kings Island used to be the new Coney Island when they moved away from the river due to flooding). Kings Island gives people the great rollercoasters from classic wooden ones like The Beast and The Racers to new updated ones like The Banshee and Diamondback. But, if you’re looking for a more family friendly activity to do, enjoy your time at Coney Island with more classic carnival rides like The Scrambler and Bumper Cars. Both locations also feature a pool. Kings Island tends to be more of a water park with many waterslides and wave pools, where Coney Island holds a traditional pool with a few classic waterslides to go along with it. Either way, you can’t go wrong. (Even though I’ll always be biased to Coney Island, since I worked there).

5. Fountain Square

Recommended Age: All (Depending on Event)

No matter what season you come to Downtown Cincinnati, there’s always something going on the Square from parades, marches, and social events. In the winter, you can enjoy a nice skate around the ice rink, and in the summer, enjoy your day dancing away at Salsa on the Square. Enjoy your time at the restaurants dotted around the Square, and be sure to take a picture by the fountain.

6. Smale Riverfront Park and the Cincinnati Skyline

Recommended Age: All

Why not visit the place that started the whole chili industry? The Cincinnati Skyline is what we are known and loved for. There's even special laws about how buildings are built and where they are built in Cincinnati just to ensure that the Carew Tower and typical skyline from the Kentucky side of the river are not obscured. Visiting Smale Park keeps you on the Cincinnati side of the river, but allows you to look at the beautiful skyline. While you're there be sure to play with the giant piano, and play around in the small water exhibits featured along the river.

7. Findlay Market

Recommended Age: All

Right in the heart of Over-the-Rhine, sits a cute little market known as Findlay Markets. From fresh meat and fish to waffles and ice scream, Findlay Market will not let you down. Be sure to try all it has to offer, form groceries to food. If you come when it's warm, the sides of the building will be open and vendors will be selling on the sidewalk. And take a picture in the giant chairs outside the marketplace.

8. US Bank Arena

Recommended Age: All (Depending on Event)

Catch a Cincinnati Cyclone's game during the week. Another Cincinnati home team in the sport of hockey! And over the summer, catch headliners like Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber. US Bank Arena host numerous events throughout the year. Whoever buys the space gets to use it! So I'm sure you'll be able to find something that'll you'll like there.

9. Riverbend

Recommended Age: All (Depending on Event)

Want a great outdoor concert venue? Riverbend is the place! Hosting dozens of concerts every summer, Riverbend has house seating and lawn seating for decently cheap ticket prices. Catch headliners like Kieth Urban to Kidz Bop all throughout the summer. Just be careful, some concerts there can get a little out of control. And while you're there, be sure to head over to Coney Island for a splash in the pool to cool off.

10. Cincinnati Zoo

Recommended Age: All

A classic, but what's Cincinnati without it's amazing Zoo? Hosting Festival of Lights every winter, and the home to dozens and dozens of species of animals. Right now, be sure to catch our precious Fiona as she experiences her first few years of life, and stop by the Gorilla exhibit to pay your respects to Harambe.

No matter what age your family may be, there's something in Cincinnati for everyone.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51886
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33318
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956201
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181128
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments