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.