Visiting Cincinnati with Kids

Hannah Scott:  Featured in too many national publications and “Best Of” lists to count (including Alton Brown’s top picks!), Holtman’s Donuts is a hometown family bakery with creative flavors like the maple bacon, s’mores, and red velvet. What started as one tiny bakery has evolved into several locations across the city so you can get your sugar fix wherever you are!

Katie G.:  My kids love the GWL in Mason!

Kings Island is the largest amusement and water park in the Midwest. With a combination of thrill rides, attractions and shows, there's plenty for all ages. Big kids can experience the thrilling roller coasters, and little ones won't want to miss the Snoopy-themed attractions. A daily admission to the park also allows access to Soak City Water Park with over 50 water attractions.

Katie G.:  If you are your little one(s) are up for a tasty road trip then you can't miss out on the Butler County Donut Trail. Before you venture out to one of the 12 donut shops along the trail, download a map and passport. Have your passport stamped after visiting each store. Once you've completed the trail (does not have to be done in one day), submit your passport to the Butler County Visitors Bureu to receive a free t-shirt and Donut Trail discounts.

Hannah Scott:  Tucked away less than 45 minutes from downtown Cincinnati is a stunning 1,000 acre preserve of Eastern deciduous forest, fields, streams, and ponds. Visitors can choose from over 16 miles of hiking trails (conveniently rated for difficulty and elevation, so you can choose one that's appropriate for the age and ability of your family). Children will love the enclosed Nature Playscape, carefully designed to promote interactive, imaginative play in nature.

Cost: $9 adults, $4 ages 4-12

Hannah Scott:  Founded by Buddy LaRosa over 40 years ago, LaRosa’s pizzeria features a delicious menu of pizzas, calzones, hoagys, and other Italian favorites. Their hand-tossed crust is a perfectly balanced thickness and their sauce is sweeter than your average pizza sauce — which is a very good thing in my book! Most locations feature dine in, carry out, or delivery options, but some locations don’t have a dining room. Check online in advance to confirm!

Katie G.:  Grab your little fossil hunters and head to Trammel Fossil Park in Sharonville. Kids and adults alike will love climbing the big hill in search for cool and unique fossils, some dating back the age of dinosaurs. Most of these fossils have been undisturbed over the years and are very unique to the area. Spend 10 minutes or spend hours there. You won't be disappointed in the treasures you'll find. Don't forget your buckets and shovels!

Cost: Free

Hannah Scott:  One of the most successful businesses to land an investment deal on the popular TV show Shark Tank, Tom+Chee features a variety of fun, nontraditional grilled cheese fillings and tomato soup varieties. Kids meals come with a grilled cheese, soup, and a drink but you can substitute chips or fruit if soup isn't their thing. The Newport location is located right next to the Newport Aquarium, so you can easily visit both in the same outing.

Tip: Be sure to save room for the famous grilled cheese donuts! We always purchase a few different flavors when we go so everyone can try a bite of each.

Beth Wood:  Known as the world's largest recirculating pool, Coney Island, is a must visit! Their two-acre Sunlight Pool features diving boards, an acre of shallow water, swimming lanes and more. Four water slides, the Typhoon Tower with 73 interactive play stations, numerous dining options, cabana rentals, large seating areas and more make your visit more fun. Head over to the amusement park area where you'll find thrill rides, kid's rides, family attractions, live shows and more. Tickets can be purchased for pool only, amusement park only or combo of both attractions.

Cost: $6.95 - $21.95 per person

Hannah Scott:  It may be called “chili,” but Cincinnati-style chili is actually a sauce with Greek origins, and tastes way different than anything you’ve ever had! Locals crave it, and visitors either love it or hate it. To order like a local, start with a cheese coney (hot dog with chili, cheese, mustard, and onion) or a 3-way (spaghetti with chili and cheese). More Skyline locations are all over Cincy, so be sure to give it a try and see what you think!

Perhaps best known as the home of Fiona the Hippo, the Cincinnati Zoo is a must-see for any visitors to the Queen City. A host of indoor and outdoor exhibits and encounters let you get up close and personal with creatures from all over the world (without ever leaving the heart of the city).

Katie G.:  Eden Park offers a large green space which is home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Playhouse and the Krohn Conservatory. On the grounds of the park you can also find a picturesque magnolia garden with a gazebo, trees and walking paths. Families will love the amazing views of the Ohio River and Northern Kentucky, Mirror Lake, the Bettman Fountain, brass sculptures and a fun playground.

Hannah Scott:  Walk just inches above the sharks on the Shark bridge, enjoy hands-on encounters with sharks, stingrays, and sea urchins, and other tide pool creatures, and take in a 360 view of the water through one of several tunnel tanks. It’s a whole new way to look at the sea!

Hannah Scott:  Smale Riverfront Park is the perfect place to let the kiddos get some energy out while seeing the Cincinnati skyline and the boat activity on the Ohio River. Features include Carol Ann’s Carousel (each animal is decorated to represent a significant Cincinnati person, place, or historical event), porch-style swings overlooking the river, Ohio River Trail access, and multiple playground areas including a rock climbing canyon, log climbers, twin racing slides, a rope bridge, talking tubes, exercise pipes, a giant foot piano, seasonal water play, and more!

Cost: $2 for carousel rides

Hannah Scott:  Cincinnati’s ArtWorks program hires talented high school students to assist in mural projects each summer. The result is a downtown with pops of giant art everywhere you look. Get some exercise by taking a self-guided mural tour using this map.

Cost: free