From iconic scenery, family-friendly attractions, hands-on fun, tasty treats, and more, there is always something to do in the Cincy Region. Here are 15 memorable experiences to include on your next Cincy adventure
Walk across the Roebling Bridge
The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge is an icon in Cincy. Look familiar? It's the prototype of New York's Brooklyn Bridge and has been dubbed "the singing bridge" due to the way car tires hum when driving across it. Pedestrian lanes make it a picturesque way to get from Cincinnati to Northern Kentucky (and vice versa) on foot. During baseball season you can even catch a crowd of Reds fans traversing the Ohio River on foot to and from Great American Ballpark! Learn more about the bridge's history.
Ride the Beast at Kings Island
Riding the world's longest wooden roller coaster is a rite of passage! f you like those Kings Island thrills, try the record-breaking Banshee (the world's longest inverted roller coaster) or Mystic Timbers, a 3,200-foot-long wooden coaster that weaves through the forest on the edge of the park and boasts 16 airtime hills. The park’s newest attraction, however, may take the prize for the ultimate adrenaline rush: built in 2020 and standing at 300 feet tall, Orion is one of only seven gigacoasters in the world.
Touch a stingray at the Newport Aquarium
Touch a stingray. Or a shark. Visit with seahorses. Or walk across the Shark Bridge suspended over the "Surrounded by Sharks" exhibit. Kids and adults will be amazed at all the sea life on view at the Newport Aquarium.
Snap Instagram-worthy shots of the Cincinnati skyline from Northern Kentucky
Covington, Newport, and Bellevue in Northern Kentucky all have amazing views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline across the river. After you soak up the view, grab lunch or dinner from neighboring restaurants. For a happy hour with a view, check out these rooftop bars in Cincy.
Feed a giraffe at the Cincinnati Zoo
You can feed a giraffe at Giraffe Ridge, go eye-to-eye with hippos at Hippo Cove, take a train ride, get up close with gorillas and so much more at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Never been? Get some insider tips to make the most of your first visit to the zoo.
Eat a cheese coney
Cincinnati-style chili is a way of life for locals. Whether you pour it over a hot dog for a coney or over spaghetti for a 3-way, you've got to try this regional favorite during your next visit. Get the scoop on Cincinnati chili parlors.
Watch the sunset aboard BB Riverboats
Book a sightseeing or dining cruise aboard BB Riverboats to get a view of the riverfront like none other. Admire the hillsides and sights along the shores of the Ohio River while enjoying the afternoon or evening breezes on the open-air decks.
Drink a locally-crafted beer at the oldest bar in Cincinnati, Arnold’s Bar & Grill
Arnold's opened as a saloon more than 150 years ago and survived Prohibition by adding a kitchen to convert the saloon to a cafe. These days, the bar & grill is known for its local selection of craft beer, good food, and popular courtyard for outdoor dining.
Shop at Findlay Market
Historic Findlay Market in Over-the-Rhine is the perfect spot for families and couples to relax for a casual lunch, purchase fresh locally-sourced food, sip a craft beer in the beer garden, or enjoy a scoop of Dojo Gelato. Click here to find out how to shop like a pro at Findlay Market.
Enjoy a black raspberry chip ice cream cone from Graeter’s Ice Cream
It's hard to resist a scoop of creamy French pot ice cream with huge chunks of chocolate chips. Black Raspberry Chip is a favorite at Graeter's, but don't miss their seasonal flavors. Oh, and we also recommend the donuts.
Drink locally-made bourbon in Northern Kentucky
Learn about Kentucky’s iconic spirit on The B-Line and enjoy a sip at bourbon distilleries and bourbon bars. Stops include New Riff Distilling in Newport, the northernmost stop Boone County Distilling, is known which makes authentic bourbon whiskey in the northern hills of Kentucky, and Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, home to more than 300 domestic bourbons and whiskeys to choose from. Discover the full list of Cincy distilleries.
Visit the Cincinnati Art Museum's Art Climb
Ascend 450 feet from the base to the top at the Cincinnati Art Museum's new experience, Art Climb, and enjoy views of the city and surrounding Eden Park along the way. Plus, tour the museum for free to browse its collection of more than 67,000 objects spanning 6,000 years of artwork from around the world. Find more must-see Cincy museums to explore.
Play "Heart and Soul" on the foot piano at Smale Riverfront Park
Kids and adults will enjoy pouncing on the giant foot piano at the popular Smale Riverfront Park. Plus, there's a carousel, slides, rock climbing wall, porch swings and so much more to explore while at the downtown park. Check out this guide to Click here to explore more at the park.
Spend a day at the Ark Encounter
Explore the architectural marvel, Ark Encounter, the largest timber frame structure in the world. Go inside to see the world-class, biblical-themed exhibits. Outdoors the family will love the Ararat Ridge Zoo and Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures.
Cheer on the Cincinnati Reds at Fountain Square
Watching a Cincinnati Reds baseball game is a tradition that dates back to 1869 when they became America’s first professional baseball team. Reds games at home are a big party and everyone’s invited. From classic burgers and dogs to BBQ cones and hot chicken, grab some tasty eats and craft beer, and enjoy a beloved Cincy tradition. Big Reds fan? Get a dose of Reds history when you explore the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame museum at the stadium.
