Weekend Trip Guide: Cincinnati
How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Cincinnati (with a Family!)
If you’re looking for a great weekend city trip, give Cincinnati a try! It’s a short drive away from many midwestern cities and and has fun for everyone. It’s got a lively riverfront district, amazing zoo and museums and awesome food! There is a ton to do for families with kids or teens!
Whether you’re here for the famous chili, the zoo, or the fun family activities, Cincinnati has something for everyone. Here’s our two-day itinerary for a perfect weekend in the Queen City—plus some bonus ideas if you’re sticking around longer.
🚶♂️ Day 1: Markets, Parks & Museums
Start your day at Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest public market and still one of the best. You can wander the stalls, grab breakfast from one of our favorites, The Arepa Place, coffee from Urbana Cafe or a waffle from Taste of Belgium, and let everyone pick something that makes them happy (always a win with kids). We love Findlay Market because there is something for everyone. In the summer, we especially love the craft vendors and the fruit and vegetable stands. We usually grab snacks and breakfast while we are down there, but bring home food for the week! Some other favorites to check out: Eli’s BBQ, OTR Bagel Bar, Babushka Pierogi and all of the amazing dessert vendors.
After Findlay Market, take the 10 minute or so walk over to Washington Park. This is a great place to burn off energy, especially for younger kids. There’s a splash pad in summer, a playground, and often free afternoon events like music, yoga, or outdoor movies. It has great city views, including the historic Music Hall.
When you’re ready for lunch you’ll find tons options right next to the park in OTR (Over-The-Rhine). There are a lot of breweries, top notch food and some fun for the family places as well. Some of our favorite places to recommend and that are also kid approved:
- Bakersfield – for amazing tacos
- Milkman – for a low-key stop with burgers and milkshakes
- The Eagle – for fried chicken and amazing sides
- Lucy Blue or Goodfella’s – for pizza
- The Alcove by Madtree – for a brewery with food
There are so many other amazing food options, so this also makes for a great location for an evening out as well.
In the afternoon, choose your own adventure:
- Museum Center at Union Terminal: Especially great for science lovers and dino fans. It’s in a historic former train terminal as well. They have a wonderful kids museum, but also have a Natural History & Science wing, as well as a and a Cincinnati History Museum. They usually have movies playing on the giant IMAX theater as well.
- Ault Park: Gorgeous green space with trails and city views.
- Eden Park + Cincinnati Art Museum: A beautiful combo of nature and culture—and the museum is free! The park has a nice playground and views of the river.
End the day with a quick drive (or Uber) to Covington, Kentucky, just across the river. The historic MainStrasse Village is nice and there are plenty of great breweries and restaurants to check out. We like Smoke Justis, and Agave and Rye. If looking for a brewery, try Braxton or Covington Yard. And for dessert – check out Golden Gelato or Del Gardo’s Cannoli.
If you still have enough energy, walk the Roebling Suspension Bridge at sunset for skyline views.
🐘 Day 2: Animals, Adventure & the Riverfront
You can’t come to Cincinnati and not visit the Cincinnati Zoo. It’s world-class, it’s home to Fiona the hippo, and it’s just plain fun. Arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat. Our favorite exhibits not to be missed are the gorillas, the full Africa exhibit and the new elephant experience.
For lunch, go full local:
- Skyline Chili (yes, we like it, don’t knock it until you’ve tried the 3-way)
- LaRosa’s Pizza or
- Graeter’s Ice Cream for dessert—because obviously.
Next, make your way downtown to Smale Riverfront Park. It’s one of the best city parks we’ve visited: giant swings, splash pads, interactive fountains, and so many cool details tucked along the Ohio River. If you didn’t get lunch earlier, there are plenty of stops near here in the area called The Banks.
Feeling adventurous? Hop on a riverboat cruise from BB Riverboats. They have sightseeing options perfect for families, and it’s a relaxing way to see the skyline from the water.
Wrap up your weekend with dinner and evening music at Fountain Square. There’s often live entertainment, food trucks, and just an all-around festive vibe. It’s the perfect way to end your two-day Cincy tour.
✨ Have Extra Time?
If you’re lucky enough to have a long weekend—or just want even more ideas—check out these family-friendly favorites:
- 🎢 Kings Island – An easy drive away and packed with coasters, water rides, and family fun. There are plenty of rides for young kids and teens.
- 🐟 Newport Aquarium – Walk through the amazing underwater tunnels and see tons of sharks – located right across the river from downtown
- ⚾ Cincinnati Reds Game – Great American Ball Park is walkable from downtown and very kid-friendly. There are always tickets available, and seats often have great views of the fireworks over the river!
- 🎶 The Banks – Lined with restaurants and activities along the river, perfect for hanging out and quick bites.
- 🏛️ National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – an amazing museum showcasing the devastating history of slavery and the resiliency of people escaping; it is also free on the 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month.
Final Thoughts
Cincinnati is a great city for a long weekend. It’s affordable, easy to navigate, packed with personality, and filled with hidden gems that make a quick weekend feel like a full-on vacation.
Whether you’re seeing the cute animals at the zoo, relaxing by the river, or grabbing ice cream after eating skyline, this is a city provides perfect activities for families.
Where to next? If you’re anywhere near the Midwest, we vote Cincy.
