Indoor Family-Friendly Attractions for Cold Cincinnati Winters

Winter is just around the corner which, for Ohioans, can mean lots of time spent indoors away from the cold and unpredictable winter weather. And for families with small children, that means fewer chances for the kids to run around outside getting out all of the energy that little kids always have. Luckily, Cincinnati is full of great family-friendly places that will let kids roam and explore and learn and, most importantly, get rid of some of that restless energy that winter always brings. 

Newport Aquarium

This is a classic and absolutely beautiful aquarium. People actually come to Cincinnati to visit this aquarium so if you live in the area, you definitely shouldn’t miss it. With plenty of exhibits to keep both young and old entertained, it’s a perfect escape during the cold, unpredictable weather. Don’t miss the Shark Bridge. And in December, Scuba Santa comes to visit!

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

If you’re looking for something more educational, this is an amazing place to spend an afternoon. Exhibits cover everything from the beginning of slavery in America to the role the Underground Railroad played in helping free slaves and those brave people who fought against slavery, to present-day heroes and struggles of those still experiencing slavery and the lasting effects of slavery in America. And it provides exhibits for people of all ages so be sure to bring the entire family.

Cincinnati Museum Center

This is another great place if you want something a little more educational but this one also offers some great places for kids to explore hands-on. With lots of great exhibits, though some you will have to pay extra for, it’s easy to spend all day here. And with places like KidSPACE and Kids’ Town, parents can have some time to relax and just let the kids play. A Discovery ticket gets you into the Cincinnati History Museum, the Duke Energy Children’s Museum and the Museum of Natural History and Science. The museum also participates in the Museum for All program which allows guests with EBT cards or SNAP to get tickets for just $2 for up to ten people. 

Cincinnati Fire Museum

If you aren’t quite ready to invest in an entire day out or you have a fire truck enthusiast, the Cincinnati Fire Museum might be the right place for you. Here you can learn about the history and development of Fire Departments and see fire fighting artifacts from different time periods. You can also learn about fire safety, which is always important. Admission is free for kids 6 and under but keep in might that they are closed Sundays, Mondays and major holidays.