Cincinatti

[disneymagicgirl]

Anything fun to do there? Heading up this coming weekend for a cheer competition. Meeting the in laws there. Will have the three kiddos with us...14, 3, 5. Staying in the city. Just found out DD14 doesn't perform til Sunday so we will need to find something to do Saturday.

 

[DVCBELLE]

Since it will be cold...I would suggest either the Newport Aquarium or The Museum Center.

http://www.cincymuseum.org/visit
http://www.newportaquarium.com/

 

[mhambrick]

The museum is a lot of fun and has a great children's area. I don't really care for the aquarium but you might enjoy it and there are quite a few good restaurants/shops right next door. Even though it will be cold I still recommend our zoo, it's one of the best in the country and there are quite a few indoor exhibits.

www.cincinnatizoo.org

 

[LadyBeBop]

I just checked the seven day forecast. I would have suggested the zoo if the daytime temps would get above the predicted 25 degrees. Too cold for me. And I have season passes.

I agree with the others. Museum Center is nice for a few hours. Aquarium is OK...I think it's overpriced for what you get.

The Krohn Conservatory is beautiful. It's a large greenhouse inside Eden Park, one of our bigger parks in town. Prices are reasonable too.

http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/index.php/krohn/10-krohn/184-enchanted-forest-spring-show

We have our malls and shopping areas. If you go to the Aquarium, you might as well go to Newport-On-The Levee.

And before you leave, you gotta have lunch at one of our chili places. The two most popular are Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili. Both are chain restaurants with about a couple dozen restaurants apiece in the area. And there's also Camp Washington Chili. There's only one Camp Washington Chili. It's pretty close to the museum center, but not within walking distance.

http://www.campwashingtonchili.com/

Cincinnati isn't a great wintertime destination. But I think we have enough to make your weekend enjoyable. Have fun.

 

[smitch425]

Unless your kids really like fish, I would not do the aquarium. It is pretty small for the price and only takes 2 hours or so to complete. The museum center is nice, and if you like to shop, there is an outlet mall 25 minutes from the city (north on 75 exit 29--Cincinnati Premium Outlets). There is also an IKEA which is fun, especially if you've never been to one (I-75 exit 19). If the weather was nicer, I would have also suggested the zoo, but it is going to be really cold this week. Boo!

 

[luvthatduke]

The Creation Museum is right across the river in Kentucky.
My son really enjoyed it and keeps asking to go back!

http://creationmuseum.org/

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Unless your kids really like fish, I would not do the aquarium. It is pretty small for the price and only takes 2 hours or so to complete. The museum center is nice, and if you like to shop, there is an outlet mall 25 minutes from the city (north on 75 exit 29--Cincinnati Premium Outlets). There is also an IKEA which is fun, especially if you've never been to one (I-75 exit 19). If the weather was nicer, I would have also suggested the zoo, but it is going to be really cold this week. Boo!

Awesome! We are building a house and I have found some things on ikea.com that I am interested in, but the closest is hours away. Will def get there!

Thanks everyone for all the ideas. I am checking out the links now.

 

[mkymouse1928]

The Aquarium in Newport is currently having a deal of buy one adult entrance and get two free child entrances.

I would also highly recommend a visit to Graeter's Ice Cream. Absolutely the best ice cream I have ever eaten, hands down!

The Museum Center at Union Terminal has already been mentioned, so I will just give it my endorsement, too. I haven't met a child yet who hasn't had a great time there.

If you're baseball fans, you may be able to visit the Reds Hall of Fame at Great American Ballpark. I'm not 100% sure it's open year round, but it may be worth looking into.

It's funny, I'm a Cincinnatian born and raised and I really had to put on my thinking cap. I guess I just take the joys of my city for granted. I hope you have a fun visit and find everyone to be welcoming and kind.

 

[shelwoj]

Lived there many moons ago and the one thing I always make sure to do when we go back for a visit is.....Jungle Jims. Lord I love that place!

http://www.junglejims.com/

 

[donaldlovesdaisy]

Two words Skyline Chilli! Most amazing chili you will ever eat. I miss living close to one!

 

[tinkerbell615]

I will also give a thumbs up for Jungle Jims. It's pretty amazing. Also would second the Graeter's Ice Cream and Skyline or Gold Star Chili. I am also a fan of Camp Washington Chili, although it will be easier to find Skyline or Gold Star since there are quite a few in the Cincinnati area.

Have fun!!

 

[letsgoreds]

I see that you have two young boys...the top two destinations IMO would be the aforementioned Cincy Museum Center (actually 3 separate museum, childrens, history, and natural science) AND Entertrainment Junction if your boys are in to trains. Largest indoor train display + play/climbing area to burn off some energy. Very close to this is Dewey's Pizza (BEST pizza in Cincy) and Graeters (famous ice cream).

All of these places are an exit or two north of IKEA, about 20-30 minutes north of downtown Cincy on I-75. There is a kids play area at IKEA...just check the boys in and shop, shop, shop : )

...there are usually half price BOGO deals for Entertrainment Junction, just dig a little on the internet.

http://www.entertrainmentjunction.com/

http://www.deweyspizza.com/ (West Chester location) Fun for kids...there is a window for watching, and the bakers will often throw flour/dough at the kids. Salads are awesome + good beers on tap.

P.S. I am a fan of Skyline Chili...but it is an acquired taste, eater beware ; )

 

[smitch425]

There is a kids play area at IKEA...just check the boys in and shop, shop, shop : )

Just an FYI, this area is only for children that are 100% fully potty trained. They do not allow diapers in the play area.

 

[ceecee]

Two words Skyline Chilli! Most amazing chili you will ever eat. I miss living close to one!

I like Gold Star the best!
The Aquarium is small and if you've been to one before you won't be impressed. Great Wolf Lodge is near if you have an extra night to stay over. The Zoo is nice but too cold for me too! The outlets are fun, don't expect great bargains though.

 

[Interrobang]

I live in a suburb of Cincinnati. There are lots of fun things to do. Cincinnati has a great zoo if it's a decent day to be outside. If not, the Newport Aquarium in N. Kentucky (right across the river) is fabulous. The Cincinnati Museum Center downtown has great exhibitions, IMAX movies, and a children's museum. If you like art museums, either the Cincinnati Art Museum or the Contemporary Art Center are worth a visit. Let me know if you have any particular interests. There are some cute shopping areas and other attractions.

 

[mrsklamc]

Is it true that the gap distribution outlet no longer has the deals it used to?