There is no denying that summer is the most enjoyable time in Cincinnati, owing to the abundance of activities available around the city.
Summer in Cincinnati is jam-packed with activities, from attending Reds baseball games to visiting our rooftop bars to trekking in one of the numerous parks all around the city to getting a drink at one of the city’s 40+ breweries. As a result, it is difficult to get bored in Queen City during the summer months.
You are not alone if you have trouble coming up with ideas for things to do. In this piece, we will go through 35 great activities to do in Cincinnati during the summer months.
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Go to a Cincinnati Reds game and enjoy yourself
Attending a Cincinnati Reds baseball game is one of the most apparent things to do in the city during the summer months. You may view their whole schedule by clicking here.
Watch and enjoy an FC Cincinnati soccer game
Attending an FC Cincinnati soccer game is another entertaining activity that fits in with the sports theme of the day. The team only recently entered the Top League Soccer (MLS) in 2019, making them a relative newcomer to the major leagues. However, the community adores them, and the games are always entertaining to watch. This group performs from March through September, and you can view their complete calendar here.
Buy a delicious cone at one of Cincinnati’s best ice cream shops
Cincinnati is home to a plethora of fantastic ice cream businesses, and there is no better time of year to visit them than during the summer months.
Dine in some delicious BBQ Cuisine
Cooking over an open flame is another type of meal best eaten during the summer. For those of us who live in Cincinnati, there are many wonderful barbecue restaurants to choose from.
Visit one of the many rooftop bars that the city offers.
There is nothing better than having a drink while taking in the view. To enjoy the finest experience possible, you should go to a rooftop bar, and Cincinnati has several to choose from.
Volleyball at 50 West Brewery is a must
It is situated on the east end of town, along the Little Miami River, and is one of the only beer brands in the region to have six outdoor volleyball courts used for weekly leagues and tournament games. Fifty West is one of the oldest breweries in the country, having been established in 1850. Summer nights at Fifty West are a great place to relax with a few beers and a couple of volleyball games, and it is one of the most enjoyable summer things you can do. The best part is that most of their games are played on weeknights, which allows you to rest from your workweek and have something to look forward to in the mid of every week.
Be part of the Ohio River Paddlefest
Year after year, hundreds of kayakers and canoeists go to the Ohio River for the Ohio River Paddlefest, which is considered the nation’s greatest paddling event. On this adventure, canoe or kayak participants travel nine miles across downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. This is a fantastic event that is accessible to the general public.
Enjoy Bunbury Musical Festival
Located along the Ohio River near Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove, the Bunbury Music Event is a three-day music festival held in early June. Each year, the festival boasts over 100 bands that play on three to six distinct stages, making it one of the most entertaining live music concerts you can visit in the whole city of Cincinnati.
Participate in the Hyde Park Blast Bike Race
Another entertaining summer event to visit is the Hyde Park Blast Bike Race, which takes place over one weekend and transforms the Hyde Park Square into a racing course. In addition to amateur and professional cyclists competing in several different events, food booths and live music are put up around the plaza, making this a truly community event.
Attend a concert at Riverbend Music Center.
Attending a performance at Riverbend, an outdoor amphitheater located on the east end of Cincinnati along the Ohio River, is yet another entertaining summer activity to do. This facility, which has a capacity of more than 20,000 people, is the most popular site to witness big-name bands and artists who travel from all over the country to play.
Spend the day at Kings Island amusement park.
A day at Kings Island, the largest amusement park in the region, is something that the entire family can enjoy throughout the summer. Water slides, a large range of roller coasters, and various carnival-style booths and activities are all available at the park.
Take a BB riverboat tour and dine while taking in the sights
Formed in 1979, BB Riverboats has served as the official riverboat cruise operator for the city of Cincinnati. It provides cruises down the Ohio River for sightseeing, eating, and special events, among other things. On their website, you can learn more about their various cruises and their price alternatives.
Enjoy a concert at Seasongood Pavilion
Seasongood Pavilion is an outdoor pavilion in Eden Park that hosts a variety of plays and events throughout the year, many of which are free to the public. It is located in the heart of the park. So if you are searching for some outdoor entertainment on a warm evening, the pavilion is a good place to check out.
Visit Krohn Conservatory’s Butterfly show
Every year, between late March and mid-June, the Krohn Conservatory holds a Butterfly Show, open to the general public. Thousands of butterflies are allowed to flutter freely throughout the display room in a garden that has been specifically themed at this period. This is one of the most enjoyable events to attend with friends and family throughout the summer months.
Strolling through Findlay Market
An additional enjoyable summer pastime is a stroll around Findlay Market, the largest and oldest farmer’s market in the city. If you are a foodie or are simply looking for a fun and unusual spot to visit, this is the place to go. With over one hundred merchants offering meat, fruit, sweets, and other local cuisines, this is a great place to check out. As well as ample outdoor dining spaces, they frequently have live music performances during the summer months, making it a pleasant location to hang out and enjoy some cuisine while listening to live music.
Participate in a Fountain Square event
Fountain Square is the most well-known downtown city square in Cincinnati, and it is located in the heart of the city. Several events and festivals are held throughout the year, and it is home to food trucks, local merchants, free public concerts, and a range of other activities. Those seeking something to do on a warm evening should pay attention to the activities going place at Fountain Square.
Take a tour of Cincinnati Observatory
The Cincinnati Observatory is home to the world’s oldest telescope, which is currently in use by the general public on a nightly basis. In addition, the observatory offers daylight visits and conducts various public events throughout the year, including festivals, guided stargazing, and other activities. Whatever your reason for visiting the Cincinnati Observatory, whether you are seeking something different to do with your friends and family or simply interested in learning more about the science of astronomy, it is a worthwhile stop.
Take in the Views from Carew Tower (temporarily closed)
The Carew Tower Observation Deck is a viewing platform located on the 49th level of the Carew Tower in downtown Los Angeles that provides spectacular panoramic views of the city that stretch for miles in every direction. For those aged 12 and over, the cost to ride the deck is $6 per person. This is a very beautiful location to visit on a clear summer day because you can see for kilometers in all directions around the city.
Hike in the woods of California’s Central Valley
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California Woods, a natural preserve on the city’s east side, is one of the greatest spots to go trekking in all of Cincinnati. It is also one of the best sites to see wildlife. California Woods is home to numerous miles of hiking paths, making it the ideal spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and spend some quiet time in the wilderness.
Take a stroll in Smale Riverfront Park
This park is immediately on the Ohio River and is beautifully planted and well-maintained. It features a long, meandering walking track with several swinging benches to relax on and enjoy the scenery, including views of the river and the bridges that pass over into Northern Kentucky. It is a fantastic park to visit with friends and family on any sunny day throughout the summer months.
Enjoy a walk-through of Glenwood Gardens
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Glenwood Gardens is one of our favorite outdoor spaces in the entire city of Cincinnati, and it is a little-known secret. Glenwood Gardens, located on the northern end of the city between the neighborhoods of Glendale and Woodlawn (hence the name), has several miles of paved, gravel, and dirt hiking trails and contains various habitats to explore. It is located between the neighborhoods of Glendale and Woodlawn. Glenwood Gardens is a wonderful site to visit whether you seek a calm walk, a lengthy hike, or take in some beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Visit the City Flea
The City Flea is Cincinnati’s original urban flea market, held once a month in Washington Park in the Over-The-Rhine district. It was founded in 1982. The flea market features a diverse selection of sellers selling virtually anything conceivable, and it is a popular destination for people from all over the city. The city flea will be held on the following days and venues in the future year, which you may find here.
Enjoy playing a Frisbee Golf round
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Enjoy playing a Frisbee Golf round Cincinnatians are fortunate in that there are several frisbee golf courses sprinkled across the city. The best part is that they are free to participate.
Shooting Some Hoops on a Public Basketball Court
Continue with the outside theme by organizing a group of friends to play basketball at one of the numerous public basketball courts available across the city. This is another great free activity that you may participate in.
Attending an event at Washington Park
Washington Park, which is present in the center of Over-The-Rhine, is one of the city’s most popular park areas. The park conducts several free public activities throughout the year — check out their web calendar to see what events are coming up next.
Take a ride on the Loveland Bike Trail
The Loveland Bike Trail is one of the most extensive bike routes in the greater Cincinnati region. The track, which stretches for 70 miles in total, is ideal for bikers, but it is also suitable for anybody who wants to stroll along the trail, take in the scenery, and visit the numerous taverns, restaurants, and stores line the route. Also in the neighborhood is Mile 42 Coffee, which is a nice spot to grab a coffee before or after you go for a stroll around the neighborhood.
Consider taking a Self-Guided Mural Tour
Murals may be seen in abundance across the city, particularly in the Downtown region and Over-The-Rhine. Fortunately, Artworks Cincinnati has issued a map showing the locations of each mural, making it simple to take a self-guided tour of the city and marvel at the stunning larger-than-life designs that have been created. You can also see a list of our top 12 favorite murals in the greater Cincinnati region by clicking here.
Enjoy a Cup of Coffee in the Fresh Air
Cincinnati is home to more than 50 independently owned coffee shops, many of which offer wonderful outside seating areas where you may relax and enjoy a beverage. Some of our favorite establishments are Iris Book Cafe, Sidewinder Coffee, and Coffee Emporium, to name a few (Hyde Park location).
Take in the Views from Alms Park
Alms Park, located on the east side of the city, has spectacular views of the Ohio River, the Little Miami River, the hills of northern Kentucky, and the Lunken International Airport, among other things. This is a tranquil spot to visit on a hot summer afternoon with numerous different viewpoints.
Enjoy kayaking or canoeing
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Canoeing and kayaking are two more enjoyable summer activities to partake in. The Little Miami River and the Great Miami River, located on opposite sides of the city, are the two most popular locations for this activity. There are multiple drop-in stations along both rivers at various locations, and there are also kayak and canoe rental firms you may take advantage of if you do not already have your equipment.
Hike around the Cincinnati Nature Center
The Cincinnati Nature Center is one of the greatest spots to go hiking in all of Cincinnati, and it is located right in the city. This nature area, located on the east side of the city in Milford, comprises more than 1,000 acres (including 65 acres of old-growth forest) and has hiking trails totaling 16 miles in length. The center is open all year; however, please remember that daily entrance for adults is $9, or you may choose a yearly membership at a discounted rate. You may learn more about their entry policies, operating hours, and fees by visiting their website.
Take a tour of the Pedal Wagon
When you think of a pedal wagon, you probably think of a large “waggon” that requires numerous people to pedal on it simultaneously for it to travel along the street. One of the most popular pedal cart excursions takes you through Over-The-Rhine‘s center and lasts two hours, with many stops at different taverns and breweries.
Attend an event in Summit Park
Summit Park has something for everyone, with a 130-acre park in the middle of Blue Ash. It has a large selection of restaurants and stores, a dog park, two large playgrounds, walking trails, and other amenities. Throughout the year, Summit Park hosts a variety of public activities, including outdoor yoga, a weekly farmers market, and outdoor fitness classes.
Take a tour of Coney Island Amusement Park
Coney Island is an amusement park with a huge water park part located on the east side of Ohio along the banks of the Ohio River. It is a fantastic spot to visit with the family during the summer months. More information may be found on their website.
Enjoy a movie in a drive-in theatre
Summer is the best time to visit a drive-in cinema and watch a motion picture. Visit one of the several drive-in cinemas found within a 50-mile radius of Cincinnati with a group of friends or family members.
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