Cincinnati’s winter season is packed with kid-friendly fun. From hands-on museums and underwater adventures to downtown ice skating and interactive exhibits, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained all season long. With experiences like the Harry Potter–inspired Forbidden Forest and a LEGO® art exhibit featuring more than 100 sculptures, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of winter break. Keep reading for our top must-do activities for families this season.
Bundle up because just outside Cincinnati is the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience. Families can go on an enchanting nighttime trail filled with twinkly lights and see magical creatures like Hippogriffs and unicorns. The woodland walk wraps up in a themed village with food, hot cocoa, marshmallows for s’mores, Butterbeer, and plenty of photographable moments, but hurry, it’s only running until January 3. Don’t miss it during the winter break. Grab your tickets here!
This cozy indoor experience featuring over 100 LEGO® sculptures has just opened in Cincinnati, and it’s not to be missed. Get ready to see incredible art by Nathan Sawaya at the Art of the Brick exhibit, including seasonal and holiday-themed pieces like his ‘12 Days of Christmas’ sculpture, which will wow kids and parents. Marvel at the 12-foot T-Rex and … If you’re a lover of classic art, spend hours taking in Gustav Klimt’s famous portrait of ‘The Kiss,’ Michelangelo’s ‘David’ statue, replicas of Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Edvard Munch’s The Scream, and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Save up to 30% and get a free child ticket now!
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
A winter favorite with indoor fun for all ages is the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. Kids will love exploring the Children’s Museum, discovering dinosaurs, and catching an OMNIMAX movie when it’s too cold outside.
Newport Aquarium
Perfect for chilly days, the Newport Aquarium lets kids walk through shark tunnels, meet penguins, and touch stingrays just across the river in Newport, Kentucky, just minutes from downtown Cincinnati.
Go ice skating
Cincinnati’s outdoor ice rink at Elm Street Plaza takes over the heart of downtown for the winter season, offering classic cold-weather fun for kids and families. The rink stays open through mid-February, with snacks, warm drinks, and plenty of space for all ages to glide under the city lights.