A quick guide to family-friendly attractions around Cincinnati, Ohio.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The second oldest zoo in the United States, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens first opened in 1875. Today, it is ranked among the 15 top attractions nationwide by Zagat Survey. It features more than 500 animals, including a pair of White Lions donated by magicians Siegfried and Roy.
Newport Aquarium
Located just across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati is the Newport Aquarium. Its displays include more than 7,000 marine animals in 66 exhibits. They include a 380,000 gallon shark tank and one of the nation's largest open-air shark viewing exhibits. Underwater tunnels and see-through floors give a unique perspective for viewing species such as Antarctic penguins, a Giant Pacific Octopus, seahorses and alligators.
A word of warning to parents of young children: the Newport Aquarium does not permit the use of strollers. However, they do provide child-carrier backpacks free of charge.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Three museums in one, the Cinergy Children's Museum, the Cincinnati History Museum and the Museum of Natural History and Science are all housed in the historic Union Terminal. The famous, art deco terminal's rotunda, home to several major political speeches, features the largest half dome in the Western Hemisphere. It spans 180 feet and rises 106 feet above the main floor. The terminal also houses an OmniMax Theater.
The Children's Museum is known as one of the tops in the county. It offers nine educational and dramatic exhibit areas full of hands-on activities to inform and amaze older children. For younger children, the museum's Little Sprouts Farm offers a safe place to play and explore.
Kings Island
This award winning amusement park is located about 20 miles north of downtown Cincinnati and offers something for every member of the family. The more than 80 rides and attractions include one of the top 10 wooden roller coasters in the world, one of the best indoor coasters and the world's tallest, fastest and only looping wooden roller coaster.
The park's kids' areas have more than 20 pint-sized attractions including kid-sized roller coasters. And the recently opened water park has been recognized as one of the top five water parks in the world.
Coney Island
Smaller, cheaper and less crowded than Kings Island, this amusement park harkens back to the old days of the famous sea-side Coney Island in New York. Its many attractions include an antique-style carousel that measures a 36 feet in diameter. The Famous Fairway Miniature Golf Course is an 18-hole, one-of-a-kind course with replicas of the most famous golf holes in the United States. The 13th hole at Augusta National and the 7th hole at Pebble Beach are just two examples.
Coney Island's most prominent attraction is Sunlite Pool, the largest re-circulating swimming pool in the world. At 200 feet by 401 feet, the pool holds more than three million gallons of water.
Riverboat Cruises
Spend the day sightseeing up and down the majestic Ohio River. Several riverboat companies offer sightseeing and dinner cruises. One even offers a Sunday Afternoon Ice Cream Social cruise. It's an hour-and-a-half of all-you-can eat Sundaes and scenic river views of Cincinnati.
Professional and College Sports
Cincinnati is home to Major League Baseball's Reds and the National Football League's Bengals. Their new playing fields, Paul Brown Stadium and the Great American Ballpark, line the riverfront. The Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, a minor league hockey team, plays at the Cincinnati Gardens.
College basketball powerhouses Xavier Musketeers and the Bearcats of the University of Cincinnati also call the city home.
