Quick Summary:

  • Many of Cincinnati's top museums offer free admission daily or on special weekly or monthly free days, with some of the nation's largest annual free festivals held each year in the city's downtown district.
  • Free outdoor recreation opportunities abound.
  • For lower-cost transportation options, many of the city's top attractions are accessible via the city's transit system, which offers bus, paratransit, and streetcar service lines.
  • Some attractions are free only on certain days – please check before you go.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Stroll along the Smale Riverfront Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Stroll along the Smale Riverfront Park | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of Christian Hinkle - Fotolia.com

2. Go for a Free drive in Spring Grove ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Go for a Free drive in Spring Grove | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of Anne Kitzman - Fotolia.com

3. Visit The Taft Museum of Art for free on the third Sunday

Category: Museums & Culture
Visit The Taft Museum of Art for free on the third Sunday | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© The Taft Museum of Art

4. Explore The William Howard Taft National Historic Site for Free

Category: Attractions
Explore The William Howard Taft National Historic Site for Free | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© NPS Photo

5. Visit the FREE museum at 21c Museum Hotel

Category: Accommodations
Visit the FREE museum at 21c Museum Hotel | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© 21c Museum Hotel

6. Catch a free tour at The Cincinnati Art Museum

Tours
Catch a free tour at The Cincinnati Art Museum | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© The Cincinnati Art Museum

7. Enjoy a picnic in Eden Park

Category: Activities
Enjoy a picnic in Eden Park | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of nat693 - Fotolia.com

8. Tour Findlay Market

Tours
Tour Findlay Market | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of Mandy - Fotolia.com

9. Take your dog for a walk in Fleischmann Garden

Category: Activities
Take your dog for a walk in Fleischmann Garden | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of Rawich Liwlucksaneey - Fotolia.com

10. Enjoy a free concert in Fountain Square

Category: Attractions
Enjoy a free concert in Fountain Square | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of Sherman Cahal - Fotolia.com

11. Enjoy free admission to The Contemporary Arts Center

Category: Attractions
Enjoy free admission to The Contemporary Arts Center | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© The Contemporary Arts Center

12. On a rainy day, head to The Public Library of Cincinnati

Category: Kids & Family
On a rainy day, head to The Public Library of Cincinnati | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© The Public Library of Cincinnati

13. Cross The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge on Foot

Cross The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge on Foot | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Logan/stock.adobe.com

14. Visit The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal

Category: Attractions
Visit The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of mistyautumn - Fotolia.com

15. Enjoy the half-acre Free children's playground at Washington Park

Category: Activities
Enjoy the half-acre Free children's playground at Washington Park | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of tiagosdp - Fotolia.com

16. Enjoy free nature trails at Ault Park

Category: Activities
Enjoy free nature trails at Ault Park | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of Paul Lemke - Fotolia.com

17. Enjoy Free Parking at The Loveland Bike Trail

Tours
Enjoy Free Parking at The Loveland Bike Trail | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of Michael Kachalov - Fotolia.com

18. Check out the dog park in The Mount Airy Forest

Category: Activities
Check out the dog park in The Mount Airy Forest | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of mitgirl - Fotolia.com

19. Enjoy FREE admission to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

Enjoy FREE admission to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of Kzenon - Fotolia.com

20. Enjoy Free Admission to Taste of Cincinnati

Enjoy Free Admission to Taste of Cincinnati | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of Tina - Fotolia.com

21. Admire WEBN Fireworks at the Cincinnati Riverfest

Category: Activities
Admire WEBN Fireworks at the Cincinnati Riverfest | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of Paul Lemke - Fotolia.com

22. Have family fun with AFK Geocaching

Category: Kids & Family
Have family fun with AFK Geocaching | Free & Cheap Vacation Ideas in Cincinnati
© Courtesy of kaninstudio - Fotolia.com

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