Summer in Cincinnati
Our family likes to take the month of June off. We sleep in, slow down, and breathe. We hit up some parks and spend a good amount of time at the pool, but we mostly lay low. Come July, I am ready to take on summer in the city! Cincinnati has so much to offer, and so many exciting places to visit. Here are some great ideas for your family!
4th of July Fun
● On July 3rd, spend the day at Coney Island for LaRosa’s Balloon Glow! Enjoy Sunlite pool, live music, family entertainment and classic rides. In the evening, the sky illuminates with colorful hot air balloons from 8-10pm. At 10:00pm, the grand finale is a spectacular Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks display over the banks of Lake Como.
● Ault Park Independence Day Celebration - A full day of family-friendly fun including children's parade, food, festivities and music. The event starts at 11am and concludes after the fireworks at 10pm.
● Red, White, and Blue Ash - Summit Park will be filled with music, entertainment, food, drinks and family fun! This annual celebration is free and open to the public.
● Stricker’s Grove - Enjoy rides, food, friends and family and cap the day off with fireworks!
● Patriotic Pops - The Cincinnati Pops presents American patriotic favorites at Riverbend. The fireworks display closes out the evening.
● Fireworks at Kings Island – The 10pm fireworks show will be bigger and better than the traditional nightly fireworks display! The park stays open until midnight to enjoy even more thrills. Free admission on Military Appreciations Days, July 1-4.
Train Lovers of All Ages
● The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railway offers family friendly experiences all year long. This summer the PBS Train Rides include Curious George, Daniel Tiger, and Super Why. There is also a Family Pizza Train ride on July 13 and 28.
● EnterTrainment Junction - When you need a break from the heat, visit one of the world’s largest indoor train displays. This summer you can also take a visit to the North Pole during EnterTrainment Junction’s Christmas in July celebration. August begins a month a Everything Thomas.
Music & Theater
● Wednesday in the Woods-The Clifton Cultural Arts Center celebrates summer with 10 weeks of FREE music! Each week also features local food vendors, and new this summer, there is beer available for purchase from Fifty West Brewing Company. Concert goers are encouraged to bring product donations to benefit neighbors in needs. In the month of July, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services will be collecting new baby items. All concerts are at the Burnet Woods Bandstand. You can see a the lineup for this free concert series and more information about donations right here.
● FREE movies every Wednesday night in Washington Park. Movies begin at 9 PM. Click here to check out what’s playing.
● Speaking of movies, Cincinnati Mom’s Blog put together a great list of free and cheap movies playing all around town. Mark your calendars!
● East Side Players will perform Beauty and the Beast at the Blue Ash outdoor Amphitheater, in the Nature Park adjacent to the Blue Ash Recreation Center. Show dates and ticket information can be found on their website.
Sports
● FC Cincinnati excitement is all over the city as our beloved soccer team became the newest team to join Major League Soccer. The energy at the games is contagious, and tickets are going fast. So throw on your blue and orange, and get to the UC football stadium, fast!
● Cincinnati Reds Baseball Camps are happening all summer and all over town. It’s not too late for boys and girls to sign up up for these week long baseball/softball camps!
FREE Classes
● FREE classes offered at the Apple store? What? It’s true, but hurry! They are filling fast! Kids ages 8-12 can expand their digital creativity during these exciting 90 minute classes. Get more information here.
● Cincinnati Public Libraries are offering FREE camps all summer long. Brain Camps and Mini Brain Camps are specially designed to provide opportunities for students to explore STREAM and other topics through hands-on activities. They are filling up quickly, so check your local library today!
● The Contemporary Art Center is hosting the Young Adult Lab this summer. Stop by the UnMuseum on the 6th floor for a FREE drop-in art making program. Join every Thursday from 4:00-6:00 pm. Experiment with mix media materials, make a friend and create something new! All art supplies will be provided by the CAC!
Written by Joy Becker, Mentoring Coordinator and Author of 44 & Oxford
