Discover More of Cincinnati at These Lesser-Known Attractions

Cincinnati has plenty of well-known attractions, from the Great American Ball Park to its famous zoo and botanical garden. You don’t have to follow the crowds to find something to enjoy in this city, though. Cincinnati’s lesser-known highlights are equally as exciting, and much more interesting to uncover.

1. Glenwood Gardens
10397 Springfield Pike
Woodlawn

Glenwood Gardens offers a charming escape from the bustle of daily life in Cincinnati. You can stroll the one-mile paved trail, or explore 1.6 miles of wetland on the nature trail. Dense forests, expansive prairies, and landscaped gardens are all on hand for you to experience. For children, the 12-acre Highfield Discovery Garden is a must-see. This whimsical escape features a 25-foot tall play tree, trolley garden with small scale trains, Grandma’s Scent Garden with smelly plants to check out, and more. Admission is $5 per person.

2. Creativities
7010 Miami Ave
Cincinnati

Creativities is an art studio housed in an 1880s farmhouse. Stocked with fabric, polymer clay, beads, paper, and more, this artistic haven beckons children to let their creativity shine. If you want to go wild, you can visit during open studio time. A two-hour time slot is just $10, and projects typically run between $8 and $25. You can also sign up for workshops, classes, and summer programs with a more specialized focus on particular types of projects.

3. Neons Unplugged
208 E 12th St
Cincinnati

If you’re looking for craft beer and cocktails, Neons Unplugged is a prime contender. This Over-the-Rhine bar features distinctive highlights like a giant Jenga set, bocce ball, a patio fire pit, and an eclectic lineup of live music. Enjoy it all while sipping one of 135 craft bottled beers or a cocktail featuring made-from-scratch syrups, bitters, and infusions.

4. Carew Tower
441 Vine St
Cincinnati

Head up to the observation deck at Carew Tower and you can take in downtown Cincinnati from 49 stories in the air. Throughout the tower you’ll find shops, restaurants, and other destinations, but the 49th floor is the real must-see in this destination. After taking in the city, you can snag a great souvenir from the gift shop as well. Admission to the observation deck is just $4 for visitors ages 12 and up, $2 for children ages 6-11, and free for children five and under.

If you’re looking for something fun to do on a free evening or weekend in Cincinnati, these out-of-the-box ideas will give you a great place to start. What are your favorite lesser-known destinations in the city? Share them in the comments below.