Looking for a fun day out with the littles?
Whether you are hosting family or friends, or have children of your own, let the fare free streetcar connect the dots of your next downtown adventure!
Park in one place for the day—either near Findlay Market or The Banks—or take the Cincinnati Metro* downtown before setting off on your OTR and Central Business District jaunt. There are so many great options to see museums, eat delicious food, take in historic architecture and landmarks, plus explore award-winning parks on the streetcar line** in the basin.
Download the Transit app*** to map your journey and to know when to catch the streetcar in real time.
Findlay Market*
Findlay Market is the oldest continuously operated market in Ohio. It is an award-winning landmark and a must for everyone to see and experience—residents and tourists alike.
From events, live music, and unique vendors to excellent food options, Findlay Market truly has something for everyone. And it is housed in a historic market house with colorful Italianate architecture surrounding.
Grab a treat from Dojo Gelato or Makers Bakers Co. after having a bite from OTR Bagel Bar or one of dozens of food vendors available in and around the market.
Looking for a specific type of cuisine to fit your budget? Just ask!
Findlay Market is sandwiched by two streetcar stations: 10 – Findlay Market (Elm) to its west on Elm Street (northbound) and 12 – Findlay Market (Race) to its east on Race Street (southbound).
Washington Park*
Washington Park was acquired by the city of Cincinnati in 1855 and was expanded and revitalized in 2012. It hosts free events, markets, live music, and other daily programming year round.
Washington Park is anchored in the center of vibrant OTR and is flanked by historic landmarks, and arts venues, as well as Italianate, Gothic, and Beaux Art architecture.
No matter the time of year, there is always something to do at Washington Park. In warm months the fountains are on and used as a splash pad, while the playground entertains the little ones year round. There is also a dog park, bandstand, and Porch where you can buy snacks and beverages. (Check their website for hours depending on the time of year.)
It is serviced by two different streetcar stops: 8 – 14th and Elm going northbound and 14 – Washington Park going southbound.
Fountain Square*
Fountain Square is a public city square in the heart of the Central Business District, and that has served as a symbolic center of the city since 1871. The Tyler Davidson Fountain (“Genius of Water”) is one of The Queen City’s most recognized and visited landmarks.
Fountain Square plays host to events, live music, and other programming throughout the year, including an ice rink in the cold months, fireworks displays, and a roller rink this spring 2023.
Fountain Square is surrounded by historically significant architecture, retail, hotels, and restaurants.
It is serviced by the 18 – Fountain Square streetcar stop, which is located just to the south of the Square on Walnut Street.
Moerlein Lager House*
Lager House opened in 2012 and has been a flagship restaurant in Cincinnati’s culinary resurgence. Christian Moerlein has been brewing beer in Cincinnati since 1853 and is a pillar of our robust brewing heritage.
Lager House hosts events year round, including Brunch, Brews, and Baseball, Rockin’ the Roebling in warm months, and the Everything Cincy Pre-game Fest before all Bengals home games.
Moerlein Lager House is an institution in our great city and it often tops my list of recommendations for visitors to check out while they’re in town. The food is great, they have a microbrewery producing Moerlein craft beers onsite, and the views of the Roebling and surrounding cityscape are hard to top.
Lager House is serviced by streetcar stop 1 – The Banks, which is a short walk from the restaurant.
Click here to view their menu. A kids menu is also available. We like to get an order of Servatii pretzels with house-made beer cheese from their First Base menu and supplement with a side of fruit.
Smale Riverfront Park
The John G. and Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park is a public gathering place along the Ohio River featuring multiple splash pads and water features, swings, interactive and imaginative play areas, pollinator gardens, and Carol Ann’s Carousel ($2 per ride). There are several monuments and memorials as well as picturesque views of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, the Kentucky riverfront, and Downtown Cincinnati.
Smale Riverfront Park enjoys arts programming (such as Blink), Rockin’ the Roebling, live music, and free fitness in warmer months.
Smale Riverfront Park is connected to Yeatman’s Cove Park Sawyer Point Park, and International Friendship Park via the two-mile-long riverwalk boasting scenic river views and spanning vistas of the rolling hills of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
It is serviced by streetcar stop 1 – The Banks, which is a 1/3-mile walk from the park and includes crossing a busier road and potentially using stairs (though elevators are also available).
There are many options listed above and below, so it would be best to pick your favorite(s) according to what you love to do and choose your own adventure. And your guests are sure to be impressed with your Cincinnati tour guide knowledge.
If you ever have any specific questions or would like a customized recommendation catered to your preferences, all you have to do ask.
Enjoy!
There are so many great options for family friendly things to do downtown. Here are some additional kid-friendly places along the streetcar line:
21c Museum Hotel*
Streetcar stop 17 – Aronoff Center
Central Parkway YMCA*
Streetcar stop 15 – Central Parkway
Cincinnati and Hamilton County Library – Main Branch
Streetcar stop 16 – Public Library
Cincinnati Reds at GABP and Hall of Fame Museum
Streetcar stop 1 – The Banks
Contemporary Arts Center
Streetcar stop 17 – Aronoff Center
Court Street Plaza*
Streetcar stop 15 – Central Parkway
FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium*
Streetcar stop 8 – 14th and Elm or
Streetcar stop 9 – Liberty and Elm
Greater’s
Streetcar stop 18 – Fountain Square
The Play Library
Streetcar stop 6 – 12th and Main (Hanke Exchange)
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Streetcar stop 1 – The Banks
On the Rhine Eatery*
Streetcar stop 5 –Court and Main
Streetcar stop 15 – Central Parkway
The Children’s Theatre at The Emery (coming 2025)
Streetcar stop 7 – 12th and Vine
*Everything Cincy partner
**Locations within a block or two of the streetcar line
***The Transit app also works for uploading fare and mapping your route on the Cincinnati Metro
Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.
