Summer is the time to get out of the house and have fun! When the warm weather hits southern Ohio, residents like to take advantage of it and soak up the sun. Cincinnati is full of amazing events all year long-- but summertime is particularly full of fun activities for the whole family. No matter what you’re into-- thrilling roller coasters, great music, or interesting animals-- our list is full of some amazing activities you’ll just have to try for yourself.

We put together a list of some of the most popular events that Cincinnati locals just can’t seem to get enough of. There are many more events and activities that happen each summer in the Queen City, so this list is in no way exhaustive! So get out there and have some fun!

Kings Island

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6200 Kings Island Dr.

CIncinnati, OH 45040

April-October

It wouldn’t be summer without a trip to one of the best amusement parks in the U.S.-- Kings Island. This place has so many rides to try, you’re going to wish you had more than one day to play! There are wooden roller coasters and coasters that go upside down-- there are even coasters for the kids to try.

While you’re there, make sure to check out Soak City as well. It has 36 water slides, two wave pools, a lagoon and a lazy river. Your admission to the water park is also included with your admission to the park-- it’s like getting two amazing summer experiences for the price of one!

Cincinnati Reds Game

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Great American Ballpark

100 Joe Nuxhall Way

Cincinnati, OH 45052

513-765-7000

What better way to experience summer in Cincinnati that by attending a couple of Cincinnati Reds games. They’re one of the most exciting teams in baseball to watch-- and there’s always guaranteed action at these games. The locals like to catch a couple of games each summer-- the more the better for them. These fans are some of the most loyal in baseball, and they really show their appreciation for the hometown team.

Baseball season typically lasts from April to October, so there’s plenty of opportunities to stop by the ballpark and cheer on the Reds. Make sure you take advantage of the many themed nights as well-- there’s always a good gift for the fans!

Taste of Cincinnati

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May 25-27, 2019

Taste of Cincinnati is a yearly food and drink festival that kicks off the summer season. The locals love getting the opportunity to taste some creative selections from all their favorite restaurants-- as well as some new upcoming ones as well. Each year approximately 50,000 hungry spectators attend this annual event-- it’s one of the largest street food events in the country!

In addition to great food and drink, there are all kinds of entertainment options as well. Bands, artists, and other performers provide the music for an amazing summer experience.

Krohn’s Conservatory Butterfly Show

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1501 Eden Park Dr.

Cincinnati, OH 45202

March-June 2019

Krohn Conservatory Butterfly Show is a wonderful way to appreciate all the beautiful colors of summer. This show is being held at the beautiful Eden Park in Cincinnati, and boasts of over 12,000 butterflies. They arrived from Ecuador and have been given free range to fly all over the park. It’s a beautiful sight to see so many colorful butterflies flying around-- most live in remote areas that are not easily accessible to people. This show lets people see them first hand. There are trained staff as well to help answer any questions you might have about butterflies. It’s truly something to see this summer!

FC Cincinnati Soccer Game

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Nippert Stadium

2700 Bearcats Way

Cincinnati, OH 45221

FC Cincinnati might be new to the MLS league, but they’ve been around for a quite some time. In 2018 it was announced that the Cincinnati team would be a part of the MLS starting in 2019-- and the fans and the city couldn’t be more pleased. There is a lot of interest in soccer now, and this is a great way to experience a match first hand. Nothing compares to being a part of the action, and FC Cincinnati games have plenty of that!

Their new stadium is under construction and expected to be finished in March of 2021. Until then their games are played at the University of Cincinnati, so make sure you grab a ticket and check out the newest member of the MLS!

Summer Music Games in Cincinnati

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Virgil M. Schwarm Stadium

1165 Eaton Ave.

Hamilton, OH 45013

June 25, 2019

If you’re looking for a little something out of the ordinary this summer, consider getting your tickets to the Drum Corps International Summer Music Games in Cincinnati. This is a marching band festival that takes excitement and action to a whole new level in music! Drum Corps International seeks to provide an excellent opportunity for marching music enthusiasts and musicians to enjoy the spectacle that is marching music. This show is a guaranteed night of amazing marching band choreography as well as some of the best marching music around.

These musicians come from all over the country, and put on performances in cities all across the U.S. Grab a ticket while they’re still available-- you won’t experience anything like it this summer!

Cincinnati Music Festival

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Paul Brown Stadium

1 Paul Brown Stadium

Cincinnati, OH 45202

July 25-27, 2019

Cincinnati Music Festival is always guaranteed good time, and this annual festival is one of the highlights of the summer music season. It has been going on for over four decades, and has hosted many of the top names in jazz, R&B, rap, and hip hop. Their lineups feature up and coming acts as well as nationally known recording artists. It’s a great mix of music styles, but everyone can agree it’s always a good time.

In addition to the music, there’s also a street festival where you can purchase crafts, souvenirs, food, and drinks. It’s a great way to experience live music and is always an entertaining night of fun!

Queen City Underground Tours

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American Legacy Tours

1332 Vine St.

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Queen City Underground Tours are a very different way to experience Cincinnati. These tours start out in Over-the-Rhine and the Gateway District-- where you’ll hear about the interesting histories of these famous places from seasoned tour guides. You’ll then get to walk underground and visit the crypts of some of the first residents of the Queen City. Then you’ll end the tour with a couple of pints at the local brewery.

It’s truly a remarkable experience-- and is probably why this tour is rated one of the best underground tours in the country! There are tours offered all year long, but summer is the most popular time to go.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

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300 Vine St.

Cincinnati, OH 45220

No summer would be complete without a trip to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. It’s one of the best places to get up close and personal with wild animals from around the world. It’s also home to one of the largest displays of tulips and other flowers each spring. Tulip Mania is a very popular event each spring-- so make sure you see it before the flowers are gone for the year. In addition to the flowers, visitors flock to see all the babies in the spring and summer months, including their new resident hippo, Fiona.

There’s always something going on at the zoo, from zoo golf, breakfast with the animals, and zoo babies-- make sure you check their calendar often and plan accordingly!

No matter which even you choose to do first, you’re sure to have a good time this summer in Cincinnati. There’s so much to do and see, the summer will just seem to fly by! What’s your favorite summer activity? Let us know in the comments!