Family-Friendly Weekend Trip to Cincinnati from Michigan
Whether you are looking to get away for a weekend, fill a few days of Spring Break or plan ahead for a summer getaway, Cincinnati is a great destination for families here in our area to travel to. Cincinnati offers a variety of family-friendly attractions that will keep everyone entertained. Here's a guide to some must-visit spots, including Jungle Jim's, the Cincinnati Zoo, and the fascinating underground tours with American Legacy Tours.
My youngest son and I love to road trip and explore. We are content filling our days with the latest mural in a downtown city, a new zoo or renting a scooter to explore the innermost city streets. We love traveling to Ohio and added Cincinnati to our "WE WILL BE BACK" list. Only 4 hours from Livingston County makes it the perfect distance for a long weekend away.
Day 1: Jungle Jim's International Market
Kick off your weekend adventure with a visit to Jungle Jim's International Market. This unique supermarket is a paradise for food enthusiasts and international cuisine lovers. With over 200,000 square feet of shopping space, you'll find a vast selection of groceries, produce, meats, cheeses, and specialty items from around the world. Kids will love exploring the colorful aisles and discovering exotic foods.
But it is not the food selection that drew us there. We explored the aisles decorated with retired, over-the-top brand displays, out of commissioned kids' carnival rides and more. Tons of fun photo opportunities. My son loved the HUGE Pez collection, and we took the opportunity to fill his siblings Easter baskets with chips, candy and specialty drinks form around the world.
- Location: 4450 Eastgate South Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45245
- Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM
- Admission: Free
- Website: Jungle Jim's
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Day 2: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Spend your second day at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in the country. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including endangered species like gorillas and white tigers. Kids will be thrilled to see their favorite animals up close and enjoy interactive exhibits. One of the most famous residents is Fiona, who captured the world’s attention when she was born prematurely in 2017. Fiona has since grown into a healthy and playful hippo, delighting visitors with her antics. Fiona welcomed a baby brother named Fritz, born on August 3, 2022.Fritz continues making a splash in Hippo Cove, where he can be seen frolicking with Fiona and their mom, Bibi. Watching these baby hippos interact is a heartwarming experience, as they playfully nudge each other and explore their surroundings. My son fell in love with them, even using his birthday money to buy a giant stuffed HIPPO!
- Location: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220
- Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Admission: Adults (13-61) $26, Children (2-12) $20, Seniors (62+) $20, Under 2 Free
- Website: Cincinnati Zoo
Day 3: American Legacy Tours - Underground Tour
Wrap up your weekend with an exciting underground tour through American Legacy Tours. These tours offer a fascinating glimpse into Cincinnati's hidden history, including stories of mobsters, gamblers, and other intriguing characters. The Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour is perfect for families and provides an educational and entertaining experience. My son is in middle school and we both found the tour engaging. He asked as many questions as I did as we learned about the underground breweries, secret burial grounds and more.
- Location: 1332 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Hours: Tours available daily; check the website for specific times
- Admission: Adults $45, Children (6-12) $25, Under 6 Free
- Website: American Legacy Tours
Our go to adventure when travelling is to rent electric scooters to see more of the downtown areas and, in this case, the riverfront. It was a great way to get around the downtown area without having to worry about parking.
Exploring downtown Cincinnati by electric scooter is an exciting and eco-friendly way to see the city’s vibrant attractions! 🛴 We highly recommend trying a scooter for part of your day.
With its diverse attractions and family-friendly atmosphere, Cincinnati is the perfect destination for a memorable weekend trip. Enjoy your adventure and make lasting memories with your loved ones!
