Hey there fellow adventure seekers and memory makers! As summer has finally graced the Midwest with its warm sunshine and blue skies, we decided to take our two little munchkins, ages 2 and 6, on an excursion to the Cincinnati Museum. Now, if you’re wondering whether or not this is a place to keep both of these age groups entertained – fear not! We had an absolute blast!
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How we got in for FREE.
Before I launch into the delightful details of our journey, let me share the best part about our visit: We got in for FREE. How, you ask? Well, we used our COSI membership. Here’s the scoop on that: this reciprocal program for museums offers a sweet deal based on where you live. Since we are located over 90 miles away from COSI, our museum visit was completely complimentary. Now, if you live closer, within 90 miles, you’ll still snag a deal with 50% off your tickets. And who doesn’t love a good discount, right?
You can learn all about the ASTC and ACM Museum programs here. ALWAYS check these lists, we are using it for our trip to Cape Cod next week and have almost 10 places we are getting to experience for FREE. *Note that free or discounted admission typically only applies to general admissions, extra exhibits or activities must still be purchased at regular price.
Ticket Pricing at the Cincinnati Museum.
Now, if you don’t have a reciprocal membership, don’t worry, you can still purchase tickets to the museum! Tickets are priced at $22 for adults (13-59), $15 for seniors (59+) + children (3-12), and little ones under 3 get in free! These prices include the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science and the Children’s Museum.
There are additional museums, activities, and exhibits that are extra and you will need additional tickets to experience. At the Cincinnati Museum, this currently includes the OMNIMAX Theater, Bricktionary: The ultimate LEGO A-Z, and the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center.
Prices vary for each of these exhibits, you can see them all here on their website.
Parking Prices + Details.
The parking is located in front of the Cincinnati Museum and there was plenty when we went! You get a ticket when you pull in and then can pay for it when you get your tickets inside the museum. It was $6 to pay for parking.
I think you can probably pay when you exit too but the gate was actually up when we left so we just drove out (after paying inside).
The Historic Union Station Building.
Nestled in the grandeur of Union Station, the Cincinnati Museum is a marvel on its own. The building, a historical gem, is located at 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203. This landmark station, with its stunning architecture and rich history, gives a nostalgic nod to the bustling railway era of the 1930s. It sets the perfect backdrop for the extraordinary exhibits inside.
They actually offer rotunda tours throughout the day by a museum associate so you can learn more about the history of this gorgeous building. You can learn more about this long and storied history including welcoming soldiers home from World War II and learning about the intricate details and stories of the Winold Reiss mosaics. You can learn more about the history of Union Station here on their website, including its’ renovation in 2018.
Exploring the Cincinnati Children’s Museum.
Once inside, we found a myriad of exhibits that had both of my kiddos completely engrossed. A favorite of ours was the Children’s Museum. It is included in the ticket price and is SO interactive! They have areas designed for both older and younger children, so both my 2-year-old and my 6-year-old were entertained to their hearts’ content.
This area has multiple exhibits that all have a different theme but encouraging plenty of active playing and imagination. I also want to point out that there is a cute area that is just for kids under 4 called Little Sprouts Farm. It is enclosed and even has a smaller area inside of it just for infants.
Our favorite areas were Inside the Grin where the kids literally got to climb inside a giant mouth and clean teeth, The Woods, and KidSPACE. Inside KidSPACE, they were doing a collaborative art piece where attendees could make something the “dad” needed. Olivia made the coolest table with pasta and I’m forever amazed by her creativity.
Cincinnati History + Natural History & Science Museums.
The Cincinnati Museum is basically multiple museums in one, which is pretty cool. On the side of the Cincinnati History Museum, attendees can step back in time and experience the history of the city of Cincinnati.
One of our favorite exhibits over here was Cincinnati in Motion, a 1/64-scale replica of the city complete with the nation’s largest S-scale train model that showcases an aerial view of Cincinnati from the early 1900s through 1940s.
For any dinosaur or space fans, you will LOVE the Natural History & Science Museum. We really felt like it never ended! Inside Dinosaur Hall, guests can see six giant dinosaur skeletons including the nearly 60-foot-long Galeamopus pabsti.
Three of our other favorite exhibits in this area were the Ice Age Gallery, the Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery, and The Cave. Inside the Ice Age Gallery, you can walk through a “glacier” to explore Cincinnati during the Pleistocene Era.
Olivia’s favorite was The Cave, a beginner or advanced expedition through 500 feet of twists and turns in a replica cave. We chose the advanced option and go to dip below ground and follow the flow of water – it was pretty awesome but that option is not stroller friendly and does get a little tight.
Food Options at the Museum.
One thing that we love about family outings is discovering the various food options available. At the Cincinnati Museum, you’ll find a food court that offers a selection of dining options. However, during our visit, we didn’t feel the need for a full meal. Instead, we opted for snacks from the vending machine, which were just perfect for our mid-adventure munchies. It was simple, affordable, and kept the kids going for the next round of exploration. You can check out their full dining options here, including a Graeter’s ice cream parlor.
What stood out the most from our day at the Cincinnati Museum was the sheer amount of fun we had. Whether we were wandering through the exhibits, grabbing a quick snack, or marveling at the architecture of Union Station, the museum provided an array of experiences for us to enjoy.
So, for all you midwestern parents looking for an enriching, enjoyable, and affordable way to spend a day with your kids, the Cincinnati Museum is a must-visit. You’ll not only have a fantastic time but also create memories that last a lifetime.
Until our next adventure, keep exploring and keep having fun! We’ll see you around the Midwest.
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