Labor Day weekend is here, and Cincinnati has no shortage of ways to keep the kids busy before summer wraps up. From riverfront fireworks and live music to farm fun and one last splash before school takes over, here are our top 10 picks for family-friendly fun in Cincy this Labor Day weekend.
Western & Southern/WEBN Riverfest + Fireworks
September 6 | Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove
Cincinnati’s biggest Labor Day weekend celebration marks its 50th year with live entertainment, family activities and one of the Midwest’s largest fireworks displays over the Ohio River. This year’s show, produced by Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks, expands to a 360-degree viewing experience with pyrotechnics launched from rooftops and bridges around the river. Festivities start at 3 p.m., fireworks launch at 9 p.m. Free to attend.
Riverfest on the Levee
September 6 | Newport on the Levee
Enjoy live music, kids’ activities and food vendors at Newport on the Levee’s Riverfest celebration, running 3 to 9 p.m. It’s a solid spot for families to watch the fireworks with a Northern Kentucky view of the river.
BB Riverboats: Labor Day & Fireworks Cruise
September 6 | Newport Landing
Set sail on the Ohio River with BB Riverboats for a dinner buffet, dessert and a late-night snack buffet with a front-row view of the Riverfest fireworks. Boarding is at 4 p.m., sailing 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $175 per person, ages four and up. Parking isn’t included and is limited near the riverfront; a parking pass runs $50 if purchased in advance. Reservations required.
Newport Aquarium Fireworks Viewing Party
September 6 | Newport on the Levee
Take in the fireworks from the aquarium’s private terrace with a dinner buffet at 7 p.m. and a post-fireworks charcuterie station. Ticketed event; parking is not included and area parking fills up fast.
Cincinnati Dinner Train: Riverfest Edition
September 6 | Departing from Seymour Avenue
Skip the traffic and ride the historic Cincinnati Dinner Train from its Seymour Avenue boarding location to the riverfront and back, with a four-course dinner served in one of four dining cars and two on-board bars for beer, wine and cocktails. Tickets are $168 per person, ages 12 and older, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers
September 4-6 | Great American Ball Park
The Reds host the Milwaukee Brewers Friday through Sunday at Great American Ball Park on the riverfront, with first pitch at 6:10 p.m. Friday, 6:40 p.m. Saturday and 12:10 p.m. Sunday. The team heads to Los Angeles for Labor Day itself.
FC Cincinnati vs. D.C. United
September 5 | TQL Stadium
Cheer on the Orange and Blue as FC Cincinnati takes on D.C. United at home. Pre-match festivities kick off at Washington Park ahead of the 7:30 p.m. game.
Ohio Renaissance Festival: Homecoming Weekend
September 5-7 | Waynesville, Ohio
The Ohio Renaissance Festival kicks off its 35th season with Homecoming Weekend, an extra day added for Labor Day. Step into a 16th-century English village with jousting tournaments, artisan shops and costumed performers. Open 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day.
Kings Island: Last Splash of Summer
September 5-7 | Mason, Ohio
Close out summer with roller coasters and water rides at Kings Island. Soak City water park runs weekends only by this point in the season, and Labor Day weekend is one of its last open stretches before it closes for the year.
Stricker’s Grove: Labor Day Picnic
September 7 | Ross, Ohio
Stricker’s Grove opens to the public just four days a year, and Labor Day is one of them. This family-owned amusement park has been running since 1924 and still has two wooden roller coasters, 17 classic rides and an 18-hole mini golf course. Park hours are noon to 8 p.m., with rides running 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is $22 per person and includes all rides, mini golf and unlimited soft drinks; kids two and under are free. Food and alcohol are available for purchase, or bring your own.
