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.
Cincinnati Reds Fireworks Friday
September 4 | Great American Ball Park
Catch the Reds in action and stick around after the final out for a fireworks show over the ballpark, launching about 15 minutes after the game ends. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to kick off the long weekend with the kids.
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.
Cincinnati Dinner Train: Riverfest Excursion
September 6 | Cincinnati, Ohio
Board a vintage dining car for a scenic ride through the Cincinnati area, complete with a multi-course dinner, before pulling into a private viewing spot for the Riverfest fireworks. A memorable (if pricier) alternative for families who want to skip the riverfront crowds.
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.
Boom on the Bridge
September 6 | Purple People Bridge, Newport, KY
Watch the WEBN fireworks from one of the best vantage points on the river. This annual celebration takes over the pedestrian bridge with live music, food and drinks, and unobstructed views of the fireworks show as it lights up the sky over the Ohio River.
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.
Farm Fun at Great Parks of Hamilton County
September 5-7 | Winton Woods & Highfield Discovery Center
Wind down the weekend with hands-on nature programming for the littlest ones, including farm-themed storytime and garden club activities at Winton Woods and Highfield Discovery Center. Low-key, budget-friendly and a nice contrast to the weekend’s bigger crowds.
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.
Kings Island: Nighttime Spectacular & Last Splash at Soak City
September 4-7 | Mason, Ohio
Close out summer with one last splash before the water park season ends. Kings Island’s Nighttime Spectacular — a mix of fireworks, drones and laser projections — runs through September 6, its final weekend, while Soak City stays open for water park fun through Labor Day itself. A great option for families who want thrills and a pool day rolled into one last-hurrah weekend.
