August is a stressful month. Between school starting, summer ending, shopping lists mounting and heat unrelenting — it’s a big month! Beat the back-to-school blahs with these fun, kid approved, totally free events!
Here are 20 free things to do in Cincinnati this August:
Free Movies for Kids!
Aug. 1, 3, 8 and 10
Don’t miss the last few days of this free summer series at the Esquire!
Shakespeare in the Park
Daily through Sept. 1
Enjoy Shakespeare – for free! – at various locations throughout Cincinnati. Check website for a full schedule.
Bookworks XVII Exhibit
Daily through Sept. 4
Bookworks XVII is a Cincinnati Book Arts Society exhibit of one-of-a-kind, handmade books in the Main Library Atrium. The exhibit will be on view through Sept. 4 and features several works of children’s literature.
Curiosity Saturdays at Washington Park
Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. through Sept. 3
Curiosity Saturdays, presented by the Cincinnati Art Museum, offer a wide-range of FREE, engaging, kid-friendly activities that the whole family is sure to love!
Pop! Goes Westwood
Saturdays and Sundays in August
Enjoy yoga by Four Directions Studio, Zumba by Robin, crafts by Happen Inc. and activities by the Cincinnati Hamilton County Public Library at Westwood’s “pop-up” shops.
Great Parks Day
Saturday, Aug. 6 at Winton Woods and Glenwood Gardens
Come out and play in your Great Park! Experience all Winton Woods and Glenwood Gardens have to offer with free park entry, admissions, golf, boat and bike rentals, concerts, nature and fitness programs and more!
Paddlefest
Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Riverfront
Come out and see the Ohio River come to life at America’s largest paddling trip!
Live Animals with Great Parks of Hamilton County!
Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Miami Township Branch Library
Meet some awesome animals with a Naturalist from Great Parks of Hamilton County!
Miss Kate’s Story Time at Oakley After Hours!
Aug. 12, 7 p.m. at Blue Manatee
Join the beloved Miss Katie for a special summertime story time during our Oakley After Hours event. The store will be open from 6-8 p.m. and Miss Katie’s Summer Story Time will be from 7-7:30 p.m. See you at the LePage Stage!
Flying Circus Air Show
Aug. 13 and 14 from 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Butler County Airport
Don’t miss the region’s largest radio controlled model air show!
Campfire Fun
Aug. 19, 6-8 p.m. at Farbach-Warner Preserve
Bring your roasting sticks and s’more supplies to the fire, which will be ready at 6 p.m. A program with live animals, songs, stories and other campfire fun begins at 7 p.m.
The City Flea
Aug. 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Washington Park
It’s the first-ever Kids Market! Head to Washington Park for a day of fun supporting local businesses.
Summer Art Games
Aug. 21, 1-4 p.m. at Taft Museum of Art
Get into the Olympic spirit with a combination of art and competition. Design your own medal and participate in competitions throughout the day. Wump Mucket Puppets will get your competitive spirits running high with a performance at 2 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
Back to School Celebration
Aug. 23 from 3-4 p.m. at the Oakley Branch Library
Enjoy a sweet treat as we celebrate the new school year!
Mount Vesuvius Day Craft
Aug. 24, 3:30-5 p.m. at the Hyde Park Branch Library
Celebrate the destructive force of Mount Vesuvius by creating your very own personal volcano! It’ll “blow” your socks off. Pun! Ages 10-18.
Scottish Heritage Festival
Aug. 27 from 1-4 p.m. at the Green Township Branch
Come celebrate all things Scottish at the first Scottish Heritage Festival!
Movies in the Park: The Force Awakens
Aug. 27, from 7-9 p.m. at Independence Amphitheater
Enjoy at outdoor screening of Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (PG-13). Featuring music from Keith Jones and the Makeshifts, pizza by the slice from Papa John’s and sweets from Kona Ice food truck.
Mess Fest 2016
Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. at Grand Sands in Loveland
A super sloppy, wet and wacky sandy Sunday! Featuring water slides, slime machine, water balloon fight, food fight, icing face paint, messy tug of war, messy snacks, watermelon eating contest and more! Free with advance RSVP.
Summer Saunter
Aug. 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Sharon Woods
Join the naturalist for a morning stroll along the Gorge Trail to learn some history of the gorge along with some flora and fauna.
Water Balloon Fight
Aug. 30, 3-4 p.m. at the Oakley Branch Library
Bring a change of clothes or a poncho and be prepared to get drenched!
Soak up the last stretch of summer at these free, family friendly activities! For more things to do, be sure to consult our Online Calendar.