Reds Opening Day is an important holiday in Cincinnati. Adults skip work, kids skip school — and there’s a city-wide parade complete with a celebrity Grand Marshall or two! This year’s Opening Day is Thursday, March 26th, when the Cincinnati Reds take on the Bosto Reds Sox at 4:10 pm at Great American Ball Park.
But you don’t need a ticket to Opening Day to celebrate — there are lots of family friendly (and FREE!) ways to cheer on the starts of Reds season! Here are 5 family friendly ways to celebrate Reds Opening Day:
1. Findlay Market Opening Day Parade
The Findlay Market Parade is a time-honored tradition in Cincinnati! The Parade Grand Marshall is Jeff Brantley! 
2. Reds Community Fund Charity Blok Party
On March 26, the annual Opening Day Block Party, benefiting the Reds Community Fund, kicks off at 11 a.m. on Joe Nuxhall Way, Freedom Way and Marian Spencer Way. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Anheuser Busch and local vendors. Live music and entertainment will also be provided.
3. Opening Day Celebrations at Local Parks
Washington Park: Head to OTR at 10a for a free, fun-filled Opening Day Celebration in Washington Park! Join in Washington Park on March 26th for a party that’s sure to be a homerun, with face painting, balloon animals and hats, & live music. Stay all day: the 4:10 game will be shown on TVs located at the Washington Park Deck.
Enjoy a visit from the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile! All throughout the celebration, join in activities with the hot doggers like weinerrobics, a hot dog decorating contest, ketchup karaoke, cornhole, photo-ops with the weinermobile, and more!
4. Museums
The Reds Hall of Fame Museum is a must for fans. The Museum features loads of kid-friendly activities and a rotating exhibit.
WORTH-THE-DRIVE: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience is a must for little sports fans. This outdoor area features kid-friendly spaces devoted to a variety of sports (including baseball).
Cincinnati Museum Center — a historic spot for the Reds. Cincinnati was home to the very first professional baseball team in the US: the 1869 Red Stockings! Read all about this ground-breaking team and their first exploits at Union Grounds (which is now the site of the CMC)! Afterwards, wander through the Public Landing and get a sense of the historical context of the 1940s Reds, who played at Crosley Field.
5. Kids’ Opening Day at GABP
Skip the hullabaloo of March 26th and instead get your tickets for Kids Opening Day on March 28th. This special festivities happen at a family-friendly time of 11:15a and features a pregame red carpet parade with Reds players and mascots and more fun activities for kids. Plus — all attendees under 14 get a free Reds cap while supplies last!
