Winter break is upon us and parents are searching for safe, socially distant, engaging and fun family activities. We’ve got you covered.
Here are 10 Fun and socially distant things to do in Cincinnati for winter break:
Related Article: 75 Things to do this Winter in Cincinnati
1. TCT’s Pick-A-Path
Enjoy TCT from the comfort of home with this brand-new, interactive option. There are three shows as part of the Pick-A-Path series — Harriet Tubman: Straight Up Outta’ The Underground, Jacqueline and the Beanstalk, and Martin’s Dream – and after purchasing a family ticket (just $15), you’ll receive an email with a code and instructions for how to view the production, which is valid for three days.
2. Warm the car, blast the tunes and enjoy some drive-thru holiday cheer
Drive-thru holiday light displays offer socially distant fun for the whole family. Happily, Cincinnati has a lot to choose from — we’ve shared them here.
3. Check out some outdoor holiday lights
From the Cincinnati Zoo to Clifton Mill’s epic outdoor display, there is lots of outdoor fun to be had this season.
4. Walk the Purple People Bridge while it’s all decked out
After 6 months of closer, the Purple People Bridge is ready for the holidays! During Winter Nights, River Lights, the Purple People Bridge will be decked out with a 25-foot Christmas tree, 1,000 white-and-purple lights and projected lighting and music. In addition to the display, visitors can enjoy scenic views of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky from high above the Ohio River.
5. Ice skate at an under-the-radar favorite
The Summit Park Ice Rink is open daily through Jan. 3, with hours varying by day. Be sure to confirm skating times on the website before you go!
6. Bundle up and take a hike
Winter is the perfect time to go for a hike. In addition to fresh air and exercise, hiking offers a healthy, socially distanced activity you can enjoy with your family. We suggest getting a tree from a local farm! And with our excellent park systems, there are so many great places to explore.
7. Take a drive to a holiday attraction
Looking for something a little different this holiday season? Just two hours east of Cincinnati, you’ll find a new-to-Ohio tradition that’s truly something special: the Christmas Cave. Or, check out Louisville’s Winter Woods Spectacular, a drive-thru winter wonderland of fun. And lastly, Christmas at Dogwood Fest is a Western twist on holiday fun.
8. Visit CMC’s holiday trains
Holiday Junction at the Cincinnati Museum Center is a must-visit this year. The CMC’s beloved event is chugging away — albeit with some changes. To ensure guest safety, Holiday Junction’s riding train will not be pulling into station this season, but we’ve given you even more to discover in its place. The Holiday Scavenger Hunt features hidden objects in the garden railway layout begging you to walk around, peel your eyes and scour every detail for objects tucked away in the snowy hills.
9. Have a socially distanced meal in an igloo
Many restaurants around Cincinnati are using plastic igloos (or pods, or greenhouses) to give visitors more seating options during the colder months. These cozy, private igloos are certainly cool to dine in. (You’re sitting in a dome outside! How awesome is that?). But also, many of these outdoor igloos are heated and come with bonuses like personal Bluetooth speakers to play your own music.
10. Check out Krohn’s Trains and Traditions
The annual Holiday Show returns to the Krohn Conservatory on November 6th through January 9th. Experience a tapestry of colorful poinsettias, charming garden railways and beautiful replicas of Cincinnati landmarks created out of “Botanical Architecture” by local artisans; Applied Imagination. Krohn Conservatory is where holiday traditions take place in the warmth of the tropics.