Southwest Ohio is home to numerous professional and non-professional sports teams and events! From baseball to tennis, we compiled a list of teams and events that are family-friendly and perfect for an outing with the kids.
Here’s a guide to all things sports in Southwest Ohio!
Cincinnati Bengals
Who Dey! The Cincinnati Bengals take to the field each fall at Paul Brown Stadium, a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s riverfront development. Grab the family and head into the Jungle. For everything you need to know about the Cincinnati Bengals, visit their website here.
FC Cincinnati Soccer
Soccer may be the new favorite sport in Cincinnati and of course everyone is routing for our MLS team – FC Cincinnati. It seems more and more Cincy kids are sporting their orange and blue, and yelling “FCC, FCC!” In case you’re unfamiliar with soccer, the season runs March through October and includes both home and away games. If you have yet to try a game, get ready for some FUN! For more information on FC Cincinnati games, visit their website here.
Dayton Dragons
It’s no secret that Dayton loves baseball so head over to a Dayton Dragons game! As the Class A team affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds, your family can experience the Reds without having to pay professional prices. Make sure to sign the kids up for the Dragons Kids Club before heading to Day Air Ballpark. Learn more about all things Dragons here!
Cyclones Hockey
Ice Hockey is another sport that kids are typically fascinated with and it doesn’t get much more fun than a Cincinnati Cyclones game at Heritage Bank Center. The games are loud, can get a little rowdy, and are always entertaining. The Cyclones often host specials with food, drinks and giveaways, so be on the look out for those, to make this sports event a budget-friendly one, as well as family-friendly. Plan a trip to a Cyclones game on their website here.
Cincinnati Reds
Take the family out to the ball game! With a season usually from July to September, it is hard to imagine not attending a game or two at Great American Ball Park. Get your kids excited before the game with some Kids Activities or let them stretch their legs during the game at the new TriHealth Family Zone. Plan out your entire day on their website here.
Dayton Dutch Lions FC
With both a professional men’s and women’s team, the Dayton Dutch Lions FC proud themselves on being the Gateway to Professional Soccer. Founded in 2009, both teams are entertaining fans and taking soccer to the next level by engaging with the youth in the Dayton community. Learn about both teams and get your tickets here.
Florence Y’alls Baseball
A trip to a Florence Y’alls game may just be the most family-friendly sporting event in the area. Their season runs late April into September and allows your family to enjoy a baseball game in a low-key, easy-to-manage environment. You park in their lot, walk right in, can easily grab food and drinks, and they even have a large playground for when your kids get antsy. Florence Y’alls does an amazing job entertaining the kids with themed nights that include character meet and greets, and much more. Check out all the Y’alls offers on their website here.
Western & Southern Open Tennis Tournament
If you happen to have a family that loves tennis, then this annual tournament is a must-see. This year it takes place August 14-22! Learn all about this tennis event on its website here.
College Basketball
We may not have a professional basketball team in Cincinnati, but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch a quality game in the city! College basketball is a big deal here, as many residents split their loyalties between UC, University of Dayton and Xavier (with some OSU and UK thrown in there, too). College basketball games have a fun atmosphere and the fast pace of the games makes them great for kids. The season begins in late fall and runs into the excitement of March Madness. Learn more about the UC team here, the Flyers here and Xavier here.