Presidents’ Day is the perfect excuse to turn a long weekend into a family adventure. If your kids are off school and you’re wondering how to keep them entertained, we’ve rounded up 10 fun things to do in Cincinnati and Dayton on Presidents’ Day — from hands-on museums to high-energy indoor play spots and free attractions.
Whether you want educational, active, outdoorsy, or cozy and indoors, this list has something for every family.
1. Explore the Cincinnati Museum Center
Spend the day at Union Terminal exploring multiple attractions in one place. The Duke Energy Children’s Museum is packed with interactive exhibits for younger kids, while older children will love the Cincinnati History Museum and Museum of Natural History & Science.
Why go on Presidents’ Day: It’s all indoors, educational, and easy to spend several hours exploring.
2. Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Winter is a surprisingly great time to visit the zoo! Cooler temperatures mean active animals — especially cold-weather favorites like penguins.
Bonus: Fewer crowds than summer and several indoor animal habitats to warm up inside.
3. Discover the National Museum of the United States Air Force
This FREE Dayton gem is one of the largest aviation museums in the world. Walk through presidential aircraft, historic planes, and space exhibits.
Why it’s perfect for Presidents’ Day: You can literally step inside planes used by U.S. presidents — how fitting!
4. Explore the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
A science museum, zoo, and planetarium all in one — Boonshoft keeps kids busy for hours with hands-on exhibits and live animals.
Great for: Preschool through middle school ages.
5. Burn Energy at an Indoor Play Place
If cabin fever is setting in, head to an indoor play space like:
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Run Jump-n-Play (West Chester)
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Kid Clubhouse (Mason & Springboro)
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The Magic Castle (Mason)
These spots are ideal for climbing, sliding, bouncing, and letting kids burn off that long-weekend energy.
6. Take a Winter Nature Walk
If the weather cooperates, bundle up and explore:
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Cox Arboretum (Dayton)
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RiverScape MetroPark (Dayton)
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Cincinnati MetroParks trails
Fresh air + space to run = happy kids.
7. Explore the American Sign Museum
This colorful Cincinnati gem is packed with vintage neon signs, retro advertising, and interactive displays that make it surprisingly fun for kids and adults alike.
The open layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace, and the bright lights keep younger kids engaged.
Why it’s great for Presidents’ Day: It’s indoors, unique, and usually open on Mondays — always double check holiday hours before heading out.
8. Go Ice Skating
If local rinks are still open for the season, ice skating makes a fun Presidents’ Day activity. Fountain Square in Cincinnati and RiverScape in Dayton are popular winter destinations (weather permitting).
