Looking for the best things to do this weekend in Southwest Ohio with kids? You’re in the right place. For June 6–7, 2026, we’ve rounded up our top picks for family events across the Cincinnati and Dayton areas — from the 50th Troy Strawberry Festival and a free Touch-a-Truck afternoon in Covington to an immersive Van Gogh experience in downtown Cincinnati and a free outdoor movie in OTR. Start with our curated picks below, then check out the full Southwest Ohio family events calendar for even more options.
Things to Do with Kids This Weekend in Southwest Ohio | June 6–7, 2026
All Weekend
Troy Strawberry Festival (50th Anniversary) | Downtown Troy, 405 SW Public Square | Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | FREE admission
Ohio’s most-loved strawberry festival turns 50 this weekend, and downtown Troy is going all out. The Public Square and surrounding streets fill with live entertainment, a car cruise, food vendors and strawberries in every form imaginable — shortcake, jam, donuts and more. A 5K run kicks off Saturday morning, and the small-town charm is as strong as ever. With a half-century of tradition behind it, this one earns the drive north of Dayton every single year. Runs Saturday, June 6 – Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Destination Monarch Butterfly Show | Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati | Daily 9 a.m.–8 p.m. | Tickets at the door
This season’s butterfly show at Krohn follows the monarch’s legendary migration from the United States all the way to the Oyamel Fir Forests of Mexico, with vibrant immersive landscapes to wander through and hands-on displays about creating your own Monarch Way Station at home. Kids can observe monarchs in flight, discover the science behind the migration, and learn simple ways to help protect pollinators in their own backyard. Runs through August 9, 2026.
Mermaids Make Waves | Newport Aquarium, Newport, KY | Thursday–Sunday | Included with Admission
Story-spinning mermaids are swimming at Newport Aquarium through June 21, and this weekend they’re in full fairytale mode. Kids can visit Mermaid Cove to watch a mermaid glide alongside stingrays, catch twirling performances with tropical fish in Shark Ray Bay Theater, and grab up-close photos with their new Mermaid BFFs. Check the mermaid schedule on the aquarium’s website so you don’t miss a splash. Runs through Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience | Exhibition Hub Art Center, 18 West 4th Street, Cincinnati | 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. | Tickets required
This upgraded, reimagined edition of the beloved 360° digital art experience is back in downtown Cincinnati with new interactive installations, enhanced projections, and a one-of-a-kind VR journey through eight iconic Van Gogh works. Families can step into the infinite Sunflower Room, explore hands-on kiosks, write a letter to Van Gogh, and come face-to-face with a lifelike projection of the artist himself. Plan for 45–75 minutes; all ages welcome and the venue is wheelchair accessible.
Friday, June 5
Family Music Picnic | Cincinnati Nature Center – Rowe Woods, Milford | 6–8 p.m. (music 6:15–7:45 p.m.) | Tickets required
Pack a blanket and your favorite snacks for a lively evening of live music among the trees at Rowe Woods. The Laughing Lizards — Steve and Donna Bing, who blend Appalachian Old Time, Louisiana Cajun, and Western Swing — perform for all ages while the crickets join in. The program runs entirely outdoors, rain or shine, so bring your own chairs or blanket since no seating is provided.
RiverScape Summer Music: Cassette Junkies | RiverScape MetroPark, Dayton | 7–9 p.m. | FREE
Head up to Dayton for a free evening concert along the Great Miami River. Cassette Junkies bring their 70s and 80s rock set to the riverfront — a laid-back, all-ages way to kick off the weekend with the whole crew. Part of the RiverScape 2026 Summer Music Series, which runs Fridays through September.
Saturday, June 6
Dogs & Donuts – Tie-Dye Bandanas | Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Hamilton | 10:30 a.m.–noon | Tickets required
Kick off summer at Pyramid Hill with the opening event of the park’s Dogs & Donuts series. Families tie-dye custom bandanas for their pups, with treats provided for people and dogs alike. It’s a charming, crafty morning out on the sculpture park grounds — a sweet pick for families who love art, the outdoors, and their four-legged friends.
Fun Fest 2026 | Washington Park, 1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati | Noon–3 p.m. | FREE admission
CABVI (Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired) hosts its annual family festival in Over-the-Rhine, and it’s one of the more meaningful free afternoons you’ll find this weekend. Fun Fest features live music from The Netherton Varner Band, meet-and-greets with FC Cincinnati mascot Gary and Cincinnati Reds mascot Gapper, sensory-based activities that offer a window into the everyday experience of people with vision loss, plus raffles and games. Entry is free; tickets for games and food are available on-site.
Touch-a-Truck at Covington | Braxton Brewing Company, 27 W 7th St, Covington, KY | 3–5 p.m. | FREE
Kids can climb on, honk horns, and sit in the driver’s seat of real construction vehicles and machinery at Braxton Brewing’s Covington location this Saturday afternoon. It’s a free community event with a good cause behind it — $1 from every pint sold benefits Spirit of Construction. A great add-on if you’re already making a river-crossing day of it.
Music at the Esplanade | Smale Riverfront Park, Cincinnati | 5–7 p.m. | FREE
Cap Saturday evening at Smale Park’s Castellini Esplanade with low-key live music along the Cincinnati riverfront. This week’s performer is Joanie Whittaker / Sweet Peas / Miss Joanie — an easy, community-atmosphere set that’s perfect for spreading out a blanket and soaking up a warm early-summer evening. Food, beer, and drinks are available on-site. Part of the Music at the Esplanade series, running Saturdays through June 27.
Sunday, June 7
Movie Night at Imagination Alley | Imagination Alley, 1317 Vine Street, Cincinnati | 8–10:30 p.m. | FREE
Wrap up the weekend with a free outdoor movie night in OTR. This month’s screening is Daddy Day Care — a family comedy under the Cincinnati stars, with freshly popped popcorn included. Bring a blanket or low-back chairs and settle in for a classic laugh with the whole crew.
No matter what you choose, there’s plenty of fun ahead this weekend. For even more options, browse the full Southwest Ohio family events calendar, check out our free events guide, or explore our summer fun guide for Cincinnati and Dayton.
Things to do in Southwest Ohio this weekend (June 6–7, 2026):
