25 Inexpensive Indoor Things to do in Cincy

We’re currently in that time of the year where it’s hot — really hot — and it’s going to be hot for the next few months. (In other words, hold off on the flannel and pumpkin spice lattes…) In an effort to help you out, we revisited last year’s list, updated it, revamped it — and present to you the new-and-improved list of 25 Inexpensive Indoor Things to do in Cincinnati:

1. Wander around IKEA with the kids. Go on a Tuesday for a free kids’ meal! (Free and free)
2. The Main Library’s Children’s Learning Center (free, except for parking)
3. Go mall walking at Kenwood Towne Center. Hit up the Lego Store, Disney Store and Food Court! (free, except for that $4 you spent at Starbucks).
4. The indoor play area at the Sharon Center — there’s a ball pit! ($2.50 per child 2-12 with your $10 annual Hamilton County motor vehicle permit)
5. Do an art project at Happen, Inc. (free; donations accepted)
6. Visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (free admission and parking!). Bonus: Check out the new MathAlive! exhibit thru Oct. 2!
7. Go to story time at Joseph Beth (free)
8. Sign up for an “ActivAtee” at blue manatee (prices vary; some are free, some are a few dollars per child)
9. Look at toys at King Arthur’s Court (free — unless you buy something. But, “like” them on Facebook and you’ll get access to coupons and promotions!)
10. Hit up the Play Cafe at the Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center (first visit is free; after that it’s $5 per visit for the entire family. (The CFEC also offers kids’ and parents’ classes all year round!)
11. Go to Carew Tower ($4/ages 12 and up; $2/ages 6-11 and free for ages 5 and under)
12. Cincinnati Art Museum (free always! Parking is $4 per vehicle). Be sure to check out their free family programs.
13. Play to your heart’s content at the brand-new Play Library (free; suggested donation $5)
14. Sign the kids for a Kids Can Cook Too cooking class at Whole Foods (free).
15. Take the kids to Pogo Play (if you bring a canned good on Wednesday, you’ll get a discount on admission: $2 off kids over 3; $1 off kids ages 2 and under).
16. Take the kids to the Humane Society to interact with the animals (free; call ahead of time to coordinate)
17. The Behringer-Crawford Museum (kids 4-17 are $4; adults 18-59 are $7. An annual household membership costs $55).
18. Check out the Honeybees show at Krohn Conservatory! (Adults are $4; Children 5-12 are $2 and kids 4 and under are free. Get a $1 coupon here!)
19. The Taft Museum of Art (free every Sunday)
20. Totter’s Otterville ($8.95 per kid over 1; $2 coupons available on website)
21. Bonus: Take a few rides on Carol Ann’s Carousel, Cincinnati’s brand-new, indoor merry-go-round! ($2/ride, plus parking)
22. Wander around Findlay Market (free)
23. Parky’s Playbarn at Winton Woods — an indoor play area that used to be a real barn! ($2.50 per child with your $10 annual Hamilton County motor vehicle permit)
24. Contemporary Arts Center (free on Wednesdays from 5-9 pm)
25. Jump for 30 minutes at Lazer Kraze! ($9.50 for a 30 minute jump session. Get $1 off if you bring your Lazer Kraze Jump Socks!)

Next time you’re at a loss for what to do, revisit this list! Pin it, share it and save it for the next (metaphorical or real) rainy, too-hot, too-cold or too-anything day!