Father's Day Fun in Greater Cincinnati (many free events)!
It's time to celebrate Dad! Father's Day is Sunday, June 21 and there are plenty of fun things you can do. We gave my husband free range on what he would like to do on Father's Day. His one request was to watch the US Open. This is par for the course with Chris so we will have a day of golf viewing and head out for a Father's Day breakfast before all the golf excitement begins.
But, if your Dad isn't it golf, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the day. There are many free events to enjoy too. We've posted many events on our monthly top picks calendar page as well.
FREE Events on Father's Day, June 21, 2015:
Butterflies of the Phillipines - Dad's get in FREE to the Krohn Conservatory on Sunday, June 21 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.). If you visit eReach.com, you can get coupons for discounts for the rest of the family - save $2 off admission. One of our favorite things to do after visiting the Krohn, is head up to the park at the top of the hill and look at the amazing views of the Ohio River and Northern KY. You can pack a picnic and enjoy the park's ponds, playground and statues.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens - Dad's can enjoy FREE admission to the Cincinnati Zoo on June 21 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.).
Super Summer Funday - The Taft Museum of Art has FREE admission every Sunday, and on Father's Day they are having Third Sunday Funday (1-4 p.m.). There will be lots of fun planned including a pupett show with the Wump Mucket Puppets. Kids can also make their own puppet or make one for Dad.
Fatherhood Community Celebration - The Talbert House hosts a FREE party for Dad and families at Sawyer Point on June 21. Wow, "free food and beverages, games, arts and crafts, live music, sports activities, and fun" (from Talbert House).
City Slicker Sunday - Head to Fountain Square and enjoy a day on Fountain Square and see the Red's game on the big screen. Have fun playing a giant Jenga game or enjoy some corn hole too. Treat Dad to a cool treat at Graeter's on the square.
(Sprayground at Washington Park)
OTR Performs - Every Sunday night (6-8 p.m.) Washington Park hosts FREE arts in the park. On June 21, see the Exhale Dance Tribe. If it's hot, don't forget to pack the kids a swimsuit and a towel so they can enjoy the sprayground.
National Museum of the U.S. Airforce - You can visit all year long for FREE (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.). Take Dad to see the most amazing display of aircrafts you will ever see. There is so much history to learn about too. The museum is HUGE so you may not be able to see it all in one day. Click here for a map. If you visit on Sat., June 20, it's Family Day, "Play Ball" and they have special events happening from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
(This is one of the water features at Smale Riverfront Park located in front of Carol Ann's Carousel)
Smale Riverfront Park - Castellini Esplanade Opens & Afternoon Farmer's Market - Opening ceremony at Noon on June 21. From Smale Riverfront Park, "the esplanade will be a setting for farmers’ markets and other community activities. Its design will reflect the historic character of the produce industry that used to be housed on the site. A picnic terrace will flank both sides of the Castellini Esplanade. The unique setting includes moveable picnic tables on wheels, set on rails in a tribute to the produce distribution center formerly on the site." Be sure to visit the rest of Smale Riverfront Park and pack swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen so you the kids can enjoy the water features at the park. There is also a new playground, new large scale foot piano and the beautiful Carol Ann's Carousel. Recommend riding the carousel before you get wet ($2/ride). Other features at the park are FREE!
Enjoy a Park or Playground Day - Greater Cincinnati has some amazing parks. Pack a picnic, outdoor games, and enjoy the day at a park. We've got a great listing of playgrounds and parks to visit on MasonMetu. Admission to many of the parks is FREE (Cincinnati Nature Center has small admission fee). Great Parks of Hamilton County and MetroParks of Butler County are FREE but charge for parking. I'd recommend getting their yearly parking passes so you can continue visiting the rest of the year.
Cincinnati Art Museum - The Cincinnati Art Museum is also FREE all year long. Maybe you want to enjoy some works of art with Dad. Take a Public Tour at 1-2 p.m. and see highlights of the museum. Or at 3 p.m. you can see a docent for the Family ARTventures Art Stop. Visit the front desk to see where the Art Cart will be. Make sure you check out the newly renovated area for kids and families to enjoy on the first floor, the Rosenthal Education Center.
Festival Fun:
Goettafest - Visit Mainstrasse Village in Covington, KY for the "Original Goettafest". Admission and parking is FREE. There will be food booths, children's activities, games, live entertainment and more. (Event is June 19-21).
Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival - Enjoy the day at Daniel Drake Park (one of the Cincinnati Parks) from 2:30 - 6 p.m. There will also be a FREE Father's Day concert. Junettenth also takes place on Sat. June 20 (Noon-9 p.m.).
Our Lady of Lourdes Festival - Festival dates are June 19-21. On Sunday, they are open from 3-10 p.m. There will be games, rides, a Sunday Chicken dinner and more. 2832 Rosebud Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45238.
St. Vivian Church Festival - June 19-21. On Sunday, the hours are 4-10 p.m. 7600 Winton Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45224.
Other Events to enjoy:
Cincinnati Reds Game - Head to Great American Ballpark and see the Cincinnati Reds take on the Miami Marlins. This is also Family Sunday (if you purchase your tickets in advance, you can get 3 admissions at half price for the price of one full price seat). The first 10,000 Dad's will also get a FREE travel tumble with lid.
Father's Day Cruise - Take Dad on a relaxing cruise with BB Riverboats. You can do an afternoon cruise (1-3 p.m.) or a dinner cruise (3:30-7:30 p.m.). Includes buffet meal and lots of scenic views.
Summer Family Hours at the Newport Aquarium - Visit Newport Aquarium and enjoy a great deal for families. Two kids (ages 12 and under) can get in FREE with a full-price adult admission. Hours are 4-7 p.m. (Sunday-Friday).
(photo courtesy Vectren Dayton Air Show - Breitling Jet)
Vectren Dayton Air Show - Take Dad to see planes, jets and high in the sky family fun. Get $3 off if you purchase your tickets at Kroger (need a Kroger Plus card). Event is June 20-21. Gates open at 9 a.m. with feature shows 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. and close at 6 p.m. Click here for schedule of events.
Whether you are enjoying the day at home or embark on some family fun, we wish you a Happy Father's Day!