Whether you’re taking a stay-cation or just looking for some entertainment without breaking the bank, there are plenty of inexpensive options in the Greater Cincinnati region.

$5 and Under

Carew Tower Observation Deck
$4 ages 12 and up | $2 ages 6-11 | Free ages 5 and under
Hours: M-Th 9-5:30; F 9-6; Sat, Sun 10-7 | (513) 579-9735

At the top of Cincinnati’s tallest building, visitors to the 49th floor Observation Deck can enjoy one of the city’s most spectacular views plus pick up a Cincinnati souvenier in the gift shop.

Carol Ann’s Carousel – Smale Riverfront Park
$2 for one ride, all ages
Summer Hours: Through Labor Day; Tues-Sun 11-7, closed Mon | (513) 381-3756

Enjoy riverfront views while riding on a carousel featuring original artwork by Jonathan Queen with panels depicting whimsical animal characters and many historic landmarks of Cincinnati.

Gorman Heritage Farm – Evendale, OH
$5 ages 18-59 | $3 ages 3-17 and 60+ | Free ages 3 and under
Hours: M-F, 9-5; Sat 9-3; closed Sun | (513) 563-6663

Explore a 122-acre working farm and outdoor education center. Learn the history and methods of a working family farm in a natural setting consititng of a farmyard with a variety of animals, a garden, 40 acres of wooded hillside and a natural pond. On the National Register of Historic Places.

The Historical Loveland Castle & Museum Chateau Laroche 
$5 ages 13 and up | $3 ages 12 and under
Summer Hours: April – September; Mon-Sun 11-5 | (513) 683-4686

Built as an expression of when Knighthood was at its peak, the castle features three distinctive styles of architecture, four types of towers, a domed ceiling, dry-moat, a collection of period weaponry and lots more!

Krohn Conservatory – Eden Park
$4 ages 13 and up | $2 ages 5-12 | Hours: Tues-Sun 10-5 | (513) 352-4080

You don’t have to leave Cincinnnati to visit a rainforest or a desert. Built in 1933 at the height of the Art Deco era, Krohn Conservatory is a nationally recognized showcase with more than 3,500 plant species from around the world.

Jungle Jim’s International Market Tours
$5 per person, includes a $2 Jungle Jim’s gift certificate
Hours: Mon-Fri, reservations required
Fairfield Store: (513) 674-6023 | Eastgate Store: (513) 674-6000, Option 1, 7756

Take an hour-long tour of the store and enjoy food samples from around the world! Learn the history of Jungle Jim’s, explore each department and discover incredible edibles from around the world!

Contemporary Art Center
Free admission | Sat-Mon 10–4 | Tues Closed (Store open from 10-4) | Wed-Fri 10–9
(513) 345-8400

Cincinnati Art Museum
General Admission is always FREE. Special Exhibition pricing may vary.
Parking: $4 per vehicle | Hours: Tues-Sun 11–5 | (513) 639-2995

Wolff Planetarium-Burnet Woods Trailside Nature Center
Programs begin in the fall. Every third Friday, 7-8pm
$5/seat (cash), reservations required (513) 751-3679

Thomas Moore Observatory-Thomas Moore College
Free open houses, lectures and viewings. (859) 344-3367

Shakespeare in the Park
Free | Various locations | 7/29-9/3

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra – Summer Series at Devou Park
Free | 7/9; 8/6; 9/3 | All performances begin at 7:30p

Spring Grove Cemetery
Free | Various dates & times | Guided and themed tours

Over $5

Neusole Glassworks
For just $8 per person you get a tour of the studio and an artist demonstration.
Mon-Sat 9–5 | Sun 10-4 | (513) 751-3292

The Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati
Adults: $8 | Seniors (65+): $6 | *Children (7–17): $6 | Hours: Tue-Sat 10–4
*Children (6 and younger): FREE with admission of an adult or senior. | (513) 621-5553

Red Bike
$8/Day (unlimited 60-minute rides)

What are your favorite budget-friendly things to do around town?