More than 500 animals and 3,000 plants welcome 1 million plus visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens (cincinnatizoo.org). The zoo was rated as one of the nation's best by Zagat Survey and No. 7 by "Parents" magazine. Patrons can feed giraffes, watch high-flying gibbons, witness the only Sumatran Rhinos in America, and get close to some six-legged friends at World of the Insect. The newest exhibitions at the zoo are Nights Hunters and African Savannah. The zoo offers programs for families, scouts, schools, adults and children. The zoo is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
A half-hour outside Cincinnati in Mason is Kings Island theme park (visitkingsisland.com). Built in 1972, the park offers dozens of rides and games. The Beast, the world's longest wooden roller coaster, is one of eight roller coasters. For younger children, Planet Snoopy is a play land base on the Peanut's comic. Live entertainment, animatronic dinosaurs, dozens of dining options and family activities are all offered at the park. Kings Island opens in late April and closes at the end of October. After Labor Day, the park is only open Friday to Sunday.
Nearly 1,500 protected acres comprise Mt. Airy Forest (cincinnatiparks.com). A favorite getaway from the city, the forest is located just 10 minutes off U.S. 52. The forest has hiking and horseback riding trails, a campground, picnic areas, disc golf course, playground and dog park. The Mt. Airy Arboretum, fronting a lake, has botanical gardens and gazebos. Forever Young Treehouses, a nonprofit, built a 1,500-square-foot tree house in the forest for all to enjoy.
One of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, the Cincinnati Reds (cincinnati.reds.mlb.com) began playing ball in 1869. Great American Ballpark, built in 2003, is located along the riverfront. The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum is located inside the stadium along with plenty of options for food, drink and souvenirs. From Opening Day to the final days of summer, the Reds play 82 games in Cincinnati. Ticket prices vary depending on which section you choose.
