There are plenty of activities around Cincinnati to keep you busy all year long. You can choose from performances, concerts, festivals, restaurants, tours, and the list goes on and on, but you must not overlook the opportunity for outdoor fun in Cincinnati. Even if you don't consider yourself "outdoorsy," anyone can do these 9 epic activities around the Queen City.
1. Go camping.
You don't have to venture far to get a true camping experience in Cincinnati. There are actually several great choices within an hour of downtown, but Winton Woods Campground (shown above) is just 20 minutes away! Parts of the campground are open year round and the flat, well-maintained sites are close to all of the major features of the park. If you don't have a tent or a camper, try out one of their rustic or deluxe cabins to still enjoy the natural aspect of camping.
2. Hit the trails on two wheels.
Bicycling is great exercise and a wonderful way to experience our city. For a relaxing way to get outdoors, try the Loveland Bike Trail, where you can literally ride for hours. There are also plenty of restaurants and picturesque places to stop along the way. If you want a more urban view, look for one of the Cincy Red Bike stations throughout the city and hop on to tour several popular areas of downtown and nearby areas.
3. Swing through the trees on a zipline.
If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, we highly recommend you check out this awesome spot. Located near Cincinnati in Warren County, Ozone Zipline Adventures has tours all year long and it's one of the best experiences around. You'll feel safe, excited, and very outdoorsy on this epic scenic adventure.
4. Go horseback riding.
There are actually a few places near Cincinnati where you can check "horseback riding" off of your bucket list. One spot, just a short drive south to Petersburg, Kentucky, is the perfect place for anyone who wants to take to the trails on horseback. First Farm Inn is a bed and breakfast, but they also allow you to reserve private rides that include a lesson. This outdoor experience is perfect for those who want to try horseback riding for the first time, or even those with experience who want to hit the trails!
5. Find a hiking trail to explore.
Cincinnati has more hiking trails then you may realize! With all of the parks, both within the city and nearby, you could go on a new hike every day of the year. Get outdoors and find a new favorite trail - like this one at the Cincinnati Nature Center. It's a great way to decompress and experience our city's natural beauty.
6. Take a boat out.
You don't have to own a boat to enjoy this relaxing outdoor activity. Many places around town have them available to rent, like Miami Whitewater Forest (pictured above). This year, the harbor here is open until October 22nd and you can explore the 85-acre lake by pontoon boat, rowboat, canoe, kayak... and even by swan boat! On a beautiful day, there's no better place to be.
7. Chase a waterfall.
We do have a few lovely waterfalls in Cincinnati, so tracking them down is the perfect outdoorsy thing anyone can do. This particular falls is located in Sharon Woods, which is a great place to explore and enjoy the beautiful natural landscape.
8. Go rock climbing.
We may not have rocky cliffs to climb within the Cincinnati city limits, but that doesn't mean you can't try this exhilarating sport. RockQuest Climbing Center in Sharonville offers an epic indoor climbing experience for all levels. You may not technically be outdoors, but we included this because rock climbing is often an outdoor event. RockQuest encourage anyone to come out and give it a try, and after a bit of practice on these walls, you can test your skills on your next outdoor adventure!
9. Head down a ski slope.
It may still be warm outside, but we all know that this could easily change in a week (or in Cincinnati's case, a day or two). It'll be ski season before we know it, and this year you should get outdoors and try skiing at Perfect North Slopes, located close to Cincinnati in Lawrenceburg. They have slopes for every skill level and lessons available, as well. If skiing isn't your thing, you can still slide down the hills on the exciting tube rides! It's the perfect way to spend a winter afternoon.
Cincinnati is a beautiful city and should be explored! How many of these outdoorsy things have you done? What should we add to the list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
And for more outdoor adventure, check out our list of 15 of the best hikes in Cincinnati under 3 miles here.
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