Have you been to the Cincinnati Museum Center? It is fantastic and worth a day trip or weekend away. The museum complex includes the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Cincinnati History Museum. The museum center also hosts incredible exhibits, for instance right now they have “A Day in Pompeii” and visitors can learn about the devastation caused by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. All of the museums, exhibits, and OMNIMAX films are separate costs, check out rates here: http://www.cincymuseum.org/visit. If you have a COSI membership there are admission discounts, and they recommend to call and ask about them before you buy tickets. Don’t forget your membership card when you go.
The architecture of the museum is quite impressive. It used to be a train depot in the 1930s, and walking in is like stepping back in time. Union Terminal has high ceilings, ornate signs in what I like to call “Harlow font,” and beautiful woodwork which make gazing at architecture and design part of your trip. The museum complex has so much to offer that it would be easy to make a weekend of it, and that is exactly what my family and friends did.
We had so much fun climbing, crawling, pretend playing, and learning about animals and insects in the Duke Energy Children’s Museum. We parked our stroller 
and coats in a safe area, but they offer lockers if you don’t want to carry your things. Our children played for hours in the treehouse, which was exciting. The trees were connected by rope bridges and tunnels at various height levels. If you are daring try the highest rope tunnel, and don’t worry, they are netted all around for safety.
Next we stepped into a land of dinosaurs, bats, and fossils. The Museum of Natural History and Science was fascinating for adults and fun for children. Getting through the displays and learning materials could easily take a day. I think the best part about the museum complex, is that you can come back and again and again and always find something new to explore or learn. If I lived in Cincy, I’d definitely have a yearly pass.
Cincinnati Museum Center
at Union Terminal
1301 Western Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45203
www.cincymuseum.org
Plan your visit:
- Buy your tickets in advance, I can’t stress that enough – especially if you are going on a weekend. The line for prepaid tickets is much shorter and quicker. Also, be sure to look for discount tickets online or call to see if they are running specials. They have “Free Fridays” going on this summer. Look here: http://www.cincymuseum.org/events/freefridays
- You could do the Children’s Museum and the Natural History Museum in one long day.
- They have a food court with decent options, so don’t worry about packing.
- Bring cash for parking.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring a change of clothes for your littles (in case they get wet in the water area). Better safe than sorry!
- Across the river are economical hotels with restaurants within walking distance.
