Planning a wedding in Cincinnati? Congratulations! Known as “The Queen City,” Cincinnati is a fantastic place for a celebration. Plus, there are so many Cincinnati area attractions your guests will love.
Yes, your food and entertainment might be at the top of your list, but it’s also vital to ensure your guests have a fun experience outside of your ceremony and reception. So if you want to make your celebration stand out, know this is the place to do it.
Here are eight Cincinnati area attractions for your wedding guests.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Home to the world-famous hippo Fiona, your guests will have a blast at this family-friendly zoo. Cincinnati’s zoo prides itself on saving unique animal species and has been doing so since 1875 — making it the sixth oldest zoo in the country. Your loved ones can take a stroll and admire the wildlife while appreciating the beauty of the botanical gardens.
In addition to its animal and plant collections, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden also offers a range of educational and recreational programs for visitors of all ages. These include guided tours, animal encounters, and special events like the annual “Zoo Brew” beer festival.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center opened in 2004 and currently works to tell the story of the Underground Railroad. The museum’s exhibits explore the history of slavery in America, the experiences of enslaved people, and the role of abolitionists and other freedom seekers. This Cincinnati area attraction is great for guests passionate about history who want to learn more about contemporary issues related to freedom and human rights.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a historic train station and museum originally built in the 1930s. It’s home to several museums and educational institutions, including the Cincinnati History Museum, the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Natural History and Science.
This museum center is an excellent option for guests with little ones, as the children’s museum offers plenty of hands-on learning experiences for kids. As far as engaging Cincinnati area attractions go, this one is sure to top the list.
Great American Ball Park
Friends and family that love sports will want to add the Great American Ball Park to their schedule. Home of the Cincinnati Reds, it’s famous for its views of the Ohio River and the Cincinnati Skyline. The stadium is also known as one of the premier baseball venues in the country, and its design incorporates several nods to Cincinnati’s baseball history and culture.
Findlay Market
A public market located in Over-the-Rhine, a historic neighborhood in Cincinnati, Findlay Market is one of the country’s oldest continuously operating public markets. A bustling hub of activity, Findlay Market features over two dozen indoor merchants selling fresh meat, seafood, produce, cheese, spices, baked goods, and other specialty items.
The market also features outdoor vendors selling flowers, crafts, and other goods and various food stalls offering everything from tacos and pizza to Belgian waffles and barbecue. Your guests — young and old — will appreciate this Cincinnati area attraction.
Music Hall
One of Cincinnati’s most prominent cultural hubs, Music Hall is a historic performing arts venue home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Opera. Artists tout the venue’s acoustics as some of the best in the country, and its ornate architecture and design have earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Music Hall also hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, comedy shows, film screenings, and community events. The venue underwent a major renovation and restoration project in the 2010s, which preserved its historic character while upgrading its facilities to modern standards.
Smale Riverfront Park
Your Cincinnati wedding guests who love spending time outdoors will appreciate Smale Riverfront Park, a 45-acre public park along the banks of the Ohio River downtown. The park features several gardens, a splash park, a playground, a carousel, and a giant chessboard. Its location along the river provides stunning views of the Cincinnati skyline and the surrounding hillsides, making it a scenic and relaxing place to spend time outdoors.
Smale Riverfront Park is also a popular venue for events throughout the year, including concerts, food and drink festivals, and community celebrations. If one just so happens to align with your Cincinnati wedding weekend, your guests will have another fun event to enjoy.
Cincinnati Nature Center
The Cincinnati Nature Center covers over 1,000 acres of woodlands, meadows, and wetlands and features over 16 miles of hiking trails. The trails wind through various habitats and offer opportunities to observe and learn about the natural world, including plants, animals, and geology.
It also features several indoor exhibits and educational programs, including a nature center building, a bird observatory, and a planetarium, making it a great spot for your guests to spend an afternoon. The center is a popular destination for nature lovers and families in the Cincinnati area and is known as one of the region’s top nature attractions.
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
History buffs will love a trip to the William Howard Taft National Historic Site. The two-story Greek revival home located in the Mt. Auburn Districts is where President Taft was born and raised. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the fully restored home, gaining insight into historical context of times in which Taft lived. The Taft Education Center serves as a focal point for educational programs and events.
The location operates within summer and winter seasonal hours, offering tours seven days a week in the summer and Monday through Wednesday in the winter.
There are so many wonderful Cincinnati area attractions your guests will appreciate. And once you’ve set your date, make sure to book a Cincinnati wedding DJ to keep the party going. Big Daddy Walker Productions is ready when you are! Reach out to us today so we can help bring your vision to life.
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