Cincinnati is a beautiful city with plenty to offer visitors both young and old. It’s important to provide a wide range of activities for seniors and offerings that are interesting to them and comfortably accessible. Even for seniors who have trouble moving around, are hard of hearing, or are living at a one of the many senior living communities in Cincinnati, OH, it’s important to get out and enjoy being outside and visiting their own city. Whether you’re looking to spend a few hours together, or a full day out on the town, there’s plenty of activities for seniors to enjoy in Cincinnati, OH. Here are 10 activities for seniors in and around the city that are easy to navigate, affordable, and entertaining.

1. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

The Cincinnati Zoo is one of the favorite activities for seniors in the area.

What better place to take a walk than through the animal kingdom? The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical garden is one of the best zoos in America. It’s a great place to get some steps in, experience the animal world and learn something new. Self-guided activities for seniors make it the perfect place to go at your own pace and see what you can find.

This zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the nation and was built on a hill. Because of this natural topography, there are many inclines along the walking path. However, there are many benches and rest areas around the Zoo, and they also have both manual and electric wheelchairs for rent if necessary. Many seniors living in the area make regular trips to take in the realistic animal habitats and beautiful landscaping.

Many don’t realize that the animals are just one part of the beautiful zoo, the botanical garden is a beautiful place to stroll, sit, enjoy the weather, and explore the trees, vines, and flowers. Gardeners can even take home a little bit of the Botanical Garden. Every spring, the facility sells tulip bulbs from its collection to support the upkeep of the plant collection.

2. Carew Tower Observation Deck

The Carew Tower Observation Deck is great activity for seniors who want to enjoy the view of the city.

The Carew is almost 100 years old and stands 49 stories high in the heart of downtown. From the tower, you can see one of the most spectacular views of our beautiful city. From the observation deck, you can comfortably see views of the entire city including the Ohio River as well as the baseball and football stadiums.

Visitors should know that the main elevator does not travel all 49 floors. Instead, there is a smaller, older elevator and one flight of stairs. The deck is open-air, meaning there is no glass or walls. The tower itself provides great activities for seniors including shopping, restaurants and other amenities. This highest elevated building in the city is a showstopper and perfect for a photo op in the Queen City.

“Whenever people come to visit me, the first place I take them is to the top of Carew tower. It is one of the rare places you have open rooftop views of the entire city. You can look out across the river into Kentucky or look north to the Over the Rhine area and take in views of the hills and river. If you have someone there to point out the sights, even better.” – BrowsingtheAtlas

3. Cincinnati Parks

The vast collection of Cincinnati Parks makes it one of the great activites for seniors to enjoy the outdoors.

There are over 5,000 acres of parklands in Cincinnati. This includes five regional parks, 70 neighborhood parks, 5 parkways, 16 scenic overlooks and 65 miles of hiking and bridle trails. No matter what area of the city you are in, there is a park nearby. Here are a few of the most popular activities for seniors with easy accessibility for all:

  1. Everybody’s Treehouse: This treehouse is often referred to as the first universally accessible treehouse West of the Alleghenies. It is a 1,500 sq. foot treehouse that is 14 feet off the ground, connected to 12 nearby trees with 6 side ramps and a pavement walkway leading up to the treehouse. It was built in Mt. Airy Forest in 2006 entirely through volunteer labor and donations, which is why it bears the name “Everybody’s Treehouse”.
  2. Bettman Sensory Garden: This beautiful space is located in O’Bryonville, and is a historical outdoor space with accessible walkways, easy access to an overlook, and raised planting beds for seniors who love to garden, but don’t have one of their own anymore, they are welcome to enjoy ours.
  3. Krohn Conservatory: This is the city’s iconic flora center and makes for a great stop for seniors with limited mobility. Inside, you’ll find a long sloped interior walkway, which provides easy access for everyone to enjoy the palm house and the waterfall.
  4. Seasongood Pavilion: Eden Park’s outdoor amphitheater is home to many different types of shows and events. Best of all, the amphitheater is completely accessible with ramps providing access to seating areas.
  5. Smale Riverfront Park: The Smale Riverfront park has both walkways as well as elevators to allow everyone to enjoy all of the park features including the pavilion and carousel.
  6. Burnet Woods: For those looking to enjoy a bit of fishing, Burnet Woods provides an accessible fishing station created at the lake for all to enjoy.

4. Cincinnati Fire Museum

If you are looking for indoor activities for seniors, the Cincinnati Fire Museum is a great option.

Cincinnati is home to the first paid professional fire department in the United States. The museum building was once the Engine Company #45 Firehouse in 1906. Today, the museum highlights the history of firefighting and provides a unique fire-safety education experience. This museum truly brings the traditions of firefighting to life and is listed in the National Historic Registry. Truly one of the most beloved activities for seniors, especially those who have served as a first responder.

“Very nice smaller museum. Staff there were very friendly and informative. My husband was a firefighter for many years and enjoyed all the equipment from the past.” – Carol

5. Music Hall

The Cincinnati Music Hall is one of the great activities for seniors who enjoy classical concerts.

Whether you are looking for a Broadway show, a ballet, or a concert, the Cincinnati Music Hall is where you want to be. Built in 1878, the Music Hall is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. There are a variety of performing and visual arts activities for seniors through the Aronoff Center (including the Weston Art Gallery) and Music Hall. Accessible seating is available in all theaters and assistive listening devices for the hearing impaired are available.

“This was my first visit since renovations were complete; it turned out nice and though revitalization was necessary, I found it a much more magnificent place prior to. Swan Lake was great. Bar service fantastic; you can even preorder for intermission. Absolutely beautiful place and must visit if in Cincinnati if at all interested in arts and/or history.” – Abby

6. Cincinnati History Museum

The Cincinnati History Museum is another option for indoor activites for seniors.

This immersive experience takes you back in time to the mid-19th century. Explore the history of Cincinnati, hear the creak of paddle wheels on the river and the clip-clop of horse hooves on the cobblestones to connect with history. Costumed interpreters help you understand the stories and recreations allow you to experience the past in a whole new way. This is a truly immersive activity for seniors right down to the calls of dockworkers, street vendors and the sounds of the streets as you travel through the early 1900s.

“This was the highlight of our visit, a great display of the history of the city set in the classing train station, lovingly restored. This place is a true gem, a great place to spend the day.” – Thomas V

7. Museum of Natural History & Science

The Museum of Natural History & Science has several tours, shows, and other activities for seniors.

Space exploration, dinosaur excavation, interactive science experiences and the amazing wonders of natural history come together at the Museum of Natural History and Science in Cincinnati. There is something for everyone here to explore, and always something new to learn for all ages including multiple interactive activities for seniors.

“This is a great place to take the family, with several museums there is something for everyone (Childrens Museum, Natural History, Historical, plus IMAX Theatre) a wonderful way to spend the day. The museum itself is an old train station with incredible Art Deco decor and murals.” – Lori

8. Cincinnati Ballet

If you are looking for artistic activites for seniors, the Cincinnati Ballet is the place to go.

The Cincinnati Ballet is a major part of the city and an integral part of the culture here. They provide classical, modern, and children’s productions from September through April. Ballet performances feature a live orchestral accompaniment and unique collaborations.

“I have been to the first two performances this season. The quality of the performances was excellent, very impressive and moving and aesthetically pleasing at many levels. Tonight’s performance of Peter Pan, composed by the ballet’s music director, was spectacular. The talent of this company is deep, extending several levels below the principals. This ballet is a joy to watch. The quality of dance, music, directing and stage craft are impressive. Cincinnati is indeed fortunate to have such dedicated and capable people on and off stage. I could not be more happy I subscribed and plan on doing so in years to come.” – Robert H

9. Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum

If you are looking for activities for seniors who love baseball, we recommend the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.

If you’re not a baseball fan, the Cincinnati Red Hall of Fame is an interesting and entertaining place to visit. If you are a baseball fan, the museum is one of the most exhilarating ways to spend your afternoon. Learn more about Negro baseball leagues, Reds baseball in the community, the story behind pennant banners, a collection of replica jerseys, and walk through the hall of fame with Red’s most iconic players. This is definitely a must-see for any sports fan. The museum is one of the best activities for seniors and is wheelchair accessible throughout. All video presentations have open captioning and an assisted listening system is available for the hearing impaired.

“Super cool! And, I’d say that even if I weren’t a Reds fan. Plenty of memorabilia. Some excellent footage and video. And, wonderful exhibits overall. The tips from active and retired players were interesting as well. So worth it. You won’t be disappointed.” – John

  • 100 Joe Nuxhall Way Cincinnati, OH
  • https://www.mlb.com/reds/hall-of-fame
  • Off-Season Hours (October – March): Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • In-Season Hours
    • Non-game days: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Night games: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Day games: 10 a.m. until 2 hours after the end of the game

10. Great American Ball Park

Attending a game at the Great American Ball Park is one of the best activites for seniors who love sports.

If you’re visiting the Queen City, you’ve got to make a stop at the ballpark. An American icon, baseball is strong in the city and this is the heart of it all. Grab a hotdog, enjoy the game, and cheer on the Reds. Great American Ball Park has the perfect activities for seniors with accessible seating available in the seating areas as well as accessible parking in the East and Central Riverfront parking garages.

The Queen City Loves Seniors

The Golden Years shouldn’t be spent staying inside and avoiding the crowds. This is your time to take advantage of what your city has to offer. Explore a museum, enjoy live music, or cheer on the Reds. We take pride to support our senior citizens by providing accessibility options throughout the city at various attractions and activities. Bring family or friends and spend the day together, enjoy the beautiful weather and the friendly atmosphere right here with activities for seniors in Cincinnati OH.