Explore Cincinnati • Page 2 of 20 • Consistently Curious

When the weather turns bad it is easy to bundle up, turn on the TV and not leave the couch for days. Even though we can appreciate a good Netflix and chill evening, there are times you need to get out of the house. No budget, no problem. There is plenty to do in the queen city that won’t cost you a dime. Want to peel those three-day-old pajama pants off and slip into something more formal, we have you covered! Break cabin fever by venturing out to try a few of our unique indoor date night ideas in Cincinnati. We have compiled an amazing list that has a little something for everyone.

Take a Walking Tour of the Hilton Netherlands Plaza

One of my favorite buildings in Cincinnati is the Hilton Netherlands downtown. The history and architecture behind it are amazing. For example, did you know there was once an ice skating rink in the middle of their main dining room? Learn about this and more fun facts by doing your own self-guided walking tour of the hotel. Pick up your guide at the front desk. Depending on your budget stay for dinner at the renowned Orchids at Palm Court or grab an old fashioned and some prosecco at the Bar in Palm Court.

Cincinnati Historical Home Tour

For the history fanatics make your own Cincinnati Historical Home Tour. Make stops at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, the Betts House, and the William Howard Taft Historical Site. Complete your historical home tour with a meal at one of Cincinnati’s oldest restaurants, Arnolds.

Grab Korean and see A Show at the Carnegie In Covington

One of the best Korean restaurants in the city is Riverside Korean located in Covington. Guests have the option to sit on the traditional Korean style floor tables or in a traditional American booth. I recommend the Dolsot Bimbimbab. After you get your bellies full catch a show at the Carnegie. The Carnegie in Covington is not only listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but they offer great shows at a fraction of the cost of a show at the Aronoff.

Krohn’s Conservatory Botany And Brews

I am really excited about the new event series happening at Krohn’s Conservatory. Botany and Brews incorporate beers, stories and include admission into the special exhibit going on. They kick off their season with Woodburn Brewery making a special limited released bear with their “Krohn Grown” Blood Oranges! Admission is $12 online/$15 at the door and includes one specialty beer ticket, short lecture/tour and the opportunity to explore Krohn’s in the evening. Additional beer is available for purchase.

Axe Throwing and Rhinegeist

Nothing says a unique date than going to throw some axes. Urban Axes is conveniently located next to Rhinegeist which makes it a match made in heaven. For those who have never thrown axes, this is an experience for the books. You get a personal coach and endless attempts to score that prized bullseye. After you get your axe handed to you, head over to Rhinegeist for some local brew. Sign up to take one of their tours for an insider look into this amazing brewery.

The Rook in OTR

Have the perfect game night at this fun board game parlor. With over 500 games to choose from settle in, order a few multi-player appetizers and fun themed cocktail like Capri Against Humanity. They currently do not charge guests a fee to rent the games so long as your order something off the menu. ($5 may be charged if you don’t) This allows The Rook to keep the parlor full of new and exciting games.

Take A Tour of Rookwood Pottery

Did you know that Rookwood Pottery offers free tours of their factories? Known for creating the highest quality art pottery and architectural tile in the United States, Cincinnatian’s are proud to have this gem in their hometown. After your tour head over and explore Findlay Market!

Catch The Performace Series at Contemporary Arts Center

If you haven’t visited the Contemporary Arts Center yet, it is time for you to start being a tourist in your city. The museum is free and stays open late a few nights a week. The Contemporary Art Center hosts a fun and unique performance series which makes for an ideal night out. Explore the museum and then noodle across the street to grab a bite to eat at Nada or Sotto. Fair warning; you will want to make reservations at Sotto weeks if not months in advance if you choose to treat yourself to this fabulous restaurant.

Full Throttle Indoor Go-Karting

It doesn’t have to be warm outside to get behind the wheel of a go-kart. Full Throttle Indoor Go-Karting offers racers an 8-minute experience at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. There are two different tracks available to choose from and they can accommodate ages 4-94. Sorry, if you are over 95 then you will have to go and throw axes in their fast axes area. Yup, they offer that too.

The B-Line Bourbon Experience

As the gateway to the bourbon trail Northern Kentucky as created their bourbon experience called the B-Line Bourbon Experience. Three craft bourbon trail distilleries; New Riff Distilling, Boone County Distilling Co. and Old Pogue Distillery make up a portion of the B-Line. The rest of the B-line consists of five bourbon-centric bars and four restaurants committed to preparing extraordinary bourbon culinary delights. Pick up a passport and get it stamped at all the B-line locations!

Cincinnati Fire Museum and Fiery Chicken

A great little museum worth exploring is the Cincinnati Fire Museum. The museum is listed on the National Historic Registry as it is housed in the old firehouse. Displays proudly present the city’s fire history and allow you to experience what it was like to work in the busiest Cincinnati firehouse in 1906. Discover some the oldest firefighting equipment in existence and even slid down a fire pole. Keep the fire going by grabbing a bite to eat the Fiery Hen! A new hot chicken joint to hit the Cincy scene.

Brew Bus Tour

A great thing to do when it is crummy outside is to drink beer!! The good news is Cincinnati has a booming craft beer scene just waiting for you to explore. Drink responsibly by hopping on a Craft Connection Brewery Tour! These fun tours take you to local breweries and allow you to sample a variety of beer at each one. You can take one of their scheduled tours or schedule a private tour.

Street Car Food Tour

The Cincinnati Connector is a great way to see a big portion of downtown without having to walk or park in multiple areas. An all-day pass for the streetcar is $2 which mean this is a great way to eat your way around the city! Make up your own tour or sign up for one of the Original Streetcar Food Tours.

The Escape Game On The Banks

This is a great couples date night idea! Prepare to grow closer as you work together to complete a mission and escape in 60-minutes! These fun adventures are all the rage and it is clear to see why. Each room is a differently themed adventure with new challenges, clues, and puzzles to solve. We did the Gold Rush Adventure at the Escape Game on the Banks and it was a blast and we even escaped! Take advantage of being on the Banks and grab dinner at one the great restaurants located within walking distance from the Escape Game. Then to cap off your evening by hop aboard the SkyStar for a great panoramic view of the city and river. The gondolas are climate controlled too! The Skystar will only be there until June so be sure to squeeze this experience in!

Catch A Show at Memorial Hall then get a drink at Queen City Radio

Located right across the street from Washington Park, Memorial Hall is a phenomenal venue that offers a great variety of shows and performances. This historical theater is also home to a special collection of artifacts and artwork from the local civic and military history. After your show, we recommend grabbing a drink at Queen City Radio.

Sample the Punch at Myrtle’s Punch House

It should come as no surprise that I enjoy a unique place to enjoy a cocktail. That is why I fell in love with Myrtle’s Punch House. Not only do you get to sip delicious punch out of a classic punch bowl glasses, but can enjoy it in the Rathskeller. After a drink at Myrtle’s grab some tacos at Gomez Salsa and then head over and discover the hidden bar at the video archive!

Sushi at Mei followed by a show at Go Bananas Comedy Club

Our favorite sushi restaurant in town is Mei Japanese. It is located in Montogermy just around the corner from Go Bananas Comedy Club. Take your dining experience to another level by reserving one their tatami rooms. If sushi isn’t for you try out the Pacific Kitchen located right next door to Mei! Then catch a comedian or go for amateur night at Go Bananas Comedy Club.

Take a glass blowing class at Neusole Glassworks

Try something new by taking a glass blowing glass at Neusole Glassworks. They have a variety of different class options available for all levels. Take a full class on how to blow glass or come in for a session to make your own masterpiece. From penguins to pumpkins they have offered a variety of unique and fun glass blowing opportunities.

Lucky Cat Museum and then go Karaoke at Toyko Kitty

Many may not have known or heard of the tiny little Lucky Cat Museum that resides in Essex Studios. This fun museum is jammed pack with more lucky cats than you could imagine. Good fortune is bound to be with you as you take in endless displays of lucky cats from around the world. The museum is small, but be sure to get a fun souvenir on your way out! Then head downtown from some Karaoke at Toyko Kitty! Come in for their Happy Fun Song Time or book a private room.

Take A Cooking Class At William Sonoma

Learn a new recipe or pick up some new tips for the kitchen by participating in a cooking class. There is a wide variety of class and events to choose from with special seasonal offerings thrown in the mix. Check out their class schedule and if you sign up you get an extra 10% savings on same day store purchases.

Looking for more great date night ideas?! Check out a whole different set of date night ideas in our 25 Date Night Ideas in Cincinnati.