Experience Cincinnati for Free with the Discovery Pass

Cincinnati is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, offering visitors a wide range of attractions and activities. From top-rated museums to stunning outdoor spaces, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The best part? Many of these experiences can be enjoyed for free for Cincinnati locals with the Discovery Pass from the Cincinnati Public Library.

Before you keep reading: To access the Discovery Pass, you must have a valid Cincinnati Public Library Card.

How to Get A Cincinnati Public Library Card?

With your free Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library card, check out books and materials in other branch libraries or online. Access this discovery pass, meeting and study rooms, and more!

Library cards are available to Ohio residents and cardholders from affiliated libraries. Sign up for a Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library card online or in person at any of their 41 neighborhood branches.

Library cards are free to individuals of any age who meet any of the following criteria:

• You are a resident of the State of Ohio
• You are associated with a member of an Ohio regional library system as a cardholder from a member library.
• You are a temporary/transitional resident of Hamilton County
• You are a property owner in Hamilton County
• You are a resident of Boone, Campbell, or Kenton County in Kentucky with a valid library card from your local library.

What is the Discovery Pass From The Cincinnati Public Library?

Discovery Pass is a program for cardholders of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library. Using your library card, you can reserve a pass and get free admission to cultural institutions: museums, parks, and more.

What attractions are a part of the Discovery Pass?

• American Sign Museum: Pass admits two people into the museum.
• Cincinnati Museum Center: Good for two adults and four children.
• Gorman Heritage Farm
• Great Parks: Permits one motor vehicle at any Great Parks destination for the day it is reserved.
• Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center: Good for two adults and four children.
• Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park: Good for free admission for two adults.
• Taft Museum of Art: Good for free admission for two adults.

Note that this list is as of February 2025. Attractions are subject to change, or others can be added.

How To Reserve Tickets With The Discovery Pass

Log in with your library card credentials and browse for passes by date or venue. Make your reservation and print or download your pass shortly before your visit. Remember that you cannot cancel your reservation once you print or download your pass.

Present your pass at the admission counter upon arrival on your selected date.

Helpful Tips:

• There are limited Discovery Passes available for the different attractions each day. Therefore, you may be unable to reserve a spot for weeks or months. That is why it is crucial that if you make a reservation to go.
• You can only reserve two visits per calendar year.
• Search available dates on the website to find what’s available when you are ready.
• Parking is not included for the Cincinnati Museum Center.
• Any special exhibition is not included unless otherwise stated.

Looking for more great FREE Things to do in Cincinnati? Check out these related articles:

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Ultimate Guide of Free Things To Do in Cincinnati This Summer